Cancún, Mexico.
We’ve taken several vacations here and this last visit was by far our favourite. The food, the people, the landscape, the beaches… It’s a great destination. We typically don’t opt for an all-inclusive because of the touristy aspect… we prefer to roam the town stealthily as the locals do… BUT we will definitely be returning to the Atelier Playa Mujeres. If you’re looking for a chill resort, adults only, with good food and above average beverage options…
These pictures are from this last trip. I did add a few from our first trip to Cancún, which to this day was the best beach spot I ever got to experience. Enjoy!
Cancún 2026. Like many of the resorts in Cancún, you are welcomed with a security check point and a long drive to the resort filled with tropical surroundings. We were welcomed with a nice cold towel and some champagne. And to top it off, after checking in, we received another welcome cocktail - their specialty drink made with tequila and jamaica. I don't think anyone really would think their logo is an A... but I guess it is. LOL! Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 59mm - F13 - ISO 160 - 1/200s.
A wider view of the entryway. The clouds were amazing! Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 28mm - F13 - ISO 640 - 1/200s.
Upon your exit... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 28mm - F13 - ISO 640 - 1/200s.
Double Queen not needed... We would have been fine with a King! The bath area features 2 barnyard style doors that can be opened or closed. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 3200 - 1/100s.
The Bathroom View. Walking barefoot here was delightful as the floor was always clean! Yes, that's my pet peeve... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 4000 - 1/100s.
A View of Isla Mujeres. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 117mm - F11 - ISO 100 - 1/100s.
Little Boats Beyond the Palms. Taken from our balcony. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 240mm - F6.3 - ISO 100 - 1/250s.
The Mid-Point. From the main entryway which is actually on the 3rd Floor (it was quite confusing at times)... there is this wooden walkway down the to the pool area amongst the greenery. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 28mm - F11 - ISO 100 - 1/160s.
Between Shelter and Sea. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 320 - 1/125s.
On the Wooden Path... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 30mm - F8 - ISO 100 - 1/125s.
Outside the Bar. Upon entry you are greeted with the Don Fernando Lobby Bar with a nice selection of spirits. But a few steps beyond will take you to this beautiful outdoor space. From this spot you get the view of the resort shown in the previous shots. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F4 - ISO 200 - 1/200s.
From Here to the Ocean. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 125 - 1/125s.
A Room with a Pool View. The pool goes all the way to the end of the shot with a swim up bar on both ends. We preferred the bar closest to us with a more chill vibe and lounge tunes. The other bar was a louder vibe where they held group activities like water workouts with exercise bikes in the water! Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 60mm - F11 - ISO 100 - 1/200s.
The Angry Clouds Hold No Moisture. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 60mm - F11 - ISO 100 - 1/200s.
Tourism Shores... The waters were a nice temperature on the beach connected to this resort. We spent some time here. There always seemed to be a shady spot to find on the beach too. We'd start at the beach and end up back at the pool. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 60mm - F5.6 - ISO 100 - 1/200s.
Where There's Smoke, There's Fire. Something was burning beyond... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 60mm - F11 - ISO 125 - 1/200s.
That's Moises at the Wine Bar. The patio area outside the Don Fernando Bar had a wine bistro serving a charcuterie plate with a some very good bread and a nice choice of Chilean wines. I recommend their red blend. Moises was one of the friendliest servers we had. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 72mm - F11 - ISO 12800 - 1/160s.
The Don Fernando. The entryway into Atelier was not as extreme as a Vegas Hotel, but it was visually aesthetic and you can ask for top shelf as it's included without having to pay extra for a membership like some other resorts... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 28mm - F8 - ISO 100 - 1/125s.
The Bird in the Sky. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 240mm - F6.3 - ISO 100 - 1/160s.
Pool Lights. The pool does close at 8pm so this is not an outdoor party place, but they do have a club that stays up till 3am... Maybe next time we'll try it... LOL Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 47mm - F4.5 - ISO 12800 - 1/125s.
Atelier Playa Mujeres in B&W. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 59mm - F13 - ISO 160 - 1/200s.
A Wider View in B&W. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 28mm - F13 - ISO 640 - 1/200s.
Upon your exit... in B&W. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 28mm - F13 - ISO 640 - 1/200s.
You're So Vain in B&W. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 36mm - F3.5 - ISO 1600 - 1/100s.
It's All Vanity. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 3200 - 1/100s.
Cleaning Up. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 2000 - 1/100s.
And Another One... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 2500 - 1/100s.
A Bath With a View. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 5000 - 1/100s.
Double Queen not Needed in B&W. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F3.5 - ISO 3200 - 1/100s.
The Comfort of a Chilled Glass. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 24mm - F11 - ISO 10000 - 1/160s.
A Room with a Pool View in B&W. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 60mm - F11 - ISO 100 - 1/200s.
The Angry Clouds Hold No Moisture in B&W. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 60mm - F11 - ISO 100 - 1/200s.
On the Beach in B&W. Loungers under palapa's, loungers with umbrellas, and a beach bar hut = 🥳 Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 28mm - F8 - ISO 100 - 1/160s.
This Path Leads to a Heart... in B&W. The wooden path from the main building leads you down to the pool area. Before getting there you will find a wooden heart. One of 2 that we saw. The other one can be found as you enter the beach. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 28-60mm @ 28mm - F11 - ISO 160 - 1/160s.
The Bird in the Sky in B&W. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // FE 24-240mm @ 240mm - F6.3 - ISO 100 - 1/160s.
Ready For Takeoff... Cancún 2022. Our first trip we stayed at the Moon Palace. We shuttled to their Beach Palace Resort and the beach was amazing... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // Sigma E 28-70mm @ 70mm - F4 - ISO 64 - 1/1000s.
We Have Lift Off! Shot taken with a Sony a7C // Sigma E 28-70mm @ 70mm - F4 - ISO 64 - 1/640s.
Riding on the Blue Green Sea... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // Sigma E 28-70mm @ 67mm - F6.3 - ISO 64 - 1/640s.
Flying High... Shot taken with a Sony a7C // Sigma E 28-70mm @ 67mm - F6.3 - ISO 64 - 1/640s.
My Favourite Beach. Shot taken with a Sony a7C // Sigma E 28-70mm @ 28mm - F2.8 - ISO 80 - 1/800s.