FYI:  Estudio guests can no longer gain access to Atelier for free.

The family-friendly Estudio Playa Mujeres is the sister resort to the adults-only Atelier Playa Mujeres; both are located in the exclusive Playa Mujeres area north of downtown Cancun.  Atelier and Estudio are adjacent to one another with easy access to the Greg Norman Playa Mujeres Golf Club, one of the top-rated golf courses in Mexico (many rooms in both resorts have views of the course).  Adults staying at either resort have previously benefited from exchange privileges; however, a temporary suspension of Estudio adult guests being able to access Atelier is currently in effect (I will check on this when I arrive at Atelier in August).  This occurred due to an Estudio hotel promotion which resulted in a price point several thousand dollars below Atelier’s; the policy was temporarily put in place to address “fairness” to higher paying guests at Atelier.

Estudio is on a smaller scale than Atelier with only 162 guest suites (Atelier has 430).  Since the resort is family-friendly, it offers a small water park, Doodle Land (the Kid’s Club) with an emphasis on art and creativity.  Kids have the opportunity to cook simple dishes, learn about robotics and art techniques, and also study the stars and planets in the resort’s small planetarium.  The website has also been known to offer a Kid’s Stay Free promo (under the age of 6).  In addition to the children’s offerings, the resort has one main pool with a large waterfall, one buffet restaurant, two dinner a la carte restaurants, one a la carte luncheon/late afternoon restaurant, a poolside luncheon/late afternoon a la carte offering snacks and “lite bites”, a coffee shop, and three bars including a swim-up bar.  Guests also have access to the spa, gym, and tennis courts.

The beach at this resort is very good and certainly a swimmable area, but the ocean here often lacks the brilliant turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.  There are loungers and day beds all along the beach encompassing both resorts.

Estudio offers nine+ suite categories including Family Suites with 1,550 sq. feet of interior space (a king bed for the adults and bunk beds for the kids).  If you have kids and you want a swim-up at Estudio, they have to be age 12 and older.  For those who want the great rooftop suites that Atelier offers, check out the Rooftop Suite at Estudio.  It has 807 sq. feet of interior space and 753 sq. feet of private rooftop space.  It has a king bed and double sofa bed, while the rooftop area includes a plunge pool (it’s more like a square-shaped Jacuzzi), shower, half bath, two full loungers, and what they call a “pergola bed” which is just a huge day bed with shade.

Vacationers traveling with a baby will want to check out the Inspira Baby Suite.  It has a fixed crib (good for infants/toddlers up to two years of age), and guests can request a baby bottle warmer and sterilizer.  Inspira suites are an upgrade and only include specific suite types with the following amenities at this resort:

• Dine Around Pass Plus–good for ages 16+ to access all restaurants and bars at both resorts
• Hand massage at check-in (Live Aqua does this and it’s very relaxing)
• Access to private lounge with snacks and top-shelf liquors
• Possibility of early check-in
• Bathrobes and amenities for kids
• In-suite Nespresso coffee maker
• Complimentary calls to Mexico, US, and Canada
• Table on Demand–access to a tablet if one is available
• Gourmet To Go–going on an early excursion?  Put in your “bag lunch” order and take it along if you are on the go
• Private beach section
• Beach concierge with sunblock menu

Here’s a video of the Rooftop Suite at Estudio; the beginning and the end of the video shows some of the resort’s amenities.  What do you think?  Would you stay here?