Excellence Playa Mujeres

Pools9

There's a pool for every mood. The main pool has upbeat, energetic music playing through speakers all around it, with wooden bridges and in-water loungers right in front of the bar. If you want quiet, the more secluded spots are very peaceful.

There's a lazy river too. It doesn't have much current, but it makes a full circle and it all connects: from a swim-out room you can get pretty much all the way to the main pool. The Revive bar sits close by and serves the swim-out areas. There are two Excellence Club pools, which we think are in buildings 8 and 9. We weren't in the club, but people told us they're really nice.

Beach8

A big beach with lots of loungers under little thatched palapas. It was busy while we were there and most of the palapas were taken, often with towels on them, but if you talk to the wait staff they'll get one cleaned off for you.

There's a great vibe out on the water: jet skis, parasailing, paddleboards, kayaks and even a little sailboat, plus a beach swing out in the shallows. The Excellence Club has its own section with a concierge hut, beach bar and massage palapa. From what other guests told us, nobody seemed to be checking who used it. Overall a really nice beach, and we weren't disappointed.

Restaurants8.5

We didn't get to every restaurant in two days, but what we had was good. You'll also find Agave, Basmati, the Lobster House and Magna (the Excellence Club restaurant), plus Aroma for coffee, pastries, fresh juices and gelato.

Entertainment7.5

Entertainment felt more low-key than in years past. We didn't see a fire show, and it wasn't in the app either, so check the app before you come. The energy show was pretty good, if not the best we've seen. One night brought folkloric dancers, a live band and a charro doing rope tricks on horseback.

Try the silent disco. Everyone puts on headphones with three stations to choose from, and it's so much fun. For daytime there's a gym, an archery range, tennis courts and an open-air games area with ping pong, foosball and pool.

Where we ate

• Spice

  Asian, teppanyaki experience

  We did the teppanyaki table and it was really good; our chef even spelled out a little message in fried rice. It's not an upcharge, but you do have to book it.

• The Grill

  Steakhouse

  Very nice. The porterhouse was a good steak, and dinner started with carpaccio and crispy cod.

• Lunch

  Around the resort

  Burrata, lasagna, and sandwiches with shoestring fries.

• Breakfast buffet

  Buffet

  A full spread with pastries, a hot line and omelets.

Our tips

1. Book the no-upcharge experiences, like the Spice teppanyaki, right when you reserve your trip.
2. Check the app before your trip to see which shows are on.
3. If every palapa has a towel on it, ask the wait staff. They'll clear one for you.
4. Look for Cesar at the Martini Bar.

Questions we get asked