Moon Palace Cancun Map (Most Up-To-Date)
Moon Palace Cancun stretches linearly along the coast in three linked zones: Sunrise, Nizuc, and The Grand. Guests choose between energetic Sunrise, calmer central Nizuc, or inland luxury at The Grand, then plan movement along the beach path and shuttle road. Across the highway, the 27 hole golf complex and convention arena function as separate but connected hubs.
| Area / Zone | Best For | Key Tip | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | Families, groups, and guests wanting constant activity and nightlife close by. | Anchor your mental map on the Sunrise lobby, pool, and FlowRider. | High noise levels around lagoon pool and nightclub, especially evenings and weekends. |
| Nizuc | Quieter stays with fast access both to Sunrise action and Grand entrance. | Use Nizuc as a central base to shorten shuttle or walking times. | Fewer headline attractions onsite, so you may commute more for signature venues. |
| The Grand | Guests prioritizing premium rooms, water park, and top tier dining concentration. | Visualize The Grand as its own inland village with multiple internal pool hubs. | Longer walks to the beach and between distant buildings, especially at night. |
| Beach Promenade | Scenic walks or jogs connecting all three sections away from shuttle traffic. | Follow the continuous paved seafront path when orienting yourself north to south. | Distance adds up quickly; shade is limited and midday heat can be intense. |
| Moon Spa & Golf Club | Golfers and spa users based in any section using dedicated shuttle connection. | Picture it inland across the main access road, separate from beachfront towers. | Requires shuttle time from all lobbies; walking route is impractical in heat. |
| Convention / Arena Zone | Conference attendees needing quick access between Sunrise rooms and meeting venues. | Map routes from Sunrise buildings to Arena and Universal Center before big events. | Event days increase shuttle demand and lobby crowding; allow extra transfer time. |
2025 Moon Palace Cancun Map + Printable PDF (Official 2023 Edition)
Operational details in the layout emphasize a stable three section spine running along the coast, with Sunrise north, Nizuc central, and The Grand set slightly inland to the south. A paved beachfront path and an inland shuttle road still link the lobbies, while the Moon Spa & Golf Club and MICE complex sit across the highway as distinct but fully integrated zones.
2025 Moon Palace Cancun Map (Most Up-To-Date) Guide
Use the map by first deciding which zone best matches your trip profile, then plotting how you will move along the north south axis. Active families often center plans on Sunrise, quieter stays on Nizuc, and premium water park or dining time inside The Grand. Overlay shuttle stops, walking paths, and the separate golf and convention nodes to gauge realistic daily travel.
What is the overall layout of Moon Palace Cancun and its main sections Sunrise, Nizuc, and The Grand?
Moon Palace runs north to south along the beach with Sunrise, central Nizuc, and inland Grand in a spine, plus a separate inland golf zone.
Moon Palace Cancun sits on a long coastal strip where buildings follow the shoreline and an inland service road. Sunrise anchors the north end near the main Arena and convention facilities. Nizuc sits in the middle as a calmer bridge between sections. The Grand occupies the southern end, pulled slightly inland so its buildings cluster around gardens and pools rather than the beach.
A continuous beachfront path links Sunrise, Nizuc, and the edge of The Grand for walkers and joggers. An inland road carries shuttle buses in a loop between all three lobbies and the Moon Spa & Golf Club. Across this road, the golf complex and spa form a fourth functional zone, separate from guest towers but fully tied into the transport network.
How do you travel between Sunrise, Nizuc, and The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun, and how long does it take?
Sections connect by 15 min shuttle loop, on demand carts, and 10 to 20 minute walks depending on segment and heat conditions.
The main connection is the internal shuttle bus loop, which runs Sunrise Lobby – Nizuc Lobby – The Grand Lobby – Golf Club. Buses target every 15 minutes from early morning until very late at night, but guests planning spa, golf, or dinner should allow 20 to 30 minutes in case of crowds or full vehicles at peak times.
Walking remains realistic for many guests. The Sunrise to Nizuc segment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes on a flat, paved path. Nizuc to The Grand lobby often runs 15 to 20 minutes, with some portions set back from the beach. Inside The Grand, lobby to far buildings can add another 10 to 15 minutes on foot, so staff golf carts are often used for that last stretch.
Where are the restaurants at Moon Palace Cancun located, grouped by cuisine type?
Restaurants cluster by section but map best by cuisine, with Mexican, Italian, Asian and steak venues spread across the three zones.
Use cuisine groups to locate venues, then refine by which section you prefer to stay in or visit.
- Mexican and Yucatecan: Bugambilias and Riviera Maya sit in Sunrise, Los Caporales is in Nizuc, and Casa Mia is in The Grand.
- Italian and pizza: Pepe’s Pizza and Trattoria are in Sunrise, while Tavola anchors Italian dining inside The Grand.
- Asian and Indian: Momo (Pan Asian) and Agra (Indian) are both in Sunrise, with Jade in The Grand for Asian fusion.
- Steak and Brazilian grill: Palapa Asadero is the Sunrise steakhouse, Arrecifes/Carvao serves Brazilian in Nizuc, and JC Steakhouse is in The Grand.
- Seafood and Latin: Pier 8, the main seafood venue, is in Sunrise, while Cusco’s Peruvian ceviche driven menu sits in The Grand.
- Buffets and family casual: El Manglar, La Burgeria, and kids friendly options cluster in Nizuc, while Circus and other large buffets sit within The Grand.
How do the layouts and amenities of Moon Palace Sunrise, Nizuc, and The Grand compare?
Sunrise is the noisy action hub, Nizuc a quieter central bridge, and The Grand an inland luxury village packed with pools, spa, and water park.
| Section | Layout on map | Key amenities mix | Typical vibe | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | North end, linear blocks close to beach and convention zone | Giant lagoon pool, FlowRider, Noir nightclub, quick beach access | Loud, social, event heavy | Groups, families with teens, conference guests |
| Nizuc | Center of property, between Sunrise and entrance to The Grand | Large main pool with slide, El Manglar buffet, kids club | Calmer, compact, easy to navigate | Couples, families with younger kids, walkers |
| The Grand | Southern inland complex, village style around gardens and canals | Nine pools, full water park, bowling, Unique Day Club, flagship Awe Spa | Upscale, dense amenities, self contained | Luxury seekers, families focused on water park, spa fans |
Sunrise and Nizuc share the same access tier, so guests can freely use each other’s pools and restaurants. The Grand sits as a premium enclave with one way access, where Grand guests can use everything in Sunrise and Nizuc, while standard section guests need a day pass to cross into The Grand.
What are the best jogging routes around the Moon Palace Cancun resort?
Best runs use the beachfront promenade for car free distance, with shorter loops on internal sidewalks and early laps near the golf zone.
The easiest way to plan runs is to think in two main axes, then add variations for distance and shade.
- Beachfront Promenade: Paved path along the ocean from south Grand to north Sunrise, about 2.5 to 3 km one way, ideal 5 to 6 km out and back.
- Sunrise to Nizuc Loop: Shorter, flat segment using beach path and nearby sidewalks, good for quick 15 to 20 minute runs.
- Nizuc to The Grand: Longer, mixed shade route that cuts slightly inland near The Grand entrance, better in early morning or evening.
- Golf Perimeter Area: Early morning only, light jogs near golf villas and perimeter paths before play starts, avoiding active cart paths.
- Mixed Section Intervals: Combine lobby to lobby stretches with walking recovery on shuttle sidewalks when heat or humidity spikes.
Where are the swimming pools and the water park located within Moon Palace The Grand?
The Grand’s pools sit around its central guest buildings, while the enclosed water park forms a separate zone away from the main pool spine.
Most water time at The Grand happens in two distinct map clusters, the central pool network and the self contained water park.
- Main Pool Complex: Sprawls in the middle of The Grand’s guest buildings, acting as the core social hub for families and daily activities.
- Unique Day Club Pool: Adults only pool zone within The Grand, mapped as part of the central pool network but screened from family traffic.
- Relaxation and Swim Up Pools: Smaller, quieter pools sit beside outlying buildings such as 89 and 93, often doubling as swim up suite canals.
- Adults Only Quiet Pool: A designated adults pool separate from Unique, usually marked near, but not inside, the busiest central hub.
- Water Park Zone: An enclosed area within The Grand, distinctly mapped apart from the main pools with lazy river, slides, wave pool, and splash zone.
Which routes and facilities at Moon Palace Cancun are wheelchair accessible?
All main lobbies, paved beach paths, key restaurants, some pools, and lift equipped shuttles support wheelchair access across sections.
Most core circulation is step free, but distances are long, so plan around the most accessible corridors.
- Beachfront Path: Continuous, paved, and generally flat between Sunrise, Nizuc, and The Grand, suitable for wheelchairs and scooters.
- Lobbies and Restaurants: Sunrise, Nizuc, and Grand lobbies, major buffets, and main a la carte venues have ramps and elevators.
- Pools and Spa: Select pools include ramps or hydraulic lifts, and Awe Spa facilities are designed with ramped access.
- Transport: Some shuttle buses carry hydraulic lifts; standard golf carts are not accessible, so request lift buses or use rented scooters.
What is the best route from Cancun Airport to Moon Palace Cancun, shown on a map?
From CUN, follow Highway 307 south toward Playa del Carmen, then use the signed Moon Palace retorno overpass to reach the oceanside entrance.
Vehicles leave Cancun Airport and join Federal Highway 307 heading south, in the direction of Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. Moon Palace appears as the first major resort complex on the left, ocean side of the highway, about 10 to 12 km away, usually a 10 to 15 minute drive in normal traffic. Drivers cannot turn left directly, so they continue to the clearly signed retorno overpass, cross, then double back to the Moon Palace security gate and follow the long internal driveway to the correct lobby.
How does Moon Palace Cancun’s property size compare with Hotel Xcaret Arte?
Moon Palace spreads over about 123 acres and feels vast, while Xcaret Arte is more compact, denser, and easier to cross on foot.
| Feature | Moon Palace Cancun | Hotel Xcaret Arte |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate footprint | Around 123 acres of coastal land | Smaller, denser hotel footprint within larger Xcaret complex |
| Layout feel | Long, linear, resort plus separate golf and arena zones | Stacked and compact, woven into rivers, inlets, and jungle |
| Movement | Often depends on shuttles and long walks between hubs | Mostly walkable, shorter internal distances between areas |
| Orientation | Strong separation between beach, rooms, golf, and MICE | Hotel, coves, and activity areas sit tightly integrated |
| Best suited for | Guests fine with distance for big resort amenities | Guests wanting variety with minimal daily walking time |
Where is the Awe Spa located within Moon Palace Cancun?
Awe Spa sits in each main lobby area, with full service spas at Sunrise and Nizuc and the largest flagship complex inside The Grand.
Awe Spa is organized as three main facilities that align directly with the resort’s lobby map. Awe Spa Sunrise sits in the Sunrise lobby zone, so guests staying in nearby buildings reach it by a short indoor walk from that hub. Awe Spa Nizuc is similarly positioned off the Nizuc lobby, often giving slightly calmer traffic than Sunrise or The Grand.
The flagship Awe Spa Grand is mapped inside The Grand complex near its main lobby and central circulation paths. This spa is significantly larger, with double level hydrotherapy circuits and specialty treatment rooms, so Grand guests can treat it as their primary wellness hub while still having the option to visit Sunrise or Nizuc for treatments if schedules line up better.
How can families with kids best navigate Moon Palace Cancun and find kid-friendly areas?
Families should anchor plans around The Grand water park and Playroom hubs, use strollers, and rely on shuttles to bridge long section gaps.
Families get the most from the map by tying movement to kids clubs, pools, and shuttle stops.
- Base choice: Pick Sunrise for FlowRider and loud activity, or The Grand if the water park is the primary focus for children.
- Playroom hubs: Use Sunrise, Nizuc, and especially Grand Playroom as navigation anchors for daytime activity blocks.
- Strollers: Bring or rent a stroller for any child under five, since walks between lobbies, rooms, and restaurants are long.
- Teens: Mark the Wired Lounge and FlowRider on your mental map as key check in points for older kids.
- Transfers: For wet, tired children, plan shuttle or cart rides between sections instead of walking in heat.
What is the layout of the 27-hole golf course at Moon Palace Cancun?
The 27 hole Jack Nicklaus layout sits inland across the road, split into Dunes, Jungle, and Lakes nines that combine into three 18s.
Moon Spa & Golf Club lies across the main access road from the beachfront sections, functioning as its own inland golf zone linked by a dedicated shuttle. The course is organized as three distinct 9 hole tracks, all starting and finishing near the central clubhouse where check in, pro shop, and snack facilities sit.
The Dunes nine runs across more open, exposed ground and uses water and bunkering heavily, so it usually plays as the toughest segment. The Jungle nine threads through mangroves and native vegetation, with narrower corridors and more wildlife sightings. The Lakes nine leans hardest on wetlands and ponds to defend fairways and greens. Staff pair the nines into three 18 hole combinations: Dunes/Jungle, Jungle/Lakes, and Lakes/Dunes.
Which areas of Moon Palace The Grand are the quietest for relaxation?
For quiet at The Grand, target remote buildings 89 or 93, adults only pool zones, the Awe Spa, and small relaxation pools.
Quiet time at The Grand comes from staying slightly away from the main pool and water park spine.
- Remote buildings 89 and 93: These sit on the outer edges of the map, far from the water park, with noticeably lower foot traffic and noise.
- Relaxation and swim up pools: Small pools beside outlying buildings often stay calm and are used mainly by nearby rooms.
- Adults only pool: Mark the designated adults pool separate from Unique for a more subdued, read by the lounger atmosphere.
- Awe Spa Grand: Thermal areas and relaxation lounges are the most controlled, consistently quiet environment on the property.
What is the layout of the convention center at Moon Palace Cancun?
The convention complex clusters near Sunrise with Moon Palace Arena, the two level Universal Center, and Galactic Ballroom linked by foyers.
The MICE zone sits by Sunrise, with dedicated drives and lobbies that separate group traffic from regular check in. Moon Palace Arena forms a huge single volume hall, positioned as the main plenary and concert box. The nearby Universal Center stacks two levels of breakout rooms around a central foyer, with the divisible Universal Ballroom upstairs. The Galactic Ballroom complex sits closest to the Sunrise lobby, with ballrooms and breakout rooms arranged in a connected cluster for medium sized events.
Archive Moon Palace Cancun Maps
Below are all official map versions released for Moon Palace Cancun between 2023 and 2019.
2023 Moon Palace Cancun Map
2019 Moon Palace Cancun Map
