Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico: Hotel Xcaret Arte

Every few years Mexico welcomes a new hotel that stops me in my tracks. In 2021 that hotel, for me, was Hotel Xcaret Arte. You  may find that surprising seeing as it’s a mega all-inclusive resort with 900 rooms, a multitude of restaurants, and a very “activity minded” mentality — none of which is really “on brand” for me. But what can I say? When something is done as well as Hotel Xcaret Arte, it’s tough not to drink the Kool-Aid. In fact, I am going so far as to say this is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

Yes, the resort is really, really big. And yes, it’s branded as part of the Grupo Xcaret family of resorts and theme parks. But it’s done with such attention to detail and of the highest quality that I cannot deny how spectacular it is. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen for adults only.

I visited Hotel Xcaret Arte in November 2021 with a dear girlfriend and we had an incredible time. While the resort does have 900 rooms, there are so many places to steal away within the resort that we never felt overwhelmed. The resort’s rooms are divided into five separate “casas,” all of which have art-centric themes, and all of which operate like mini hotels on their own. 

We stayed in the Casa de los Artistas, which is the oceanfront casa, complete with its own rooftop bar and infinity pool. This particular casa has its own private gym, as well. If you want ocean views and an even more exclusive vibe, this is the casa to book. But the rooms in all of the casas are made with the same quality and attention to detail.

I recommend the resort for couples or groups of friends. It’s adults-only, as I mentioned, and you can make it as secluded and romantic, or energetic and social as you like. Anyway, let’s get down to it then. You can find my complete review below. And should you be inspired to book Hotel Xcaret Arte, you can do so right here.

Hotel Xcaret Arte Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

BEST ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN: The Vibe of Hotel Xcaret Arte

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

One of the reasons why Hotel Xcaret Arte is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen is because it embodies so many experiences in one. Whether you're being pampered in the underground, cenote-like spa, having a decadent tasting menu meal, snacking on casual ceviche, or drinking margaritas in the main infinity pool with six of your newest friends, you're going to be having a wonderful time at this resort.

The staff is not only helpful and kind, but also incredibly fun. We loved befriending the bartenders at the pool bar, the waiters, as well as the women at Mercado San Juan who made the tortillas by hand every single day. 

Hotel Xcaret Arte is spotless. Each space is impeccable, and for as energetic as the pool is, it is never sloppy. That's because eating is not permitted by the pool, which helps considerably. You can, of course, have all the drinks you like whether at the swim-up bar, your chaise lounge, or overlooking the infinity edge.

I love this resort because of how social it is. Just sitting at the swim-up bar, we made friends daily. We also took part in a pottery painting class, where we also socialized with other guests. It's such a fun and lively atmosphere that it's almost impossible not to make a new friend, or several.

BEST ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS IN MEXICO: The Amenities at Hotel Xcaret Arte

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

The amenities are yet another reason to book Hotel Xcaret Arte. But the main, most important reason, are the inclusions offered with your all-inclusive rate. They are among the best I've ever experienced at an all-inclusive resort.

Within the room rate, not only is all food and beverage covered (except for one restaurant, but more on that later), it also includes round-trip transportation to and from the airport, your in-room mini bar, and unlimited access to any of the theme parks included under the Xcaret umbrella. This includes everything from Xcaret park to Xel-Ha, Xenses, Xplor, etc. These theme parks are among the top reasons many people visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya. While I'm not big on theme parks myself, if you are an activities person, this is a HUGE value.

I, personally, like to enjoy the resort rather than leave it when I do stay at a resort. The pools at Hotel Xcaret Arte are stunning. The main pool is super fun and social, and if you stay at Casa de los Artistas, you'll have an infinity rooftop pool with a private bar area.

The beach at Hotel Xcaret Arte is just okay. It's pretty rocky and small, but the water is calm, clear, and beautiful. If you are more of a beach person, though, this may not be the beach to win you over.

Best Resorts in Playa del Carmen for Adults: The Rooms at Hotel Xcaret Arte

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

Full disclosure: I stayed at one of the rooms in the Casa de los Artistas, which is the casa with the best location on property. That said, there is no difference in quality or style of rooms across the casas. What changes is the view.

The rooms are excellent. The beds are cloud-like and comfortable, with Nespresso machines in every room, as well as the included mini bar. Each room also has a private terrace with a hammock, which is everyone's favorite highlight. Air conditioning and outlet game are both strong, too.

One thing I don't particularly care for is that the bathrooms are not separate. The sink and jacuzzi tub are right next to the beds. The toilet is enclosed in its own space, but for the most part the bathrooms are part of an open-floor plan. It's certainly not a deal-breaker, but it's not my favorite style.

I will say that I've heard from other guests that rooms in different casas can feel more exposed because their balconies overlook the walking paths of the resort. If you want a more private experience, I suggest booking one of the rooms that are ocean-view, though this will drive the price up more.

Best All-Inclusive Beachfront Resorts in Playa del Carmen: The Dining at Hotel Xcaret Arte

Overall Score: Best Ever

Well, I said it. And I mean it. The dining at Hotel Xcaret Arte is some of the best food I’ve ever had at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. From bustling breakfast “market” to the casual lunch fare, and the high-end dinner experiences, you will not have a bad meal at Hotel Xcaret Arte, and you will probably remember every one of them for a very long time.

This is quite a statement, I know. But it’s so very hard to find an all-inclusive resort in Mexico that really gets the dining just right. Start with breakfast at the Mercado San Juan, a market designed to look like a traditional city market in Mexico. Here you’ll find a station with women hand-making blue corn and regular tortillas, stuffing them plump with chicken tinga, mushrooms, and Oaxacan cheese. Nearby, a man takes said tortillas and heaps them high with tender, juicy carnitas. Of course, you’ll also find an egg station, pancakes, chilaquiles, fruit, and an entire section dedicated to breads and pastries.

For lunch I always opted to dine at Cayuco, which is the restaurant next to the main infinity pool. Also buffet-style, here you can build your own ceviche. I went for the hunks of fresh tuna, topped with crunchy jicama, sliced avocado, jalapenos, and bathed in tangy lime juice.

Dinner leaves you spoiled for choice, as well. China Poblano was one of my favorites — a restaurant that fuses cuisines from Puebla in Mexico, as well as China. But you'll find restaurants that are dedicated to Lebanese/Mexican fusion, Oaxacan food, Japanese food, an entirely vegan restaurant, and more.

One of the best dining experiences is at Xaak. This is the only restaurant not included in the all-inclusive plan, but it is absolutely worth the splurge for a tasting menu and wine pairing. The beautiful, romantic restaurant has the best ambiance, impeccable service, and truly memorable food.

All-Inclusive Mexico Resorts: The Wellness at Hotel Xcaret Arte

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

This is a *beautiful* spa. The spa at Hotel Xcaret Arte gives off serious water nymph vibes. You arrive at the check-in area and are whisked off to a relaxation lounge overlooking a quiet river, with rocky caves across the way. The hydrotherapy circuit begins here, with secluded plunge pools built into cavernous spaces, with upward-facing lighting to give the illusion that you are underground.

The treatment rooms are built into caves themselves, and glowing, illuminated passageways connect all of the spaces. A second relaxation area has lounge beds and a tea station, with views out to the tranquil, pristine river below.

While the spa is not included in the room rate, it is absolutely worth the extra spend. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the spa here.

The gym is also top quality. The small gym at Casa de los Artistas is perfectly fine, with a few pieces of cardio equipment and free weights, but the resort’s main gym is much better equipped with more equipment and all the machines you could think of.

Stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte

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