Review: Secrets Impression Moxche

The butler did it. When we arrived at our suite, a half bottle of Moet & Chandon was already chilling on ice next to a fruit basket highlighted with dragonfruit. Our bags sat neatly in a closet nook, and later that evening the hot tub was filled and ready for a post-dinner soak. 

Butler service at Secrets Impression Moxche is just one amazing aspect of the new World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection brand’s dedication to service. Bellmen and front desk clerks greet you with a “welcome home” at every interaction. Pool attendants will fetch towels and set up your Bali Bed once you choose your preferred seating location. And if you ask for directions to the coffee shop, a restaurant or the spa, expect a personal escort. Employees here will walk you to your destination instead of simply pointing the way.  

This was my second stay at Secrets Impression Moxche Playa del Carmen since its opening on Dec. 1, 2022. Even during my visit that very first weekend, service was remakably smooth, and I was equally impressed when I returned in February. For one thing, Signature Suites start at 947 square feet and double in size with an upgrade to a Master Suite. 

Secrets Impression and Its Neighbor, Secrets Moxche

Secrets Impression Moxche is an adults-only, all-inclusive, 198-room property that shares the footprint of the 485-room Secrets Moxche. Impression guests enjoy free-flow access to the Secrets sister resort — including the beach-like lagoon, its seven pools and all its restaurants — but have exclusive access to a more secluded rooftop infinity pool, its adjacent Cielo restaurant and the oceanfront Seaside Beach Club, one of my favorite places to dine.  

Regardless of where you go on the property, big decisions are everywhere. Mango margarita or tamarind mezcalita? A peaceful soak in a hidden manmade cenote or conversation at the swim-up bar and party pool? Beach volleyball or some light reading and a nap on the beach? 

What I liked best about Impression Moxche was that it was just fancy enough without being pretentious. And, despite it being a large, busy property, the landscaping with its swaying palms and meandering paths offers plenty of places to sneak away and relax in relative privacy. There are even hammocks slung over a shallow pool to catch some rays and perhaps grab a short siesta. Guests also receive a complimentary 20-minute massage at the resort spa, which I thought was a great introduction to a wellness center that provides all sorts of treatments. 

Activities and Two Exclusive Restaurants 

Secrets offers activities throughout the day, as well. Whether its an aqua fitness class, pool volleyball, a pickleball match or a kayak tour, there are a ton of options. What I found most useful were the Spanish language lessons. I was late to join the group, but lucky enough to nab a private poolside white-board session with one of the entertainment directors. Having that one-on-one experience was exceptional, and representative of the staff’s overall dedication and friendliness. 

As with any all-inclusive resort, it’s all about the food — and the offerings throughout the resort deliver in so many ways. There are 14 restaurants on the property, including two that are exclusive for Impression guests.

One is Cielo, a casual poolside lunch spot serving salads, burgers, tacos and a handful of entrees, and the other is Seaside Beach Club, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating with tables dug into a sandy beach. Breakfast offerings include poached eggs, grilled salmon toast and duck chilaquiles (which I had more than once), and lunch and dinner at Seaside are equally satisfying. There are several refreshing ceviches (a shrimp and lobster combo or tuna are among the options), sandwiches and pan-seared veal, along with a lobster and avocado dish that was absolutely delicious. 

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Beyond the exclusivity at Impression, the dining scene at Secrets Moxche is vast. Seafood and Mexican aside, the restaurants here cover a number of global cuisines from Italian (Allora) and French (Bisou) to Japanese (Suki) and Asian (Bamboo). I particularly enjoyed Bamboo, which fronts the lagoon and has one of the best grilled octopus dishes I’ve ever had. 

Guests looking to splurge can also book premium dining experiences at an additional cost. These intimate dinners include an omakase experience at Tanoshii, teppanyaki at Suki or a romantic beach dinner with Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and red roses. 

With such attention to detail, Secrets Impression Moxche gives guests peace of mind to just relax and enjoy the view.