Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is a landscape of natural beauty.
Lush jungle hides underground cenotes (deep sinkholes in limestone filled with groundwater) of crystal-clear water encased in vine-encrusted cave walls. Flawless white-sand beaches line the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
By sustainably merging this prized landscape into Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Xcaret Experiences Group – parent company of nine eco-parks and tours in Mexico – has created a sanctuary for tourists in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
“The owners wanted to integrate the Mexicanity of Xcaret into the hotel,” explains says Ana Ramirez Herrera, Director of Sales USA.
“The idea is to make you feel like you’re in a natural environment. Yes, you’re in a nice hotel and you have all the comforts of modern life but at the same time, we want people to explore the real nature in Mexico and make them feel like the trip was worthwhile. We want them to truly experience what Mexico is.”
Situated along the Caribbean Sea just a few minutes away from the highly-acclaimed Xcaret Park, the all-fun-inclusive resort offers 900 suites, acres of activities, and dining experiences ranging from casual to Michelin.
The suites are distributed among five “casas” named after a universal element, symbols of great importance to the Mayan culture: Spiral, Wind, Water, Earth and Fire. Some buildings are family-oriented while others — like Casa Fuego with its sleek glass rooftop pool — are adult-only.
Throughout the property, each of the suites is designed in a way that connects guests with nature. Rooms feature locally-made furnishings, artwork and accessories, and offer stunning views of the ocean, rivers, pools and jungle.
Beyond the world-class accommodations and amenities, Xcaret is a natural hideaway, integrating the ecosystem into the guest experience.
Innovative architecture and design elements dazzle guests at every corner. Snug coves, rich lagoons, jungle trails, suspension bridges and sparkling waterfalls are scattered about the EarthCheck-certified resort.
Adventure enthusiasts can kayak, swim or paddleboard along the two rivers that run through the property. Or, for a more traditional Caribbean experience, they can choose a relaxing beach day on the intimate white-sand inlet.
Guests can further tap into the natural surroundings at Muluk Spa & Wellness as they receive treatments inspired by Mayan and ancient traditions. Its cabins – all built inside caves – are the only ones of their kind in the Riviera Maya region.
“We use the natural environment that we have and just carve a little bit in nature to offer the services. When you enter into the cabins, you can even see the roots of the trees on the ceiling,” says Herrera.
One cabin even has a small cenote inside, while another, set in the middle of its own little private island, is only accessible by trajinera (a little flat-bottomed boat).
At every turn, guests will find a new reason to fall in love with Mexican culture and Mayan traditions.
“You’re going to see many different pieces throughout the hotel’s public areas and rooms that have a double function,” says Herrera.
“One is to display the best of the Mexican arts, the work of the artisans that we have throughout the country. But we are also acquiring products to be sustainable and helping small communities to thrive. “
The small wooden lamps located in select suites, for instance, are hand-crafted by a collective of ex-convicts in Cancun.
“A local man couldn’t find employment after he was released from prison, so he opened his shop to employ other people in the same situation as him,” explains Herrera. “We support that community by buying their products.”
