Why go?
For an unpretentious pocket of Mexican paradise in Cancún, which ticks multiple boxes of style, substance and a superb spa.
Honeymoon Style
Ideal for couples looking for a traditional fly-and-flop, where choice, variety and outstanding service is a non-negotiable.
Set the Scene
Even a few minutes inside NIZUC Resort aptly set the scene for what’s to come. The lobby is a grand affair, with towering wooden doors revealing a sprawling infinity pool, complete with a giant metallic sculpture animated with a flame. The dark neutral shades – black, brown stone and wood – extend throughout the property, which evokes a calm, cool and serene atmosphere, and doesn’t compete with the vivid scenes on the beach and surrounding mangroves.
Honeymooners will want to make a beeline for the adults-only pool and beach – but there’s no need to set an alarm to save the best beds: the pool and beach attendants will find you the best spot, manoeuvring the beds and parasols to your preference on the sugar-soft sand.
NIZUC is the only resort on the Cancun hotel strip that enjoys views of both sunrise (the adults-only beach) and sunset (the main beach) at the property. Though Mexican beaches are public by law, only hotel guests can physically access these beaches meaning there are no external vendors disturbing your afternoon sunbathe. And that’s all before you spend your evening hitting one of the six world-class restaurants, with private dinners easily arranged.
Rooms
There are an unusually large 274 rooms to choose from across 13 categories. These range from garden view villas to a spectacular presidential villa. Honeymooners will love the Ocean View Junior Suite, which has its own private plunge pool and loungers on its balcony, perfectly positioned for sunset. Or, one of its eight Penthouse Suites, with sweeping views across the Caribbean Sea, complete with an al fresco living area and pool. The décor echoes that of Nizuc’s communal areas, with brooding stone floors and dark wooden headboards to gargantuan beds. The standalone egg-shaped baths are the statement feature – a snug fit for two but a true piece de resistance in the sprawling bathrooms. Both the Ocean View Junior Suites and Penthouse Suites are set in urban-style tower blocks, but with easy access to the rest of the resort thanks to the multiple golf buggies that zip back and forth along the stone paths. Each block comes with its own butler, so any requests are seen to promptly.
Food and Drink
All of NIZUC’s six restaurants are well worth a visit. The best Mexican is found at Ramona, which is described as ‘a contemporary interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine’ – and fresh seafood is the standout. The soft shell crab tacos followed by lobster with a pineapple salsa and fresh shrimp with mole is a particularly delicious order (it was the chef’s recommendation), though the menu changes seasonally. Elsewhere, try Indochine for Asian fusion favourites such as sweet and sticky black cod and hand-rolled sushi, or Terra Nostra for Italian beach club vibes, featuring wafer-thin wagyu carpaccio with fresh truffles and wood-oven pizzas. The breakfast buffet, too, deserves a mention at Café de la Playa, with a mix of Mexican classics (made-while-you-wait chilaquiles, tamales and quesadillas) alongside piles of fluffy pastries, bowls of fresh fruit and traditional American offerings. Or, of course, private suite service is available all hours.
The Story
NIZUC opened its doors just ten years ago, and, all the small touches, the familial atmosphere and the authentic settings are courtesy of its private ownership by a Mexican family. Service, as with much luxury hospitality, is of utmost importance, and the small touch of staff members placing a hand over their heart whenever they pass is testament to that.
Spa
There’s a reason why Spa sits proudly within the resort’s name. Put simply: it’s outstanding. Designed with NIZUC’s signature dark colours, the spa somehow feels light and airy, even from the entrance, with wooden stopping blocks over colourful carp in calming pools – it’s an instant shoulder-drop setting. A complimentary guided hydrotherapy circuit is a must – a journey from steam room to cold plunge pool via heated jets and sauna, finishes (after the ice room) on warm mosaic S chairs, with an Espa face mask, cooling eye patches and tension-melting head massage. Continue the zen with a bespoke full-body massage to be rocked, rolled, stretched and released in a pin-drop quiet, peaceful setting.
Family-friendly
Despite its calm and private atmosphere that make it a failsafe choice for honeymooning couples, it’s perhaps surprising that the resort is so popular with families too, and caters extremely well for children. There is a free kids club called Winik’s offering activities to keep the little ones occupied such as cooking classes and kayaking, and an impressively kitted out beach sports centre for parent-and-child activities from snorkelling to jet skiing. Moreover, if sightseeing is on the cards, top spots in the Yucatan Peninsular including Aztec ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum are just a couple of hours drive – completely doable for a family day trip.
Location
NIZUC occupies a relentlessly pretty patch of coastline along Cancun’s hotel strip and is the closest to Cancun airport – just a short 15-minute ride (a welcome transfer following a 9-hour flight from London). Airport and airline noise is not an issue, but the nearby highway can be heard on transferring from the main areas to rooms. However, because of its proximity to the airport, it’s the ideal place to start or end a longer trip in Mexico. Top tip: Arranging transport at the airport can be hectic so it’s best to book a transfer ahead of time; a shared shuttle is the best value.
For more details visit: www.nizuc.com
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