The hotel
Owned and managed by Brisas Group, NIZUC Resort and Spa offers five-star beachfront luxury, just a 15-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.
The hotel is located on a rolling 29-acre nature preserve in Punta Nizuc, overlooking the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
The property, just 12 years old, was designed by French architect Jean Michel Gathy and Mexican architect Alejandro Escudero, and was originally destined to be an Aman property.
First impressions
A simple sign saying NIZUC doesn’t hint at what awaits us behind the high gates. After the concierge has verified our details, we are ushered through and our car slips slowly through lush gardens. Vehicles are only permitted to go as far as the car park or to the main entrance for drop offs, with a golf buggy service running every three minutes to ferry guests to all the other areas of the resort.
The arresting lobby entrance comes into view. Everything is on a grand scale, with high stone walls and striking features. The resort is imposing yet in-keeping with the surrounding vegetation, and everything has been designed using natural materials to blend in with the environment.
The check-in
At the entrance we are, impressively, welcomed by name (which has to be a tip-off by the gate concierge) and encouraged to leave our bags while we head into the lobby. As we check in we are offered a vegetable juice, cool towel and water.
Then it’s time for the first of many golf buggy rides to our suite. It’s hard to believe there is a hotel somewhere among all the greenery, but suddenly a building materialises and our driver Tony escorts us to our room.
The suite
On the fifth floor of Residence Ceiba, floor-to-ceiling windows give views across lush greenery and the sea. The room feels wonderfully spacious and comfort has been prioritised, with a couple of easy chairs and table, a long sofa, a desk/table area the width of the bed, coffeemaker and a fridge stocked with a range of drinks and snacks.
Plates loaded with cheese and chocolate, along with a bottle of wine, make the welcome feel extra special.
Our balcony has a plunge pool and loungers, a great spot to relax and take in those views. The large bathroom has two sinks, two wardrobes, robes, slippers, ESPA toiletries, separate shower and toilet areas, and a free standing bath. An iron and a safe are included too.
The facilities
There are six restaurants including ones offering Mexican, Asian and Mediterranean food, and four bars and lounges, with live jazz on some evenings. All are atmospheric spaces with high ceilings and striking architectural features.
We try the Mexican tasting menu at Ramona and are offered beautifully presented small plates showcasing traditional and unusual flavours. Beetroot salad and cauliflower are highlights, as is a dessert with an outer casing which our waiter sets fire to, revealing what’s inside.
Buffet breakfast, served in Cafe de La Playa, includes a range of Mexican and international favourites. We have quesadillas and chilaquiles, and try all nine of the salsas and sauces offered to accompany them. It’s a very tasty way to start the day.
The property has direct access to the beach and it’s fun to watch the resident pelicans diving into the water to catch fish. It’s easy to spend many hours enjoying the five swimming pools and two beach areas (one of which is adults-only), with an occasional wander along the pier to stretch our legs. Other Beach Club activities include snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking.
Away from the water there are two tennis courts, or you can try your hand at sushi making or cigar rolling.
The Spa at NIZUC by ESPA offers a range of treatments, or you can curate your own hydrotherapy session moving between the steam room, sauna, plunge pool, ice room and relaxation areas.
Upstairs, there’s a very well-equipped gym and a studio offering a range of classes including yoga. The spa areas are linked by many bridges over a network of little waterways, populated by seemingly very happy fish.
The verdict
An oasis of calm luxury away from the hustle and bustle of the main Cancun strip, this resort is ideal for clients looking for a refined and relaxed experienced.
Unlike many others in the area, the resort is not all-inclusive, offering a premium feel.
The details
Rooms are priced from $500 per night for two people, including breakfast.
NIZUC Resort and Spa, Blvd Kukulcan Mz 59 Lote 1-03 Km 21.26, Punta NIZUC, 77500 Cancún, QROO, Mexico
