As we step through the lush palms surrounding Impression Moxché by Secrets, we can’t help but think they chose the perfect name for the resort, because it certainly makes a lasting impression. With materials like Mayan stone and ornamental wood, expansive suites, breathtaking infinity pools, and large-format glass that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, the resort feels like a fortress emerging from the vegetation, blending modern luxury with cultural authenticity. We can’t wait to meet the masterminds and visionaries behind this paradise beneath the palms, nestled along the most beautiful stretch of sand in the Riviera Maya.
First, we get the honor to see the Managing Director, Gonzalo Güelman Ros, known in the industry as “Gypsy,” a nickname he earned for being from Cataluña. What a treat! Standing at the entrance with his tailored fedora and statement-making sunglasses, Gonzalo is riviera-ready and effortlessly cool. Previously making waves at Four Seasons and Six Senses, among other luxury resorts, he has recently joined Impression Moxché by Secrets as Managing Director of the resort, where he puts just as much versatility into his work as he does his outfits.
Now we get a glimpse of Gonzalo’s striking profile as he reflects on his 30-year career in global luxury brand operations. From the Pacific side of Mexico to the Caribbean’s high-end hospitality scene, he told us he knew Impression Moxché by Secrets was the next step for him when he met the butler, Mariana. In their first conversation, she learned his dog’s name was Glen. She found a photo of Glen, bought him some toys, and left a handwritten letter addressed to him in Gonzalo’s suite. Touched by the gesture, Gonzalo said it was the best welcome he’d ever received.
Suave, stylish, and sophisticated, Gonzalo commands the room, and we see why he is widely recognized for his passion for excellence, innovative business solutions, and empowering leadership style. To him, true luxury isn’t just about elegance—it’s about meaningful connections: with people, with our surroundings, and with ourselves.
Next we meet the woman who brings glamour to gastronomy, as radiant in red as she is remarkable in the kitchen, it is the one and only Sara Guadarrama, who as a distinguished talent in high-end hospitality is introducing a bold new chapter to the Riviera Maya’s luxury culinary scene as she joins the resort as the Junior Executive Sous Chef.
Artfully inked with a bold red lip, Sara’s poised grasp on her sunglasses and her confident stare embody the clear vision she has for redefining the culinary identity of Secrets and Impression Moxché.
Setting her shades aside with a pose that’s both eloquent and assertive, she leaves no doubt she will elevate the resort’s already renowned dining experiences, introducing sophisticated, inventive touches that will set a new benchmark for the culinary experience of the Riviera Maya.
We can’t wait to see her sophistication and style translated from presence to plate.
With his own unique style and flair, Arturo Alcalá has a magnetic energy that is equally matched with his warm presence and welcoming nature. Arturo serves as Public Relations, Marketing, and Social Media Manager for the resort, and brings a background in gastronomy. His passion for telling stories behind the dish expanded to all aspects of the hospitality sector and he brings that talent seamlessly into Impression Moxché by Secrets.
He then shifts effortlessly from pensive to playful, as he sips champagne in between implementing positioning strategies that combine creative sensitivity, in-depth knowledge of the gastronomic product, and a strategic vision of the market.
Returning to his poised and powerful side, he thinks of his next idea as a contributing writer and content curator for specialized media, writing for magazines and digital platforms focused on gastronomy, restaurants, and chefs. It’s no surprise that his narrative style and ability to identify trends have positioned him as a relevant voice in the culinary and lifestyle ecosystem of Playa del Carmen.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Arturo, it’s that you’re never too busy to have a little fun, and we must say—isn’t his smile contagious?
There’s no one more fitting to lay eyes on next than this vision in red, Carolina Villalobos, the Wedding Sales Manager, as she strikes a pose within the pristine pool at Cielo. Watching her glide her fingers across the surface, we can’t help but be tempted to take a dip ourselves!
But wait, the sun is out, so Carolina goes from sultry to smiling, and shades were a must as we caught her mid pose enjoying the view of the resort, where she is the architect and creative mind behind the hotel’s most memorable moments—the destination wedding of their dreams. Carolina has a deep understanding of both the operational and emotional aspects of weddings, and is known for her personalized approach, attention to detail, and ability to create meaningful connections with couples and travel partners.
And who do we have here, but Abraham Franco Portillo, the Resident Manager taking a quick break from the supervision of the hotel’s overall operations in one of the luxury suites. Always with a smile, he’s exactly the kind of face you want to see welcoming you into your lavish escape.
With a glance over the shoulder, his stance changes but his smile remains steady. How could it not be in a place like this? Born in Puebla, Mexico, he has spent over 20 years living in the Cancún and Riviera Maya region, with a career in international hotel chains. And it’s not hard to tell, his greatest passions are people and hospitality.
Now we spot the resort’s nutritionist, Gabriela Barreto, at Moxché Spa—and may we say, green is definitely her color. With more than 15 years of experience in the field of clinical nutrition and food education teaching courses on nutrition and physical activity and promoting healthy habits in different contexts, Gabriela is now responsible for the food restrictions program at Impression Moxché where she offers personalized attention to guests with specific needs integrating health, taste and hospitality.
Shifting from her vibrant green blazer to a more natural form of greenery, Gabriela turns her gaze to us as she discusses her experience serving as coordinator of social purpose causes, where she has focused on improving the nutritional quality of vulnerable communities. Gabriela brings that same passion in collaborating with the team at Impression Moxché, and firmly believes that good food can be both a tool for wellness and a source of pleasure.
There are certain people who are born to be a leader, and Isabel Morgado is certainly one of them. With a fierce determination that is clear through her confident presence and history of
success, she is equal parts captivating and strategic, and as the Impression Manager at Impression Moxché by Secrets since the resort’s opening, Isabe plays a fundamental role in making sure day-to-day operations go off without a hitch.
Showing us a new angle, Isabel leans back by the pool, but her commanding stance remains constant. Born and raised in Puebla, México, Isabel Morgado brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Her deep cultural roots, passion for personalized service, and ability to think creatively all contribute to her ability to lead a team of thirty people in helping make every guest’s stay exceptional.
As she adds a vibrant mandarin brim to her look, it reminds us of the sun setting over the Riviera Maya, and her smile only adds to the glow. Why is she smiling? She’s recalling a family that reminds her why she does this job—a warm, close-knit family from her own hometown of Puebla who had just lost their grandmother. She added special touches to their stay, and they have now not only returned seven times in three years, but each year they send her something for her birthday.
“Sometimes a sweet from Puebla, sometimes a card with a note that reminds me why I love what I do. Our shared roots created a genuine connection, and they remind me that hospitality, at its best, isn’t just about service, it’s about heart.”
As we wander away from the resort back through the lush vegetation of palms, we can’t help but feel like we are leaving another realm, where the magic of the Mayan culture and the serenity of nature meets modern comforts. As we depart we can’t help but feel like we’ve become part of a family. The warmth and the hospitality of the staff is unmatched. You may just have to experience it for yourself!