HOTEL XCARET MEXICO: A PLACE REMOVED FROM TIME by Samantha Young (Photos are mine)
In the same way that there are movies and then there are films or there are books and then there is literature, there are all-inclusive resorts and then there is Hotel Xcaret Mexico. The newly minted resort is located deep in the heart of the Riviera Maya, tucked away in the wilds of its own expansive jungle compound along the Caribbean coast. Painstakingly crafted by the Experiencias Xcaret Group (creators of the world famous Xcaret Park) to evoke the mystery and wonder of the Mayan ruins and ancient cenotes which have long enticed travelers to this unique area, the resort is a work of art. And what it offers is above and beyond a mere vacation or getaway. Here, you will find yourself drawn into a world removed from the everyday constraints of time and worry, a place of pure fun and enjoyment.
The experience begins the moment you arrive when you are invited up into a stunning open-air rotunda where legions of smiling Xcaret employees are waiting to greet you with miniature frozen fruit treats and cool washcloths to wipe away the dust of travel from your hands. While you marvel over the stunning views and distractingly beautiful design of your new surroundings, you’re guided cheerfully through a painless reception process and immediately invited to shuck your bags and begin to explore all of the wonders Xcaret has to offer.
And oh, the wonders it has to offer! What makes HXM truly unique among the many resorts in the area is that it is the only resort which boasts complete and total access with transportation to ALL of the world renowned Experiencias Xcaret parks including; Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco and Xsenses as well as tours including; Xenotes, Xichen, Coba and Tulum. Experience everything from snorkeling to ziplining to white water rafting, explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or the natural marvels of wild jungles and underground water caverns, all of it included in your stay.
In all honesty though, you could forgo the parks completely and still enjoy one of the best vacations you’ve ever dreamed of. With eleven different pools, endless, winding jungle pathways to run and rivers to kayak, private beaches, secret underground coves and meandering lagoons complete with hidden waterslides…you could spend weeks at this resort and still discover something new and amazing every day.
The fully immersive onsite Muluk Spa, for instance; a mystical grotto located at the very edge of the resort, overlooking a peaceful lagoon. Not only will you find a comprehensive list of top tier spa and beauty treatments, Muluk also offers guests the option of engaging in themed relaxation ‘journeys,’ such as the ‘sensory journey,’ which includes time spent in flotariums imbued with ancient Mayan healing properties or the ‘contemporary journey’, which utilizes state of the art technology to deliver cutting edge beauty treatments.
And of course, for those familiar with the normal trappings of an all-inclusive resort, HXM does not disappoint. With ten onsite restaurants and eight bars to choose from, you’re sure to find dining options to please any palette. HXM is home to the famed Ha’ restaurant, conceived by Chef Carlos Gaytan, (the first Mexican chef to receive a Michelin star) as well as Las Cuevas, a truly unique dining experience located within the resort’s stunning network of underground caves. Feeling romantic? Las Cuevas offers private dining for two within a secluded smaller cave above the lagoon. And if you’re looking for something a little more low key, you can’t go wrong with the Mercado de la Merced, a buffet style restaurant meant to resemble a traditional Mexican market, complete with omelette and crepe stations.
There are 900 rooms in total within the resort spread out between five ‘casas,’ each with its own set of special privileges and amenities. Casa Fuego, for instance, is an adults only building complete with personal butler service and a private rooftop infinity pool and bar. Or if you’re looking for a family friendly stay, try Casa Tierra, located near the super tricked out Xiquillos Kid’s Club and kid friendly pools with fun play equipment and slides. The rooms themselves are sumptuous, outfitted with luxurious beds, deep jacuzzi tubs and rain showers and packed full of amenities including snack trays, fully stocked mini bars and plush bath robes. You can choose between ocean views, river views, garden views or swim-up rooms with direct access to the pools or lagoons.
And yet, with all of these outstanding features, what might be most notable about this place is simply the focused dedication to world class hospitality. Not only will you find every corner of the resort immaculately clean, well stocked and well staffed, everywhere you go you are met with outstanding service. Lie down on a chaise lounge poolside, someone will be by momentarily to see if you need a drink or an ice cold bottle of water, or how about a gourmet flatbread pizza while you’re at it?
In fact, thoughtfulness and attention to detail is evident in every facet of the resort. They’ve even set up an elaborate network of cameras strategically placed and activated by your all-inclusive guest bracelet (which also acts as your room key) so that you can make sure you capture every special moment, whether or not you remember to bring your camera to the infinity pool.
And while it might be on the pricier side of the area’s all-inclusive resorts, it’s easily worth the extra pennies. It isn’t often in life that you’re offered a true escape, a genuine peaceful respite from the world. So, if you’re looking to plan your next vacation, this is probably one of the safest bets you could make on an unforgettable experience. Because, whether you’re napping in one of the hammocks on your private balcony, crossing one of the authentic rope suspension bridges from building to building or floating in a lagoon beneath a waterfall, here it’s easy to forget about the everyday stresses you’ve left behind, easy to imagine you’ve somehow stumbled into a magical place removed from time.
