April 14, 2012

Nicklaus Golf and a Great Deal at Moon Palace Resort in Cancun

I'm a snob when it comes to all-inclusive resorts; at least, I was a snob, until I stayed recently at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort Cancun. What a relief it was to wander into restaurants, snack bars and bars all over the place and not even think about menu prices. And I went to yoga and Pilates classes, paddled a kayak in the ocean, took advantage of the free WiFi and free phone calls to the U.S. and Canada, and lingered into the evening at live music concerts by the pool, ordered room service, and raided the mini-bar—all included—aaahhh. I got used to it.Although this resort doesn’t have the wide, palm-fringed beach and lively surf that some vacationers dream of, the soft, clean, off-white sand beach here fills the bill, with tons of umbrella-shaded lounge chairs and tables, and powered and unpowered watercraft at the ready.

Although this resort doesn’t have the wide, palm-fringed beach and lively surf that some vacationers dream of, the soft, clean, off-white sand beach here fills the bill, with tons of umbrella-shaded lounge chairs and tables, and powered and unpowered watercraft at the ready.

Just south of the Cancun airport, the huge resort sprawls along the beachside in several complexes of 3-story, peachy-colored buildings between perfect lawns, palms and gardens. Daytime and nighttime action is steady at a gigantic, ocean-view main pool area and other pools.

2,457 spacious rooms (I know, sounds like a lot but doesn't feel like it) each have double Jacuzzis and balconies or patios, most with water views. You can choose a quiet corner of the resort or get a room or suite near the pool terrace or the main lobby and restaurants.

Add to that 15 restaurants and a dozen bars, tennis, fitness centers, a kids club, a disco, a full-service spa and . . . . 27 holes of Nicklaus-designed golf. Using the dynamite resort credit deal, I scooted out to the golf course and played all three nines (even the drinks cart is free) and ended the day with a great massage.

TheMoon Spa and Golf Club has the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Cancun, consisting of the Jungle, Lake and Dunes nines. My suggestion is to get early tee times to avoid the hottest and busiest part of the day; also, it can get quite breezy in the afternoons.

At the top notch clubhouse and pro shop, a high-tech Nicklaus Academy, a very nice restaurant and a bar where you can get homemade ice cream, snacks and hot dogs all day long (of course, it’s included).

The three tracks are rather flat, with plenty of reedy wetlands, lagoons, lakes and ponds. BIG fairway bunkers are fiendishly located to catch the long hitters’ tee shots, and sandy wastes and brambly rough add to the fun. In typical Nicklaus fashion, greens are well protected by battalions of flashed bunkers. Herons, egrets and iguanas are on hand to create interest in your scenic photos.

Wildly rolling fairways and millions of deep, grassy hollows around the greens characterize the Dunes, which is just fine if you don’t mind sidehill lies and chipping to greens high above your head.

The practice venues are spacious and very well laid out and maintained. One of the best instructors on the staff, Jose Corona offers very useful tips and drills.

Resort Credit: Get this! Book before April 30 of this year for stays through the rest of 2012, and get resort credit to be used towards tours to Mayan ruins and theme parks, spa/beauty salon treatments, Dolphin encounters, outdoor recreation, golf, and more. When you consider that meals, snacks and alcoholic drinks are all unlimited, this is a great deal—especially for families.