Riviera Maya Hotels|Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Hotel Xcaret México

Name: Hotel Xcaret México
Telephone: 800-009-7567

A Playa del Carmen adventure

VERIFIED LUXURY

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Perched on the coast of the Caribbean Sea in Playa del Carmen, Hotel Xcaret Mexico makes the most of its stunning surroundings with hammock-clad balconies, open-air dining options, swim-up casitas and a bevy of conservation programs — look out for the all-inclusive property’s resident population of scarlet macaws.

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