Impression Moxché by Secrets leaves a lasting impression
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
“Can I help you with anything?” a woman in a white lab coat asks as I step into the resort’s dimly-lit pharmacy lined with everything from medicine to sunscreen and even a refrigerated ‘hangover remedies’ section with chilled beverages.
“Alka-Seltzer,” I responded, armed with the nightly password thanks to my butlers, knowing full well that I did not intend to purchase Alka-Seltzer at all.
Suddenly, the pharmacist pushes back against the wall in the right corner of the room and the shelving unit opens up to reveal the secret passageway into a nightclub, where a DJ is spinning and red lasers light up the dance floor. Now that’s what I would call making an entrance.
Impression Moxché by Secrets opened in December of 2022 as the first property in the new Impression by Secrets brand category, which aims to redefine luxury within the all-inclusive segment.
“Impression by Secrets is the newest brand to join the Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, setting the standard for all-inclusive resorts with the highest level of personalized service and amenities,” explains Erica Doyne, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications. “The first-of-its-kind category blends natural beauty, local culture and modern luxury while focusing on guests’ privacy and preferences with dedicated butler service, elevated culinary experiences led by master chefs that feature locally inspired and sustainably sourced ingredients, while relaxing spa environments offer traditional and innovative treatments.”
Located adjacent to Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, Impression Moxché by Secrets is built like a resort-within-a-resort. What this means is that clients will be able to access all the amenities and perks of Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, such as its pools and restaurants, but anyone staying there isn’t able to experience any of the exclusive spaces for Impression Moxché by Secrets guests.
“Situated within Corasol, a gated community in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Impression Moxché by Secrets pays tribute to the rich heritage of Mayan culture and is purposefully designed to conserve the environment,” Doyne tells Travel Courier. “The all-suite, adults-only resort is home to 198 oversized suites, three man-made cenotes, and seven pools, including an infinity pool with 360-degree views.”
Travel Courier recently checked into the upscale resort to discover what it offers and why it will leave a lasting impression.
“Designed to take the all-inclusive vacation to new heights, this adults-only brand appeals to the desires and preferences of discerned, affluent travellers seeking luxury and convenience,” she says.
Culinary delights
With a total of 14 restaurants and 12 bars to choose from across both properties, Impression Moxché by Secrets is known for its elevated culinary offerings. Set around an open kitchen with a beach-facing location, Teodoro is the spot to go to watch the sunset.
“Distinctive culinary and cultural activities are cornerstones of luxury travel, and Impression Moxché by Secrets exceeds expectations,” Doyne says. “For a dining event guests won’t forget, Teodoro features a rotating 7-course menu crafted by a renowned Master Chef and meticulously paired with fine wines.”
Each course was not only delicious but meticulously presented and paired with a variety of wines from across Mexico. One of the standouts was the lobster taco, as well as Xila, a spicy Mexican aperitif made with mezcal.
For a memorable breakfast, a personal favourite was the brioche french toast topped with fresh fruit and ice cream from Seaside Beach Club, where guests can kick off their sandals and dig their toes in the sand while they dine. A great lunch time option is Cielo Impression Rooftop where the menu includes a prime beef burger, hamachi sashimi and salmon or tuna poke.
For a different take on tacos than the classics like tacos al pastor, Dos Almas, the onsite Mexican restaurant, offers creative options for those who reserve the taco experience with seven unique taco varieties such as prime rib, shrimp and mushroom. In between meals, pop-up food carts are the perfect way to satisfy hunger cravings. Meanwhile, the lobby bar is also loaded with snacks and treats like cookies and wraps.
“In November 2023, Impression Moxché by Secrets hosted the first installation of Impression Makers Supper Club, a series of gourmet getaway weekends featuring exclusive collaborative dinners with award-winning chefs,” she adds.
The suite life
All the accommodations at Impression Moxché by Secrets are suites with a modern rustic-chic aesthetic, high-end touches and butler service. Options range from main-floor signature swim out suites with tropical views to two-story beachfront penthouse suites overlooking the water. Along with a stocked minibar featuring bubbles, red and white wine, at check-in guests can choose between a bottle of tequila, mezcal or rum to be delivered to their suite. For discerning clients, another option is the 6,100 sq. ft. presidential beachfront villa, which sleeps four, and features a private beachfront space with two pools.
“Today’s modern travellers want something more than your typical all-inclusive resort; they desire elevated luxury, custom-tailored service, and locally inspired and culturally authentic experiences,” she says. “We are committed to meeting guests’ ever-changing needs and ensuring a successful future for the Impression by Secrets brand by focusing on the two most important aspects guests look for when booking their stay: service level and amenities.”
Making a splash
As someone who typically chooses the ocean, this is one resort where I couldn’t resist trying out all the impressive pools. The rooftop infinity pool was by far the most popular during my stay but I spent the most time at the main pool, where activities like water trampoline fitness classes also took place throughout the day. Another favourite was the lagoon pool, which like its namesake indicates, is shaped like a lagoon, and is located in the middle of both properties. For clients looking to make anyone back home envious, there are plenty of photo-worthy options at both resorts, including some pools lined with Instagrammable black hammocks, some that are designed to resemble cenotes and even some with see-through glass walls for the ultimate underwater shots. There are pools meant for relaxation and others by the bar designed to keep the vibe alive.
Raising the bar
For travel advisors who are new to selling the Inclusive Collection, Doyne says the recently launched Confidant Collective was created with the intention of providing best-in-class resources to cultivate opportunities for travel advisors to drive new bookings.
“I suggest exploring this new online platform, which features enhanced sales and marketing tools and an extensive education program highlighting key differentiators and unique selling points of each of the Inclusive Collection’s ten luxury all-inclusive brands,” she says.
The new Impression by Secrets brand raises the bar for luxury even higher than its existing brands like Dreams Resorts & Spas, Secrets Resorts & Spas and Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts. After returning from dinner one night, my butler had drawn a bubble bath on the balcony with my bathrobe and slippers laid out nearby.
“With the current high demand for luxury experiences, the Impression by Secrets brand gives affluent travellers what they want and sets a benchmark with personalized service and amenities,” she says.
