Jul 4

Discovering the Luxurious Allure of Atelier Resort in Playa Mujeres

Nestled in the stunning enclave of Playa Mujeres, Atelier Playa Mujeres is a haven of luxury and tranquility, offering an exceptional vacation experience that caters to both relaxation and golf. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first getaway to Mexico, this resort promises memories filled with indulgence and comfort.

Let’s just say it’s one of mine and Tammy’s Top 3 resorts.

Let's dive into the many facets that make Atelier Resort a standout choice, while also addressing some areas that might leave guests wanting more.

Here's a quick look at our Travel Agent Tammy ratings:

*1 (Needs Some Improvement) – 10 (Unbelievably Awesome)

The Lobby	8
The Pools	7
The Beaches	9	Palapas aren't ocean front
The Rooms	10
The Bars	9
The Foods	9
The Swim-out rooms	7	Close together; not as wide as other resorts; lots of privacy from the public with shrubbery but not from neighboring swim out suites

Pros of Staying at Atelier Resort

Uniquely Modern and Decorated Rooms

The rooms at Atelier are designed with both style and functionality in mind. They feature plenty of storage space and drawers, ensuring you can unpack and settle in comfortably. The rooms' modern decor and open floor plan create a serene retreat after a day of sun and fun.

Here’s glimpse inside a Junior Suite King

The Junior Suite King

If a Junior Double is more your speed, this Junior Suite Double is an option.

The Junior Suite Double

The Swim Out Rooms

Luxurious Room Bathtubs

Oh My Word, the bathroom blew us both away with its flexibility and movable walls.

The bathtub…just look at it!

I’m usually not a bathtub person but I was during this stay!

I would make a warm bath and soak my cares away while watching old school MTV videos on the television.

The tub was perfect for unwinding after a long day by the pool or round of golf.

Pristine Beach

The resort boasts beautiful, well-groomed sand and clear waters. There are bali bed and beach chair options available everywhere.

The Beach Terrace

View of the Beach area from the Terrace

The Beach Hammocks

The Beach Pergola

The Pergola Massage tables

The Beach Pergola Romantic Dinner

The Beach

The Beach Balibed Sunrise

Our obligatory couple selfie on the beach at sunset. Tammy makes me look good♥

Great Pools

What I would call the main pool is officially referred to as the Life & Vibe pool. Long and linear, this pool is anchored on both ends with swim-up bars. The pedestrian bridge that crosses over the pool provides a cool element for both the people walking over the pool and those swimming under it.

Did I mention I love early mornings and tranquility…

…and the nighttime pool view isn’t bad either.

It rained one day during our visit, but we didn’t let that stop us…we chilled in the whirlpool area with some Pina coladas.

A more relaxing pool is located on the other side of the property and showcases a waterfall wall that provides the tranquility for the best naps. If you get thirsty or hungry, the restaurant Bikini Azul is steps away and boast a swim-up bar.

Unique Bars

12 bars on site! Need I say more? The showstopper is the Don Fernando Lobby Bar – the 25’ tall wall of windows provides a direct view over the property towards the Caribbean Sea. The uniqueness of each bar provides endless opportunities to enjoy several cocktails of your choosing. Each bar offers a different atmosphere, from laid-back beach vibes to sophisticated elegance.

The Lobby Bar

It's hard to beat the views from the Lobby Bar.

Aside from the Lobby Bar, our other two favorite bars were the El Cielo Sky Bar/Inspira Rooftop Bar, and Bar De La Calle.

The El Cielo Sky Bar/Inspira Rooftop Bar

The De la Calle

Delicious and Diverse Dining

Foodies will be in paradise with the array of restaurants available at Atelier. Home to 13 restaurants and two coffee shops, each venue offers a unique culinary journey, from traditional Mexican flavors to international cuisines like Japanese (Takeshi and Kopai) and Mediterranean (Cala Di Luna). Our favorite restaurant was Los Abrazos where I had one the more flavorful and juiciest steaks ever!

While the resort does not have a buffet for lunch, the à la carte options at nearby restaurants like Bikini Azul and Limon Y Sal more than make up for it with their quality and variety. Mercado 19 is the go-to option for your breakfast and dinner buffet options.

Los Abrazos Ribeye

*Waffles with Bananas

Exceptional Room Service

For those moments when you prefer to dine in the comfort of your room, Atelier’s room service is prompt and offers an extensive menu that caters to all tastes. It's perfect for late night cravings or a quiet meal after a day of laying poolside or golfing.

*Beef filet

24-Hour Fitness Room

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the resort's large, 24-hour fitness room, which includes a separate cycling and aerobics area. The standard free-weight, cardio, and nautilus-style area is bathed with sunlight peering through a wall of windows that provides a fantastic connection with the outdoors.

Fitness Center

The cycling and aerobics area is equally spacious for anyone wanting to do their own interval training or bootcamp-style workouts. Whether you prefer early morning workouts or late-night sessions, you can maintain your fitness routine without any hassle.

*Fitness center treadmills

Golf Course

Whether you play golf or just like the beauty of a well-manicured course, Atelier has it! An 18 hole course designed by Greg Norman tucked between natural mangroves, sand dunes, and awesome views of the Caribbean. The course plays a long 7,218 yards Par 72. Golf carts are integrated with GPS showing the distances along each hole.

If you stay in the INSPIRA Suite for 7 nights or more, you get two complimentary rounds of golf – but watch out for a croc or two that might be sunbathing – avoid that hazard! If you forgot your clubs or decided on a whim to play a round, the course offer a club rental program.

Smoothie and Fruit Bowl Shop

For those seeking healthier options, the resort features a smoothie and fruit bowl shop called Alba. Located next to the fitness room and accessible to everyone, it’s a delightful spot to grab a nutritious snack or refreshing infusion, ensuring you stay energized throughout your stay. I made a habit of strolling across the breezeway after my workouts to enjoy a post-routine protein beverage. The salads and fruit bowls are convenient and refreshing.

Abundance of Beach and Pool Towels

At some resorts, you find yourself searching for towels, especially late in the day; you’ll never have to worry about running out of towels at Atelier. The resort provides plenty of beach and pool towels, so you can always enjoy a fresh, dry towel after a swim or sunbathing session.

Courtesy Beach Bag

This might seem trivial, but it was an unexpected bonus. Upon arrival, guests are pleasantly surprised with a thoughtful courtesy beach bag, perfect for carrying essentials as you stroll along the pristine beach or lounge by the pool. It's these small touches that set Atelier apart, enhancing the overall guest experience right from the start.

Minor Considerations of Staying at Atelier Resort

Limited Poolside Food Options

One of the few drawbacks of Atelier Resort is the lack of typical poolside food options at the main pool (Chicken fingers, pizza, chicken quesadillas). If you’re hanging out at the Life & Vibe Pool (main pool), you can make your way over to Limon Y Sal for some gourmet snacks, but guests might find themselves craving quick bites and snacks that are traditionally available at other resorts.

If you chill’n at the relaxing/quiet pool, Bikini Azul is your go-to poolside restaurant with an assortment of international dishes and cocktails.

No Sports Bar

Sports enthusiasts might be disappointed by the absence of a dedicated sports bar. While the resort offers various bars, those looking to catch a game in a lively atmosphere might miss having this amenity.

No Buffet for Lunch

Although the à la carte dining options are excellent, some guests might miss the convenience and variety that a buffet lunch offers. This is something to consider if you enjoy having a wide selection of dishes readily available.

Small Room Balconies

While the rooms themselves are spacious and well-designed, the balconies are on the smaller side, with only two chairs, unless you are staying in one of the Inspira Suites. The small balcony can be a slight drawback for those who enjoy spending more time outdoors in their private space, but it wasn’t a major issue for us. During our stay, we did have a view of the golf course, but the balcony was almost too small to sit outside and enjoy the view.

Conclusion

Atelier Resort in Playa Mujeres stands out as a premier destination for those seeking luxury, comfort, and a touch of elegance in their vacation. From the thoughtful courtesy beach bag to the 24-hour fitness room and abundance of beach towels, the resort goes above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay. While there are a few areas for improvement, such as the limited poolside food options and small balconies, the overall experience at Atelier is nothing short of exceptional. Whether you're lounging by the beach, savoring a gourmet meal, or relaxing in your room's luxurious bathtub, Atelier Resort offers a slice of paradise that you'll remember long after your vacation ends.