Impression Isla Mujeres Review

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on Isla Mujeres, Mexico — and in this Impression Isla Mujeres review, we’ll show you why it’s easily the best on the island. We celebrated our birthdays here this year, and it was the perfect getaway for just the two of us.

We’ve been to Isla Mujeres multiple times, but this was definitely our most luxurious trip yet. Below, we cover the arrival, the restaurants and bars, the pools and ocean slide, our suite, and whether it’s worth the splurge.

Arrival

Once we had our reservation, we received an email with instructions for arranging our arrival. We emailed the concierge team, who gave us transportation options from the airport to the marina, plus the boat transfer to the hotel.

One of our favorite amenities at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is the private catamaran transfer. It’s such a well-thought-out way to arrive and definitely beats taking a public ferry, then a taxi or golf cart to the resort. The catamaran leaves from Marina Hacienda del Mar roughly every hour and takes around 30 to 40 minutes.

Tip | Since we were only there for one night, we took the earliest catamaran at 9 AM — and we were the only guests. It was like a private catamaran all to ourselves.

When you arrive, you’re greeted by a bellman and your personal concierge with welcome drinks in hand. Your concierge gives you a tour of the property and your suite if it’s ready, sends the day’s itinerary to your phone, and books any activities you want.

Since we arrived early, we ran off to breakfast at La Vista, the main restaurant. As we walked in, we were welcomed by live music — a local musician playing remixed pop songs on the harp.

The Grounds

Impression by Secrets is definitely up there with our favorite hotels. The design is so well thought out, and every detail makes the stay even better.

It’s a great mix of Mediterranean-style architecture with wood and stone textures. The resort is built into a cliff, so get ready to climb some stairs — but at every level there’s a pool, restaurant and bar waiting for you, which makes the workout worth it. Most of the resort has an indoor-outdoor vibe, and if a tropical shower rolls in like it did for us, umbrellas are everywhere for you to use.

Dining

There are 6 different restaurants at Impression Isla Mujeres, which makes it really hard to decide if you’re there for a short stay like us. None of them disappoint, so you really can’t go wrong.

Spezia | A spot-on Mediterranean menu and our favorite restaurant of the ones we tried. The pizzas come from a stone oven, the fish dishes are the freshest thing on the menu, and the ocean views are to die for. Go for lunch to indulge in the food and the views. À la carte, open 1–10 PM.

Sake | We sadly didn’t get to dine here, but we probably would’ve picked it over the steakhouse — we’re more sushi people than meat people. This Pan-Asian spot serves everything from sushi to ramen. Dinner only, 6–10 PM.

Wildfire | A premium steakhouse with a dark, lounge-like atmosphere and live music. The portions are huge! Our only disappointment: you can’t take leftovers with you, so order accordingly. Dinner only, 6–10 PM.

La Vista | We ate breakfast here twice, both times on the terrace (can you tell we’re suckers for a view?). The menu mixes Mexican and international dishes. It’s also open for lunch and dinner, but we’d recommend it for breakfast. Breakfast 7:30–11 AM, lunch 12:30–4:30 PM.

Mercado | Right next door to La Vista — perfect for pizzas and tacos between pool sessions, 11:30 AM–4:30 PM.

Unik The Kitchen | On the rooftop by the infinity pool, serving tapas and drinks from 11 AM–9:30 PM. By night it turns into a club — we caught a fire show one night!

Bars

There are almost as many bars as restaurants. Impression Isla Mujeres really knows what a vacation is all about — with 5 bars scattered around the resort, you’re never far from your next cocktail.

Manta | Refreshments served to you on the beach.

Hamaca | The hotel’s private water lounge and bar.

Sharks | Our favorite swim-up bar in the main pool, with breathtaking views.

Isola | A great indoor lobby bar for a drink before dinner.

El Templo | An impressive sunset terrace bar that left us in awe. Don’t miss a sunset drink here before dinner.

Pools, Beach & Slide

There are enough pools that it never feels crowded. We went in low season and had most of them to ourselves. Each of the 3 pools has food and drink service, plus towels, sunscreen and bug spray on hand.

The rooftop infinity pool is huge, with absolutely breathtaking views. It’s also where the hotel events happen, sometimes with a DJ on weekends.

Our favorite spot was the deck — a U-shaped deck wrapping around the beach, with loungers under big umbrellas and netted hammocks right over the ocean. A deck butler brings dry towels and sunscreen, and a server takes drink and food orders. We felt so pampered.

Right off the deck is the beach, with loungers, umbrellas and private cabanas. The sand is silky smooth and the water is crystal clear. You’ll also find kayaks, paddle boards and a snorkel tour.

Last but not least: the slide that spills out into the ocean. It’s fast and SO much fun — we had a blast!

The Room

We booked the Signature Junior King Suite with hot tub and ocean view. Our only regret was not staying longer.

The suite has a king bed, a large flat-screen TV and a sunken living area with a stocked wine bar (red, white, rosé and sparkling), refreshments, a snack bar, a coffee machine and tea. Everything — temperature, lighting, TV and room service — is controlled from an iPad.

The terrace was the highlight of our stay. Watching the sunrise from our hot tub first thing in the morning is definitely our idea of a vacation. There’s also a private hammock and a little sitting area where you can have breakfast. Heads up: the “hot tub” isn’t really hot — it’s more like a private plunge pool.

Tip | Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres is part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection. If you’re in the free World of Hyatt program, you can earn points on your stay — or book here.

Amenities

Impression Isla Mujeres is on top of its amenities. Your personal concierge looks after only about a dozen guests, handling restaurant reservations, activities and personal requests.

In the suites you’ll find high-end Le Labo bath amenities (including incense), two mini fridges — one with wines and one with refreshments and snacks, restocked daily — and personal fitness gear with a yoga mat for each guest.

Before You Go

• 01Take the first catamaranBook the 9 AM departure — we were the only guests, like a private catamaran all to ourselves.
• 02Join World of HyattIt’s free, and Impression is part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, so you earn points on your stay.
• 03Order light at WildfireThe portions are huge and you can’t take leftovers back to your suite.
• 04Drop your towel firstLeave bags on the deck before the ocean slide — it’s a 3-story ramp back up.

Our Final Impression Isla Mujeres Review

Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres is the ultimate adults-only all-inclusive for couples. The price is much higher than other hotels on Isla Mujeres, but none come close to its service, food and drinks.

We’d recommend staying at least two nights — it makes a perfect weekend getaway even if you’re based in Cancun or anywhere in the Riviera Maya. Check rates at Impression Isla Mujeres.

Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres

If you’re considering a splurge, Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is the move, but it might not fit everyone’s budget. Luckily, the island has plenty of other great options. For a laid-back, bohemian vibe, check out Casa del Jaguar on the south end, complete with a fantastic beach club. And for another adults-only all-inclusive, check out Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort — a 109-suite island escape. Planning more of Mexico? See our unique things to do in Cancun.

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