Hotel Xcaret México
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Vibe
Emerald rivers and limestone grottos wind through the grounds, where kayaks glide beneath suspension bridges connecting jungle trails and natural coves.
“Eco-integrative jungle playground”
Emerald river channels, sixteen pools, coves, and unlimited access to nine regional eco-adventure theme parks.
Eco-integrative architecture carved into limestone caves and river grottos, appointed with handwoven Chiapas textiles and Puebla tiles.
Muluk Spa features rock-carved treatment cabins, a private temazcal, and an open-air riverfront hydrotherapy circuit.
Along the Riviera Maya coast south of Playa del Carmen, set into limestone caves, rivers, and jungle inlets.
“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”
Rooms
Suites across themed Casas feature handwoven Yucatan hammocks on private terraces, Puebla floor tiles, and cheerful Chiapas embroidery.
“the cheerfully embroidered cushions made by women in Chiapas, Yucatan-made rope hammocks, and floor tiles from Puebla in all of the 900-plus rooms wouldn’t be out of place in Tulum’s more boho-chic barefoot inns.”
Wellness
Muluk Spa is carved into limestone caves, offering rock-hewn treatment cabins, an open-air riverfront hydrotherapy circuit, and a private temazcal.
Backstory
Architect David Quintana Morones embedded the resort directly into existing limestone caves and river channels before opening in 2017.
Eat & drink
Dining spans twenty venues, including plant-based dishes inside a river cave at BIO and tasting menus at Michelin-starred Ha'.
The neighborhood
The Riviera Maya coastline unfolds south of Playa del Carmen, surrounded by dense jungle canopy, underground cenotes, and Caribbean reef waters.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.