by Camille Pepe Sperrazza 

There are several Palace Resorts throughout Mexico, and each offers a different type of experience. 

What they have in common is resort credit. Guests of Palace Resorts receive up to $1500 to spend at the resort on tours, spa treatments, and at some shops. Taxes on these purchases must be paid by guests, and there are restrictions as to how much can be spent, and on what it can be spent on, so it is important to check with the resort as it is all subject to change. 

In addition, each room of every resort is equipped with a whirlpool bath, a nice way to cool down after a day in the sun. 

When you stay at any Palace resort, you can visit the other properties, the only exception to this rule is the exclusive Le Blanc which cannot be visited for the day. 

ADULTS ONLY PROPERTIES: 

Le Blanc - Cancun 

This is the only 5-diamond all-inclusive resort in Cancun. It's upscale, beautiful, and sophisticated. 

The word "Blanc" means "white" and most of the decor is set against a white backdrop which is cool, soothing, and understated. A white piano sits in the lobby. 

Premium brand liquors are served throughout the resort, and 14 complimentary wines are part of the all-inclusive plan. All rooms carry the same amenities, including a notepad, foil-embossed with guests' names. Chocolates and snacks are in the refrig, no extra charge. Should you need anything at all, your personal butler is a phone call away. 

Every night the cushioned lounge chairs by the pool are wrapped in plastic to keep them fresh from morning dew. In the gorgeous infinity-pool, a waiter may come by, serving drinks from a surf board. The beautiful spa area features a darkened sanctuary, lit by candlelight, surrounded by whirlpool waters designed to soothe aching muscles. 

The beach is gorgeous, and the infinity pool is constructed so it appears to blend into the ocean and sky. 

Sun Palace - Cancun 

This resort has the distinction of being the first all-inclusive hotel in Mexico, founded by Roberto Chapur in 1984. Located in the hotel zone, this adults only property is beach front. All 252 rooms have king beds only, and 242 of them are ocean view. Be aware that some of the ones that do not overlook the ocean, have a roof top view, but if you do get to a higher floor, you might catch a glimpse of the water. There are four restaurants - Italian, Asian-fusion, Mexican, and an outdoor steakhouse. 

PROPERTIES FOR EVERYONE: 

Playacar Palace - Playacar 

A tree grows through the open rooftop of the lobby. 

The upscale white decor is reminiscent of Le Blanc because this resort, located in the lovely Playacar area, about 50 minutes from the Cancun airport, was originally slated to be Le Blanc. Families are welcome, but the resort is adult-oriented. 

There is shopping galore along the famous Fifth Avenue strip, just steps from the resort. If that's not enough, take the ferry to Cozumel, conveniently located by the dock along the side of the beach. 

A tasty Chai tea and a lemonade-based Sangria, with fresh fruit, were served table side at the buffet here, a welcome change from the ordinary. The guacamole, too, was a treat as it contained thick slices of avocado. Victor, the general manager, explains it enthusiastically: His resort is simply "the best." 

Moon Palace 

Here, be prepared to walk. A lot. 

This sprawling resort boasts its own golf course, a swim-with-the dolphin facility, and a FlowRider. Many families love it for these reasons alone. 

Divided into three sections - Sunrise, Nizuc (sunset), and the Grand - each has its own lobby, pools, and restaurants, a total of 17 eateries on the premises. Both Sunrise and Nizuc are priced about the same, and when you make a reservation, you may be put in either section. The decor in Nizuc is a bit more subtle and sophisticated, while Sunrise is home to the FlowRider. As the name implies, Grand is the most upscale of the three, and the rooms are larger. While this part of the resort is more quiet and adult-oriented, children are welcome. The Olympic-sized swimming pool is in the Grand section. 

No matter where you stay, a bus loops all three lobbies, so you can enjoy every part of the facility and every restaurant. 

Another resort bus can take you into the heart of Cancun, as Moon Palace, located 10 minutes from the CUN airport, is not in the hotel zone. As a result, the beach is not of the caliber one expects to find in Cancun. Of the three sections, Grand has the nicest beach area. Still, there are plenty of pools to keep adults and kids content. 

So many weddings take place at this resort, it has its own horse stable, used to pull white carriages that carry couples who are looking to make an impressive entrance. 

In the spring of 2015 construction was underway to add another 700 rooms to the Grand section, bringing the total number of guest rooms at Moon Palace to more than 3,000. Construction was expected to be completed by December 2015. Additional restaurants may be added. 

Best service at a restaurant goes to La Trattoria, located near the golf villas. Reservations are required. 

Cozumel Palace - Cozumel 

All 169 rooms are ocean view - and what a view! 

Cozumel is an island, and the resort is designed so you feel like you are part of the ocean. Because of that proximity, it is a family resort that attracts a lot of divers. It is the only resort at which all credit can be used to dive. 

There are 12 loft rooms that can accommodate 6 people, but it was unclear during the visit whether all six could be adults or if it was restricted to a maximum of four adults. Concierge level rooms have beautiful walk-in showers and upscale toiletries. The resort is spread across 5 floors. 

Ready to book your vacation here? Contact "Commodore" Camille today. 

This article was accurate when it was written, but everything in life changes. Enjoy the journey! 

Copyright: Camille Pepe Sperrazza 

Le Blanc.