I went opening weekend, and I have thoughts
New resorts are always a little like a first date. The photos look perfect, the promises are big, and you are trying to figure out if the vibe in real life matches what you imagined.
I was at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres for opening weekend, and this post is my first look review from someone who sells The Excellence Collection every day and still gets excited walking into that lobby.
If you are searching for an Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres review because you are deciding whether to book now or wait, I am going to help you make that call.
Getting there, arrival vibe, and that “Excellence” feeling
Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres is about a 45-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, and that extra distance is a good thing. You leave the busy Hotel Zone behind and roll into Playa Mujeres, which is quieter, gated, and more upscale.
We used the included private transfer through Seasons, and it was exactly what I want for my clients: easy, smooth, no stress.
The Excellence welcome started before we even stepped inside. Bell staff took our luggage immediately, and they brought out the cold towel and champagne combo that just flips your brain into vacation mode.
And yes, for those who ask: the lobby scent is here. It is not as strong yet because the resort is brand new, but it is there. Give it time.
Resort layout: easy to navigate, designed with intention
One thing I appreciated right away is that the resort is laid out in a way that feels intuitive.
- Main building in the center: most restaurants, bars, entertainment.
- Non-Excellence Club rooms toward the back: typically a lower price point.
- Excellence Club rooms closer to the ocean: prime locations and upgraded access.
- Everything naturally funnels toward the pools and the beach.
If you hate resorts where you feel like you need a GPS to find dinner, you are going to like this one.
The beach: private, peaceful, and shockingly vendor-free
Let’s start where everyone wants to be.
The beach at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres is a gorgeous stretch of soft white sand and clear blue water. We had very little seaweed during our February stay. The water was on the chilly side, but honestly refreshing.
Excellence Club vs non-Club beach space
The beach is split into three sections:
- Excellence Club in front of Imperial Suites: 42 palapas, 10 beach beds
- Excellence Club in front of Honeymoon Suites: 26 palapas, 5 beach beds
- Main beach (all guests): 58 palapas
A question I got constantly: are the beach chairs padded?
- Palapa loungers are not padded
- Beach beds are padded, but they are set farther back from the water
If being right by the ocean is your priority, you will want a palapa.
What I loved most: the natural greenery
They did something here that I wish more resorts would do. They incorporated natural vegetation into the beach layout instead of clearing it all out. Yes, in a few spots it can partially interrupt a straight-on view, but I think it makes the whole beach feel more tropical and secluded.
Beach service was the star
The staff were on it. Fast drink service, frequent check-ins, and the beach concierges were genuinely wonderful. Opening weekend or not, service felt like Excellence.
Privacy and security are real here
This is not a beach where random people wander through.
- Security is tight
- Even guests from nearby resorts cannot just walk over
- We saw zero beach vendors the entire time
If you want a peaceful beach day without being approached to buy something every ten minutes, this is going to feel like a luxury.
Beach activities: not fully online yet
They plan to offer more, but during opening weekend:
- Not available yet: kayaking, paddleboarding, beach volleyball
- Available: bocce ball, horseshoes
If you are very activity-driven, check what is operating before you go.
Pools: seven of them, all heated, and the main pool is massive
Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres has seven pools and I do not say this lightly: the main pool might be the biggest pool I have seen at an Excellence resort.
All pools were heated during our February visit. Some guests felt the water was a little too warm, which feels like an “opening month adjustment” more than a long-term issue.
Main pool highlights
This is the energy hub.
- 96 sets of loungers around the outer edge
- 16 sets on the inner deck (prime real estate)
- 18-seat swim-up bar
- 40 in-pool loungers
- Every lounger had a large umbrella, which I loved
Food and drink service was fast. The poolside food menu was limited at grand opening, but the plan is to expand it.
Excellence Club pools: quieter, more VIP, likely to become popular
There are two Excellence Club pools, each with swim-up bars.
- Honeymoon Suite side: felt more active because more EC guests were concentrated there during opening
- Imperial Suite side: similar design, likely to stay a bit calmer
At grand opening there were no padded loungers at these pools, but the service was excellent and the concierge presence adds that “I do not have to think about anything” feeling.
X Lounge infinity pool: best views, not an all-day spot
The X Lounge infinity pool is stunning. It is perfect for an afternoon cocktail and a view.
One note: no loungers here, so think of it as a scenic stop, not your full-day setup.
They also mentioned plans for a sushi bar in this area once equipment arrives, which I will absolutely be checking out on a return visit.
Swim-up room pools: privacy is great, service is the question
The swim-up pools connected to certain room categories are visible but not publicly accessible.
What surprised my husband (and honestly would impact how I advise certain clients) is that drink service to those swim-up pools was not happening during our stay, even though it had been discussed.
If poolside service is a big part of why you book a swim-up, this is something to confirm closer to your dates.
Private cabanas: coming soon, premium price
Two private pool cabanas were not finished yet, but pricing was quoted around $800 to $900 per day.
If they deliver on the “private waiter and possible chef” concept, this could be a strong option for groups celebrating something big.
Food and drinks: Excellence is clearly leveling up
Food is where this resort is trying to separate itself.
I spent time with the Director of Food and Beverage during opening weekend, and you can feel the intention behind the concepts. Coral Playa Mujeres keeps some familiar Excellence favorites, but it also introduces new experiences that feel more elevated and more creative.
If you are the kind of traveler who plans your day around meals, this resort is going to make you very happy.
Raíces: the surprise standout, included for all guests
Raíces is a Mexican tasting concept built around a 9-course experience, and it is included.
You can do the tasting at certain start times listed in the app, or order a la carte.
A few things we tried included:
- Aguachile-style seafood with shrimp and king crab
- Puff pastry with breaded octopus and chapulines (yes, grasshoppers)
- Zucchini blossom with wild mushrooms and guajillo sauce
- Braised lamb mixiote with dried chiles
Here is my honest client-style take: I am a bit picky, and my husband is adventurous. He loved it. I found plenty I enjoyed, but you should walk in expecting bold flavors and a chef-driven experience.
There is also an optional wine pairing for an extra charge, and it paired beautifully.
Milo: the first Greek and Lebanese restaurant in the brand
Milo is stunning inside. The decor alone is worth seeing.
They start you with a mezze platter, and everything we tried was fresh and flavorful. I had the lemon chicken and would order it again.
If you love Mediterranean food, this is going to be a highlight.
Kanpai: multi-experience Asian dining, reservation required
We toured Kanpai and it is visually dramatic in the best way. It is one of the only restaurants that requires a reservation, and it offers multiple set-menu experiences.
If you are staying longer than a few nights, you could come back and have a different experience each time.
La Cava: wine cellar dining, limited seating, extra cost
La Cava was still being built out, but the design looks incredible. This will be a communal table experience and will be an upcharge.
If you are a wine lover, plan to reserve as soon as you arrive.
Lunch wins: Típico and Las Olas
- Típico is a street-food style lunch kiosk behind the main pool. Everyone we talked to raved about the tacos. My husband kept going back for the octopus tacos.
- Las Olas is à la carte on the beach. The shrimp cocktail and tuna poke were standouts, and I heard the fried burrito is a hidden gem.
Excellence Club dining: Magna and Zenith
If you upgrade, these two are meaningful perks.
- Magna (dinner only): more upscale vibe, long pants required for men. Opening night was crowded, so go early or late.
- Zenith (breakfast, lunch, dinner): beautiful views and a strong menu across all meals.
Lobster House: seafood lovers, do not skip it
This was my husband’s favorite dinner of the trip. If you are a seafood person, you will be very happy here.
Kakao, Aroma, and the bars
- Kakao (chocolate boutique) was one of my favorite little stops. Yes, you can buy bars to take home, around $12.
- Aroma (coffee shop) had all the basics and then some. Ice cream was not on display yet, but it was available if you asked.
- The Martini Bar is the lobby centerpiece and a classic pre-dinner hang.
- The Excellence Club Bar is quieter and ideal if you like premium spirits.
Whisper: the speakeasy concept I think will drive upgrades
Whisper was not open yet, but I toured the space and got the rundown.
- Excellence Club only
- Concierge invitation required
- 12 seats, 3 to 4 seatings per night
- You get a password and knock to enter
- 60-minute mixology experience
- No upcharge
If you love unique bar experiences, this is going to be a very fun perk.
Rooms: what I booked, what I loved, and what I would warn you about
I stayed in an Excellence Club Junior Swim-Up Suite with a Private Pool (about 950 sq ft) in Room 5051.
The outdoor setup: private pool plus swim-up access
This room is unique because you get both:
- A private pool with walk-in steps (heated, about 3 to 3.5 feet deep)
- Access to the shared swim-up pool (ladder entry)
I actually liked the temperature difference. My private pool was warmer, and the swim-up pool was cooler, so I could choose based on how I felt.
The trade-off is the current lack of drink service to the swim-up pools, which might be a deal breaker for some travelers.
The interior: modern, functional, and finally a bathroom door
The bathroom finishes were beautiful, and the biggest win for me is this: you can close the bathroom off with a real door. If you have stayed at other resorts where bathroom privacy is questionable, you will appreciate that.
A few notes:
- No shower bench, which would help for shaving
- Lighting was okay, but not ideal for makeup
- The in-room jacuzzi had no curtains yet during opening weekend, so privacy was lacking
The important reality check: landscaping and privacy
Because the resort is brand new:
- Landscaping is not grown in yet, so some “lush” views are currently fences or sparse greenery
- Ground-floor private pool and swim-up categories do not have strong privacy from neighbors or balconies above
If you want seclusion, consider higher categories like rooftop options, or talk with me about building and location strategy.
Imperial Suite Two-Story Rooftop Terrace: the true luxury flex
I toured the Imperial Suite Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suite with Private Pool, and it is massive.
The rooftop infinity pool is a true built-in pool, not the fiberglass plunge style you see in some other categories. If you want the most premium experience at the resort, this is it.
Nightlife and atmosphere: beautiful at night, but opening weekend was quiet
Because the theater was not finished yet, entertainment was hosted on the plaza. We saw live bands, a circus show, and a silent disco. It was fun and honestly worked well with the cool breeze.
That said, occupancy was low. I expect the resort will feel much livelier at night as it fills up.
One thing that is not dependent on occupancy: the lighting. The main pool glows at night, and the central pond lighting is gorgeous. This resort is very pretty after dark.
Activities, spa, and gym: strong foundation, still finishing touches
A few activity areas were not ready yet, including pickleball, archery, and air rifle.
The good news is the resort was offering golf cart rides to Excellence Playa Mujeres so guests could use facilities there if needed.
Miilé Spa: still a favorite
I love hydrotherapy, and the aqua wellness concept here looks great.
One change to note: it sounds like the complimentary circuit is now more limited (around 30 minutes with select options), with a small fee to do the full 60-minute experience.
The gym next door is excellent, with brand-new equipment and a separate room for classes.
Should you upgrade to Excellence Club? My opinion: yes, if you can
I recommend Excellence Club if it fits your budget.
You are paying for:
- Exclusive beach sections and pools
- Access to Magna and Zenith
- Premium liquor at EC bars
- Concierge support
- Better room locations and categories
- Access potential to experiences like Whisper
If you do not upgrade, you can still have a wonderful stay. The main pool and beach are beautiful, and the food quality overall is impressive.
The big question: book now, or wait?
This is where I am going to be very direct.
I would book now if you:
- Love being among the first to experience a new resort
- Are flexible and not bothered by a few “new resort” hiccups
- Care more about service, pools, beach, and food than perfect landscaping
I would wait a few months to a year if you:
- Want everything fully open with zero construction zones
- Want mature landscaping that matches the promotional images
- Are booking for something high-stakes like a once-in-a-lifetime milestone trip
Overall, I had an amazing time. The service was excellent, the beach was peaceful, and the dining felt like a real step up for the brand.
And long-term? I believe Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres is on track to become the premier Excellence resort. The design, the restaurant concepts, and the layout all point in that direction.
Want help choosing the right room and timing?
If you are thinking about booking Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres and want to make sure you pick the best room category for your travel style, I would love to help.
I book trips directly with the resort, can often secure fully refundable rates, and I will also make sure your free private airport transfer is attached correctly.
Ready to experience this for yourself? Reach out to me and let’s start planning here.