Standing upon the shores of the stunning 123-suite luxury resort perched at Punta Sur, the picturesque beach located on the Southernmost tip of the island, we feel like we have stepped into a dream. It’s no wonder that its artful, nature-infused design set against its white sand beaches and vibrant turquoise waters has twice made it recognized as the world’s most Instagrammable hotel.
But one of the visionary partners behind Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, Manuel Linss, is just as dreamy. As we find him at the Terraza Bar Isola, the light hits him just right.
As he stands to get a better view of his masterpiece, he reflects on the legacy he’d like to impart for the future of luxury hospitality in the Caribbean. Originally from Cancun, it is important to Manuel to protect this beauty. With solar energy systems, bamboo architecture, a strict no single-use-plastic policy, and conservation projects like Saving Our Sharks Foundation, Manuel and his partners seamlessly blend environmental stewardship with modern luxury.
Enjoying a cocktail on the terraza, Manuel’s smile is magnetic and his warm presence shows us that even with all of the responsibilities of a hotel owner, he’s never lost the laid-back islander charm of the Caribbean.
As we stroll the corridor, we’re met by none other than Mourad Essafi, the distinguished General Manager of Impression Isla Mujeres. Originally from Morocco, Essafi brings over two decades of luxury hospitality expertise, with a career spanning iconic destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, and the Mexican Caribbean. Known for his multicultural mindset and people-first leadership, he’s a visionary in crafting immersive, sustainable guest experiences.
As sunlight dances through the lush greenery, his presence radiates warmth, charisma, and elegance. His dedication to blending cultural authenticity with elevated service has redefined modern luxury. In every detail, from concept to guest connection, Mourad sets a standard that inspires. We’re truly eager to witness what’s next.
On the UNIK Sky Lounge Rooftop we spot the chic and striking Alejandra Constantino, Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel. A vision in blue, Alejandra also brings two decades of experience, where her career has led her to destinations across the Caribbean, from Jamaica, to Costa Rica, to many iconic locations in Mexico. But her heart belongs at the Unik Rooftop at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets.
We can’t look away as Alejandra sets her gaze on us—she is the epitome of glamour and confidence. A self-proclaimed foodie with a passion for crafting authentic, refined, and unforgettable moments, all of her experience has led her to Impression Isla Mujeres, where every one of her passions are brought to life.
Olivier Dall’Oglio, Director of Food and Beverage, is the embodiment of sun-soaked serenity and Caribbean cool as he blends into the natural architecture at the gorgeous iconic structure El Templo. Originally from Zürich, Switzerland, Olivier found a passion for hospitality baking with his mother as a child.
Now showing us his more serious side, Dall’Oglio reflects on his journey from attending the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne, earning a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality, and ascending from a Swiss waiter to an internationally respected Food and Beverage Director. And though he has spearheaded numerous successful hotel and restaurant openings, he still finds the time to bake at home with his wife and children.
Out on the beach, you can not get any more suave and refined than the hotel’s Guest Experience Manager, Kenneth Dies Malimban, as he strikes a pose in his shades. Kenneth began his hospitality career in Asia, later advancing in the Middle East during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With career highlights such as serving the Royal Families in Qatar and completing the Etiquette & Butler Training of Marie-Claude Metrot, it’s no wonder Impression Isla Mujeres brought him on the team. But he’s not just all about work, he’s also an aspiring blogger, a traveler, opacarophile (someone who loves sunsets), and a fitness enthusiast. A man of many talents!
At restaurant La Vista, we are delighted to find Griselda Navarrete Lechuga, the Executive Sous Chef. Her smile is contagious as she emanates warmth, inviting us into her culinary world.
Born in Guerrero, Griselda is passionate about Mexican cuisine and stands out for her creativity and ability to innovate classic recipes. Her favorite dish? Mole. As her hair blows in the warm, Caribbean breeze, Griselda tells us that each dish is an opportunity for her to teach guests about Mexican cuisine and she strives to create memorable gastronomic experiences that leave an impact on everyone who greets her plate.
And who is this debonair figure striking a pose over in the corner of UNIK Sky Lounge Rooftop? None other than Ritik Chaudhary, Head Butler of Impression Isla Mujeres. With a distinguished career in the world’s most luxurious hotels, Ritik brings a passion for highly personalized service, catering every experience to each guest’s whim.
From his roots in a small village in India, to beginning his career as a trainee butler at the prestigious Taj Rambagh Palace, to serving the Royal Family in Qatar at the Middle East’s first wellness destination, it’s no wonder Ritik is so cultured and charming sitting atop the rooftop of Impression Isla Mujeres.
At Wildfire Grill Steakhouse we find the Executive Chef, Jose Manuel Morales Garcia, carefully curating one of his famous plates, and might we say looking extremely dashing while doing it!
Marked by dignity and presence, Jose gives us a better view of that handsome face. With a 25-year career in world-class culinary experiences, Jose is one of the newest additions to Impression Isla Mujeres, where he leads the team overseeing culinary offerings at the property’s five restaurants. From humble beginnings cooking with his mother and grandmothers in his hometown of Moloacán, Veracruz, to serving at the most notable hotels in the region, Jose brings incredible heart and deep cultural roots to the position.
No visit to the hotel is complete without stopping by Pure Spa, and lucky us—Aacovic Rodriguez, the Spa Manager is here to welcome us!
Just as charismatic as he is charming, he is exactly the kind of face you want to see when entering the spa. With a spa career that spans over two decades, Aacovic has been working in the hotel since its opening. He takes us for the hotel’s signature treatment called Sleep Therapy, which induces guests into a state of relaxation and sleep recovery. You can see his passion as he describes the treatments as he tells us that he considers Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets his new home.
Is that a mermaid on the shore? No, it’s Melodie Treviño, Chief Development Officer for Saving Our Sharks Foundation. A dedicated ocean advocate, Melodie brings expertise and glamour to marine conservation.
Not many can look as graceful mid hair toss as Melodie, as we catch her golden strands lined up in perfect symmetry. With an MBA from Yale School of Management and the University of Twente, where she studied Geopolitics and Sustainability, Melodie is the perfect person to drive fundraising efforts, build strategic partnerships, and expand the foundation’s impact in shark and ray conservation.
When Melodie is not floating gracefully atop the ocean, she is diving deep down below it as an accomplished Trimix Cave and Wreck Diver, where she explores some of the world’s deepest wonders. She is a true citizen of the sea.
As we leave Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, we don’t want to wake up from this dream. From the picturesque architecture to the pristine shores to its noble mission, it’s not often you find a hotel that is just as ethical as it is Instagrammable. We can’t wait to return!