This 5-Star Cancun Resort Is Celebrating 10 Years Of Architectural & Culinary Excellence

Nizuc Resort & Spa is an impeccably-designed epicurean retreat with world class dining and more.

Having conquered Cancun, the owners of the five-star Nizuc resort announced plans a while back to bring their much-lauded luxury hospitality concept to Los Cabos. But the original, honored with the coveted AAA Five Diamond award and, more recently, the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rating as well, in addition to  received the EarthCheck Gold Certification 2024, which “recognizes the highest international sustainable tourism standards.”

The architecturally impressive property recently celebrated its 10th anniversary; at the time of opening, many were skeptical that a massive investment in a resort situated relatively close to Cancun airport, and lacking the huge swaths of sand that characterize the area’s more traditional beach getaways, could lure enough high-end travelers to pay off.

It has not only proved a major success, but continues to garner acclaim thanks to innovative events such as Black Carpet, which showcases the considerable talents of the property’s international culinary team. At Black Carpet guests are treated to sublime tasting courses from each of Nizuc’s accomplished chefs, along with craft cocktails, French champagne, rare Mexican wine selects, and Fireworks cap it all off. 

Nizuc bridges the gap between party-on escapism and the tranquil but somewhat sleepy getaways found further up the Riviera Maya. And though it’s location couldn’t be more convenient for travelers, it’s actually situated in the middle of a tropical 29-acre natural preserve that was once the beach house of the President of Mexico.

The resort is home to 274 suites, broken into three configurations, which gives intimacy to what is actually a sizable space for an island-style boutique endeavor. There are 29 luxury Garden Pool Villas, which include the Presidential and NIZUC Villas. Then there are 44 Ocean Suites with striking views of the sea. Not to mention the spectacular 201 residential suites. All decorated in an airy, contemporary style with no hint of Caribbean kitsch.

The property was originally the first Mexican outpost of the illustrious Aman Resorts; when Aman sold the property in the mid-2000s, new owners recruited celebrated Mexican architect Alejandro Escudero to expand on the original vision. The result: It has not only kept Aman’s impeccable design ethos intact, but improved upon it. The alluring architecture blends modern with Mayan, culminating in a dream property that is indelible in its form and function, utilizing solely natural materials throughout.

That means local stone and mangrove, zizicote and pucte woods in a rich, dark palette of earth tones. All 274 rooms are brimming with such appointments, including the organic fabrics. Those choices mirror the soothing tones of the public spaces throughout the resort. It culminates in a pleasant sort of sensory deprivation in hues and textures that provide a sense of comfort and escapism, mirroring the exotic topography.

Throughout Nizuc, spaces soar with light and air: call it nuanced extravagance. It feels like bird-watching paradise. Where most hospitality endeavors would have seized the opportunity to squeeze in more guest rooms, at Nizuc 20-foot-high ceilings and full-floor expanses of glass is the norm. The gorgeous, though not enormous, stretches of white sand beach are bordered by coral reefs and mangroves set off by lush landscaping and swaying palms to complement the architecture.

The property features two private beaches in all, along with five picturesque swimming pools, six world-class restaurants, and a formidable spa. Speaking of, the well-being aura equally applies to the 30,000-square-foot Nizuc Spa by ESPA. It features distinct Mayan-inspired therapies as well as a fitness center, spa café and salon. Hydrotherapy facilities offer a wide range of means to detoxify and relax through a guided circuit of hydro massage, contrasting temperatures in a time-honored Mexican tradition. 

The resort’s Executive Chef, Sylvain Desbois, is a veteran of the luxury hotel world and holds multiple gastronomic accolades. He earned his toque in fabled French restaurants such as Epicure at the Hotel Le Bristol in Paris (with Eric Frechon) and La Côte D’Or (with three-Michelin-star chef Bernard Loiseau). The six dining venues at Nizuc offer a template of the world’s most enticing cuisines. Cafe de la Playa is the most relaxed of the half-dozen and provides breakfast and brunch with a diverse buffet and chef stations offering everything from custom-cooked eggs to local dishes.

Ramona is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine taking advantage of the abundance of local fare and spices to create “modern versions of authentic regional recipes.” Ni takes you into Peruvian territory with its beloved “big” flavors and alluring selection of one-of-a-kind tiraditos, tapas and ceviches. La Punta Grill & Lounge specialized in grilled seafood and fine meat cuts served al fresco under a thatched roof with sublime ocean views.

Indochine is an epicurean fusion of Asian spices and local ingredients producing the essence of both culinary cultures–all within a stunning poolside setting. And Terra Nostra is a Mediterranean oasis offering homemade pastas and wood-oven specialties with a rotating series of specials depending on the season. There are also three distinct bars to indulge in creative cocktails.

The Terra Nostra Bar & Lounge is connected to one of the restaurants, with a live deejay most nights. The other lounges have their own singular vibes. The largest and most stunning is Bar A-Kan, which occupies its own modern structure overlooking the beach. And our favorite of all is the Hemingway-esque Havana Lounge, a gentlemanly retreat featuring leather furniture, fine hand-rolled cigars and one of the most extensive rum selections this side of Cuba.