EXCLUSIVE: TravelPulse Canada Gets Familiar With Palace Resorts

This is the balcony view that greets guests in oceanfront accommodations at Sun Palace. Most rooms and suites at the property offer some version of this glorious panorama, but those that don't face onto the lagoon, and the sunset views there are a special reward.

It's the ocean view that first catches your eye on entering a Sun Palace oceanfront junior suite. Then you start taking in the many creature comforts, including a double jacuzzi, waterfall shower, in-room bar and coffee set-up, CHI toiletries, ample storage, double-sink vanity and more.

The property is adults-only and luxury and romance-focused, but it's not exclusively for couples. There are accommodations with two beds, making it a viable choice for girlfriend getaways and other adult groups.

There are reasons why Palace Resorts fams are highly popular with Canadian travel agents and Diana Winters is an essential part of the winning formula. The rules are strict -- if you're late, Diana won't wait, for example -- but the trips are built with a highly unusual amount of free time, so travel advisors can explore on their own terms and based on the needs of their clients.

Diana is also irreverent, hilarious, and, most importantly, passionate about the quality of the product. The combination has earned her near-legendary status among Canadian travel professionals.

Sun Palace features two pool areas, one for quiet relaxation and the other the home of in-water activities and some evening entertainment, like an aquatic show performed by animation team members. The infinity pools are spectacular, merging seamlessly with the turquoise ocean.

Diana Winters explains that quality of cuisine is a hallmark of Palace Resorts. The company, with nine resorts in Mexico and the expansive Moon Palace Jamaica, has its own food preparation and distribution centre in Mexico, and everything served at Sun Palace comes from that source, including all the baked goods, pastries, meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables. The large food production centre also sells to competing properties and offers products at Costco and Sam's Club supermarkets, among others. The food on the trip so far has been terrific and of very high quality. For example, only Certified Angus beef is served, even in the hamburgers, which are as good as you'll find anywhere. Last night's dinner at the La Tratto Italian specialty restaurant ranks with any meal at an all-inclusive that this writer has experienced over more than 25 years. Other dining choices include wood-fired meats and seafood at Fuego, pan-Asian specialties at Thai and Mexican delights in the evening at Aurora, which doubles as a breakfast and lunch buffet. Reservations are not required or allowed at any of the dining venues.

Palace Resorts has been adding Sweet & Coffee locations at all of its properties, and this is the latest addition to Sun Palace. Open from 6 am to 11 pm, the venue offers all manner of coffee drinks, cold and hot, as well as smoothies and a wide selection of pastries and desserts. Diana Winters helpfully points out that six macarons fit efficiently into a to-go cup.

Spectacular sunrises greet oceanview guests at Sun Palace, preparing them for a day of luxury and romance under the Mexican sun. Palace Resorts in Mexico have fared better than those in many other destinations during the pandemic, reopening in June 2020 and running with occupancy in the high 90s ever since. During our visit, Sun Palace has been at 96% occupancy, yet it never feels crowded and there are plenty of loungers around the pools and on the beach to accommodate all of the guests. For clients seeking luxury and romance in an uncrowded, intimate setting, it's a fine recommendation.