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At Hotel Mousai Cancun, "more" is not just a design philosophy, it's a way of life. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you’re surrounded by an almost comically bold combination of colors, shapes and oversized decorative flourishes. It’s glamorous, theatrical and may not be for everyone. But if you like your resorts with a healthy dose of fantasy, Mousai is hard to beat. The personal butlers and gigantic suites also help.
The adults-only resort sits in Costa Mujeres, just north of Cancun, and its location was one one of my favorite things about it. The hotel looks directly across the Caribbean toward Isla Mujeres, providing a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful parts of the Cancun area. It also puts you within easy reach of some of the Yucatán Peninsula’s best day trips, from Mayan ruins and cenotes to Isla Mujeres itself.
What are the rooms like at Hotel Mousai?
One of the biggest selling points here is that every room is a suite. There are only 88 suites at the Cancun property, so the hotel has a more intimate feel than the sprawling mega-resorts that dominate this part of Mexico.
Our suite was enormous, with an ocean view that almost upstaged the outrageous interior design. The room opens onto a private balcony with its own hot tub, making it particularly easy to spend an entire morning doing absolutely nothing. Sitting in the tub (or outdoor hammock) and looking out toward the Caribbean feels like a true VIP experience.
The interiors are unapologetically maximalist, with dramatic furniture, glossy surfaces, vivid colors and an almost surreal collection of decorative details. If your idea of luxury is quiet neutrals and natural wood, this probably isn't your place. If you want your hotel to feel like an Instagram-ready fever dream, you'll be very happy here. Convenient iPads allow guests to control lighting, music and temperature within their suites.
What are the restaurants and bars like at Hotel Mousai?
The hotel's main restaurant, NOI, serves Italian food in another boldly designed space, and my Fettuccine Alla Bolognesa was delicious. Breakfast at NOI was another highlight, with options ranging from eggs Benedict and French toast to omelets, avocado toast and Mexican breakfast dishes. The food is beautifully presented, and the genuinely friendly service made me want to come back each morning. (Pro tip: Snag an outdoor table.)
The rooftop pool is probably the hotel's biggest asset outside of the private suites. When the sun is out, the views are soaring, stretching across the Caribbean toward Isla Mujeres, and it’s an excellent place to spend an afternoon. The poolside food is considerably better than the usual resort fare; we had a lovely lunch while taking in the view. The rooftop itself is designed for lingering, with an infinity pool, cocktails and enough scenery to make you forget about checking the time. The generously appointed gym can also be found on this level.
What is the area like around Hotel Mousai?
The hotel has a direct view toward Isla Mujeres, which gives the property a sense of place that some of Cancun's enormous resorts can lack. The island is an especially easy excursion—the ferry trip takes roughly 15 minutes—and the region is packed with opportunities to explore Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes or take a longer day trip to places like Tulum or Chichén Itzá. That combination is what ultimately makes Hotel Mousai worth it: you can spend a day admiring the wildly over-the-top interiors, soaking in your private hot tub and eating pasta, then wake up the next morning and go explore some ancient ruins. As much as I loved relaxing at the hotel, our easy day trip to Isla Mujeres was a highlight of the trip. Looking for a shorter excursion? Guests to the hotel get access to the massive neighboring Garza Blanca resort with its five signature restaurants and six pools.
DETAILS
Address: Carretera a Punta Sam Km. 5.2 Mza 9 Lote 3 Zona Continental de Costa Mujeres
Price per night: Prices start at $1000 per night.
Book now: Booking.com