Untamed jungles, towering trees and rugged terrain. A world frozen in time, a real-life Jurassic Park Golf all around us.
In January, a restorative family escape from Montréal’s snowy scenery brought us to Cancun, Mexico, the gateway to the Riviera Maya. Known for its dreamy white sand beaches, laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, it’s also home to golf courses that beckon tourist players from around the world.
As first-time visitors to this part of Mexico, we booked three twilight rounds–our favourite time to play ($).
Blending natural beauty and top clubhouse design, El Tinto Golf Course at Cancun Country Club was the first to ignite our sense of adventure. And just a short drive away, Iberostar Cancun Golf Club and Moon Palace Golf Club offer their own lush fairways, where dense foliage, serene lakes and dramatic vistas create backdrops that feel as if ancient creatures could emerge at any moment.
Cancun Country Club (El Tinto)
Cancun Country Club, home to the renowned El Tinto Golf Course, is a luxury golf and residential development just outside Cancun. It’s a stunning course designed by Norman Design, led by the legend Greg Norman himself. El Tinto’s modern clubhouse stands as a striking example of architectural innovation, seamlessly blending contemporary design and the natural beauty of its surroundings. The sleek minimalist structure features clean lines, large glass windows and open spaces that invite natural light to create a sense of airiness and connection to the outdoors. With over 80 strategically placed bunkers and five lakes in play, El Tinto was as challenging as it was rewarding. The layout offers a tough but fair test, with several holes that demand precision and strategy. While the course is certainly long and difficult, it sometimes feels overly punishing, and each difficult hole is balanced by moments where skill and careful planning can make all the difference.
Green fee:
MXN$1,260 to MXN$4,450 prime hours
MXN$1,260 to MXN$3,440 twilight
Including cart and range balls
WEBSITE
Iberostar Cancun Golf Club
As we made our way through the 18 holes of this par-72 course designed by veteran Japanese golfer Isao Aoki, we couldn’t help but be struck by the beauty of the landscape. Spanning over 150 acres, the subtropical surroundings made every hole feel like an adventure. The course cleverly uses the lagoon’s natural inlets as water obstacles, keeping golfers on their toes as they navigate the perfectly maintained wide fairways. But it wasn’t just the course that grabbed our attention, it was the crocodiles lounging by the water, the colourful birds soaring overhead and all the animals we encountered. The views were spectacular, especially the sweeping panorama of the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island in the distance.
Best round of the trip.
Green fee:
MXN$2,100 to MXN$3,800 prime hours
MXN$2,100 to MXN$2,800 twilight
Including cart, snacks, beverages (drinks too ;)) and lunch at the restaurant before 4 pm
WEBSITE
Moon Palace Golf Club
Moon Palace Golf Course was a bit of a mixed bag. While the layout designed by Jack Nicklaus offered a variety of holes with strategic bunkers and water hazards, the course conditions didn’t quite live up to expectations. Despite the beautiful surroundings and peeking ocean views, the course wasn’t in the shape we’d hoped for. Given the fees, we expected much better upkeep. Even so, there were elements that made the experience feel surreal, like the bars scattered around the course (and the BEST magaritas) and friendly coatis that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Moon Palace’s layout is unique, with three distinct 9-hole courses: Jungle, Dunes and Lakes. Each course offers its own challenges and experiences, making the round feel fresh as you switch between them. The 8th hole of the Lakes is the club’s signature hole and for good reason. This par-3 demands precision. The island green surrounded by water on all sides creates a stunning visual experience and a nerve-wracking challenge. It sits like a floating oasis, requiring a perfectly executed tee shot to avoid the water hazards.
Green fee:
MXN$6,060 prime hours
MXN$3,800 twilight
Including cart, snacks and beverages on the course and lunch at the clubhouse
WEBSITE
Whether you tee off at El Tinto, Iberostar or Moon Palace, the sense of playing in an untouched paradise teeming with nature and mystery is constant, making every round feel like stepping into a cinematic adventure.
Next time we’re in town, we’ll be heading to:
Playa Mujeres Golf Club
El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba
