Next door to Garza Blanca Cancun, the new adults only Hotel Mousai Cancun resort will quickly win fans for its eclectic design and colorful artwork. Hotel Mousai is the upscale arm of TAFER Hotels & Resorts, the all-inclusive, Mexican-owned brand. Its focus on chic design, at a price point that appeases a wider audience, has helped it to succeed. The brand has a mix of all-inclusive, vacation timeshare and upscale adult properties around Mexico, and it has now brought its chic Mousai concept to Cancun. All of the properties belong to Preferred Hotels & Resorts, which underscores the level of quality here. Here are the top five reasons to visit Hotel Mousai Cancun.
The oceanfront
There is no question that this Costa Mujeres waterfront location is one of the best for miles around. It is out of the touristy hotel zone, but also not that far away from the international airport, lessening the drive. Its high-rise architecture means that guests will not miss every single hue of blue and green in the water. Off in the distance is Isla Mujeres.
Even from the beautiful lobby, the ocean view is on full display (just behind the infinity pool, that is). Edgy artwork, all from Mexican talent, and modern takes on famous art fill the space with color to match the outdoor scenery. Don’t be surprised by some of the surprising quotes or imagery. It is all part of the adult focus here, and it becomes a quick conversation starter at the bar or in the elevator.
From the moment you drive up to the hotel, the majestic statue that greets you at the front entrance makes a dramatic welcome. Arrivals enjoy a welcome drink as they are given a tour of the hotel. If you are curious what is happening next door, a new residential tower with multi-bedroom condos is on the way for the TAFER brand.
The rooms
The accommodations here follow the same contemporary and vibrant theme that public areas do. Expect polished marble floors, bright fabrics and an enormous bed with pillows bigger than most guests here. In fact, they have become so popular that the hotel says they are often asked if they are available for purchase.
The open-plan design means that the bathroom and bedroom blend together although sliding mirrored walls can be closed off. With glass shower stalls facing the windows, you won’t miss the view while in there. Designers thought of every little detail, however. In king-bedded rooms (mostly used by couples), the showers are transparent, but in paired queen rooms, they have translucent glass covering half of it. This is so that friends traveling together or older children traveling with their parents can have some modesty.
There are no rooms without a view here, and this is especially notable on the terrace where an enormous swinging hammock, whirlpool tub and day bed await. Guests can crack open their complimentary minibar, which comes with full candy bars, large bottles of liquor and local refreshments, and take in the vista.
Butlers are on call for anything guests need, and in-room tablets control everything from the drapery and air conditioning to restaurant menus and lights. You can even set the drapes to open at a specific time to wake you up while soothing music begins to play. Bathrooms feature enormous closets with beach bags and flip flops. L’Occitane toiletries stand at the ready.
The dining
Mexican food is one of the most popular cuisines around the planet. In fact, it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage designation status. And the food here does not disappoint. Many of the restaurants here are shared with its neighbor Garza Blanca. Hotel Mousai guests can eat wherever they like, but Garza Blanca guests are not allowed to dine at Mousai.
The beautiful Mexican restaurant, serves up all of the traditional dishes, and there is a high-end steakhouse just off the lobby of Garza Blanca. The prime cuts of meat are all on display in the front window. Then, there’s Dao for Chinese and Hiroshi for Japanese, both at Garza Blanca.
Over at Mousai, Noi is the Italian restaurant complete with housemade pasta, pizza oven and modern takes on Italian favorites. This includes a cheesy plate of grilled artichoke I enjoyed and a perfectly al dente plate of pasta. Mousai guests can have an elegant, a la carte breakfast here or on the terrace.
Personally, I particularly enjoyed the breakfast buffet at Gourmet Hall where a variety of cuisine is prepared at five different live cooking stations preparing things like omelets, chilaquiles, breakfast tacos and even hand-carved meat. My favorites included the pork carnitas, the sizzling nopales and endless selections of salsas and toppings for each dish. And then there were more pastries than you can imagine, a half dozen fresh juices (the papaya was out of this world) and the sweetest, freshly cut fruit.
At dinner, the restaurant opens up again preparing global flavors from each of its cooking stations. I was always impressed with the quality of the ingredients and recipes, which flies in the face of what most people consider from all-inclusives.
The staff
Expect the staff to be at the top of their game. Many were hand-picked from Garza Blanca next door to work at this upscale property. From the concierge and reception staff to the butler and servers, name recognition and attention to personal preferences are impressive.
This is no small boutique hotel. I found every interaction to be heartfelt, and that is emphasized by the way they put their hand over their heart when they walk past you.
The pools
There are so many pools to visit here, especially since Mousai guests can splash away at family-friendly Garza Blanca, too. At Mousai, the plunges are divided between the main infinity pool in front of the lobby and one on the rooftop. Both are simply stunning for their own reasons.
Cushioned day beds are plentiful, and the bar staff is never more than a few feet away at this all-inclusive retreat. The main pool facing the beach is great for hearing the crashing waves or moving between ocean and pool in seconds.
On the rooftop, the spectacular pool seems to spill off the edge of the building. It is a premium experience through and through. Staffers rove around with carts offering chilled towels, body mist, endless drinks and the option to wipe clean your sunglasses. There is a separate menu on the rooftop with tacos, salads, burgers, guacamole and all the cocktails you can dream of having in the sun.
Over at Garza Blanca, there are family pools, a gigantic main pool with swim-up bar and even one with a glass wall that makes it look like you are swimming in a fish bowl. And then there’s the spa. It has its own places to take a dip indoors and outdoors. The hydrotherapy circuit where guests switch from massaging jets to experience showers, all with varying temperatures are part of the ritual. Of course, there is a solid array of massage and beauty treatments if you prefer not to lounge by the pool.
Not only is this not one of the largest spas in the region, but it is certainly one of its most spectacular.
The shared amenities
This is the hotel’s most elite section and only available to guests with a pink bracelet. While Garza Blanca does focus on groups and families, its Moussai resort pivots more towards high-end travelers. Mousai targets mostly couples, and guests have access to all related properties (the benefit is not offered in reverse).
There are special gates where you can scan your card to go between the two resorts or simply cross over on the beach. The selection of alcohol and menu offerings is elevated at Mousai, and there are fewer crowds at the bars and restaurants. And with no children, the environment is more relaxed.
But, Mousai guests can have it all with access to the spa and fitness center at Garza Blanca. They can also use the panoramic, rooftop gym at Mousai.
