Originally Posted by
WaterBottle18
Hey all,
Looks like Secrets Impression Moxche now has tons of points availability for standard rooms throughout the next year, yay!
I've been heavily debating SIM vs. Ziva Cancun for a January 2024 trip. I understand that they're in very different areas and geared towards different travelers, so here are some of my initial thoughts:
- SIM is a fantastic redemption, and I fully expect the points cost to go up from the current 21k-29k range, which is why I feel like I should book it now before it goes up.
- I've never been to the Cancun area, or a Mexican All-Inclusive resort, and I feel like Ziva Cancun would be a great introduction to AIs.
- I have a SUA to use, and it looks like SIM's SUAs don't really get you much, whereas I can get an ocean front corner suite at Ziva Cancun.
- I will be traveling with my partner, we're both in our early 30s.
- SIM sounds like it's more geared towards a romantic, low-key couples vacation, whereas Ziva Cancun is much larger and has more entertainment options. Honestly, both sound appealing to me, so I think I'd be happy with either one.
I'm really mainly leaning towards Ziva Cancun because of its proximity to the airport, to a larger city (I might want to venture off and try some restaurants/go shopping in town), and because it's my first AI. The main pull for SIM is that it's a fantastic points redemption right now and I would love to try it eventually, but I'm worried that the points price will skyrocket to something like the other Secrets Impression property within the next year.
What're your thoughts/opinions on the two choices?
Thanks!
We stayed at Ziva Cancun the last week of December 2021 (sans the kid). We have an upcoming stay at SIM. I think you have some valid reasons for being interested in Ziva, but in your shoes I'd probably still choose to book SIM while it's available at this rate. Like others here, I assume that SIM will eventually get moved to a higher category while Ziva will remain at the current pricing and you can always try it on a future trip.
- Yes, the proximity of Ziva to the airport IS nice - PDC is a bit of a haul.
- Ziva has a much, much, much better beach and better ocean swimming - no question. If beach is important to you, SIM is not the right place - it's all about the pools and the beach is pretty cruddy.
- There are certainly opportunities from Ziva to have fun in Cancun if that's your scene. However, should you wish to venture off property, many folks prefer PDC to Cancun.
- If your SUA gets you the suite at Ziva, the extra half bath at Ziva is fantastic for privacy - that's hard to argue. We were just in a basic room at Ziva, but hardly spent any waking time in the room. Base rooms at SIM look awfully nice to me.
- Not that you mentioned food as important, but the reports on food at SIM seem to be that it's about the best folks have seen at an AI. Food at Ziva varies from fine (most restaurants) to a few quite good and memorable dishes at two restaurants.
- For me, however, the biggest reason I'd suggest SIM over Ziva is that Ziva isn't adult only. Most of the activities and entertainment were kid-focused. Granted we were there over school holidays, so the place was swarming with kids, but regardless, from what I read, the entertainment still skews kiddie the rest of the year too. Even if you pay to upgrade to the Turquoize Tower (AO), that gets you a kid-free pool (little shade, if that matters) with much better drinks. I don't believe your SUA gets you a room in the TT, but I could be wrong. Either way, the rest of the resort is still a family resort. At SIM all activities and entertainment are obviously 100% adult focused, and while SIM is quieter/romantic, most nightlife is shared with Moxche including the theater shows and (reportedly bumping) nightclub. And there are daytime activities on both sides, but if you are joiners you'll probably have fun at the main activity pool at Moxche.
For us it's a no-brainer - we'll get the SIM adult-only experience with Impressions pampering like lunch brought to your bali bed, free laundry, better food and drink, and enjoy the activities and extending dining options at Moxche.
But I'm sure you'll have fun with either option!