Dunes-Jungle at Moon Palace Golf and Spa

Moon Palace’s Dunes-Jungle course, carved from the Riviera Maya’s dense landscape, presents a stark contrast to its coastal surroundings. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, its modern routing navigates both open, sun-drenched stretches of former dunes and tight, tree-lined corridors recalling inland parkland courses. The prevailing winds, funneling through the natural channels cut into the jungle, mean club selection on this largely forgiving layout is less about length and more about strategic placement to avoid the heavy vegetation that encroaches on both sides of the fairway.

Nicklaus' design philosophy here favored subtlety over brute force. While the course isn't particularly known for hosting major championships, its nuanced challenge lies in navigating the varied terrain. Thoughtful bunker placement punishes errant drives more than pure distance, and well-guarded greens demand precision on approach shots. The course's character shifts dramatically between the open, exposed "Dunes" sections and the claustrophobic "Jungle" holes, providing a constantly evolving strategic puzzle.

Beyond the course itself, Dunes-Jungle offers a particularly vibrant social atmosphere. While decidedly a resort course, it's a place where you find many different people from across the globe. Often, the post-round chatter centers around the 19th hole's signature spicy margarita, a concoction said to be inspired by local Mayan traditions, giving the club its unique flavor.