Hotel Xcaret Arte Review & Guide: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya that blends Mexican culture, sustainability, and luxury, Hotel Xcaret Arte deserves a top spot on your list. Unlike typical beach resorts, this eco-luxury property celebrates Mexico’s artistry in every detail.

This resort also includes entrance and transportation to the Xcaret parks, which offer thrills, caverns, river swims, shows, animal encounters, and much more. We booked this trip to Cancun as our annual family vacation, with my parents and adult brother. Xcaret Arte offered the perfect blend of fun activities and luxury amenities for us. We are well-versed in beach vacations, coming from Florida, so we wanted a lot more than that. Xcaret provided that and connected nicely with the rest of our Cancun itinerary.

Xcaret can seem overwhelming at first glance, but whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a wellness retreat, or a cultural getaway, this guide covers everything you need to know — from room types to dining so you can make the most of your All-Fun Inclusive experience.

What is Hotel Xcaret Arte?

Perched between the jungle and Caribbean Sea in Playa del Carmen, Hotel Xcaret Arte is the adults-only sister property of the renowned Hotel Xcaret México. The concept is simple but brilliant: luxury with purpose. Every design element — from the stone walls to the furniture — honors Mexican craftsmanship.

The resort is made up of 900 art-inspired suites, 10 gourmet restaurants, and 6 themed “Casas” (houses), each dedicated to a different form of art such as design, dance, and pottery. Guests can participate in hands-on workshops, relax in river-view infinity pools, or explore nearby eco-adventure parks — all included in your stay.

Location & Getting There

Hotel Xcaret Arte is located about one hour south of Cancun International Airport, near Playa del Carmen. The resort provides complimentary airport transfers, so you’re whisked away in comfort as soon as you arrive.

When you are walking out of Cancun International Airport, continue to the exit, where you’ll find the buses for various other resorts. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Xcaret has its own little lounge area where you can relax in the air conditioning with a cold drink while you wait for the transfer service to arrive. The reception staff confirms your reservation and holds your luggage while you wait for the bus.

Skip the hassle of looking for flights! Use my Award Booking Concierge Service. I’ll find the flights on points and let you know exactly how to book. 

The staff will let you know when the transfer bus has arrived and will escort you over. Luggage is put in the storage compartment under the bus and backpacks can be stored inside with you.

I did expect for my luggage to be taken care of from the time I gave it to them to hold at the lounge, but found that you’ll have to handle it yourself essentially after that. It would be nice if it was handled and delivered to the room from that initial point on.

After a brief stop at another terminal, we were whisked away to the resort. It takes about an hour (without traffic) to reach Xcaret Arte.

Note that there is often traffic, and that the transfer bus also stops at the other Xcaret hotels, with Arte being last, so I would budget around two hours to actually get there.

The entire Xcaret area is very secure and has a secluded feeling since the resorts and several parks are all together on a huge portion of land. If you arrive early it’s easy to leave your luggage, get your access band, and spend the day at the parks. Since we arrived in the afternoon, we settled in, hit the Mercado de San Juan (buffet), and then went to Xplor Fuego, which is open until 11 pm.

Before Your Arrival

Be sure to email the hotel regarding your reservation to get the necessary forms to fill out. The forms are essential to prepare for your trip as you’ll specify if and when you’ll need airport transfers, park reservations, and perhaps most importantly, dinner reservations.

All the best restaurants at Xcaret Arte require reservations, and if you wait until you are on property to book, you’ll find that they are completely booked. Reserve your place as early as possible, especially to get your desired dining time.

There are some restaurants that do not require a reservation, so you’ll never be left without dinner options. Not all the parks and experiences require reservations, but most do. Just the parks closest to the hotel, Xcaret Mexico, Xplor/Xplor Fuego, and Xenses do not require an advance reservations since shuttles are continually going to and from the parks.

Check-In at Xcaret Arte

I stayed at Xcaret Arte at the end of July of 2025 for three nights. I booked the garden suite, which is their base room, through a third party site. Rates at the time varied pretty dramatically between the direct booking option, Preferred Hotels, and American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts. Since Xcaret Arte is all-inclusive, additional credits would only be useful at the spa, so I went with the best rate available.  

When you enter the hotel, you’re offered a small fruit popsicle. They usually have two options, and they rotate the flavors. The reception lobby is the plainest of all the spaces I saw in Xcaret, feeling more like a carport than a resort. While it was bright and spacious, I was glad the rest of the resort was nothing like this.

Upon checking in, I found out that only the category of room could be guaranteed, and not the bed type. The resort was very busy, so they could not accommodate my request for two beds for the whole stay. So I stayed in a King room in Casa del Diseño the first night and then a two queen room in Casa de la Musica the next two nights.

It was pretty easy to change rooms. I left my luggage packed in the room, they picked it up, and I went to the park for the day. Once we got back and checked into the new room I called for the luggage to be brought over.

After checking in, you’ll be escorted to your room and be able to ask any questions you have, as well as be subject to sales pitch to get you into their timeshare presentation. I had read about this online beforehand, so I was not caught off-guard, but it still required several strong no’s. It left a bad taste in our mouth to have paid a premium to be here and yet be pushed into wasting our time in exchange for spa credit.

The Six Casas: Choose Your Artistic Home

Instead of typical hotel “buildings,” Xcaret Arte organizes its suites into six themed Casas, each centered around a creative discipline:

1. Casa del Diseño – Mexican textiles and crafts.
2. Casa de la Música – Rhythm, movement, and dance.
3. Casa de la Paz – Wellness and meditation focus. Spa rooms.
4. Casa de los Artistas – Exclusive restaurant (Kibi-Kibi) and rooftop infinity pool. VIP style treatment.
5. Casa del Patrón – Heart of the resort and main dining hub.
6. Casa de la Pirámide – Architecture and heritage.

Guests can attend free creative workshops, from pottery to painting — a unique perk that sets this resort apart.

All Suites- with lots of perks

Every room features a rainfall shower, premium minibar, robes and slippers, espresso machine, and outdoor hammock — small details that make a big difference.

The mini bar includes local snacks, candies, and nuts, along with a selection of soft drinks and beers in the mini fridge. Glass water carafes are refilled daily from their purified system. Be sure to take your provided tote bag with towels and snacks for your days out.

Each of the 900 suites at Hotel Xcaret Arte shows attention to detail and design. Natural woods, handwoven hammocks, and locally sourced art pieces bring the outdoors in. You’ll find views of the river, garden, ocean, or pool — each suite seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability.

The bathrooms are laid out with the sinks and tub in the main area of the suite. The shower and closet area can be closed off with a sliding door, and the toilet is located off that room with its own door.

This layout has both advantages and disadvantages. While the segmented approach makes each area feel more spacious and someone can easily use different facilities at the same time, guests who are not couples might hate that the sink and tub lack privacy from your roommate.

An interesting feature is that the window above the tub can be made clear or opaque at the touch of a button. I would imagine that this is for admiring the view out to the balcony from the toilet.

Don’t miss out on the various toiletries provided, open the drawer under the sink to find them.

Room categories include:

• Garden Suites: Base room with garden view
• River Suites: Overlooking tranquil waterways.
• Jump River Suites: Take a dip just by stepping out your back door.
• Ocean View Suites: Offering panoramic sea views.
• Spa Suites: With private stone tubs on the terrace.

Our Suites

Since we had the issue of the availability of our desired bed type, we got to try two different ‘casas.’

Casa del Diseño

Our room in the Casa del Diseño, which has a rooftop pool that offers small bites. The suite had a nice view of the pool and river, and was in much better condition than our next room in Casa de la Musica.

The location of our particular room (1415) was a bit noisy though since it was located in a column, so both walls were directly subject to the sounds of people walking on the suspension bridge and maintenance by the pool.

There was plenty of staff around the office at Casa del Diseño in the morning who confirmed my change of room, and otherwise seemed to be facilitating checkouts. The space was especially intriguing with antique sewing machines lining the wall.

Casa de la Musica

My parents stayed in Casa de la Musica for the entirety of our visit. Their room faced the stage for their nightly show, so they could watch it from the balcony if desired. They had booked a river front suite, but were assured that many people usually wanted this room view to see the show.

We saw the show while we were eating dinner at Encanta on the outdoor terrace. The show was always at dinner time so that is the most convenient way to catch it, rather than from the room.

In the end, they would have much preferred a water view, as maintenance and rehearsals could be noisy and the stage was otherwise unsightly. I stayed in room 4533. My garden view was not as private either, as you could see the main walkway between the various restaurants below. The rooms in this building were showing much more wear and tear.

We had a mixed array of turndown service. I did receive the small gift the first night, but did not the subsequent nights. My parents received one every night.

Once I figured out where I was in Casa de la Musica in relation to the Casa del Patron, then it was easy to get to the main lobby quickly since we were on the same level (5) and connected by bridge. This Casa also has a rooftop pool, but does not serve food. The pools were not shaded so we stuck to using the main pool that had spots to escape the sun.

I found that the Casa de la Musica lacked a bit of personality. The desks where you might find help were normally empty, and the concierge of that Casa was uninterested. When it did come time to check out, we had to go to the main reception area of the whole hotel and queue up to be helped. I generally preferred the nicer view and close location to the pool of the Casa del Diseño.

Dining: 10 Restaurants Curated by Celebrity Chefs

Dining at Hotel Xcaret Arte is a huge part of the experience. The resort’s 10 signature restaurants showcase Mexico’s regional flavors, led by world-class chefs. See the full article on all the restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte or watch the video overview.

Do not miss Chino Poblano or Arenal, they blew us away! Skip Encanta. End the nights at Cantina Vi.Ai.Py or Deseo Speakeasy for live music and drinks. Have breakfast at Cayuco for better views and faster drink service than the Mercado. Stop by the cafe in the lobby often for a great take away selection.

Fine Dining (Reservations Required):

• Xaak: Fine dining by a collective of Michelin-starred chefs with an eight-course tasting menu. At an additional cost of $120 per person, and an additional cost for the wine pairing.
• Chino Poblano: An unexpected fusion of Chinese and Mexican cuisines that somehow works perfectly. This was our favorite dinner by far. Each course was unique and tasty. See the video review.
• Encanta: Led by Chef Paco Méndez, this restaurant delivers elevated Yucatán cuisine. Watch the nightly show if you sit outside. We were disappointed with this meal, finding the food not good, and leaving hungry.
• Kibi-Kibi: Exclusive to Casa de los Artistas guests — inspired by Yucatecan-Lebanese fusion.
• Tah-Xido: Japanese inspired rolls, noodles, and hibachi style dining.

Casual Eats:

• Mercado de San Juan: Their daily buffet offering a large array of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Cantina VI.AI.PY.: Daily evening live music, delicious Oaxacan small plates. Be sure to try the guac with some crispy bugs on it. A great place to stop by after dinner for drinks. There is also a coffee machine station right by the restaurant.
• Cayuco: Poolside breakfast and lunch buffet.
• Arenal: Hidden in a cove under the pool, every dish was absolutely delicious! A variety of surf and turf options for lunch and dinner. Get premium cuts of meat, like a tomahawk, for an additional charge.
• Apapachoa: Vegan rooftop restaurant offering plant-based meals for breakfast and dinner.
• Lobby Cafe: Excellent barista coffee, desserts, prepared fruit and sandwiches. A great stop for breakfast or to grab some fruit to eat on the beach.
• Poolside food carts: Everyday there was traditional Mexican street food snacks being prepared by the pool in the afternoons.
• Room Service: Available 24/7. Check the menu on the TV to order.

Bars & Nightlife

Hotel Xcaret Arte’s nightlife scene is limited but refined. There is daily live music at Cantina Vi.Ai.Py where you can join the crowd dancing and singing along. Hidden away near the gym is Deseo Speakeasy, which has daily jazz music and a Dj playing dance hits late into the night.

If you want a more festive night, join the complimentary excursion to Xoximilco, one of the Xcaret parks, for a floating Mexican fiesta with mariachi bands and tequila tastings. There is also a daily show at about 7 pm near Casa de la Musica.

It changes depending on the day, but when we saw it the show involved several parts. It started with a dancer and music, followed by a water fountain show, and concluded with a dramatic theatrical interpretation of the creation of life. It was overall interesting, but not our thing.

You can order drinks from any restaurant, although they don’t serve hard liquor before 11 am I believe. There are bars where you can order directly from in the pool, near the beach, and at the buffet. The liquor quality was mid-range, but watered down (always get a double).

What I would like to see improved are more creative drink menus for each restaurant and poolside. There was usually only one signature drink that was offered and it took asking for a drink menu to see one or two other options. We like unique cocktails, so it could get a bit boring to have the same classic drinks or come up. The only exception was at Arenal, the drinks there were innovative and the best we had the whole time at Xcaret.

There was also only house wine (red or white) that was complimentary. Anything off the wine list was an additional charge. It would be nicer if there was a selection of a few wines of each variety included.

Pools, River, & Beach

There are multiple pools and lounging areas spread throughout the resort. The main pool was our favorite for the swim up bar, shaded spaces, food stalls, and ability to do long laps or look at the ocean. In contrast, the rooftop pools offer a more intimate experience.

The staff was great at keeping track of what chairs are bing used and setting them up for you how you’d like. If you forget your sunscreen, you’ll find that there’s some available by the pool entrance and by the bar. It was never crowded by the pool or beach, and we never had difficulty getting a lounger, but there were times when nearly all the chairs were taken.

The resort is built around natural coves rather than a traditional beachfront, creating intimate swimming areas with calm, crystal-clear water.

Because of the rocky shoreline, you won’t find a wide sandy beach here — but the rocks are perfect for lots of tropical fish, making this beach an excellent place to go snorkeling. I spent all morning following fish along the shoreline, with breaks on the surface for piña coladas.

I can be pretty picky about snorkeling, and after being disappointed in Hawaii, I didn’t have high expectations. I was very happily surprised to see the crystal clear water, larger fish, and even stingrays. Much better than the so-called snorkel spots in Hawaii I went to.

We did not encounter any seaweed problems like there is further into the Riviera Maya area, like we experienced at the Hilton Cancun.

The river is primarily for kayaking and paddle boarding. These activities are complimentary, but require reservations. I recommend making a reservation soon after you check in so you can enjoy them one of the days of your stay. It was very competitive to get access to these activities, and they are truly enjoyable, so don’t sleep on it!

Muluk Spa: Wellness in a Natural Cave

The Muluk Spa is carved directly into the limestone cliffs, creating a serene, cave-like atmosphere. The hydrotherapy circuit is a highlight — hot and cold plunge pools, steam rooms, and a natural river view make it one of the most unique spas in the Riviera Maya.

Treatments range from traditional Mayan massages to holistic therapies using locally sourced ingredients. Spa treatments and access require an additional charge and are not included in the nightly rate.

All-Fun Inclusive: Parks & Tours Access

Hotel Xcaret Arte’s signature All-Fun Inclusive® concept goes far beyond the standard all-inclusive package. Guests receive unlimited access and transportation to all of Grupo Xcaret’s eco-adventure parks, including:

• Xcaret: The original park with underground rivers, animal encounters, and cultural shows.
• Xplor: Zip-lining, cave rafting, off-roading, and waterslide. Reopens at night as Xplor Fuego.
• Xel-Há: Water activities in a massive natural lagoon. Can be combined with a visit to the Tulum ruins. Requires a full day and reservations.
• Xenses: A sensory park with optical illusions.
• Xenotes: A tour of several cenotes with different experiences at each. Requires a full day and reservations.
• Xoximilco: Floating party with live music and dinner. Evening activity, reservations required.
• Xichen Tour: Tour one of the wonders of the world Chichen Itza, then cool off in a cenote. Additional $33 per person supplement for entrance fee. About 3 hours away, takes a full day, reservations required.
• Xailing: Ferry to Isla Mujeres or Cancun for a beach day. Party catamaran sailing trip. Reservations required.

Having all the parks included could easily add up to hundreds of dollars in saving per person. This makes Xcaret Arte an incredible value compared to other all-inclusives in Cancun and a dream for travelers who want both relaxation and adventure. For a full review on all the included parks and tours see my guide to Xcaret parks.

It worked out well for us as an active family and loved that we could go at any time to Xcaret, Xplor, or Xenses. While it was nice to see the original Xcaret park and swim the length of it, we really enjoyed Xplor, so much so that we went twice.

Technically we were at Xplor Fuego, which is what it is called after 5:30 pm. The park does stop operating rides and concessions from around 4:30 to 5:30, so try not to get caught in that window unless you just want to be first in line.

There are also designated restaurants in each park where you can eat and drink for free as part of your stay. We mainly tried to eat at the resort, since all the food was quite good, but we did try the oceanfront buffet at Xcaret which had a decent selection, a variety of mojitos, and a live band.

We could have done more parks and activities, but we decided to take more time to explore the beautiful resort, which was definitely the right choice when only spending three nights here. Schedule your visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds and Sunday park closures.

Service & Guest Experience

Service at Hotel Xcaret Arte is consistently praised for being warm and attentive. While I saw many online reviews that mentioned service had gone down in recent years, I didn’t feel that. Most of the staff was very friendly, helpful, and happy to help you have the best vacation.

The concierge was very helpful and honest in coordinating our departure. The kayaking staff was understanding and let us wait for a no-show when there was a mix up with our reservation. We also had nice interactions with the restaurant staff, cleaning department, and pool valets. The bartenders were flexible with requests, even though many drinks were not to our taste, so it took a day or two to know what to ask for.

Sustainability & Design

Built with deep respect for the land, Hotel Xcaret Arte was constructed using sustainable practices that preserve the surrounding jungle and waterways. The architecture integrates natural rock formations and uses local materials throughout.

The resort is carbon-neutral certified, supports local artisans, and actively contributes to wildlife preservation in the region — proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully. Every area had beautiful designs and art displayed, making it a pleasure to go on long walks through the property. While the resort is sprawling, there are many smaller spaces to hang out in that feel private and relaxed.

Check-Out Day

Once you check out, you’ll have to turn in your wristbands, but the fun doesn’t have to stop. You’ll be handed a slip of paper that gives you access to all the amenities, food, and parks nearby until around 5 pm.

You will not be able to schedule any full day excursions on your check-out day. Feel free though to lounge by the pool, eat at the buffets or lunch restaurants, and go to Xplor, Xcaret, or Xsenses. There is even a shower and changing room available to refresh before leaving the resort at the end of the day. These are called their hospitality rooms, reserve a time slot ahead of time to use it.

We spent a few hours at the resort our last day and since we were not returning to the airport, we made alternate plans at our own expense to transfer to our next hotel. We were traveling next to Isla Mujeres (to swim with the whale sharks!) so we coordinated a van transfer (thanks to the concierge) and bought tickets on Xsailing to go from Cancun to the island where we would spend the next few nights.

If you are going elsewhere after Xcaret or want to go off-property during your stay, then just ask the valet to summon the next available taxi or arrange a larger vehicle with the concierge ahead of time. Be sure to have some cash in pesos or dollars for paying taxis.

Cost, Packages & Best Time to Visit

Rates typically start around $800–$1,200 per night depending on season and suite type, which includes all meals, drinks, park access, and airport transfers.

Best times to visit:

• November-April for ideal cooler, drier weather, but can be busy.
• May–September is more of the low season since it heats up and can be rainy, however it is also whale shark season. If you want to swim with them, then definitely go this time of year!

Pros & Cons of Staying at Xcaret Arte

Pros	Cons
All-Fun Inclusive access to parks and tours	No traditional sandy beach
World-class dining and service	Premium pricing
Eco-luxury architecture and art workshops	Large resort layout (some walking required)
Adults-only atmosphere	Reservations needed for some restaurants

Bottom Line: Is Hotel Xcaret Arte Worth It?

If you love art, culture, and adventure — and prefer an upscale, eco-luxury experience — Hotel Xcaret Arte is absolutely worth it. It’s not your typical all-inclusive; it’s a celebration of Mexico’s creativity and natural beauty, paired with world-class hospitality.

For travelers who want more than a beach chair and a buffet, this resort delivers something deeper — an experience that feeds both the senses and the soul. Xcaret Arte is perfect for those that appreciate elevated dining, water activities, and the convenience of never having to drive yourself for incredible experiences.

Xcaret Arte is truly the ultimate luxury all inclusive for adventurous couples and families that offers good value compared to traditional resorts and other all-inclusives in Mexico.

FAQ

Related articles to plan your trip to Cancun:

• Cancun Airport Lounge
• Xcaret Parks Guide
• Xcaret Arte Restaurants
• Hilton Cancun, an All-inclusive