ATELIER Playa Mujeres is an All Inclusive Resort for Adults offering a fascinating hospitality concept inspired by Contemporary Mexican Art and Design. Its innovative ambiance was designed to be in perfect harmony with the natural landscape of Playa Mujeres. Its 431 suites are impeccably designed in spectacular marble and exotic woods, with top of the line luxury amenities and contemporary avant-garde furnishings that combine perfectly with stunning views of the golf course and the turquoise and azure hues of the Caribbean Sea.
Why did we choose Atelier for our wedding, might you ask? Zack and I traveled to Atelier in December 2019 with our parents for a family vacation. We were not scouting wedding locations or venues at the time (we weren't even engaged yet! however, it had been discussed :) and the possibility of an engagement was on everyone's radar). We were all incredibly impressed with the place. The resort felt like an expansive work of art, while still maintaining a warm, intimate, and welcoming vibe. Before we knew it, it was casually being mentioned that "this would be a great place for a wedding" and we should "consider getting married here". Fast forward to Christmas Day 2019, and our likely soon-to-be engagement became a current reality. Now it was time to take those "suggestions" from our parents seriously. We both considered that we would prefer a small, intimate wedding. And considering our love of travel, and International destination wedding seemed to make sense.
Which brings us to today, almost 2 years and several EPIC curveballs later, we are finally planning our next trip to Atelier (less than one month!!) and this time, for the wedding of our dreams!
Restaurants -
Maria Dolores:
The only restaurant at the resort that is NOT included and has an extra cost. Defined as "a new concept of luxury culinary art". Maria Dolores is a concept by Celebrity Chef Edgar Nuñez whose Seasonal Avant Garde Cuisine evokes the most exquisite feelings of Mexican gastronomy. Reservations required. Zack and I have not eaten here, but we've heard amazing things. May try it out this time :)El Suspiro:
Romantic and cozy seafood restaurant next to the pool and features somewhat of an ocean view. Described as "Mexiterranean" cuisine. Maybe our favorite spot for dinner. Supposed to have an incredible lunch as well (our wedding coordinator highly recommended we have lunch there), but we didn't get around to trying it our last trip. Lunch at Suspiro is on our list for this upcoming trip :) Location of our wedding reception.Takeshi:
Asian restaurant that includes a wide variety of Japanese, Thai, and Chinese dishes including Sushi, curries, spring rolls. It was very good. There are also various Asian-inspired cocktails.Cilento:
Italian restaurant with some of the best risotto I have ever had. Very nice and modern with an open pizza kitchen.Los Abrazos:
Juicy cuts of meat cooked on the coals in the style of the churrasquerías of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile. An unforgettable dinner paired with the best wines of South America. Right next to the El Cielo Sky Bar, which is the location of our wedding ceremony.Mercado 19
THE breakfast buffet (and yes, "THE" was capitalized for a reason). Best breakfast buffet I've ever had. Imagine - a bread and toast bar, a juice bar, a smoothie station, a crepe/french toast/hotcake station, an omelette station, hot buffets with both American, European and Mexican foods. Cold buffets with fresh fruits and veggies, cold cuts and cheeses. Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar. Obviously the perfect location for our day-after brunch.Limon y Sal
Poolside lunch restaurant that offers nachos, pizza, hamburgers, etc. Waiters will also bring you food poolside or beach side. On the other side of this restaurant (not the poolside) is a garden, which is where we will have our welcome dinner on Friday night.ALBA:
The Resort’s wholesome option. Alba’s menu was specially designed for those guests who enjoy a healthful and balanced lifestyle, offering a premium selection of juices, salads, organic food, and refreshing infusions. Opened for breakfast, and also lunch I believe. My mom really likes this place.Cafecito:
A tribute to the Mexican coffee culture. Exquisite desserts and artisanal coffee: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte or frappe. Has gelato.Bars:
All of the bars have a large selection of name-brand alcohol and Mexican beers. Couldn't ask for more. Bartenders are very friendly and make great suggestions.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
1. Portion sizes at the restaurants are SMALL. But do not fret, it is ALL INCLUSIVE. So don’t hesitate to order a lot of food. For example, Zack and I went to dinner at Suspiro the other night (seafood restaurant) and ordered 3 entrees, 2 appetizers and 2 desserts. We ate every last bit and were satisfied but not stuffed (ps it was delicious, this is probably our favorite restaurant).
2. Don't forget about room service!! The room service menu is extensive and everything we've had from it is pretty delicious. You can even order it straight from the Atelier App (too convenient).
1. Bring sunscreen. You can buy some at the gift shop but it will run you ~$15 per bottle. So bring it.
2. The blow dryers in the room are pretty awful. So if you need a good blow dryer… bring it.
3. You do not need to bring beach bags or towels. They provide you with nice fluffy beach towels any time you need one, also there is a nice beach bag in your room that you are able to use for the entirety of your trip.
4. Bring small bills. You can exchange USD for pesos at the resort but it is not necessary, they accept dollars. You can make change for small bills too, but it’s not the most convenient thing to do, and I wouldn’t necessarily rely on this if you are there for a long time and need $100 in 5’s and 1’s. Tips are not required but they are accepted and appreciated. So if you’d like to tip your hardworking pool and beachside waiters (and if you want them to bring you a bucket full of Dos Equis when only ordered 2), bring small bills (but do not tip at any of our wedding events of course).
There’s an Atelier App that has really important info and functions, such as an interactive map, all restaurant hours, some restaurant menus (not all of them worked for me for some reason), spa service menu, ability to order room service (straight from the app), and more. Don’t forget to download and use it while you are there, it’s helpful.