SLS Playa Mujeres works for both families and couples: three beaches, a pier and calm water facing Isla Mujeres. From roughly February to November the sun rises from behind the island, which makes sunrise the standout slot. For families with young children we suggest sunrise; for couples, the hour before sunset. Sessions start at 245 USD.
SLS Playa Mujeres opened in late 2024, and most guests who ask us about it are families or couples who want photos that feel as polished as the resort. The good news is that SLS has variety: three beaches with different characters, a pier, garden swim-out rooms and very calm water. Here is how we plan sessions there for both.
The Session at a Glance
- Who staysFamilies and adults; kids' and teen clubs, adults-only pool
- SettingsPier Beach, Jungle Beach, Central Beach
- SunriseBehind Isla Mujeres from roughly February to November
- Families45 to 60 minutes, sunrise for small children
- Couples45 to 75 minutes, the hour before sunset
- Our sessionsFrom 245 USD, gallery in 1 to 3 business days
Where We Shoot at SLS
The pier. A pier is one of the best tools a photographer can have on a beach: a line that leads the eye to the sea and a place to stand above the water. When the resort allows access at our hour, it gives the most striking frames of the session.
Jungle Beach. The smaller, greener beach is our favourite for families: vegetation behind the sand gives shade and a softer background, and it feels private even when the resort is full.
Central Beach and the shallows. The open beach with calm, shallow water is where we let children play and couples walk into the sea. It is the most visible beach, so we time it for quieter hours.
Your swim-out garden. If you are staying in one of the swim-out rooms with a private garden and river pool, we can start there: relaxed, private and very personal frames before heading to the beach.
Sunrise Behind Isla Mujeres
Times for this beach on the 15th of each month in 2027:
| Month | Sunrise | Golden | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:27 am | 5:54 pm | 6:26 pm |
| March | 6:56 am | 6:27 pm | 6:57 pm |
| May | 6:09 am | 6:47 pm | 7:18 pm |
| June | 6:05 am | 6:58 pm | 7:30 pm |
| July | 6:14 am | 7:01 pm | 7:32 pm |
| September | 6:34 am | 6:21 pm | 6:50 pm |
| November | 6:58 am | 5:34 pm | 6:06 pm |
| December | 7:17 am | 5:35 pm | 6:08 pm |
SLS is at the southern end of Playa Mujeres with Isla Mujeres directly across the channel, and from roughly February through November the sun rises from behind the island. Few places near Cancún give you that silhouette so close. In the evening, the sun sets behind the resort and the beach falls into soft, even light; start about an hour before sunset.
Planning for Families
With children under five, choose sunrise: they wake early anyway, the beach is empty and it is cool. We photograph the youngest first, let them play in the shallows, then gather everyone for the group portrait while energy lasts. Grandparents stay on firm ground in the shade at Jungle Beach. Our guides to toddlers and teenagers cover each age in detail.
Planning for Couples
Couples get the most from the last hour before sunset: start in your garden or at the pier while the light is still bright, then walk the shoreline as it turns warm. The sea goes deep blue right after sunset, and a two-minute blue-hour portrait with a soft flash is often the favourite frame of the gallery. For outfits, see our couples beach outfit guide.
Playa Mujeres Sessions, Through Our Lens
Real IVAE Studios family and couples sessions on Playa Mujeres and Isla Mujeres.
Collections and Access
Every collection includes editing and a private 4K gallery delivered in one to three business days.
| Collection | Time | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 35 min | 15 | 245 USD |
| Glow Hour | 45 min | 25 | 325 USD |
| Essential Flow | 60 min | 35 | 395 USD |
| Creative Runway | 75 min | 50 | 475 USD |
| Visual Story | 90 min | 70 | 575 USD |
| Full Experience | 90 min | Full gallery | 725 USD |
Families usually choose Essential Flow at 60 minutes; couples often choose Glow Hour or Creative Runway. As a staying guest, give the front desk the photographer's name and the session time in advance and we check in at the lobby. A private session for a staying guest is very seldom charged the outside vendor fee used for weddings, but we confirm the current policy with the resort in writing. More on our family and couples pages.