The Magic of the Full Moon Nights at La Casa de la Playa

A tribute to lunar energy, spiritual connection, and haute cuisine.

Have you ever attended a full moon ceremony? If not, let me tell you about one of the most exclusive experiences you can enjoy in the Riviera Maya. Imagine blending the magic of a full moon with an ancestral ritual on the beach, followed by a spectacular dinner at a restaurant crafted to awaken all your senses.

Each month, as the full moon lights up the sky, the restaurant Tuch de Luna, located within the boutique hotel La Casa de la Playa, becomes the perfect setting for this one-of-a-kind experience. Led by acclaimed Mexican chef Martha Ortiz, who brings her distinctive culinary touch to the restaurant, this evening is a seamless combination of ancestral tradition, fine dining, and an intimate ambiance you won't find anywhere else.

This is more than just a dinner—it's an opportunity to reconnect with nature, express gratitude, recharge with positive energy, and savor a six-course menu inspired by the phases of the moon. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to create a moment that will undoubtedly become an unforgettable memory. Let me take you through this extraordinary experience.

The Magic of the Full Moon

In Mayan culture, the full moon symbolized fertility, renewal, and a deep connection to the divine. The Mayans closely observed the lunar cycles to guide their daily lives, from agricultural practices to sacred rituals, believing the moon represented the balance between the earthly and the celestial.

The goddess Ixchel, one of the most revered divs in the Mayan worldview, was intimately linked to the moon. As the deity of fertility, tides, and medicine, Ixchel embodied feminine power and the cyclical energy of nature. During full moon nights, her presence was thought to be strongest, illuminating not only the sky but also the spirit of those who worshipped her.

Today, that mystical connection to the moon remains alive in the Riviera Maya. At La Casa de la Playa’s Full Moon Nights, this tradition is honored through a purification ritual that invites guests to tap into this ancestral energy, recharge with positivity, and set an intention from the heart.

The full moon is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that graces us once a month, reminding us that we are part of something greater—a timeless cycle that connects our present to the roots of this magical land.

Purification Ceremony

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m., and the dress code is white, beige, or light colors. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by a shaman who offers you a ‘jícara’ filled with sacred full moon water. This special drink, crafted with amber flowers, dew, and local citrus, is designed to connect you to lunar energy and prepare you for the transformative experience ahead.

As you take your place on woven mats arranged in a circle on the sand, you’ll notice the thoughtful attention to detail surrounding the ceremony. At the center of the circle lies a small offering: a fire surrounded by flowers, cacao, and copal, filling the air with its mystical aroma.

The shaman begins the ceremony with a warm welcome, explaining the significance of the full moon, its energy, and its connection to human emotions. You’ll be invited to choose a personal intention—whether it’s something you’re grateful for or a wish you hope to manifest.

Then comes a pivotal moment: with the ‘jícara’ in your hands, you raise your arms toward the full moon, allowing its energy to illuminate your intentions. It’s a simple yet profound gesture. Afterward, you drink the sacred water, letting its refreshing symbolism flow through you and signal the start of a transformative journey.

The ceremony continues with an energy cleansing. One by one, the shaman approaches each guest with copal and eagle feathers, surrounding your body with purifying smoke. This is a moment of introspection and renewal—you can feel the worries of the day lifting as a sense of calm washes over your body and mind.

To conclude this ritual of connection, the shaman will guide you toward the shoreline, placing a handful of white flower petals in your hands, held close to your heart. Standing in front of the waves, you’ll release the petals into the water while focusing on your intention. This simple act, accompanied by the sound of the ocean and the glow of the moon, feels like an intimate conversation with the universe.

Finally, the shaman expresses gratitude for your presence and guides the group, carried by the smoke of copal, toward the terrace of Tuch de Luna. Here, the next chapter of this exclusive experience awaits. The energy of the ceremony stays with you as you move forward, reminding you that this evening is a gift for both the body and the soul.

A Dinner Under the Full Moon: Flavors of Mexico and Lunar Energy

The experience continues at Tuch de Luna, a restaurant that masterfully blends the best of Mexican gastronomy with an exclusive and intimate atmosphere. Nestled within the boutique hotel La Casa de la Playa, this dining space is a tribute to the richness of Mexican cuisine. Created by the renowned chef Martha Ortiz, the menu offers a contemporary take on traditional Mexican flavors, elevated by innovative techniques and her unique culinary vision.

Dinner is served on the restaurant’s terrace, a privileged spot with breathtaking ocean views. Here, the glow of the full moon bathes each table in soft light, while the gentle sound of the waves provides a soothing backdrop, creating an ambiance that is both intimate and magical.

A Menu Inspired by the Phases of the Moon

The six-course menu, meticulously crafted by Chef Martha Ortiz, is a tribute to the moon and its cycles. Each dish tells its own unique story, incorporating local ingredients and innovative techniques to create an unparalleled sensory experience. Here’s a glimpse of what you can savor during this extraordinary dinner:

Fish Ceviche.  Served with saline water, crimson jaguar milk, and smoky lychee granita. 

Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc – a fresh wine that enhances the citrus and smoky notes of the ceviche.

Day and Night Tamal. A delicate tamal filled with liquid cheese and topped with pumpkin blossom pipián sauce. 

Pairing: Sophie Chenin Blanc – Viognier, an excellent choice to balance the creamy and floral notes of the dish.

Binding Soup.  A clear broth made from roasted poultry, accompanied by a "bouquet of good fortune." 

Pairing: Parvada Rosé – a light wine that perfectly complements the warmth and depth of the broth.

Painted Fish.  Prepared with ancestral achiote, served alongside roasted pineapple purée and a green tomato and spearmint sauce known as "hummingbird’s beak." 

Pairing: Uriel Rosé – a fruity wine that enhances the flavors of the fish and the achiote.

Pork Belly.  Served with white mole and lunar dust ashes, delivering a burst of flavors that seamlessly blend tradition and creativity. 

Pairing: Parvada Cardenal – perfectly balances the rich intensity of the mole and the pork belly.

Sweet Experience: The Star of the Menu  Moonstone Sweet:

• A delicate dessert inspired by the lunar glow. 
• Liquid Custard: Silky and smooth, a comforting delight. 
• Cinnamon Infusion: A warm and soothing finish to the evening. 

Pairing: Stellar Sweet White – a delicate and aromatic wine, the perfect finale for a magical dinner.

A menu that captivates the eyes and feels like a warm embrace with every bite of these exquisite creations.

But no evening would be complete without music. During dinner, a guitarist performs Mexican classics that fill the air with nostalgia and emotion, all while you admire the perfect roundness of the full moon.

A Unique Experience Worth Living

Looking for a special moment to share with someone? This experience is perfect for couples seeking a magical and intimate evening under the glow of the full moon. It’s also ideal for a group of friends wanting to celebrate a special occasion in an extraordinary way or to mark an important milestone with an elegant and private celebration.

The best part? This experience is open to the public, so you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy this extraordinary blend of flavors, tradition, and spiritual connection.  The cost is $3,600 MXN per person, which includes the beachfront ceremony, a six-course menu with wine pairings, and a keepsake incense burner.

To secure your place at this monthly event, you can book through OpenTable or contact us directly at +52 984 257 1350.

Plan Your Visit Around the Following Full Moon Nights

Mark your calendar and plan your trip around these upcoming dates to ensure you don’t miss this unforgettable evening: 

• Wednesday, February 12 
• Friday, March 14 
• Sunday, April 13 
• Monday, May 12 
• Wednesday, June 11 
• Thursday, July 10 
• Saturday, August 9 
• Sunday, September 7 
• Tuesday, October 7 
• Wednesday, November 7 
• Friday, December 5

This year, treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind night designed to awaken your senses, pay homage to Mexican culture, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.