Xcaret Arte Hotel: the BEST guide | Map + Daily plan + Reviews

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Who would have thought that we would enjoy a vacation in an all-inclusive hotel SO MUCH! We still can’t believe it, but the truth is that the Xcaret Arte hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is the main reason we’ve changed our minds about this type of trip. Because… WHAT a hotel! 😍

And since we had such a fantastic experience, we felt it was essential to share EVERYTHING about this amazing hotel with you: prices, restaurants, types of rooms, a hotel map, tips to make the most of your stay, reviews of the Xcaret Arte Hotel from other travelers… In short, we want to create the most comprehensive guide to the Xcaret Arte hotel guide in the the world 😉

It’s very likely (we felt the same way) that at first, you’ll feel overwhelmed with all the things the hotel offers, which, let me tell you, are A LOT.

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A bit of context about the Xcaret Arte hotel

We discovered the Xcaret universe several years ago thanks to Alan por el Mundo, but until recently, we had no idea we could experience it firsthand.

The Xcaret Arte hotel is the second hotel of the Xcaret group, one of the most important tourist brands in the Riviera Maya. First came the Xcaret Mexico hotel, an incredible family-friendly hotel, then in June 2021, they opened the Xcaret Arte hotel, which revolves around art and various artistic disciplines and is exclusively for adults over 16 years old. In December 2021, they opened the third hotel, also adults only: La Casa de la Playa.

Xcaret Mexico is next to Xcaret Arte and Xcaret Arte is next to La Casa de Playa. If you like, you can check our guide to Xcaret México hotel.

The Xcaret Arte hotel is the twin brother of the Xcaret Mexico hotel, although there are significant differences between them. The most important ones are that in Arte children under 16 years old are not allowed, that it has swimming pools on its rooftops (something that Xcaret México lacks) and that all the activities that can already be done in the hotel, in Arte are they expand with the artistic workshops offered by each house. But don’t worry, we’ll talk about that a bit further down.

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Why Xcaret Arte?

Art at the Xcaret Arte hotel goes far beyond its name, and the entire complex is a tribute to Mexican artists.

They say that here you are a guest, a work of art and an artist. But it doesn’t stop there; art at the hotel is expressed in countless ways throughout the resort: in the furniture, the décor, the architecture, the activities offered, the entertainment… In fact, as you walk around the hotel, it’s common to find artists showcasing their art: musicians, dancers, painters, singers, actors…

Important things you should know about the Xcaret Arte hotel

• If you stay at the hotel you’ll enjoy its ‘All Fun Inclusive’ concept. This means that unlimited premium meals and drinks are included in the accommodation price, including the minibar and 24-hour room service. But that’s not all, it also includes transportation and admission to all the parks and experiences offered by the Xcaret group (Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xavage and Xenotes) as well as transportation to and from the Cancun airport.
• The Xcaret Arte hotel is much more than a hotel, so if you prefer, your vacation doesn’t have to be the typical vacation of lounging in the sun and doing nothing else. We stayed at the hotel for a total of 10 days and didn’t stop finding things to do. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained as long as you want.
• One of the standout features of the Xcaret Arte hotel and a key reason why we chose it is its incredible gastronomy. The hotel has a total of 9 restaurants, plus cafes and street food stalls, all offering different concepts, all interesting, and all worth visiting.

• Keep in mind that among all the restaurants the hotel offers, one (Xaak) charges an additional fee, another (Kibi-Kibi) is exclusive to guests staying in Casa de los Artistas, and three others (Tah-Xido, Encanta and Chino Poblano) require reservations and only offer dinner service.

• We’ll discuss prices later, but keep in mind that it is a rather expensive hotel. The key to finding deals is to book in advance and take advantage of promotions that are usually available on their website. The lowest price you can find is around 450 USD per night for two people in a basic room (which is not basic at all 😉 ), but during high season it can go up to 1,000 USD. And if you find a bargain, don’t hesitate, because the hotel is worth it.
• If you love the hotel but want to explore it for a day before committing to the price of a night’s stay, you can use a Day Pass and enjoy all the hotel’s services for one day. There are several types of passes, but the cheapestcosts 100 USD per person.
• You will be able to access everything thanks to the (beautiful) bracelet that they give you when you check-in: your room, the restaurants, the parks, the Xelfie points… And don’t lose it, because it costs 150 USD to replace. The standard bracelets are gray, but guests of Casa de los Artistas have gold bracelets, and those staying  in the most luxurious rooms (Junior Suite, Master Suite and Presidential Suite) have black bracelets.

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Our opinion of the Xcaret Arte Hotel

In summary, we’d like to share the strengths and weaknesses of the Xcaret Arte hotel, based on our experience. A bit further down, we’ve also gathered some reviews from other travelers who have stayed at Xcaret Arte, in case you want to get a broader perspective 😉

Our opinion of the Xcaret Arte Hotel: What’s great 

• The food and drink options are absolutely AMAZING, in the best way. Seriously, the culinary experience is incredible.
• The staff’s attention to detail and hospitality is top-notch, far beyond what you’d expect.
• There’s always something fun to do at the Xcaret Arte hotel; boredom isn’t an option.
• You can fully enjoy the hotel on both your check-in and check-out days.
• Since it’s an adults-only hotel, you won’t have to deal with noisy kids by the pool, making it super peaceful. Even during peak season, we never felt overcrowded.
• The entire hotel is easy to explore on foot.
• The hotel’s salty rivers are stunningly beautiful and perfect for engaging in various activities.
• The All Fun Inclusive concept is wonderful, making it possible to have a complete rest and relaxation vacation at your own pace.

Our opinion of the Xcaret Arte Hotel: What could be improved

• The hotel has very little signage, so it’s easy to get lost, especially in the first few days.
• If you arrive late at night, like we did, the check-in process might be a bit lacking. Although we received everything as if we had checked in at a normal time, it was still a bit of a bummer.
• If you arrive early for check-in, sometimes the rooms aren’t ready, although we didn’t have this issue.
• Despite being a fantastic hotel, it is quite expensive.
• Communication with the hotel before arrival can be tedious (they take a while to respond to emails and phone calls), and the reservation system, especially for restaurants, feels a bit clunky.

Reviews of Xcaret Arte Hotel: What do other travelers think?

The experience at a hotel can be the difference between a good trip and a MEMORABLE one. That’s why, just like you, we made sure to thoroughly research the reviews of other travelers who have already visited Xcaret Arte: online users, bloggers, family, and friends. Here’s what we found from all the reviews of Xcaret Arte.

So, what do other guests think about Xcaret Arte? Well, as with any hotel, you’ll find fantastic, good, and bad reviews. We’ve gone through the Tripadvisor reviews of Xcaret Arte to give you a broad perspective of what people are saying about the hotel online.

But before diving into the Tripadvisor reviews, there’s something important to keep in mind. When reading online comments, remember that there’s no way to verify if the reviewer was actually a guest. This makes it difficult to know which reviews might be influenced—whether positive (from the company) or negative (from competitors).

Tripadvisor needs no formal introduction. We’ve selected some specific comments about Xcaret Arte, both positive and negative.

Here is a positive review of Xcaret Arte on Tripadvisor.

In this case, this traveler gives us an accurate review about the experience at Xcaret Arte Hotel:

However, on Tripadvisor, you’ll also find some not-so-good reviews:

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Xcaret Art hotel map and room layout

If you’re planning your next getaway to the Riviera Maya and want to make the most of your stay on this beautiful Mexican coast, we recommend checking out our Xcaret Arte hotel map. Although the hotel is quite large, you can easily explore it on foot without any trouble.

However, it might be a bit confusing to get your bearings at first. That’s why we’ve created this SUPER Xcaret Arte hotel map, which includes all the houses, restaurants, pools, and activities, so you can always know exactly where you are. From art workshops to relaxation spaces, our Xcaret Arte hotel map will help you locate everything you need for an unforgettable experience at this exclusive resort.

Additionally, the Xcaret Arte hotel map we’ve put together for you highlights the exact locations of the restaurants mentioned below, where you can enjoy a range of dining options from traditional Mexican cuisine to high-end international dishes.

We’ve also color-coded the map to indicate must-see activities and points of interest, ensuring you don’t miss any experiences during your stay.

With our Xcaret Arte map, you’ll have all the essential information at your fingertips, guaranteeing a SUPER organized and memorable visit.

If you want to download the map in high quality to easily refer to it during your stay, you can do so here 😉

As I mentioned earlier, navigating the hotel can sometimes be tricky, but we had three foolproof tricks:

• Giant shells on the ground indicate that an elevator is nearby.
• The ‘street’ is always on the 3rd floor, the lobbies of the houses on the 5th floor, and the rooftops on the 7th.
• To identify your house, check the nearby room numbers. The first digit identifies the House (1 for Diseño, 2 for Artistas, 3 for Pirámide, 4 for Música and 5 for Paz; the higher the number, the farther you are from the sea). The second digit identifies the floor, and the last two digits are the room number. For example, we were in room 4670, which is room 70 on the 6th floor of Casa de la Música 😉 Easy, right?

Arrival at the hotel and check-in

Before I start telling you EVERYTHING you need to know about the hotel, I want to talk about how the arrival from the airport and the check-in process works.

From the moment you set foot in the Cancun airport, you’ll know that the experience you’re about to have is unique. Every little detail is taken care of.

Transportation from the Cancun airport to the hotel

When you exit the terminal, the first thing you need to do is look for the Xcaret staff so they can assign you the bus that will take you to the hotel.

Don’t worry; they’re easy to recognize: they’re extremely friendly, wear pink polo shirts and carry signs with the hotel names. Also, if you arrive at terminal 4, you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy to enjoy the Xcaret Lounge, where you can drink and snack on whatever you like, free of charge.

From 06:00 to 09:00, buses from the airport to the hotel run every half hour, and from 09:00 to 06:00, they run every hour.

You should also know that you can also enjoy the complimentary drinks on the bus because they have a fridge at the entrance (and free Wi-Fi!).

Check-in and room assignment

The bus from Cancun airport takes approximately one hour to reach the hotel, although travel times may vary depending on traffic.

When you arrive, you can forget about your luggage as the hotel staff takes over: you’ll be welcomed with a towel to clean your hands, a refreshing drink, and a sweet treat. After giving your name, a staff member will accompany you to the lobby of the House you’ve been assigned or chosen (more on that below) to check-in.

Once there, you’ll receive all the information about the hotel, schedules, recommendations, and… the bracelet that gives you access to EVERYTHING!

Keep in mind that when you check-in, they will hold 400 USD on your card as a credit in case you incur any extra expenses at the hotel.

The Houses (Casas) of the Xcaret Arte hotel

The Xcaret Arte hotel is divided into 6 houses: Casa del Patrón, Casa del Diseño, Casa de los Artistas, Casa de la Pirámide, Casa de la Música and Casa de la Paz. These names are not just for the show; each house embodies its theme through food, decor, entertainment, and pools.

Each house offers various types of rooms: Suite, Junior Suite, Swim Up, and Master Suite. The rooms can also differ based on the view they offer (garden, river, or sea). Some rooms even have direct access from their terrace (Swim Up rooms), but these cannot be reserved in advance; you must request them upon arrival and pay a supplement.

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We’ll talk briefly about each of the houses of the Xcaret Arte hotel:

• Casa del Patrón

Casa del Patrón functions like a grand hotel lobby (though it’s not a traditional reception area). There are no guests rooms here. This is where your experience begins when you arrive at the hotel, and where you’ll find most of the information booths and restaurants. Everything starts and ends at the Casa del Patron.

• Casa de los Artistas

Casa de los Artistas is the most exclusive house in the hotel, accessible only to those fortunate enough to stay there (or in Junior Suite or superior rooms in other houses). It’s the closest to the sea, offering stunning views of the Caribbean.

Casa de los Artistas is adults-only, and its guests enjoy access to an exclusive restaurant (Kibi-Kibi), a bar, a swimming pool, a rooftop with a glass pool area that also serves food, a library and, a gym. The painting workshops here are also exclusive.

To stay in Casa de los Artistas you must choose one of the following rooms: Suite River ADULTS, Suite Ocean Front ADULTS, Junior Suite Ocean Front ADULTS, Swim Up Ocean Front ADULTS, or Master Suite Ocean Front ADULTS.

• Casa del Diseño

Casa del Diseño is the second-best house in the hotel in terms of proximity to the sea. Its beautiful lobby is decorated with sewing machines, spools of thread, looms… everything related to fabric design.

Even if you’re not staying in this house, you can still access its workshops and rooftop. Casa del Diseño rooftop pool is the largest, except for Casa de los Artistas. It offers sea views, hammocks, and food service. The workshops here focus on looms, fabrics and clothing design.

Generally, you can’t choose to stay specifically in Casa del Diseño, but you can secure it by booking one of the following rooms: Suite Ocean Front or Swim Up Ocean Front Diseño. Choosing any other type of room might place you in Pirámide or Música: Suite Garden, Swim Up Garden, Suite Ocean View, Junior Suite Ocean View or Master Suite.

• Casa de la Pirámide

Casa de la Pirámide gets its name because it has the best views of Xpiral, the pyramid that serves as a junction point between the Xcaret Arte and Xcaret México hotels.

Even if you’re not staying in this house, you can still its workshops, rooftops, pool, and beach. We love the rooftop pool at Casa de la Pirámide for its stunning views, its often serene atmosphere, and the unique teepees.

Casa de la Pirámide also has a wet bar with a waterfall and a small beach overlooking the river, where you can swim (which we highly recommend).

The workshops at Casa de la Pirámide focus on pottery and crafting handmade pieces.

Along with Casa de la Música, Casa de la Pirámide has the largest number of rooms. To stay in Casa de la Pirámide, you can choose from the following rooms (though you might also end up in Música or Diseño): Suite Garden, Suite River, Swim Up Garden, Suite Ocean View, Junior Suite Ocean View o Master Suite.

• Casa de la Música

As the name suggests, Casa de la Música is a grand tribute to music, featuring a large stage it its center. Every day, there are concerts, shows, and musical performances that can be enjoyed from your room or the pool’s wet bar.

Even if you’re not staying in this house, you can still access its workshops, rooftops, pools, and beaches. The rooftop at Casa de la Música is our favorite, with a vibrant atmosphere featuring a live DJ, and you can even hear the music underwater.

Casa de la Música also has a wet bar that’s often quite and two small beaches overlooking the river, where you can swim (highly recommended).

The workshops at Casa de la Música focus on teaching different types of dance: salsa, bachata, cumbia, mambo…

Along with Casa de la Pirámide, this house has the largest number of rooms. To stay in Casa de la Música, choose one of the following rooms (though you might also end up in Pirámide or Diseño): Suite Garden, Suite River, Swim Up Garden or Master Suite.

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• Casa de la Paz

Casa de la Paz is the house dedicated to relaxation and rest. It’s the smallest house, the farthest from the beach, and the one that hosts the hotel spa.

Casa de la Paz is unique in that its rooms have a volcanic stone bathtub on the terrace and a sauna in the bathroom. Additionally, its rooftop doesn’t have a pool, but is designed for aerial yoga classes.

All guests of Casa de la Paz receive a daily hydrotherapy circuit at the spa, something that other hotel guests have to pay for separately.

Even if you’re not staying in this house, you can still access the spa, its beautiful lobby (which doubles as a small library), and its rooftop. However, the spa is only complimentary if you’re staying in Casa de la Paz.

To stay at Casa de los Paz, choose from the following rooms: Suite Garden SPA, Suite River SPA o Junior Suite SPA.

The rooms of the Xcaret Arte hotel

Even if you book the most basic room at the hotel, you should know that it will be a GREAT room: spacious, bright, with a large whirlpool, and exquisitely decorated as a tribute to Mexican art.

I’ll describe the basic rooms, such as the Suite River or the Suite Garden, which are the ones we are familiar with, but keep in mind that if budget isn’t a concern, you can opt for even better rooms than these (which are already VERY good rooms).

The decor of the rooms of the Xcaret Arte hotel

As I’ve mentioned before, the decor throughout Xcaret Arte Hotel plays a starring role, and the rooms are no exception. You’ll find handcrafted furniture created by Mexican artists from various regions of the country, with artisanal touches everywhere: chairs, paintings, lamps, embroidered cushions, tables, mirrors… EVERYTHING!

It’s incredibly easy to get used to living and sleeping in such a beautifully place, but it’s also important to recognize that this is far from ordinary. It’s truly impressive.

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What’s inside the room

The room is equipped with absolutely everything you might need during your stay. If there’s something you don’t find, you can simply request it from room service, and they’ll deliver it quickly (wether it’s sneakers, a toothbrush, sunscreen, etc…).

Beyond the basics that every hotel room offer, here are some of the features we loved the most:

• Spacious terrace: a super-wide terrace with hammocks designed for two people.
• Giant TV with Apple TV: In addition to watching movies on Netflix and other streaming services, you can order food from room service (included and unlimited, 24 hours a day), view photos of the hotel and the parks you visit, book transportation to the airport or chek information about the hotel’s restaurants and other services, such as the spa.
• Included unlimited minibar: The minibar is fully stocked and unlimited throughout your stay, offering soft drinks, water, beers, and more. You’ll also find a variety of Mexican sweets upon arrival.
• Nespresso machine: there’s a Nespresso machine with unlimited capsules.
• Daily sweet box: each day, you’ll receive a small box with traditional Mexican sweets and a card explaining the sweet and its region of origin. The best part? You can take the boxes home 😉 Every day features a different sweet, and the boxes are beautifully designed!
• Lighting system: The lighting system is fantastic, allowing you to adjust the intensity and type of light as needed. To turn off all the lights, you just press one button.
• Hot tub: The hot tub is perfect, and each day replenish the bath salts and bubble bath, which creates AMAZING bubbles 😝
• Spacious shower: The shower is super spacious and decorated with beautiful hand-painted tiles.
• High quality amenities: The amenities of the Xcaret Arte hotel go beyond the typical basics. You’ll find high-quality products, including gel, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, disinfectant gel, cream, bath salts, and more. The soaps even change scents of the throughout your stay.

If you want to see the entire room, don’t miss the video at the beginning of this post 😉

Xcaret Arte hotel restaurants

One of the main reasons we chose Xcaret Arte hotel was for its culinary offerings. The hotel is highly focused on good food and on celebrating Mexican culinary art.

If you, like us, enjoy food and trying new things, you’ll love the Xcaret Arte hotel. It’s nothing like the international buffets commonly found in all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya and Cancun.

Seriously, every restaurant at the Xcaret Arte hotel is a reason to visit. Each one offers something unique, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences during your stay. They also pay special attention to beverages, crafting cocktails that perfectly complement the food and the restaurant’s theme.

• Mercado San Juan

This is a beautiful buffet with Mexican cuisine where you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s open all day and is perfect for enjoying the atmosphere of a traditional Mexican market. Our favorites were the quesadillas and the carnitas tacos.

No reservation is necessary.

• Cantina VIAIPY

One of our favorite restaurants at the hotel, Cantina VIAIPY, offers Oaxacan cuisine and it is led by chef Alejandro Ruiz. You can enjoy à la carte lunch and dinner.

We particularly loved the live music and vibrant atmosphere in the evenings. Be sure to try the guacamole and melted quesillo. You can check out the menu here.

No reservation is necessary.

• Arenal

Located near the beach in the coves, this is another of our favorites (we went multiple times).

You can have à la carte lunch or dinner, featuring comfort food by chef Orlando Trejo. Don’t miss the bone marrow, pineapple tetela, and yellowfin tuna. You can check out the menu here.

• Cayuco

If your plan is to stay by the main pool, you’ll love Cayuco, as it’s right next to it and offers buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and à la carte dinner.

Cayuco serves fusion cuisine of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, created by chef Franco Maddalozzo. Be sure to try the ceviches made with fresh fish. You can check out the menu here.

It is not necessary to make a reservation.

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• Cafeteca

Located in the hotel area where taxis and other transport services depart, Cafeteca is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

It’s open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., so you can visit at any time. The warm pastries are the best part.

No reservation is necessary.

• Encanta

Encanta is a contemporary Mexican cuisine restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Paco Méndez.

Encanta offers a stunning 10-course tasting menu and is one of our favorite restaurants. You can check the menu here.

It is only open for dinner, and advance reservations are essential.

• Chino Poblano

Combining Chinese cuisine with the flavors of Puebla, Chino Poblano is helmed by chef Jonathan Gomez Luna. The restaurant offers a 7-course tasting menu. You can check out the menu here.

It is only open for dinner, and advance reservations are essential.

• Tah-Xido

No gastronomic offering at Xcaret Arte Hotel would be complete without a  Japanese restaurant.

Led by chef Luis Arzapalo, Tah-Xido offers à la carte dishes, including with delicious sushi, and teppanyaki tables where food is cooked live and with a show. You can check out the menu here.

It is only open for dinner, and advance reservations are essential.

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• Xaak

Xaak is the only restaurant at the hotel that is not included in the standard package. If you want to try its 9-course tasting menu, you’ll need to pay separately (2,400 MXN per person, approximately 100 euros).

The cuisine, directed by chefs Alejandro Ruiz and Alberto Solís, blends Oaxacan and Yucatán flavors with pre-Hispanic influences. It’s not cheap, but we really enjoyed it. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions and can be visited even if you’re not staying at the hotel. You can check out the menu here.

It is only open for dinner, and advance reservations are essential.

• Kibi-Kibi

Kibi-Kibi is an exclusive restaurant for guests staying in Casa de los Artistas or in Junior Suite rooms or higher. Chef Roberto Solís offers a fusion of Yucatecan and Lebanese cuisine.

It is à la carte restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can check out the menu here.

No reservation isn necessary.

• Room Service

Okay, this isn’t technically a restaurant, but it’s a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner if you’d prefer to stay in your room. The menu changes depending on the time of day, and everything we tried was delicious, especially the shrimp fajitas, beef tacos, and salmon bagels.

Keep in mind that depending on the time, meals can take between 30 and 90 minutes to arrive.

Rooftops and pools of Xcaret Arte

One of the highlights of our stay at the Xcaret Arte hotel was undoubtedly the rooftops and pools. Each house (except Casa de la Paz) boasts a rooftop with an infinity pool, a bar, special drinks, stunning views, and various activities to keep you entertained. 

Some rooftops offer food (Artistas and Diseño), others a have live DJ performances (Música), and some even feature beautiful teepees to relax in (Pirámide).

Rooftops of Xcaret Arte hotel

• Casa del Diseño Rooftop. This rooftop has one of the largest pools with sea views. It features hammocks, loungers and Balinese beds, and serves food until 5:00 p.m. Due to its size, sea views, and food service, it tends to be one of the busiest. While we found it less appealing than others, it’s still worth a visit 😉
• Casa de la Pirámide Rooftop. Known for its tranquility, this rooftop has no music and doesn’t serve food, making it a perfect spot for those seeking peace. The smaller size allows for more personalized service. The views of the Xpiral and the cozy teepees make it a great place to relax.
• Casa de la Música Rooftop. This is our favorite rooftop because of the vibrant atmosphere. Although it’s the furthest from the beach and offers less impressive views, it tends to be less crowded. A live DJ creates a lively vibe, and the music can even be heard underwater. The Balinese beds and attentive service are top-notch.
• Casa de los Artistas Rooftop. xclusively for guests of Casa de los Artistas, this rooftop features an infinity pool with privileged sea views. There’s also a glass pool section that’s perfect for Instagram photos 😝. Like Casa del Diseño, they also serve food here.
• Casa de la Paz Rooftop. While it doesn’t have a pool, it offers a space for aerial yoga. Classes are held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Pools and wetbars at the Xcaret Arte hotel

Beyond the rooftop pools, Xcaret Arte Hotel boasts several other pools that we highly recommend:

• Main infinity pool. This is the largest pool in the hotel, where you’ll find the most guests. It offers ocean views and a wet bar, with Cayuco restaurant located nearby. Many food stalls and spontaneous hotel events take place around this pool. There’s also a Xelfie point here, which I’ll explain later.
• Pirámide pool and Wetbar. With stunning views of Xpiral, this pool is adjacent to one of the hotel’s river beaches. It features a waterfall and another Xelfie point.

• Música pool and Wetbar. Situated right in front of the Casa de la Música stage, it’s perfect when concerts or shows are happening. This pool also provides direct access to two of the hotel’s river beaches and includes a Xelfie point.
• Artistas Pool. Located just above the Kibi-Kibi restaurant, this pool is exclusive to Casa de los Artistas guests. It’s a picturesque spot, ideal for taking Instagram-worthy photos 😝

Activities at the Xcaret Arte hotel

Boredom is not an option during your stay at Xcaret Arte Hotel 😉. Here’s a roundup of activities you can enjoy, aside from the pools and restaurants:

1. Workshops

The artistic workshops are one of the most unique offerings at Xcaret Arte Hotel, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with the hotel’s mission and Mexican art. Each workshop is led by experts who have dedicated their lives to the art form they teach.

You can participate in workshops at all the houses, regardless of where you’re staying, except for the Casa de los Artistas workshop, which is exclusive to its guests.

Workshops are held in the gift shop areas of each house and usually last between one and one and a half hours. No reservation is needed—just arrive 15 minutes early. However, guests of Casa de los Artistas and those in superior rooms get priority, so arriving early ensures you a spot.

Some workshops may require multiple sessions, so if you’re particularly interested, it’s best to start early in your stay. For example, the pottery workshop involves several steps over different days.

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• Painting workshop – Casa de los Artistas

Explore various artistic techniques such as watercolor, landscape painting, linoleum engraving, collage, and drawing.

• 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Watercolor or landscaping
• 10:50 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.: Collage
• 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Linoleum engraving
• 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Drawing
• 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Mixed techniques

These workshops are available every day except Saturday.

• Craft weaving workshop – Casa del Diseño

Dive into the art and history of Mexican textiles. Learn loom weaving, macramé, and Huichol weaving.

• 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Loom tour
• 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Spinning ideas
• 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Weaving macramé
• 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Traditional fabrics
• 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Huichol weaving
• 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Loom weaving

These workshops are offered daily except on Wednesday.

• Pottery workshop – Casa de la Pirámide

The pottery workshops at Casa de la Pirámide are incredibly popular, so it’s best to arrive early. Molding and creating pottery by hand is a rare opportunity. Workshops last between one and two hours, with a capacity of 10 people (except the lathe workshop, which is limited to 4).

• 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Ceramic painting
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Creating with your hands
• 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Pottery
• 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Lathe

These workshops are available every day except Tuesday.

• Dance workshop – Casa de la Música

For those who love to dance, the Casa de la Música workshops are sure to be a hit. Not only will you learn new moves, but you’ll also get a good workout 😉. These workshops are fun and lively, lasting between one and one and a half hours, with a capacity of 15 people (except Jarana and Artesas, which are limited to 4).

• 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Salsa
• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Bachata
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Cumbia
• 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Mambo
• 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Jarana
• 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Artesas

These workshops are available every day except Sunday.

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• Aerial yoga classes – Casa de la Paz

Casa de la Paz offers daily aerial yoga classes on its rooftop from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

2. Coves

The hotel’s coves were one of the features that most intrigued us when we started researching Xcaret Arte.

The Mexican Caribbean is known for its strong winds and rocky shores, making these coves, which are fed by the sea, a perfect alternative to avoid strong waves, rocks, and even sargassum. The water here is much calmer, the environment is stunning, and the coves are typically very peaceful, with sun loungers, bar service, and picturesque surroundings.

Here, the water is much calmer, surrounded by a truly beautiful environment. These spots come with sun loungers, bar service, and are usually very peaceful. Additionally, they are one of the most Instagrammable corners of the hotel.

3. River beaches

Casa de la Pirámide and Casa de la Música feature three small beaches. Although they are saltwater, they are technically river beaches since they are located along a river 😝

Each of these beaches is equipped with sun loungers and bar service, offering a tranquil spot to relax.

4. Muluk Spa

As expected from a luxury hotel, Xcaret Arte hotel offers a spa experience, although it comes with an additional fee.

The spa itself doesn’t offer anything particularly unique compared to other spas around the world; it includes saunas, Turkish baths, pools with varying temperatures, and a pool with multiple jets. What truly sets the Xcaret Arte spa apart is its surrounding environment and the exceptional service provided. Imagine lying in the sauna, having cucumber slices placed over your eyes, along with a refreshing towel—it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Additionally, the spa is stunning. The main pool is enveloped by lush vegetation, and thanks to the controlled guest capacity, we were able to enjoy the pool almost entirely alone, allowing for a peaceful and truly relaxing experience.

A hydrotherapy circuit at the spa costs approximately 40 euros per person, with prices increasing for various treatments and massages. If you’re staying at Casa de la Paz, you can enjoy one hydrotherapy circuit per day at no extra cost.

You can check out the spa menu here and the prices for treatments here 😉

5. Beach

While the Xcaret Arte hotel has many exceptional features, the beach isn’t one of them. As mentioned earlier, this part of the Mexican Caribbean is quite rocky and windy. So, the hotel’s beach is far from the typical idyllic Caribbean paradise you might be imagining.

That said, it’s still a beautiful beach with hammocks and bar service, so you can certainly enjoy it. However, if you’re envisioning crystal-clear Caribbean waters, this might not be the hotel for you.

6. Islands

On the map, you’ll notice a wooded area above Xpiral, situated between the Xcaret México and Xcaret Arte hotels. It may look like there’s nothing there, but appearances can be deceiving!

In fact, this area consists of islands connected by hanging wooden bridges, linking the two hotels. This space is designed for outdoor fitness enthusiasts, with running paths and strength training areas, but it’s also perfect for a nature walk where you can spot native wildlife.

7. Nightlife

For those looking to enjoy some nightlife during their stay, the Xcaret Arte hotel offers two fantastic options:

• Cantina VIAIPY. Open every night until 3:00 am, featuring live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
• El Deseo. To find this hidden gem, simply locate the taco stand near Casa de la Música’s store and workshop. What happens next is a surprise 😉. El Deseo is open late into the night, offering a lively atmosphere. It starts with live jazz and transitions into a nightclub vibe later on. All premium drinks are included.

8. Xpiral

The Xpiral pyramid, which lends its name to one of the hotel’s houses, is one of Xcaret Arte’s most intriguing spots. It marks the boundary between Xcaret México and Xcaret Arte and offers a fantastic vantage point for watching the sunrise or sunset.

At the top, there’s a chapel, and the staircase leading up to it provides a beautiful photo opportunity. If climbing isn’t your thing, don’t worry, there’s an elevator too 😉

9. Kayak and Paddle Board

Who says you came to the hotel just to relax? 😝 Another must-do activity during your stay is kayaking and paddleboarding.

The coves area serves as the perfect setting for these activities, allowing you to explore the saltwater rivers of Xcaret Arte and Xcaret México.

Both activities are complimentary, but during peak season, it’s essential to book the day before (you’ll find the exact location on the map). You can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding for half an hour each day.

This is a super fun activity that we highly recommend, as it gives you the chance to see the area from a different perspective. Keep in mind that the river closes at 6:00 p.m.

10. Swimming in the river

Remember when I mentioned swimming in the river while talking about the river beaches? This is what I was referring to! In this area of the hotel’s saltwater river (separate from the coves and the kayak/paddleboard area), you can grab a life vest and jump into the water for a unique experience.

The area you can explore isn’t large (though you can extend your swim by crossing over to Xcaret México), but it’s filled with fun features like slides and hammocks.

This was one of the activities we enjoyed the most at the hotel. Just remember that the river closes at 6:00 p.m.

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11. Xelfie Points

There are a total of 20 Xelfie points scattered throughout the hotel. You might be wondering… what exactly are Xelfie points? These are spots where, by scanning your wristband, you can take as many photos as you like.

These photos are then ‘saved’ and can be viewed on the TV in your room (or at the stores in each house), and if you like them, you can purchase them for $59 USD.

In our opinion, these photos alone aren’t particularly worth it, but if you purchase photos from any of the Xcaret parks you visit, you get all the photos taken at the hotel for free 😉. For instance, the photos from Xenses and Xplor are definitely worth it.

12. Hotel shows

As I mentioned at the beginning of this extensive guide to the Xcaret Arte hotel, art is deeply embedded throughout the property. This includes the various shows and performances you’ll encounter as you explore the hotel.

There’s something for everyone: dancers, skaters, painters, actors, puppeteers, singers, musicians, mimes… If you don’t want to miss anything, it’s best to check the schedule at one of the hotel’s information desks, as showtimes and locations vary by season.

13. Xcaret Parks

The ‘All Fun Inclusive’ concept at the Xcaret Arte hotel also includes transportation and admission to all Xcaret parks, which include Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xenses Insomnia, Xoximilco, Xavage, as well as all tours, ferries, and catamarans.

We’ve published a comprehensive guide covering all of them to make it easier for you to choose if you don’t have time to visit all the parks. However, there are a few key details I wanted to share here:

• For most parks, reservations are not necessary. However, for some parks like Xenses, Xenotes, or Xoximilco, you will need to book in advance.
• Starting at 8:00 a.m., the shuttle bus ‘La Despeinada’ departs every 20 minutes from the hotel lobby to the Xcaret, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, and Xenses parks. These parks are quite close to the hotel, so the journey will take no more than 10 minutes.
• Xel-Há, Xavage, Xoximilco, and Xenotes are further away, so it’s best to inquire about transportation options when you arrive at the hotel.
• Xenotes is not a park per se, but an excursion that visits four cenotes in the area. We didn’t do it, but from what we’ve seen and read, it looks quite fun.

During our stay, we visited Xenses, Xplor, and Xoximilco, and we will soon be sharing detailed posts about them.

You might be interested in reading this post | Xcaret Parks Mexico which ones are worth it? Prices and opinion of all of them

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Daily planning to maximize your stay at Xcaret Arte hotel

While it’s best to plan according to your personal preferences, here’s our suggested itinerary:

Keep in mind that the biggest challenge is balancing the hotel experience with visiting as many Xcaret parks as possible, especially if your stay is short.

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*This itinerary doesn’t include the restaurants at the Xcaret México hotel, which you can also visit for lunch or dinner if you wish. We chose to focus on those at Xcaret Arte, but if you’re up for exploring and want to try different places, here’s what’s available:

• Mercado de la Merced. Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Trajinera. Fish and seafood for lunch and dinner.
• Cantina Los Faroles. Oaxaca cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Chibali. International cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Las Playas. Comfort food focused on à la carte Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner.
• Bio. Vegan cuisine for breakfast and lunch.
• Las Cuevas. Grilled meat for dinner. Reservation required.
• Xin-Gao. A la carte oriental cuisine for dinner. Reservation required.
• Teatro del Río. Tasting menu with a 5-course Mexican show for dinner. Reservation required.

How much does the Xcaret Arte hotel cost?

As I mentioned earlier, the Xcaret Arte hotel isn’t a budget-friendly option, but it’s definitely worth the splurge for all the services it offers.

Prices can vary significantly depending on the season, the time of booking, your booking platform, or any promotions you might find.

Tips for Booking the Xcaret Arte Hotel:

• Always book through trusted sites like the hotel’s official website or Booking.com. We’ve heard of many cases where people were scammed, especially in Mexico.
• Take your time comparing prices, as rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the season.
• Look out for offers and promotions. We snagged a great deal thanks to Black Friday.

How much did we spend?

I know you’re curious about how much we spent, so here it is: We stayed for 10 nights during the peak Christmas season (from December 23 to January 2) and paid a total of €5,827.25 for the two of us.

This amount includes accommodation, food, drinks, and numerous activities. The cost per person per night was €291.36. Remember, this was during peak season.

For comparison, the same dates on Booking.com were over €14,000. However, we’ve also seen instances where Booking.com was cheaper than the hotel’s website, so keep an eye out for surprises! 😉

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Day Pass at the Xcaret Arte hotel

As I mentioned earlier, if you want to spend a day at the hotel and enjoy its services without staying overnight, you can purchase a Day Pass. The only way to buy it is at the hotel reception, so you won’t know if there are spots available until you’re there.

You can call the hotel to check availability, but keep in mind that it’s only indicative information.

Here are the three types of Day Passes available and their prices:

• Day Pass: From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It costs $100 per person.
• Night Pass: From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. It costs $120 per person.
• Full Day Pass: From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. It costs $160 per person.

Please note that these passes do not include restaurants that require reservations or the Xcaret parks and experiences included in the hotel’s All Fun Inclusive concept.

Tips for staying at the Xcaret Arte hotel

You might find it amusing that we’re giving you tips for staying in a hotel, but we think it’s important to share a few details so you can make the most of your stay. After all, you paid for it! 😉

• Wake Up Early: Yes, even on vacation! If you want to experience everything the hotel offers (and get your money’s worth), it’s crucial to start your day early. Ideally, get up at 7:00 a.m., have breakfast by 8:00 a.m., and make the most of your day. We’re early risers, even when we’re relaxing! 😝
• Plan Your Activities: Plan all the activities and parks you want to visit. You can even create an Excel sheet, like we did, to ensure you don’t miss anything. 😉
• Arrive in Cancun in the Afternoon: If you arrive in Cancun in the afternoon, we recommend staying at a nearby hotel for the night so you don’t pay for a full day at Xcaret Arte that you won’t fully enjoy. The same goes for your departure day. The good news is that regardless of check-in or check-out times, you can enjoy the hotel (and everything that’s included) for the entire day.
• Book Your Return Transport: Don’t forget to book your return transport from the hotel to the airport at least one day in advance.
• Reserve Restaurants in Advance: Book restaurants that require reservations at least 3 weeks ahead. You can do this by email or phone once you have your reservation number. This is important because many guests missed out on certain restaurants by waiting until they arrived at the hotel to book.
• Seek Tranquility: The main infinity pool and the rooftop of Casa del Diseño are popular spots. If you prefer a quieter experience, focus on the wetbars and rooftops of Casa de la Pirámide and Casa de la Música.

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If you want to know more about the hotel, learn about the experiences of other travelers, discover everything about the Xcaret universe or learn more about Riviera Maya, take a look at these Facebook groups 😉

• Hotel Xcaret Arte
• Parques Xcaret
• Riviera Maya

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