All-inclusive hotels typically cover meals and maybe kayak rentals. But pottery workshops, weaving lessons, and dance demos? That’s only at Hotel Xcaret Arte, Riviera Maya’s brand-new resort that’s a 900-suite tribute to Mexican art. (Tip: the “X” is pronounced “Sh”). Here, each of the hotel’s wings, or casas, is dedicated to a different artistic discipline, such as textiles, pottery, painting, and music. As for the culinary arts, Xcaret Arte has your taste buds covered with nine restaurants, including an Asian eatery, a Oaxacan outpost, and a spot that fuses Yucatecan and Lebanese flavors. The fact that this hotel is part of Grupo Xcaret, which means you’ll also get unlimited access to eight adventure parks (they’ve coined the phrase “All-Fun Inclusive”), is just the cherry on top of your poolside piña colada.
What You Need to Know About Hotel Xcaret Arte
The Look of Hotel Xcaret Arte
Not only an ode to art, Hotel Xcaret Arte is also big on nature. The resort looks like it was carved into its Caribbean coastline. A network of lagoons and mini islands dotted with palm trees connect the hotel with the beach. White stone, light wood, and palapa-style roofs are used across the property, as is a color palette that pulls from local flora and fauna.
Suites include Mexican art, like woven wall hangings and traditional hammocks on private balconies. Natural wood furniture and rattan rugs plus pops of purple make for beachy-chic decor. Get an even greater dose of the outdoors by booking a Swim Up Garden Suite, a River Suite, or an Ocean Front Suite.
The Vibe at Hotel Xcaret Arte
Art meets adventure at Hotel Xcaret Arte. Typically, travelers have to choose between culture, beach, and adrenaline-pumping escapades, but here you’ll get all three. Spend a morning learning about Mexican weaving techniques, that afternoon lounging on the beach and the next day zipping through the jungle in an amphibious vehicle at Xplor adventure park.
Who Will Love Hotel Xcaret Arte
Travelers who don’t want to commit to one type of vacation. Hotel Xcaret Arte is a haven for beach bums, foodies, adventure junkies, and culture seekers alike.
Who Might Not Love Hotel Xcaret Arte
Kids. This is an adults-only hotel for the 16+ crowd. But the resort’s sister property, Hotel Xcaret Mexico, is family-friendly and right next door.
Best Amenity at Hotel Xcaret Arte
A concert venue and 15 outdoor pools are hard to beat, but Muluk Spa takes the honor of top hotel amenity. This “mystical wellness center” has 24 massage rooms carved into caves, a temazcal, therapeutic mud and salt sanctuaries, and an Alchemists Studio where guests can mix their own oils, scents, and lotions for personalized treatments. Plus, spa guests get to enjoy a hydrotherapy ritual that includes a sauna, steam room, and hot and cold pools with river views.
Money Matters
What’s Included at Hotel Xcaret Arte
Along with your suite, you’ll get artistic workshops, meals, and beverages at seven of the resort's nine restaurants, unlimited access to eight adventure parks, and airport and park transfers. Note: The restaurant Kibi-Kibi is exclusive to guests staying in Casa de los Artistas.
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About at Hotel Xcaret Arte
Meals at Xaak are extra, as are treatments at Muluk Spa.
How to Get a Deal at Hotel Xcaret Arte
Book a stay during shoulder season (May or September) and steer clear of Christmas and New Year’s, when rates can double.
Getting to Hotel Xcaret Arte
In the Neighborhood of Hotel Xcaret Arte
Take advantage of the resort’s All-Fun Inclusive by hitting up some of the adventure parks. Xcaret, Xenses, Xplor, and Xplor Fuego are all only 10 minutes away and include underground rivers, optical illusions, zip lines, and torch-lit jungle rides. The hotel can also arrange transportation to the remaining four attractions: Xel-Há, Xoximilco, Xavage and Xenotes.
Further afield, Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue is about 15 minutes away and Tulum is about a 45-minute drive.
Nearest Airport to Hotel Xcaret Arte
It’s a 45-minute drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN) to the hotel. Transfers are included with your stay and leave the airport every 30 minutes.
Nearest Public Transportation to Hotel Xcaret Arte
The resort is about 20 minutes from the Playa del Carmen bus station that has service to Cancun International Airport via ADO bus service. However, as mentioned above, airport transfers and shuttles from the resort to Xcaret parks are included in your stay.
The Bottom Line
Hotel Xcaret Arte is the best of both worlds: the artistic sensibilities of a boutique hotel and the all-inclusive perks of a resort.