Cancun is perhaps Mexico’s most famous playground, but if you want to get out of the Spring Break-style beach party crowd, head south to Riviera Maya, just south of Playa del Carmen. Hospitality brand Grupo Xcaret has opened three luxury Riviera Maya all-inclusive resorts (two with AAA 5-Diamond status) that are stunningly beautiful and unique. Xcaret translates to “small inlet” in the Mayan language, and these properties are among the most scenic I’ve ever seen, built around beautiful blue-green cenotes. I just love the beaches of Mexico.
Where is Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is a renowned tourism region located along the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Stretching from the resort town of Puerto Morelos in the north to the town of Tulum in the south, this area is famous for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. The Riviera Maya is a diverse and dynamic region that offers something for every type of traveler, from adventure seekers and history enthusiasts to beach lovers and luxury vacationers. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
I stayed at Xcaret Mexico, the brand’s Riviera Maya all-inclusive family resort, located between the Mayan rainforest and the Caribbean Sea which features 900 suites, spread across five buildings called Casas, each with a unique personality that relates to the universal elements of the Mayan culture: Spiral, Wind, Water, Earth and Fire. Each suite boasts a unique configuration, breathtaking views, and an array of amenities, ensuring that every guest experiences a harmonious blend of comfort and luxury. For those seeking unparalleled indulgence, the option of concierge service promises tailored experiences, such as returning to a room to find a blissful hot bubble bath prepared by the intuitive concierge.
The hotel, designed with eco-friendly principles and integrates natural surroundings into its architecture, boasts a one-of-a-kind landscape that effortlessly captures the imagination . It is quite possibly the most unique resort I’ve ever visited. The entire property is nestled amid ancient Mayan caves, with underground rivers and Xcaret cenotes that serve as a mesmerizing display of the region’s natural beauty and rich history. The tranquil emerald-green waters of the cenotes flow throughout the property, adding to its enchanting allure. Amidst this natural splendor, guests can discover hidden hammocks and lounge chairs tucked into caves and coves, presenting the perfect setting for relaxation and privacy. You can explore even more with the Xenotes Xcaret tour.
What is a cenote?
Natural sinkholes filled with freshwater, cenotes are a unique feature of the Yucatán Peninsula. They are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Famous cenotes include Dos Ojos, Ik Kil, and Gran Cenote.
All-Fun Inclusive™ benefits included in a Hotel Xcaret México booking are access and transportation to all Grupo Xcaret parks, premium dining experiences, and round-trip airport transfers. These benefits make it the best Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort.
The best restaurants at Xcaret Mexico
Dining options at Xcaret resorts are designed to offer guests a diverse and high-quality culinary experience through its Culinary Collective, comprised of celebrity chefs. At Xcaret Mexico, Chibalí is a buffet that offers a variety of international dishes. Other restaurants include La Trajinera with seafood specialties, Cantina Los Faroles offering traditional Mexican cuisine, Teatro del Río dinner with a live show, Miguel Bautista’s Bio vegan restaurant (Bautista started one of the first vegan restaurants Cancun), and Xin-Gao Asian cuisine including teppanyaki and sushi. Reservations are required at the specialty restaurants of HA’, A fine dining restaurant led by Chef Carlos Gaytán, a Michelin-starred chef. Las Playas offers fresh seafood and grilled specialties in a beachfront setting. The resort also hosts themed dining nights and special culinary events, such as beach barbecues, Mexican fiestas, and gourmet tastings, providing guests with unique dining experiences.
Wellness experiences at Xcaret
The property stands out as a haven of wellness, offering a serene sanctuary that celebrates the essence of Mexico while nurturing the individual spirit of its guests. Embracing a AAA 5-Diamond status. While many visitors are drawn to the pristine beach, the resort has been gaining recognition for its distinctive health and wellness offerings rooted in ancient Mayan methods, traditions, and materials. Guests can commence their day with sunrise yoga at a secret beach nestled among the caves, surrounded by lush tropical flora. For more seasoned or inquisitive yogis, a 50-minute Yoga Bio Ashtanga class is available, focusing on conscious breathing and invigorating techniques to enliven the body and mind. The resort’s Shaman, Beto Cuevas, leads a variety of spiritual ceremonies deeply rooted in traditional Mayan practices, aimed at restoring equilibrium to the body and soul. Education is seamlessly integrated into these spiritual journeys. Another notable wellness practice is sound healing therapy, where guests recline on yoga mats under a canopy of indigenous trees, enveloped by the soothing sounds of the shaman’s natural instruments. This therapeutic experience induces a state of relaxed consciousness, leaving participants feeling rejuvenated and tranquil. The resort also offers a traditional cacao ceremony, where guests are immersed in the history and benefits of consuming raw cacao beans, complemented by a ceremonial tasting. This experience harkens back to the early Mayans and Aztecs, who revered cacao for its ability to open the heart and elevate moods. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, the temazcal ceremony offers a transformative journey, combining meditation and a purifying sweat lodge. This ancient tradition facilitates a profound purification of the body, culminating in a revitalizing sense of renewal. To invigorate the body, guests can also partake in the 4.5-kilometer calisthenics circuit, embarking on a journey through the rainforest path replete with exercise stations. This exhilarating experience culminates with a slide into one of the resort’s cooling cenotes, and a visit to the refreshing smoothie bar.
Muluk Spa at Xcaret Mexico
An essential component of any wellness getaway seeks to nurture guests’ well-being through the therapeutic properties of water. The Muluk Spa’s serene open-air relaxation lounge is adorned with flowing emerald green cenotes, creating a tranquil ambiance. The hydrotherapy circuit is designed to revitalize the body, featuring hot and cold stations followed by a pool with water jets targeting various areas of the body. The spa encapsulates rituals and healing journeys rooted in ancient Mayan traditions, utilizing local products such as honey, cacao, cinnamon, and clay in an array of skin and body treatments. The Ikal facial harnesses the moisturizing and nourishing properties of honey, along with beneficial amino acids, vitamins, and proteins. The Ksakir facial incorporates clay, a staple of ancient Mayan civilizations, celebrated for its detoxifying attributes. Xcaret Mexico stands as a beacon of wellness, offering a transformative escape that seamlessly intertwines luxury and holistic experiences. I seriously tried to convince my daughter to have Hotel Xcaret Mexico wedding (when the time comes) just to give me an excuse to go back! If you’re planning a Playa del Carmen destination wedding, I suggest you check out these properties.
Xcaret Hotels in Riviera Maya
Hotel Xcaret Arte is the Resort’s Adults Only property, that focuses on artistic elements. Its 900 suites, 5-Diamond service, and the All-Fun Inclusive concept promise an inspiring and immersive Mexican stay.
La Casa De La Playa is the newest boutique hotel, adults-only resort with 63 suites that highlight Mexico’s charm through its intimate and sophisticated amenities. The highlight of this resort is its butler service.
The best time to visit Xcaret Mexico? I’m going with ANYTIME! But I love to visit Riviera Maya in December when there are fewer crowds and the weather is amazing. Hotel Xcaret México prices fluctuate throughout the year. You can find Xcaret deals if you do the research.
Getting to Riviera Maya
You can fly directly into Cancun from many U.S.cities. If you’re staying at an Xcaret property, you’ll enjoy free transportation from the airport. It will be about a one hour drive to Riviera Maya.
Riviera Maya all-inclusive Xcaret Parks
There are so many Xcaret activities but you’ll definitely want to visit the Xcaret’s parks – Xel-Há, Xcaret water park, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xenotes and Xavage. Xcaret Xailing is a ferry that transports guests to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
Xcaret offers an array of activities catering to diverse interests, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a captivating and enriching experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty and cultural wonders.