Exploring Hotel Xcaret feels like an adventure: kayak through a cenote river, bike the trails, play paddle ball, splash in multiple pools, swim in the ocean off a private island and snorkel in the lagoon. In addition to the endless array of on-property activities, the rates also include transportation and admission to nine affiliated eco-archeological parks and excursions, such as flagship Xcaret and brand-new Xavage parks, plus tours to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and the colonial city of Valladolid.
But onsite luxuries aren’t an afterthought. With a focus on Mexican and international gastronomy, the 10 restaurants offer plenty of variety. The 21-cabin Muluk Spa carved into the surrounding rock provides endless ways to relax. And a mix of family-focused and adults-only accommodations ensure that explorers of all ages enjoy a memorable experience.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Via kayak or stand-up paddle board, wander the river that twists through tunnels and under bridges. Narrow islands, accessible by swinging bridges, separate the beach from a calm lagoon that’s great for kids — look for surprise water slides.
- Choose from several impressive pools, including a kids’ splash park, an immense chilled infinity pool and a rooftop pool with an Instagram-ready glass swim tunnel. For extra fun in the sun, opt for a suite with a swim-up pool.
- Hotel Xcaret’s 900 bliss-inducing rooms are spread out into buildings called casas, each themed on the elements central to Mayan culture: fire, water, wind, earth and the spiral. Even at capacity, the resort doesn’t feel crowded.
- Quality dining is a highlight. Há restaurant by acclaimed Mexican chef Carlos Gaytàn serves up a seven-course tasting menu of beautifully presented Yucatan fare — though the wine pairing is not part of the all-inclusive dining plan, it’s certainly worth the splurge.
- Admire the remarkable cenote river views at Muluk Spa as you unwind in the hydrotherapy circuit, a mud bath or the floatarium (a pod filled with a heavily saturated Epsom salt bath). Some room categories include massages and treatments.
Things to Know
- In the Mayan language, “Xcaret” translates to “small inlet.” It’s actually pronounced “ish-ka-rate.”
- The luxury resort’s “All-Fun Inclusive” slogan means that almost all onsite activities, meals and drinks are included (two restaurants require an additional fee). Nine eco-archeological parks and tours provide complimentary transportation and admission, and some include food and beverage.
- Look for alebrijes— Mexican folk art animals — that mark “Xelfie” photo spots at the parks and luxury hotel. Flash your wristband and pose for the auto camera.
- Feel good staying at this eco-minded hotel thanks to parent company Grupo Xcaret’s focus on sustainability. For example, 59 percent of its purchases are local to the Yucatan Peninsula and a wide range of initiatives preserves local flora and fauna, creates jobs and grows the regional economy.
The Rooms
- Casa Tierra is aimed at families, while Casa Fuego and Casa Agua are for adults only. Casa Espiral and Casa Viento host both adults and families.
- Rooms are elegant and spacious, kitted out with jetted tubs and handmade design elements showcasing sustainability and Mexican culture.
- Balconies and patios beg for lounging with a daybed and hammock.
- Need a relax-in-bed day? Wi-fi, 24-hour room service, a Nespresso machine and a mini-bar restocked daily with snacks and drinks are all included.
The Restaurants
- The Playa del Carmen hotel has 10 restaurants and eight bars with fare ranging from casual grilled plates to elegant Asian cuisine.
- You don’t have to stray far from the water to find a great bite. Poolside are Fuego and buffet restaurant La Trajinera, and adjacent to the lagoon beach is toes-in-the-sand grill spot Las Playas.
- For a unique but nonetheless elegant experience, opt to dine in a cave at Las Cuevas. Mexican cuisine and wines are served beneath a canopy of rock at this one-of-a-kind venue.
- New in 2019 is Bio, a breezy spot serving vegan, vegetarian and organic breakfasts and lunches on the edge of the turquoise cenote river.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Gym
House car
Meeting rooms
Nightclub
Outdoor pool
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
Getting There
Carretera Federal Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Km. 282 Lt 023-2 Colonia Rancho Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad Quintana Roo CP 77710
TEL800-009-7567
TEL800-009-7567
TEL984-159-1600
TEL984-159-1600
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
CUN (50 min-1 h)
