Hotel Xcaret Arte: A Vacation Worth Splurging On
Imagine a place where the Mexican Caribbean kisses the shore, luxury meets artistry, and every family member is happy to be there. Welcome to Hotel Xcaret Arte, an exclusive, award-winning, all-inclusive oasis that’s designed to delight adults (16 and up, because sometimes grown-ups need a break from grown-uping too). Located just 45 minutes from Cancun on a pristine stretch of white sand beach, this resort is a masterpiece of Mexican talent.
We just got back from our vacation to Hotel Arte a few days ago, and all four of us agree it’s one of the best places we’ve ever stayed. We all wish we had stayed 6 nights instead of 4 to really experience everything. With two kids in college and one still in high school, I was thrilled to pick a vacation that pleased everyone.
Table of Contents
900 Suites of Pure Bliss
Let’s start with the rooms: 900 suites. Yes, you read that right—900 slices of paradise, each a tribute to Mexican art with décor, furniture, and crafts straight from local artisans. Think of it as sleeping inside an art gallery, but with room service and way comfier beds. The suites offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, private coves, flowing rivers, and lush gardens. You can see our view behind Eden as she chills on the hammock. All the paties have hammocks!
We stayed in Casa de los Artistas in a family room with an ocean view on the VIP level. Being VIP meant we had a small gym on our floor, so we didn’t have to trek over to the main gym. It was a long walk to the main gym, so I counted it as part of my workout! Our room also had extra amenities like bug spray, sunblock, and after-sun care. We also had a butler who took care of all our reservations.
Artistic Immersion: Five Distinct Casas
Now, for the arty bits. This isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a full-on artistic immersion. You’ll find workshops where you can dabble in textiles, painting, pottery, and even Latin dance (because who doesn’t want to cha-cha their way through vacation?). All of the classes are included, there were no extra fees.
- Casa del Diseño: A textile workshop offering weaving lessons.
- Casa de la Música: Dance instruction to get your feet moving.
- Casa de los Artistas: Inspires guests to unleash their inner Picasso.
- Casa de la Pirámide: Explores Mexico’s rich pottery traditions.
Plus, the resort is a year-round hotspot for artists and events, having hosted everything from exclusive art expos to ballet galas and classical music festivals.
Eden and I took a pottery class, and we now know that she is 100x better at pottery than I am. Mine looked just awful, but look at the cute dog she made!
Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Senses
Feeling peckish? Well, brace your taste buds for a culinary carnival. The resort boasts nine culinary experiences by some of Mexico’s most renowned and world-class chefs. Dining concepts range from pre-Colombian dishes to contemporary vegan, with a dash of international flair. Highlights include:
- Kibi Kibi: This is a Lebanese food blended with Yucatan food restaurant and is spectacular. I loved the added touch of bread service at breakfast because it elevated the entire experience.
- Mercado De San Juan: A thorough buffet with everything you need and everything you never knew you needed. My sons spent a lot of time here. In fact, no matter where we ate they managed to make their way back here to eat again.
- Apapachoa: This is the Vegan restaurant and it’s phenomenal. The breakfast was the best we had at the resort and Eden’s overall favorite.
- Cantina Viaypi: A traditional Oaxaca Mexican food restaurant. Some of it was a little too traditional for us but their beans are phenomenal.
- Arenales: A restaurant down by the river somewhat tucked away. We loved sitting in the swings at lunch even thought it was a bit hot outside.
My only regret from our trip is not making sure to have more of our meals at the resort. Xplor and Xel-ha both have buffet lunches and/or dinner included and we took advantage of it. Although both were good, I wish we had eaten at the resort instead because the food is truly exceptional.
Muluk Spa
After you’ve eaten your weight in gourmet goodies, it’s spa time. The Muluk Spa, nestled among natural rocks and rivers, is not just a spa—it’s a sanctuary. Award-winning and world-class, it offers a comprehensive wellness program to pamper your body, mind, and spirit. Enjoy hydrotherapies, flotation spas, mudrooms, vapor treatments, and even create your own oils and lotions in the Alchemists Studio. Sadly, I didn’t get the opportunity to experience this first-hand, but I read others reviews and I’m jealous.
All-Inclusive Adventure
And here’s the cherry on top: complimentary airport transportation and the All-Fun Inclusive® program. This isn’t just about lounging by the pool (though you can totally do that); it’s about unlimited access and transportation to iconic eco-adventure parks like Xel-ha, Xcaret, Xplor, Xavage, and Xenses. Think zip-lining, snorkeling, and all sorts of adrenaline-pumping activities to keep the fun dialed up to eleven.
We managed to make it to three of the parks during our stay. Here’s what we thought of Xplor, our personal favorite: Xplor Park an All-Inclusive Adventure.
Sipping in Style: Bars and Lounges
Many bars and lounges spread throughout the property, from poolside to rooftop, feature fresh, local ingredients in custom cocktails for a range of high-end contemporary mixology experiences. The speakeasy bar “Deseo” is a hidden gem, offering live jazz entertainment in a cozy, intimate setting. It was a little hard to find but worth the trouble.
If you are looking for a fun shot, order the Scooby Doo shot at the Changarrito Artistas bar.
Events and Celebrations: A Stage for Big Moments
Hotel Xcaret Arte isn’t just a vacation spot—it’s a prime location for big events and celebrations. With two Convention Centers and an entertainment stage hosting up to 2,065 people, it’s perfect for conferences, galas, and more. Plus, the Ecumenical Chapel offers stunning ceremonies for up to 120 guests and mass on Sundays.
Multiple Rooftop Pools
What’s better than lounging by the pool? Lounging by a rooftop pool, of course! Hotel Xcaret Arte takes your pool experience to new heights with multiple rooftop pools, each offering its own slice of paradise. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or sipping on a handcrafted cocktail, these elevated oases provide stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the lush, vibrant landscape surrounding the resort. Our favorite pool was on top of Casa de los Artistas because they serve food. The shwarma wrap was excellent as was the guac. However, there is limited seating at this particular pool so get there early to grab a cabana!
There are a few others that serve food but it’s not the same menu. They all have their own menus.
Kayak and SUP in the River
For those who prefer their relaxation with a side of adventure, Hotel Xcaret Arte offers the perfect way to explore the resort’s natural beauty—paddleboarding or kayaking in the crystal-clear rivers that weave through the property. As you glide along the calm waters, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the vibrant colors of tropical fish swimming beneath you. It’s a peaceful experience that connects you with the natural world in the most serene way possible.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, this activity is a must for anyone looking to add a splash of adventure to their stay. They provide life jackets and have cameras where you can take a selfie!
So, if you’re dreaming of a vacation where luxury meets artistry and adventure, look no further than Hotel Xcaret Arte. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place to live artfully and playfully. Experience the perfect blend of Mexican culture, art, and nature in a setting that’s as beautiful as it is unforgettable.
