Price Band: $$$$$
Tags: Luxurious, beach, family friendly, romantic, gourmet
Punta Nizuc, Riviera Maya
Punta Nizuc, Riviera Maya
Punta Nizuc, Riviera Maya
Punta Nizuc, Riviera Maya
Punta Nizuc, Riviera Maya
Price Band: $$$$$
Tags: Luxurious, beach, family friendly, romantic, gourmet
In a nutshell:
Stylish, architecturally stunning and luxurious beachfront property near Cancun. Romantic pool villas and family friendly suites, world class spa, several gourmet restaurants, kids club.
One of the most impressive new properties that we’ve seen for a long time, Nizuc Resort truly offers something for everyone. The architecture is awe-inspiring from first sight, with seemingly endless reflecting pools, cool stone, dark marble and buildings of different sizes, shapes and textures that blend together perfectly. There’s lots of city-chic black and grey, but it feels just right next to the azure Caribbean and white sand. It’s grown up, enticing and welcoming. We loved it.
Nizuc Resort is not Cancun – it’s not high rise, crowded or party-ish. The property sits beyond the hotel zone in a privileged location previously occupied by the presidential palace. It has two virtually private and spectacularly beautiful beaches. Most rooms offer uninterrupted sea views, and you won’t catch sight of any other hotel from your window. There are less than 300 rooms, but four fabulous swimming pools, six gourmet restaurants, an expansive new ESPA spa, a children’s club, and lots more. We can recommend it for a short, indulgent and gloriously luxurious break, but you’ll want to stay forever.
There’s an almost overwhelming choice of room categories, each offering something different. We recommend the Residence section for families, where spacious rooms with two queen beds can connect with opulent infinity-pool Master Suites. Honeymooners can choose totally private walled villas with sunny dipping pools, or the wide open vistas of the Ocean suites. Every room starts with an impressive range of amenities, including Nespresso coffee makers, blackout curtains and butler service. Bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, flat screen TVs and spacious dressing areas.
What do we think you’ll rave about after your stay? Perhaps the exceptionally good choice of in-house restaurants, from a Peruvian Ceviche bar to contemporary Mexican cuisine at Ramona, Asian dishes at Indochine, family friendly Italian at Terra Nostra or juicy steaks at la Punta. Maybe the enticing transparency of the sea, the gently shelving beach that’s great for kids, the snorkeling trips to the reef, the vastness of the deep, black main pool. We can’t wait to find out!
The guest rooms at Nizuc Resort range from indulgent single story “villas” to family friendly suites and connecting rooms. There’s something to match every requirement.
For couples looking for a memorable view, we recommend the romantic Ocean Suites in the adults-only section, each with a large terrace and fabulous bathroom. Honeymooners wanting the utmost privacy would love the Garden Pool Villas with their walled courtyards, private swimming pools and shady lounge areas.
Families and friends wanting flexible accommodations should check out the Residence suites. Garden and Ocean View Deluxe suites in this section can have one king or two queen beds and benefit from all the special Nizuc amenities, at affordable rates. Junior Suites are wide rooms with an inviting plunge pool on the terrace or balcony, and are recommended for the extra space and pleasing layout. For special occasions or bigger families, the Master Suites have an infinity lap pool, a separate sitting room and dining area, and can connect with an Ocean View double. Sun worshippers will fall in love with the Penthouse suites, which offer a wide terrace with plunge pool that’s partly shaded but offers space for sunbathing and lots of privacy.
The Residence Suites are located in six story buildings overlooking the Caribbean (all suites face towards the sea and those on the lower levels that don’t have water views are the Garden Deluxe or Garden Junior Suites). A shuttle service by golf cart transports guests between the two sections of the property, with the spa facilities lying between the two.
Summary of room facilities
ALL ROOMS
Deep soaking tub, blackout curtains, separate rainfall shower, flat panel TV in both bedroom and bathroom, IP Avaya telephone, radio with iPod dock, WIFI, mini bar and Nespresso coffee maker, butler service.
OCEAN SUITES
Ocean Suite
950 sq ft (710 sq ft internal and 240 sq ft external). One king bed, terrace, ocean view
GARDEN POOL VILLAS
Garden Pool Villa
2430 sq ft (1380 sq ft internal and 1050 sq ft external). Ground floor, single story. One king bed, separate lounge pavilion, private tropical garden, outdoor shower, infinity pool and waterfall.
Garden Pool Villa with Pavilion
2750 sq ft (1240 sq ft internal and 1510 sq ft external). Ground floor, single story. One king bed, private tropical garden, outdoor shower, infinity pool and waterfall.
Nizuc Villa
5380 sq ft (2610 sq ft internal and 2770 sq ft external). Ground floor, single story with rooftop sun deck, outdoor shower. Pation and entertainment areas set in lush tropical garden with stunning infinity pool.
Presidential Suite Villa
5550 sq ft (3270 sq ft internal and 2280 sq ft external). Two bedroom, single story villa with rooftop sun deck and outdoor showers. Master bedroom has king bed, second bedroom has two queen beds. Pation and entertainment areas set in lush tropical garden with stunning infinity pool.
RESIDENCE SUITES
Garden Suite
800 sq ft (640 sq ft internal and 165 sq ft external). One king bed or two double beds, terrace, garden view
Deluxe Ocean View Double
800 sq ft (640 sq ft internal and 170 sq ft external). Two double beds, terrace, ocean view. Connects to Master Suite.
Deluxe Ocean View King
845 sq ft (605 sq ft internal and 240 sq ft external). One king bed, terrace, ocean view.
Garden Junior Suite
1300 sq ft (850 sq ft internal and 445 sq ft external). One king bed, terrace with private plunge pool, garden view.
Garden Deluxe Junior Suite
1475 sq ft (1030 sq ft internal and 445 sq ft external). One king bed, separate sitting room, two terraces including one with private plunge pool, garden view.
Junior Suite Ocean View
1300 sq ft (850 sq ft internal and 450 sq ft external). One king bed, terrace with private plunge pool, ocean view.
Master Suite
1630 sq ft (1030 sq ft internal and 600 sq ft external). One king bed, separate sitting room, large terrace with private plunge pool, spectacular ocean view.
Penthouse
1770 sq ft (800 sq ft internal and 970 sq ft external). One king bed, , large terrace with private plunge pool and outdoor shower, spectacular ocean view.
There’s something special about a “wide” hotel room – one that has its longest side facing the exterior – especially when it has a wonderful ocean view. Wide rooms always seem to have extra space for lounging, bigger vistas, and they can usually accommodate a king bed directly facing the view. The Ocean Suites at Nizuc Resort have all these features and more. Since they’re located in the adult only section of the property, they are a great choice for honeymooners.
These huge suites are located in four buildings in the central part of the property, mostly on the second and third floors, with elevator access. They lie within easy reach of several of the property’s restaurants and bars, and the main beach.
Behind the sleeping area is the extensive bathroom and dressing area. A sliding mirrored screen allows views of the blue sky and ocean from the tub, and there’s a separate shower and toilet. A double vanity unit offers plenty of space for toiletries, and there’s ample closet space too. Everything you need is here; a full length mirror, scales, hairdryer, even a sofa to lounge on after a relaxing bath.
Each suite has a large balcony or terrace that’s furnished with a sofa and chairs. Some of those on the second floor of the main building have a deeper balcony that has space for a couple of sun loungers too, whilst those on the third floor have prime, elevated sea views. Each one of the suites in this category is a delight.
The Garden Pool Villas are single story accommodations with walled gardens located in the main section of the hotel, close to the spa. These are some of the most private of all the suites at Nizuc Resort, and hence are perfect for honeymooners. Each one has walled courtyard with a dipping pool, outdoor shower, and terrace with sun loungers.
The Garden Pool Pavilion Villas have an additional outdoor sala that is covered by a roof and features additional space for lounging al fresco. The Pavilion is connected to the villa by a lockable door, and has lighting and a ceiling fan. These accommodations generally have bigger outdoor areas, though the dipping pools are around the same size in both categories.
It’s worth upgrading to the Pavilion villas for a special occasion as they feel very spacious, and have some romantic touches (for example, the bathtub is positioned in a room between the bedroom and pavilion, with doors that can be opened up to the courtyard).
In the Garden Pool Villa, the king size bed faces sliding glazed doors that can be opened up to face the courtyard and pool, so that the pool is only a few steps from your bed. The bedroom area is especially roomy, and can accommodate an extra bed or two for children, on request. The adjacent bathroom features a deep soaking tub, walk-in shower and double vanity.
The Villas with a Pavilion have a different interior, with a comfortable seating alcove next to the bed. The bathroom includes a walk in shower and spacious vanity area, with the tub located in a separate area near to the pavilion. Both categories feature outdoor showers in a private walled area adjacent to the bathroom.
Garden and Ocean Deluxe, Junior Suites, Master and Penthouse suites are all located in the Residence section of Nizuc Resort. The accommodations are arranged over four buildings, each of six stories, that overlook the mangroves and the Caribbean. Shuttle services by golf cart transport guests between the Residence section and the lobby, though it’s also possible to walk between the two areas.
The Garden Deluxe suite has high ceilings, a city-chic decor and all the luxurious Nizuc amenities, including a Nespresso coffee maker and flat panel TV screens in both the bedroom and the bathroom. The terrace is big enough to accommodate two sun loungers, and has views of the mangroves and shrubbery. The glazed doors can be opened wide to allow the sea breezes into the room when air-conditioning is not required, and there’s a seating area by the window where guests can enjoy the views from inside.
The bathroom features a deep soaking tub and a vanity area with two basins and plenty of space to unpack your toiletries. All the rooms at Nizuc have ample closet space and full length mirrors for the ideal dressing area.
The Double rooms have two queen size beds and are slightly larger than the king rooms. They are plenty big enough for a family with small children to share.
The Deluxe Ocean view suites are similar to the Garden suites but are located on the upper levels of the Residence buildings. They enjoy far reaching views over the Caribbean and have balconies with outdoor seating from which to enjoy the vista.
These suites can have either one king or two queen beds, with the queen rooms being slightly larger. They feature the glamorous Nizuc bathroom, with a deep soaking tub and roomy dressing and vanity area.
From the Residence suites, guests can walk (or take the shuttle) to the Terra Nostra restaurant and swimming pool, or head to the main section of the property to the huge main pool, the adults only pool and the five other restaurants.
These fabulous suites offer lots of extra treats, including a large terrace and an inviting plunge pool. They are delightfully spacious and wide rooms, with a king bed that faces towards the terrace. The front of the room can be opened up, allowing direct access to the outdoor space. Waist high glass walls surround the exterior.
The Garden View Junior Suites are on the lower floors and overlook the mangroves. They have the same plunge pool and terrace furnished with lounge chairs, and we found the views to be peaceful and relaxing.
The Junior Suites include a comfortable sofa as well as seating area by the window. The spacious bathroom and dressing area (bigger than the ones in the Deluxe suites) is behind the bedroom and can be closed off with sliding doors or left open.
Breathtaking views await guests at Nizuc Resort’s fabulous Master Suite. A sky high infinity lap pool takes center stage, occupying the full width of the suite. Cocktails at sunset will never be more memorable than those enjoyed poolside on the terrace. Inside is a comfortable living room, with ample dining and lounging space for a family. The Master Suite has one bedroom, but can connect with an Ocean View suite that has two queen beds.
Celebrating a special occasion, or planning on entertaining friends during your visit? This is one of the most impressive yet comfortable suites we’ve found. Close the sliding doors and turn up the air-conditioning on a sultry afternoon, or leave them wide open on a balmy evening or fresh morning. You’ll find many ways to enjoy the opulence of the living space and large deck in this suite.
Behind the living room lie the bedroom and bathroom, and they are just perfect for a couple. The bathroom has a free standing tub set by a sliding screen, so that you have the choice of an ocean view or total privacy in the tub.
The bedroom is cozy, and lies adjacent to the bathroom with sliding doors connecting the two rooms. There’s a second flat screen TV here, perfectly positioned for bedtime viewing.
The swimming pool is backed by a glass wall for extra security, but the magical views are unobstructed. What’s more, the pool and its terrace are very private.
Nizuc Resort’s Penthouses are heaven made for sun worshippers. Their huge terraces offer both sun and shade, plenty of sea breezes, and a refreshing plunge pool to cool off in.
The terrace is like an extra sitting room, with a comfortable sofa and even dining furniture. Since these suite are positioned on the top floor of the Residence buildings, the views are spectacular.
Both the bedroom and the bathroom open out onto the terrace, and there’s an additional ocean front balcony to the front of the room. The bathroom features a deep soaking tub and a rain shower, and there’s a gorgeous outdoor moon shower in a walled section of the terrace just outside the bathroom.
We recommend this suite for couples who want plenty of privacy and maybe even a little space from each other. As well as the indoor and outdoor living space, two sofas and two tables that can be used for working (one inside, one outside), the bathroom in this suite has more separation from the sleeping area than in many of the other suites.
Guests at Nizuc Resort have a wealth of different options for dining, so that even with a long stay they’ll be tempted to take all their meals at the property. For a contemporary take on Mexican cuisine, we recommend the delightful Ramona restaurant (above), with tables in the air-conditioned interior or outside on the terrace.
Over in the Residences section, the Terra Nostra restaurant (below) offers Italian fare that will please all members of the family. We loved the Mexican pizza, with ingredients including Oaxacan cheese, guajillo chilli and cochinita style pork – delicious! Steaks and fish dishes are also available and this can be a romantic and elegant venue with its tasteful monochrome decor.
“Cafe de la Playa” is the location for Nizuc’s tempting breakfast buffet, which includes a vast array of fruit, pastries, omelette station, hot dishes, and even a chocolate fondue. Guests can also choose from an a la carte menu if they prefer.
One of our favorite choices for lunch is the Peruvian Ceviche bar “Ni” (below). Here guests can peruse the menu while nibbling slivers of crispy fried plantain served with a tasty huancaina dip. The granite topped tables, slate floor and bench tables give a casual atmosphere and it’s easy to while away a few hours here in the heat of the day.
The “Indochine” restaurant has a dark, sophisticated and elegant decor with an Oriental theme to match its signature cuisine. This is an ideal setting for a romantic dinner for two.
Over at the cusp of the two bays on which Nizuc Resort is located is the rustically charming la Punta restaurant. Like an upscale beach shack, with a thatched roof and carriage-style cubicles, la Punta specializes in fine steaks, fish and seafood.
Nizuc Resort also offers a nice variety of bars and lounges that will entice you to linger over cocktails and wine.
One of our favorites is the atmospheric Havana lounge, where the leather armchairs, dark walls lined with shutters and gentle salsa rhythms take us back to Cuba. The “Buena Vista Social Club” movie plays on loop on the flat screen TV, and you can sometimes find a gentleman making cigars by hand in the corner. We sip on mojitos and “Cien Fuegos” cocktails whilst nibbling tempura olives and deep fried hibiscus blossoms.
Nizuc Resort lies at the cusp of two beautiful bays on what is technically a small island connected to the mainland by road. The estate was formerly the site of a Presidential palace.
These protected bays offer some of the calmest and clearest water that we’ve found on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and the vibrant turquoise hues are incredibly enticing.
The main beach is a few paces away from the lobby, and has gently shelving sands that make it ideal for small children to play in. It remains shallow for a long distance and there’s some sea grass in places. This beach is a popular choice for paddleboarding as it’s usually very calm.
Since the sea is so shallow here, the best place to swim is off the picturesque pier. The water is so clear that you can see the sandy sea bed and a host of small fish just whilst walking along the pier.
A short stroll from the lobby takes guests to la Punta restaurant, the adults swimming pool, and the second beach. This beach is our favorite for swimming as the water is deeper, and it’s also a nice place for snorkeling.
Bar service, with drinks and snacks, is available at both beaches and by the pools. There are plenty of sun loungers either on the sands, by the pools, or on shady decks by the pier. At la Punta there’s also a comfortable lounge area with deep cushioned sofas overlooking the sea.
Nizuc’s main pool is one of the most inviting that we’ve seen. It is sleek and black, and has a swim up bar serving a wide range of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
This pool is huge and we could never imagine it to be crowded. There’s plenty of space for swimming laps or for relaxing in the shallower sections. Our favorite pastime is chilling by the infinity edge, watching the changing hues of the sea and the activity on the beach.
The long pool in front of la Punta restaurant is designated as “adults-only”. This pool doesn’t have a shallow section, and is ideal for lap swimming. Bar service is available from la Punta, and there are plenty of places around the pool for sunbathing or relaxing in the shade.
Over by the residence buildings, the Terra Nostra pool is a family friendly area for cooling off and exercising. This sleek pool enjoys views over the mangroves and Caribbean. Bar service is available.
There’s an additional pool just for children outside the Kid’s Club building. A smaller version of the main pool, it is cool black in color but shallow throughout.
The renowned ESPA brand has created specifically for Nizuc Resort a range of Mayan inspired treatments that include natural sea salts, pure Mexican agave and native cacao. Warmed gemstones, regarded by the Mayans as having healing properties, are used in massages.
The sprawling spa complex includes an impressive fitness room, separate male and female sections for the Nizuc Thermal Experience (steam room, sauna, ice fountain, cold plunge pool, thermic loungers and more), and a Beauty Salon.
For the ultimate indulgence, we highly recommend one of the Couples Spa Suite packages. These allow you and your loved one to relax together in the serene surroundings of the special spa suites for two (image below); spacious villas that have ocean views, private pools and sun terraces as well as dedicated treatment rooms.
Enjoy some of the signature therapies, including couples massages, facials and body wraps. The packages include a healthy spa lunch and plenty of time to enjoy the privacy together.
The “Winiks” kids club is a fun filled destination for children aged from around 4 years to 12 years old. It has its own swimming pool as well as a colorful air-conditioned room where the friendly and passionate staff has a host of activities on offer, including pottery, painting, music and dance.
Parents can be sure that their little ones are in good hands whilst they relax nearby at the main pool, or maybe enjoy a lazy lunch at one of the gourmet restaurants.
The nearest airport is Cancun – by road the journey to Nizuc Resort and Spa takes about 15 minutes.
Nizuc Resort lies around 15 minutes drive from Cancun airport. Leaving the airport, follow signs to the Hotel Zone of Cancun and you’ll join Boulevard Kukulkan and pass over a bridge. Before reaching the hotel zone, you’ll see signs for Nizuc Resort after the Peninsula condos and before Club Med.
Nizuc Resort and Spa
Punta Nizuc
Cancun
Mexico