If you think "All-Inclusive Resort" means surviving on french fries and plain side salads, think again. I just got back from a January trip to Atelier Playa Mujeres in Cancun, and let me tell you—this place is a game-changer.
I traveled with my fiancé and my in-laws for a tropical getaway. Not only is the resort stunning (think clear water, modern design, and incredible scents wafting through the air), but every single restaurant has its own dedicated Vegan Menu.
Here’s a look at our 5-day adventure, the food I’m still dreaming about, and a few funny mishaps along the way!
We stayed in the Inspira Swim-Up Suite (King size), and I highly recommend upgrading to the Inspira category. The room was gorgeous, and we even came back one day to find a complimentary bottle of top-shelf tequila waiting for us!
The resort itself is massive but manageable. It’s spread across three buildings, so having a grasp of the layout is key.
We arrived around 4 PM, hungry and ready to relax. Since we didn't eat until 7 PM, we headed straight to El Suspiro.
The Eats: I kicked off the trip with a Palmito Ceviche (heart of palm) and the Vegan Fish Fillet. It was the perfect light, fresh start to the vacation.
My partner and his parents decided to sleep in, so I grabbed a smoothie next to the gym and went on a solo mission to map out the resort.
The Beach: Absolutely pristine. No seaweed, crystal clear water, and hardly anyone there in the morning.
Lunch at Cilento When the family woke up, we met at the Italian spot, Cilento.
The Eats: I had the Rigatoni Primavera and a refreshing duo of sorbet (Lemon Mint & Passion Fruit).
Afternoon Dip We checked out the Inspira Rooftop Pool. This is exclusive to Inspira guests and offers the best views.
Dinner at Takeshi (Asian Fusion) This was a highlight! We saw a vibrant sunset on the way there, setting the mood perfectly.
The Eats: Edamame, Vietnamese Roll, and a Fried Tofu Salad.
Verdict: The Fried Tofu Salad was hands-down my favorite thing so far. I honestly wished I had ordered a second portion because it was that good.
We capped off the night at the club, which had live music and a DJ. Such a full, fun day!
We started with the gym (gotta earn those margaritas) and then hit the buffet, Mercado 19.
The Eats: This buffet is a dream. Everything vegan is clearly labeled, with tons of options and fresh fruit.
The Jet Ski Incident 🤣 My fiancé and I decided to rent jet skis. It sounded cool in theory. In practice? We fell off... twice. Apparently, slowing down too much on the turns is a recipe for disaster. A bit embarrassing, but hey, at least the water was warm!
Dinner: Back to Cilento We loved the lunch so much we went back for dinner. The vegan dinner menu is even bigger than the lunch one!
The Eats: Carpaccio di Rape salad and the Rigatoni (again, because yes, it’s that good).
The "Meh": I tried the Porro, which is a chickpea puree. It had a tangy bite that wasn't my favorite.
The Win: They served warm, allergy-friendly bread and a lemoncillo fruit cup for dessert.
We booked a tour to the Island of Women (Isla Mujeres).
The Journey: It took about 2 hours to get there because the boat stopped to pick up guests from other resorts. The ride was breezy and beautiful, though!
The Snorkeling: We skipped the snorkeling. Being in the middle of the ocean felt a little intimidating, so we stayed dry and enjoyed the boat.
The Island: We rented a golf cart to explore. Hot Tip: If you are traveling with elderly family members or anyone with mobility issues, this might be tough. My in-laws struggled a bit with the walking when we parked to see the sights.
The Vibe: We grabbed some beers to cool off after a long day before heading back. It was a lovely experience, but definitely better suited for active travelers!
Dinner at Los Abrazos (Steakhouse) You wouldn't expect a Steakhouse to be a vegan haven, but this was the best meal of the trip.
The Salad Bar: I loved that I could load up on extra veggies here.
The Eats: I am super picky (I hate mushrooms and mango), so I ordered two main courses to be safe.
Roasted Cauliflower: Charred to perfection.
Vegan Chicken Supreme: Stir-fried in a saffron sauce.
Verdict: That saffron sauce was liquid gold. Absolutely delicious.
We ended the night with Karaoke (my partner managed to snag one song before the list filled up!).
Back to Mercado 19 for breakfast. I asked for coconut water, and they didn't have any in a glass... so the staff literally went to the beach, cut down a fresh coconut, and brought it to me! That is world-class service.
We spent the afternoon lounging at the rooftop pool with fresh guacamole, salsa, and chips.
Dinner at Kopai (Japanese) For our last night, we tried the other Japanese restaurant.
The Eats: Vegetable Satay and Pad Thai. Both excellent.
Dessert: I wanted Mochi, but the menu was outdated (it wasn't vegan anymore). The chef pivoted and made me a custom Tapioca Pudding with coconut milk instead. Top-notch service!
Beyond the food, the accessibility service was a lifesaver. My father-in-law actually got hurt getting out of the car at the airport, so he spent the trip in a wheelchair provided by the resort. The staff was amazing, using golf carts to shuttle us between buildings so he didn't have to walk.
Bonus: As Inspira members, we got a free "Hydrotherapy" spa session (sauna, steam room, hot tub, polar plunge). I’ve never done anything like it, and it was so relaxing.
Final Thoughts: If you are looking for a luxury resort with clear beaches, incredible staff, and a vegan menu that will actually excite you—Atelier Playa Mujeres is the place.