Explore my journey: Hotel Xcaret México in Playa del Carmen

Dinogo Planet's destination editor, Melissa Yeager, recently visited Playa del Carmen to experience the serene natural beauty of one of its eco-resorts. Here, she offers tips and insights for those looking to plan a similar getaway.

Some destinations and hotels instantly make you think, in the words of Liz Lemon: 'I want to go there.'

That sentiment struck me the first time I saw photos of Hotel Xcaret making waves on social media years ago. I searched through countless potential dates, but it was fully booked, forcing me to let go of the dream of swimming in Xcaret’s turquoise waters and exploring its stunning underground rivers.

The original Xcaret (pronounced Ish-cah-ret) opened as a natural eco-park in 1990 in Playa del Carmen, just over an hour from Cancun International Airport. Architect Miguel Quintana Pali initially envisioned building his dream home there, but as he cleared the land, he uncovered cenotes, underground rivers, and Mayan ruins. Rather than keep it for himself, he transformed the site into Mexico’s first eco-park, celebrating his heritage and culture.

In recent years, the well-known Grupo Xcaret has expanded to encompass five theme parks and three luxurious all-inclusive resorts, offering guests not only food, drinks, and activities on-site but also entry to the theme parks themselves.

So when Xcaret invited me to explore their property, I eagerly accepted. But I did have my doubts: would it truly live up to the excitement? Would the theme parks reflect genuine natural beauty or be mere 'Disney-fied' interpretations? Here’s my experience.

Where did you stay? What was the atmosphere like?

I stayed at the original Hotel Xcaret México, the largest among the properties, featuring 900 rooms spread across five buildings, all nestled gracefully within the lush riverside and beachfront surroundings.

With that many rooms, you might expect the resort to feel packed. Indeed, it does in the lobby, where the sheer number of guests becomes apparent. However, the bustling activity of check-ins and luggage deliveries is mostly contained there. Once you step into the breathtaking greenery and waterways of the resort, the large size often fades from your mind. It boasts a stylish vibe and numerous tranquil spots for relaxation.

The resort aims to match guests with suitable rooms based on the ages of those staying. Families with young children are often grouped together in areas with age-appropriate activities, such as a wading pool nearby a kid-friendly buffet and a bar overlooking the pool for parents. Additionally, there's an adults-only building and the adults-only property, Hotel Xcaret Arte, featuring an exclusive rooftop pool with a bar and a picturesque clear tunnel for swimming.

Xcaret is a luxurious five-diamond resort, with rates ranging from US$650 to $1000 per night. However, before being deterred by the price, it's worth considering the overall value. Entrance fees to the parks and all activities at the resort (like paddleboarding, kayaking, and river floating) are included, along with meals, drinks (including alcohol), room service, and transportation to and from the airport.

What was the best dish you tried?

The resort features an all-inclusive dining experience with 35 restaurants, offering everything from street food carts capturing Mexico’s vibrant culinary scene to a Mercado serving freshly made tortillas.

One restaurant that truly shines is HA' (meaning water in Maya). Created by chef Carlos Gaytán, it boasts a seven-course tasting menu that has recently earned a Michelin star and is open to the public. Dining here requires an additional charge, one of the few you'll encounter at the resort.

The cost is US$150, but for lovers of fine dining and wine, it offers an extraordinary experience given the value. Each dish – from the Wagyu to the Beignet and the Filet Mignon – is a treat for the palate. However, the highlight for me was the escamoles (insect caviar). Well-seasoned and flavorful, it’s a local delicacy and a perfect introduction to edible insects for newcomers.

What was your favorite moment from the trip?

Without a doubt, the rivers surrounding the resort and within Xplor Park were my favorite. It was incredibly calming. Dressed in a life jacket (and helmet at Xplor), I floated along, relishing the tranquility of the turquoise waters while gazing at the stalactites above. The resort's outdoor river provided a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day, revealing delightful details like a waterfall, waterslide, and hammocks nestled in caves. It was an utterly magical experience.

What was the most touristy activity you engaged in?

Xoximilco. No, that’s not a mistake. The “ch” has been swapped for the Xcaret “X,” and indeed, this evening boat ride captures the festive vibe of the authentic floating gardens of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico City. While the park doesn’t aim to mimic the real Xochimilco (it’s simply impossible), it seeks to embody the cultural essence and community spirit of the original.

Having enjoyed both, I find that the Xoximilco experience offers a similar festive atmosphere of cruising on the trajineras (gondolas) for a day of joy, but these are designed for a luxury experience with far more upscale boats than those in CDMX – think coolers stocked with beer, sodas, and mixed cocktails, plus a three-course meal, all while keeping the boats tidy between stops. Nonetheless, it captures the communal warmth, music, and dance that make the original event so unforgettable.

The boats glide to various stations featuring Mariachi bands and traditional Mexican music, while your guide invites you to dance, indulge in food, and enjoy drinks. If you're with a group, this is a fantastic way to kick off your trip.

What was the most surprising experience you had?

Countless joyful moments filled with delightful surprises scattered throughout the resort and parks. In the lobby, there’s a cart offering popsicles. While drifting in the river surrounding the resort, we stumbled upon caves with hammocks and a secret water slide. While lounging by the pool, a band suddenly appeared playing the xylophone. At the Xenses theme park, we exited one attraction to find a lemon tree where you could grab a small cup of refreshing, cool limonada. These charming discoveries are sprinkled around the resort like confetti, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

What was the most useful item you packed?

Water shoes, a sun-protective shirt, and a waterproof case for my phone. I found all of them handy on numerous occasions. The SPF shirt allowed me to skip the hassle of constantly reapplying sunscreen while at the park.

My biggest packing regret was not bringing quick-drying shorts for the theme parks. Transitioning from water slides and underground rivers to zip lines would have been much more comfortable in shorts rather than swimsuit bottoms.

What’s your best advice for someone planning a similar trip?

I have several tips to offer. First, make sure to book ahead of time. The property is known for its high occupancy rates, so planning in advance will help you secure the dates you prefer.

Secondly, make sure to book your spa treatments and reservations for specialty restaurants as soon as possible, as they tend to fill up quickly. While there are many dining options available, planning ahead is essential if you want to experience one of the unique eateries.

Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to use the selfie cameras scattered throughout the resort. Simply scan your bracelet, and the designated camera will capture your moment. Later, when you return to your room, you can watch a special channel on the TV that showcases all your photos. Enjoy a glass of wine while reminiscing and sharing laughs over the amusing snapshots from your day.

Melissa was invited to stay at Hotel Xcaret México and explore the related parks. Dinogo Planet does not accept complimentary services in exchange for favorable reviews.