Secrets Impression Moxche

I want to preface this as I’m now a 40 year old professional who works 8-12 hrs days a week. This was our second stay at Secrets Moxché, and unfortunately, it will be our last.

As I write this, I’m enjoying the sweet sound of concrete grinding, which has been the soundtrack of our vacation because construction has taken place every single day of our stay. On the first day, a relaxing moment in the jacuzzi was ruined by loud construction and concrete dust in the surrounding area. On the second morning, the melodic sounds of construction woke us in our room. Now, on our final day, I’m sitting on the balcony trying to read and mentally prepare to return to the daily grind, while listening to someone else’s very literal grinding and what sounds like a chainsaw.

To make matters worse, this experience was drastically different from our first visit in 2024. We paid extra for Preferred Club, but very little about the experience felt preferred. At check-in, we were not seated in the Preferred lounge. Instead, we checked in alongside everyone who was smart enough not to pay the additional cost, while all of us sweated through the process.

Our Preferred room technically had an ocean view, but it was also conveniently located next to an extremely loud ice machine. Paying for Preferred should, at a minimum, provide a thoughtfully located room and an elevated arrival experience. We received neither.

Now, with the sweet sounds of the chainsaw still playing in the background, I’ll acknowledge what we did enjoy. The staff members were friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. Even the construction crew will politely greet you before starting up their greatest hits for the day.

The resort itself remains beautiful, although much of that impression comes from what we remember from our 2024 visit. This time, it was noticeable that corners have been cut. If you are looking for a true luxury experience, I no longer believe you will find it at Secrets Moxché. Perhaps Impressions offers that experience, but after paying extra for Preferred and receiving so little additional value, I’m left wondering whether the higher price there would simply produce more of the same.

The entertainment was still enjoyable, and the resort offers plenty of activities throughout the day. I was disappointed that Spanish lessons are no longer offered, although I understand that may be based on guest demand.

Overall, the staff and the beauty of the property remain its strongest qualities, but they could not overcome the constant construction, disappointing Preferred Club experience, poor room placement, and noticeable decline since our previous visit. A luxury resort should provide rest, relaxation, and attention to detail, not concrete dust, daily construction noise, and a complimentary soundtrack from the ice machine.

We returned because we enjoyed our first stay so much. Unfortunately, after this experience, we will not return again.

Overall it was enjoyable, but definitely not up to par with the price. I wouldn’t quite call it luxury. A lot of room for improvement in the food and liquor/cocktail experience. Majority of liquor were bottom shelf

Impression by Secrets Moxche truly impressed, living up to the name! While there were certainly small hiccups throughout the trip, the experience overall was still top notch. I've stayed at numerous AIs in the area and Impression is definitely sitting at or near the top of our list of favorite trips. Some highlights include a really strong set of pool options from the lagoon pool to the numerous Impression-only pools. While the water temperatures definitely fluctuated throughout our stay, we were always able to find a pool that suited our mood. What set the impression pools apart was the atmosphere and service. Staff members, like Daniel, did a GREAT job making sure we had a comfortable spot to relax throughout the day. Note that while the "chair game" was unfortunately played during our stay, we never struggled to find a suitable spot at one of the pools.

Another standout from the trip was the entertainment staff, particularly Jazmin, Ilse, and Jose. We participated in many activities led by Jazmin and Ilse and always left with smiles and memories - they truly know how to provide a great guest experience.

I would describe food & beverage on the resort, especially at the Impression restaurants and bars, to be elevated compared to other AIs in the area, though given the price point I was expecting this to be the case. I do think there is some room for improvement in the cocktail program at the resort with limited menus and restrictions such as no mixed shots or unavailability of certain items (like house wines) even though they were listed on the bar/restaurant menus. Generally speaking, the drinks weren't weak but also not always consistent. Bartenders were more than happy, though, to make doubles or use specific liquors upon request. One thing that I think set meals apart, especially lunches, was the wide offering of live music. At almost every lunch we were serenaded by live music of some sort, which was really nice!

The room itself was more than adequate for the baseline tropical view suite - tons of privacy and all of the expected amenities, though turndown service was hit and miss (whether or not we got it and if they did any special touches like providing chocolates or leaving slippers by the bedside). A few small maintenance issues in the room but nothing we felt worth mentioning so I can't speak to how well they resolve these types of issues.

I think the two biggest questions I ask myself at the end of an AI stay is "Would I recommend this property to a close friend?" and "Would I return?". In the case of Impression, I would definitely recommend the property! While I generally like trying new properties, I could definitely see myself returning in the future, though likely only if I could find a good deal.