by Angela V Nestled along the pristine shores of Costa Mujeres, just north of Cancún, Mexico, the Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres All Suites & Spa offers a luxurious all-inclusive experience that caters to families, couples, and solo travellers. Opened in 2020, this five-star resort seamlessly blends contemporary design with elements inspired by Mayan heritage, creating a modern and culturally rich ambiance.
Here’s our review of Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres from our recent stay for my 40th birthday celebration. To clarify, this was not a complimentary stay—we paid for everything in full, and this review is entirely unbiased based on our personal experience. We travelled as a group of four—my husband, myself, and our 11 and 14-year-old boys.
A Gorgeous & Modern Resort in a Secluded Paradise
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres is a beautiful new resort. The modern design and tropical landscaping made it feel like we were in a luxurious, tropical paradise. The resort was immaculately clean, with sleek architecture, open spaces, and attention to every little detail. The customer service was another standout—every staff member we interacted with was friendly, accommodating, and genuinely went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic time.
One of the best parts about the location was the beautiful beach. It had gorgeous sand and clear water, and because the beach was secluded, it felt incredibly private. The resort wasn’t super packed, even during spring break, which made the entire experience more relaxing and enjoyable. There was always plenty of room to enjoy the beach, the pools, or the restaurants without feeling crowded—perfect for a laid-back vacation.
The resort was the perfect size—small enough that it was convenient to get around without walking long distances. Whether it was heading to the beach, the rooms, or the restaurants, everything was within easy reach. Plus, they had a few shops on-site that carried all the essentials, from toiletry items to clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, making it even easier to enjoy our stay without venturing off the property.
The Room: Spacious & Family-Friendly
We booked a Family Suite Superior for our stay, which was perfect for our group of four. The room featured two comfortable beds and a separate sitting area with a sofa bed. There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and a balcony to enjoy the view. However, the bathroom design was a bit of an issue. The toilet and shower areas were separated, but the actual bathroom wasn’t enclosed and was open to the bedroom and sitting area. This lack of privacy in the bathroom setup may be something to consider if you’re travelling with family or friends.
The Buffet: Just Amazing
One of the things we all loved the most was the food. My two kids, who can be picky eaters, were just as impressed as my husband and I with the options at the buffet. Every day, there was something different and delicious, from fresh seafood to made-to-order omelets, grilled meats, and authentic Mexican dishes. The dessert station was a hit with the kids—they couldn’t get enough of the sweet treats, and there was always something new to try. The quality of the food was exceptionally high, and we appreciated how fresh everything tasted. The variety kept everyone happy, and we all looked forward to our meals each day.
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Variety of Choices: Whether it was fresh fruit, grilled meats, vegetables, seafood, delicious desserts, fresh juices, or authentic Mexican dishes, there was always something to satisfy everyone.
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Healthy Options: We loved the healthy options—plenty of fresh veggies, lean proteins, and smoothies. The dessert station was tempting, but it was great that there were also so many nutritious choices.
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No Stomach Issues: A major plus was that we had zero stomach issues, which can sometimes happen when you are eating new/different foods on vacation. Everything was well-maintained, fresh, and safely prepared.
The buffet also had cool robots moving dirty dishes to the kitchen; the kids loved that!
One of the things we all loved the most was the food. My two kids, who can be picky eaters, were just as impressed as my husband and I with the options at the buffet. Every day, there was something different and delicious, from fresh seafood to made-to-order omelets, grilled meats, and authentic Mexican dishes. The dessert station was a hit with the kids—they couldn’t get enough of the sweet treats, and there was always something new to try. The quality of the food was exceptionally high, and we appreciated how fresh everything tasted. The variety kept everyone happy, and we all looked forward to our meals each day.
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Variety of Choices: Whether it was fresh fruit, grilled meats, vegetables, seafood, delicious desserts, fresh juices, or authentic Mexican dishes, there was always something to satisfy everyone.
-
Healthy Options: We loved the healthy options—plenty of fresh veggies, lean proteins, and smoothies. The dessert station was tempting, but it was great that there were also so many nutritious choices.
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No Stomach Issues: A major plus was that we had zero stomach issues, which can sometimes happen at buffets in Mexico. Everything was well-maintained, fresh, and safely prepared.
The buffet also had cool robots moving dirty dishes to the kitchen; the kids loved that!
While it was a bit tricky to make reservations for the à la carte restaurants (they filled up quickly, and the online booking system was frustrating), the buffet was so good that we didn’t mind sticking with it most days.
This video shows some of the meal options available at the buffet:
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The Beach: Secluded & Perfect for Swimming
One of the absolute highlights of the resort was the secluded beach. There were no vendors, so it felt incredibly relaxing and peaceful. The water was clear, calm, and perfect for swimming. We spent hours splashing around and floating in the gentle waves. The sand was soft, and plenty of lounge chairs were available, so it was easy to set up and enjoy the beach for hours. There was also not a lot of seaweed. We noticed some other resorts were getting hit with a lot of seaweed, turning the water dark, not at Catalonia.
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The Teen Club: Fun for Older Kids
The teen club was a great addition for families. It was a huge room filled with ping pong, table soccer, table hockey, a big-screen TV with video games, and board games. It was the perfect spot for older kids to hang out and have fun, while parents got a little alone time. They had a great kid’s club as well but we didn’t use it because it was for younger children.
A Day Tour to Chichen Itza
One of the highlights of our trip was our day tour to Chichen Itza—it’s genuinely a must-do if you’re in the area! We were picked up directly from the resort and started our day by touring a nearby city, which gave us a deeper connection to the local culture, we then visited a cenote. Swimming in the cool, crystal-clear waters surrounded by nature is a must-experience.
Afterward, we made our way to Chichen Itza, and it was incredible to explore one of the seven wonders of the world. Walking through the ancient ruins and learning about the Maya civilization was awe-inspiring. If you’re visiting the Yucatán Peninsula, I highly recommend making this trip—it’s well worth the time and an experience you’ll never forget!
The Coffee Shop: A Hidden Gem
One of the standout spots at Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres was the coffee shop, a perfect place to relax and recharge. It offered a fantastic selection of high-quality pastries, lattes, teas, chai tea, and specialty coffee, making it an ideal stop for a mid-day treat. Whether craving a smooth cappuccino or a sweet pastry, everything was made with great attention to quality. It quickly became a favourite spot to sit back and enjoy a peaceful moment after lunch for us. A great spot to hide from the sun for a few hours.
The Gym
For those who like to stay active on vacation, the gym at the resort was a great surprise. It always had empty machines when I went, which gave me plenty of space to work out. The equipment was modern and new, from cardio machines to free weights and strength-training options. It was a great way to balance out all the delicious food and drinks. Plus it had a view of the beach!
A Few Things to Consider
While our stay was fantastic, there were a few minor cons worth mentioning:
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Bathroom Privacy: As mentioned earlier, the bathroom design in the Family Suite didn’t offer much privacy. It was open to the bedroom and sitting area, which might not work well for larger families or groups travelling together.
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Limited Ocean Views: Most of the rooms (including ours) had a side view rather than a direct oceanfront view. While this wasn’t a huge deal since we spent most of our time outside, it’s something to consider if having an ocean view is important to you.
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Restaurant Reservations: It was a bit challenging to make reservations at the à la carte restaurants because they booked up quickly, and the online booking system wasn’t the easiest to navigate. However, the buffet was so great that it wasn’t a huge issue for us.
Overall, Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres was the perfect place to celebrate my 40th birthday. From the beautiful, modern design to the excellent food, fantastic customer service, and the secluded beach, it was a trip to remember. If you’re looking for a relaxing, family-friendly resort with a mix of luxury and fun, this place is worth considering!
If you’re thinking about booking a getaway to Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres or looking for the perfect resort for your next vacation, I’d love to help! As a travel advisor, I can help you find the ideal resort that matches your needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family vacation or an adults-only retreat, I can suggest resorts that fit your style. Get in touch with me, and let me help you plan your dream vacation—I’ll make sure you find the best spots for your next trip!
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4 Comments on “Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres: Family-Friendly Review”
It looks like a lovely resort.
oh woooow! that resort looks breath taking. i love the arched restaurant with the grass growing on top. so unique
Looks like an awesome vacation destination!
What a wonderful way to spend your 40th! Great memories!