Paradise Found: Impressions Isla Mujeres
“If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it” – Pure Imagination, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Yes, it’s me, back with more 80’s movie references. That line is literally the first to pop into my head when I think back to my time at Impressions by Secrets Isla Mujeres in January 2024. It’s almost been 4 months and I am still thinking about the beauty of that property. It’s about time I share my experience with you all!
I had the opportunity to spend two nights at Impressions by Secrets Isla Mujeres at the end of Save the Date 2024. This is an adults’ only all-inclusive property just off the coast of Cancun. A small group of us from Destination Wedding University participated in what’s called a “post-FAM”, giving us the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with another property and participate in a learning session. I was truly honored to be invited.
Arrival: We were transported to the marina, located about 20 minutes north of Cancun International Airport. Impressions has their own private marina, where registered guests are transported to Isla Mujeres via catamaran or speedboat. (At the time, guests did not have the option to choose). We went through a brief check-in at the marina, where our luggage was tagged and collected by porters to be placed on the catamaran. We were then escorted to a covered waiting area before being called (by name) to board the boat.
The boat ride to Isla Mujeres took about 35 minutes, give or take. In an effort to fully get immersed in the experience, I chose a seat right at the forward of the catamaran, above the mesh netting. As luck would have it the water was a little choppy that day, which lead to a lot of screaming, huge splashes of seawater and laughter as my knuckles turned white trying to hold on. On top of that, the staff was pouring champagne for all of us. Like, how, Sirs? If you are prone to motion sickness, I recommend taking a dramamine before the boat ride and sit either in the back or up top with the captain. It was thrilling but we were WET.
Our arrival to Isla Mujeres was giving White Lotus. The staff was waiting on the dock, waving at us as we pulled up. (Impressions has its own private dock, so once you disembark the catamaran you’re at the hotel). At the dock we were greeted by our assigned butlers, who assisted with check-in right in the room. Or at least, that’s how it’s supposed to work. More on that later!
Impressions is situated on a hillside, so there is an intimidating set of stairs that guests have to climb from the dock/beach area to the main hotel. On the way up, we passed a few pools and dining options before getting to the main pool and lobby area. This would be an issue for guests with mobility issues until the ramp is completed (it’s coming!).
There’s a beautiful infinity pool, a sunset terrace with jaw dropping views, and a small bar on the main level before entering the actual hotel. The lobby is open air, which is typical of Secrets properties, and contains another bar, restaurant, meeting rooms, coffee shop and gift shop/boutique.
Staff: As I alluded to earlier, one of my co-agents and I ran into a snafu upon arrival. Apparently our rooms were not included as part of the group and, consequently, we did not have the butler greeting and in-room check in that the others experienced. I was frustrated, so I could only imagine how clients would feel if this happened after a long day of travel. We were advised to go grab some lunch at the restaurant while this was sorted out. Thankful the staff was very accommodating and we received apologies from upper management for the issue.
My assigned butler, Josias, did a great job of getting me acclimated to the room. We set up a chat on WhatsApp that I could utilize for any questions or requests that I had. He also used the chat to advise me of daily events and dining times. I don’t typically utilize the butlers as others might, but I did reach out to him to request assistance with setting up the Island Bike Tour, which he handled for me.
We also had a chance to meet the property’s general manager, Mr. Essafi, who filled us in on all of the features coming to the property (like the RAMP) and answered our general questions.
Accommodations: Boy. Were we accommodated. I stayed in a Signature Junior Suite King Ocean View room with a hot tub, and this room was beyond words. The view? *chefs kiss* The bed? Incredibly comfy. The amenities? Perfect.
Entering the room provided a direct view of the water – it was literally the first thing I saw. There was a well-appointed bathroom to the left, which contained a large, glass enclosed walk-in shower with dual shower heads. There was a privacy screen that could be enabled in the event a guest doesn’t want their roommate to see their kibbles n bits, but if not, the glass shower wall allows an ongoing view of that amazing water. The closets in the bathroom were spacious and came with 2 bathrobes and slippers.
My favorite part of the sleeping area was the direct access to the controls for the motorized blackout curtain. I felt like a big dummy because I had to ask for help to activate it, but when that curtain went up the next morning, it was the most dramatic and beautiful reminder that I was in paradise!
From the sleeping area, there was step-down into a general living area containing a couch, table, and mini-bar before getting to the REAL showstopper – the balcony.
The balcony doors opened up fully (wall to wall) to take in the full vista. The balcony had a built in hot tub, hammock, two chairs and a table. My only regret was not having more time to enjoy it.
I’ve included a link to the room tour below.
Dining: Impressions Isla Mujeres has 6 la carte restaurants – you won’t find any buffets with sneeze guards at this resort! I had the opportunity to enjoy lunch and breakfast at La Vista, dinner at Unik, as well as brunch at Wildfire Grill. No notes on the food – everything I ate was delicious. Room service is also available and can be ordered either through the tablet in your room or your butler. I ordered room service the morning of our work session, which came promptly. (As I’m writing this, I’m wondering how I ate this much in the course of two days…)
Pools and Beach: The “main” pool is an infinity pool located on the primary level of the resort. Since this hotel is more on the boutique size, there is no massive pool that you often see at larger resorts. The pool sizes maintain the feeling of intimacy even in a public space. There is also a rooftop infinity pool that guests can enjoy…and I’m still so disappointed that I didn’t have enough time to enjoy it.
The beach is a small cove beach surrounded by a boardwalk full of chair loungers and cabanas. I actually got in the water, which was clear and surprisingly pleasant! (I’m usually the last one in the water because it’s ALWAYS too cold). One really cool feature of this resort is the winding waterslide that begins about 30 feet up and ends with a drop-off into the water. Yet another activity I didn’t have time to try…but this is why you go back!
In Summary, this is a fantastic resort for a couple looking a quiet, intimate, upscale getaway in destination that is relatively accessible, either for their destination wedding or just a romantic getaway. Yes you’ll fly into Cancun, but Isla Mujeres and Cancun are not one and the same. It’s incredible how that short boat ride introduced me to new place to love. I had the opportunity to participate in an Island Bike Tour during my last morning there (which was included btw), and got a chance to enjoy this lovely island before departing. Furthermore, this property was recognized as the “Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World” in 2024 by Luxury Travel Advisor, and for good reason.
Feel free to visit my Instagram (@bvbtravel) for even more photos!
