Moon Palace Cancun vs Jamaica: The Ultimate Comparison
When we first booked Moon Palace Cancun, we were drawn in by the sheer size and promise of endless amenities. A year later, curiosity (and a great flight deal) took us to Moon Palace Jamaica. After staying at both – more than once, with both kids and as a couple – we realized they offer completely different vacation vibes.
If you’re stuck trying to decide between these all-inclusive resorts, we’ve been there. Maybe you’re planning a family trip or you’re wondering which resort your teens will enjoy. Or maybe you’re looking for something low-key and romantic, but still want activities nearby just in case.
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This guide breaks down what we personally loved – and didn’t – about both resorts, from food and pools to beaches, vibes, and what surprised us most. By the end, you’ll know which Moon Palace is the better fit for your next trip.
And if you’re just here for the bottom line?
✓ Book Moon Palace Cancun if you want variety, luxury, and tons of entertainment and restaurant options for everyone.
✓ Book Moon Palace The Grand Cancun if you want to splurge and have exclusive access to an additional, adjacent Cancun property with additional activities and restaurants, including a full-size waterpark.
✓ Book Moon Palace Jamaica if you’re craving a relaxed, intimate resort with swimmable beaches and true Caribbean charm.
Let’s dive in – because one of these will feel like it was made for you.
1. Who Each Resort Is Best For Based On Our Experiences
After multiple visits to both resorts as a family and as a couple we’ve figured out who each resort really caters to. This breakdown is based on what actually worked (and didn’t) for our vacations.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ Perfect if you want lots of activity, entertainment, and food options and variety for everyone.
When we stayed here we loved how much there was to do. From endless restaurants to the impressive pools, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, and surf simulators, the choices are endless. And, if you upgrade to The Grand, you have even more options including a massive water park.
When travelling with teens, they could head to the arcade or grab snacks on their own, and we could sneak off for a quiet drink or hit the spa. It’s a sprawling resort, which means more to explore – but it also means more walking or shuttling around.
Great for: Families with teens who like independence, couples who want both romance and activity, travelers who like choices.
Good to know: There’s minimal adults-only space in the main resort. For that experience, book your stay at Moon Palace The Grand Cancun.
☞ Experience luxury pools, endless dining, and vibrant entertainment – check availability at Moon Palace Cancun now.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ Ideal if you want a smaller, easygoing resort that still keeps kids and teens happy.
Jamaica was a totally different pace – and we loved that. The compact layout meant everything was a short walk away, which gave our teens freedom to explore on their own.
They made use of the Wired Lounge, joined activities led by the staff, and had their own low-key routines by day two. Meanwhile, we lounged beachside with drinks in hand. It doesn’t have the scale or restaurant count of Cancun, but it nails the vibe.
Great for: Families including those with older kids or teens, laid-back travelers, couples who want ease over extravagance.
Good to know: It’s more chill than flashy. Fewer dining options and limited adults-only spaces – but that also means fewer decisions and more downtime.
☞ Looking for a walkable, intimate resort with genuine Jamaican vibes? Reserve your stay at Moon Palace Jamaica.
2. Location & Travel Logistics
We’ve flown into both resorts multiple times, and the arrival experience alone sets a very different tone for each trip.
Whether you’re the type who wants to be sipping a margarita within 30 minutes of landing – or you’re up for a scenic journey through a new country – this section will help you decide what kind of travel day you’re signing up for.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ Quick, convenient, and a short drive to the resort.
From the moment we landed in Cancun, everything moved quickly and smoothly. The resort is just a 20-minute drive from the airport, and within an hour we were sitting poolside with a drink. We also like that it is away from the busy and touristy Hotel Zone. The location is more peaceful, secluded, and very safe.
If you’re traveling with teens (or impatient adults), this quick transfer is a big win. We’ve also appreciated being close enough to explore other Palace resorts in the area using the free day passes available through the app.
Good to know: Transfers aren’t always included, so factor that into your planning. We’ve used both hotel shuttles and private transfers – both were easy.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ 1.5 to 2 hour drive through the Jamaican countryside.
Landing in Montego Bay means about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving to reach the resort in Ocho Rios. We were skeptical the first time – but honestly, the drive surprised us. It felt like a mini road trip through lush countryside. It was really interesting to see parts of the countryside and local life. We even drove by where Usain Bold went to school!
Our shuttle also stopped on the way to the resort for a snack and to pick up some authentic Jerk chicken – it was delicious and a great way to start our Jamaican vacation.
Good to know: Shared transfers are included in your booking, which simplifies logistics. And once you arrive, you’re in the heart of authentic Jamaica.
✓ The Bottom Line: Choose Cancun if your priority is maximizing vacation time and minimizing hassle on travel day. It’s quick, comfortable, and ideal for families who want to get into relaxation mode fast.
3. Beach Quality
This was one of the biggest differences we noticed between the two resorts – and one of the most important, depending on how you like to spend your beach days. We’ve lounged, paddled, and strolled at both properties, and here’s what stood out.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ A calm, clear, swimmable beach that feels like a natural pool.
This beach surprised us in the best way. It’s set in a protected cove, which means zero waves and warm, clear water. It felt like a giant saltwater pool – and we ended up spending way more time in the ocean here than we expected. Our teens loved snorkelling, and we loved sitting at the beach enjoying the view.
Travel Tip: It’s a smaller beach overall, so snagging loungers early is key during peak times. You can walk along the beach outside of the hotel, but it’s not as long as Cancun.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ Spacious, calm, and perfect for long beach walks or runs. Not as ideal for swimming due to seasonal seaweed.
This beach looks beautiful, with wide stretches of soft sand, plenty of loungers, and those iconic beach hammocks. We loved watching the sunrise here and taking long walks early in the morning. There are also lots of loungers on the beach – we never had difficulty finding the perfect spot – and the ocean views were breathtaking.
But be prepared, the seaweed (sargassum) can be a real factor here depending on the season. The resort manages it incredibly well, but it does impact water clarity and swimmability.
Travel Tip: The seaweed is seasonal and often unpredictable, but daily resort cleanup crews work hard to keep it under control – and they do an impressive job!
The Bottom Line:
✓ Choose Jamaica if you want calm, swimmable water for relaxing with sunset views. Especially great for anyone who prefers a serene, float-friendly beach experience.
✓ Choose Cancun if you love long beach walks, sunrises, and having plenty of space to stretch out – even if swimming takes a back seat.
☞ Whether you’re planning family fun or a romantic escape, find your perfect room and start planning your Moon Palace Cancun or Jamaica vacation today.
4. Food & Drink Experience
We’re a food-loving family, and honestly – this was one of the biggest differentiators for us. Both resorts serve quality meals, but the experience is wildly different.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ Endless food, bar and snack options, creative menus, and specialty restaurants.
With over 25 restaurants across three properties, Cancun is made for foodies. We tried everything from Indian to Lebanese to Tapinyakki. Restaurants also cater to young kids with children’s menus and themed restaurants with kids in mind. Each meal we had was unique and different.
We also found the room service to be ideal for relaxed morning coffees and late-night teen snack runs.
Travel Tip: Pre-booking dinners through the app once you arrive can help you make the most of the variety – especially for specialty dining.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ Fewer restaurants, but consistent quality – and the Jerk Hut is unforgettable.
Jamaica offers five main dining options, and while the selection is smaller, we were impressed with the consistency. The standout for us? The beachside Jerk Hut – simple, spicy, and totally addictive.
Unlike Cancun, room service in Jamaica was underwhelming; we stuck to the basics like fruit and coffee.
Travel Tip: Make the Jerk Hut a daily ritual. You’ll miss it when you leave. Save the room service for coffee, fruit, and pastries in the morning.
The Bottom Line:
✓ Choose Cancun if dining variety and quality are top priorities – especially if you enjoy exploring new flavours.
✓ Choose Jamaica if you’re content with fewer options and value Jamaican authenticity over quantity.
5. Activities and Things to Do
Both resorts cater to families, but how they approach entertainment is very different.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ Big, bold, and packed with entertainment.
Our teens were in heaven here. Think basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, mini-golf, Wired Lounge arcades, water sports, an entire water park at The Grand, and non-stop resort-organized activities. Boredom is just not an option!
Whether it was using the free bikes, playing mini-golf, participating in games at contests at the pool and beach, or even going bowling, there was always something to do. In fact, we barely saw the kids! It’s definitely a more high-energy vibe.
For younger children, we were equally impressed with the kids club and the babysitting services. A toddler splash pad, slow entry pools, and a waterslide at the Nizuc pool were ideal for those traveling with younger children.
Travel Tip: The resort’s large water park is limited to guests of The Grand Cancun. If these are important to you, book accordingly.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ Smaller footprint, but still delivers for kids and teens.
Despite the compact size, our teens had plenty to enjoy – from the game room and pool competitions to kayaking and paddleboarding. They loved the independence and quickly found “their spots” around the resort. It’s more low-key, but never felt boring.
Travel Tip: The dolphin experience is fun to watch even if you don’t book it.
One of the biggest attractions for us is the Spa at both these resorts. With hydrotherapy pools and a range of spa treatments, Moon Palace has some of the best spa experiences we have had at an all-inclusive resort.
The Bottom Line:
✓ Choose Cancun if your family craves stimulation and nonstop things to do.
✓ Choose Jamaica if your family prefers laid-back independence and socializing in a smaller space.
6. Pools & Water Activities
Both resorts shine here, but for totally different reasons. It comes down to whether you want variety – or simplicity.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ Every pool has its own vibe – and The Grand is a water park paradise.
With 11+ pools and a massive water park, Cancun gave us a new experience every day. We’d bounce from competitive games at Sunrise to chill live music at Nizuc. The lazy river and wave pool at The Grand were family favourites.
Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to check out different pools or pool nooks – each has a different vibe and features, with great snacks, bars, and restaurants attached.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ Smaller scale, easier to enjoy without crowds.
Four pools might sound limited, but it never felt that way. Our teens loved the activity pool, and we appreciated the quiet zones for actual relaxation. No hunting for chairs or waiting your turn – it was just easy.
Travel Tip: The surf simulator was less busy than Cancun’s – so our kids got lots of turns.
The Bottom Line:
✓ Choose Cancun if you want pool variety, entertainment at the pool, and the potential of a full-size water park.
✓ Choose Jamaica for a laid-back pool vibe with fewer crowds and more downtime.
7. Entertainment & Nightlife
Whether you want big shows or intimate performances, both resorts offer nightly options – but the scale is completely different.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ Something happening every night – across three properties.
From fire shows to sports bars to Michael Jackson, there’s no shortage of entertainment here. We loved the Library Bar for adult-only cocktails, while our teens hit up the massive arcade. The resort app is essential to keep track of everything.
With so many choices, we have learned to review the app when we first arrive and then build an itinerary of must-do events and activities in order to navigate all the options.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the themed activities – we stumbled on an evening of Mexican wrestling that ended up being a trip highlight.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ Smaller scale, more personal and easy to find.
Evening shows here are fun, casual, and easy to enjoy. For evening entertainment options, there is one primary stage with various musicians and entertainers. Our teens went to the show every night, and we often joined for a drink and a laugh. It was all within a few minutes’ walk from our room.
Daytime activities were easy to see and find in Jamaica. For example, we stumbled upon a beach volleyball game in action and were quickly invited to join in. Our kids loved the activity staff and knew them all by name by the end of the trip. In fact, they shared the staff were one of the best parts of Jamaica vs Cancun.
Travel Tip: The piano bar is a great adults-only hideaway when you want a quiet drink.
The Bottom Line:
✓ Choose Cancun if you want a lively nightlife scene with tons of options for adults, kids, and teens.
✓ Choose Jamaica if you prefer cozy, easy-to-access entertainment that you can enjoy together as a family.
8. Rooms & Accommodations
Both resorts offer comfort, but Cancun comes out ahead if you’re after luxury and customization.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ Many room types, more features, various price points.
We have stayed in several room types from an oceanfront room at Nizuc to a Presidential Suite at The Grand. All the rooms are comfortable, have balconies, and include fully stocked fridges, snack drawers, and even liquor dispensers.
All the rooms in Cancun are in three or four story buildings making it easy to access your room without waiting for an elevator. When we stayed in the honeymoon suite, our balcony was surrounded by vegetation. We loved the privacy and ambiance that this created during our stay.
Budget Tip: There are a range of prices here, so if you want to visit this luxury resort, but want a more affordable stay, choose a garden view room. You’ll have access to everything the hotel has to offer, but you’ll save money on the room type.
☞ Popular rooms types and dates fill fast – secure your stay at Moon Palace Cancun now and start counting down to your trip.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ Comfortable, family-friendly, and convenient.
We booked the Family Deluxe (two adjoining rooms) and it was perfect for giving teens space. The Presidential Suite here was nice too, but unless you’re using member perks, the Family Deluxe felt like the better value overall.
There are fewer room choices here as there are essentially two hotel-style buildings on site. This can sometimes mean you have to wait for an elevator to your room. We didn’t experience an issue, but other guests have complained about elevator wait times.
Travel Tip: Rooms are a bit simpler than Cancun with smaller balconies – but still comfortable and well-equipped.
The Bottom Line:
✓ Choose Cancun for luxury extras, a broader range of room types, and large balconies.
✓ Choose Jamaica for a great family setup and convenient access to all the hotel amenities.
☞ Ready to book? Lock in your Moon Palace Jamaica vacation before rates increase and start planning your perfect beach escape.
9. Excursions & Off-Resort Activities
Interested in leaving the resort and experiencing more of what each country has to offer? This really comes down to what kind of explorer you are – both resorts offer great options, but the vibe is different.
Moon Palace Cancun
⭐️ History, adventure, and big-name bucket list spots.
While we mostly stayed on property, Cancun has epic day trips: Chichén Itzá, cenotes, and catamaran cruises to Isla Mujeres, just to name a few. If you’re into culture or nature, there’s something for you.
Travel Tip: Book your excursions early – the best ones sell out fast. You can work with the vacation planners on site, but you also have the option to book tours on your own, which can save you some money as the resorts charge a premium.
Moon Palace Jamaica
⭐️ Closer excursions, richer local flavour.
We loved how easy it was to reach local attractions like Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole. You can also explore local markets or just enjoy the scenic drive to the resort itself.
Travel Tip: Resort credits can cover some tours, but double check for extra fees.
The Bottom Line:
✓ Choose Cancun if you want epic, adventurous day trips and cultural sites.
✓ Choose Jamaica for easier, nature-rich outings that are close by and feel authentically local.
Final Verdict: Which Moon Palace Wins?
While both resorts are managed by the same brand, they’re far from identical. One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is expecting the same experience in two different places.
But Moon Palace Cancun and Moon Palace Jamaica are in different countries, with different cultures, layouts, and atmospheres – and that’s what makes them both special.
We’ve stayed at both and loved each for different reasons.
If the price is similar and you plan to stay mostly on-site, Moon Palace Cancun offers more room types, pools, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a mega-resort experience with something new to discover with every stay.
✓ Decided on your perfect Moon Palace? Reserve your stay now and get ready for an unforgettable vacation.
☞ Book Moon Palace Cancun if you want tons of amenities, variety, and diverse options for dining, swimming, and entertainment.
☞ Book Moon Palace The Grand Cancun if you want unlimited access to all three Cancun properties (Cancun + the Grand) with endless restaurants, activities and room choices.
☞ Book Moon Palace Jamaica if you’re craving a more intimate, walkable resort with genuine Caribbean charm and a relaxed, friendly vibe and a swimmable beach.
Either way, you’re in for a fantastic all-inclusive vacation – you just need to decide what kind of experience you’re craving this time.
More Moon Palace Resort Information
Interested to learn more about Moon Palace Resorts around the world? Here are some related articles:
- The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun: An Honest Review
- Nizuc vs Sunrise: A Review of Moon Palace Cancun
- Our Family Review of Moon Palace Jamaica
- Moon Palace vs Beach Palace: Which One is Right For You?
- Moon Palace Cancun Water Park: Is It Worth the Hype?
- Moon Palace Cancun with Kids: Your Family Vacation Guide
- A List of the Best Things to Do at Moon Palace Cancun
- Guide to the Best Restaurants at Moon Palace Cancun
