Fun for the whole family sometimes sounds like an oxymoron when trying to make travel plans that can accommodate small kids, keep teenage boredom at bay, and give mom and dad a break from a family road trip across Texas.

This trip was taken before the coronavirus pandemic. In these days of social distancing and staying safely at home, we continue to bring you travel features in the hope you find new places to love (or stay connected to the places you already love) through our stories and photographs.

For those seeking family fun… Why not try the Hotel Xcaret Mexico, an opulent, oceanfront haven where thrilling nature-driven experiences, superior service, and the authentically rich spirit of Mexico come to life? Situated by the azure blue Caribbean Sea and verdant Riviera Maya jungle, the premier all-inclusive resort features striking architecture and design inspired by Mexican traditions, art and culture. 

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

This property is not your typical all-inclusive resort. Say goodbye to over-crowded and mediocre buffets, weak drinks and camera-laden, Bermuda short-wearing touristy-types. The team at Xcaret has done their homework, and succeeded with flying colors. The 900-room, all-suite hotel is gorgeously appointed and has an attentive staff to meet guests’ every need. The hotel recently received the prestigious AAA Five-Diamond Award. This acknowledgment is a testament to the upscale resort’s commitment to superior service, eco-friendly architecture, world-class gastronomy and sustainable tourism.

In addition to a world-class spa and wellness center, multiple swimming pools, bars, beachfront lounge areas, and caves and rivers for exploring and kayaking on the property, there are 11 different dining experiences. Among them is Ha’, where Chef Carlos Gaytan, the first Mexican chef to receive a Michelin star, delights guests with palate-pleasing fare including a 7-course tasting menu, paired with the best Mexican wines. The restaurant also received the coveted AAA Five-Diamond Award. We highly recommend you try this culinary gem during your stay.

Guests have multiple options for accommodations within the property with views overlooking the beach, the river, the jungle, or the turquoise Carribean, with luxurious yet comfortable decor, and state-of-the-art technology. Guests are also able to enjoy remarkable perks from the resorts’ All-Fun Inclusive® concept, including access to Grupo Xcaret’s nine nature parks and archaeological tours, free transportation to and from the airport and more. Children under five years of age receive a complimentary stay, and kids aged 6-12 receive a 50% discount on regular pricing.

The Parks

Grupo Xcaret Parks and Tours are benchmarks for sustainable recreation in Mexico and beyond. They specialize in highlighting the best of Mexico while being respectful of the environment. Operating since 1990, Xcaret, the original park, contains more than 40 attractions surrounded by jungle, coves and underground rivers. It offers exciting shows, as well as cultural activities that promote Mexican traditions.

The other parks and tours are: Xel-Ha, an ecotourism aquatic park; Xplor and Xplor Fuego, parks featuring ziplines, ATVs and underground rivers; Xenses, a sense-themed amusement and activities park; Xoximilco, an attraction that pays homage to Mexican culture, traditions and gastronomy; Xichen, a tour to archaeological and cultural sites in the Yucatan peninsula, including the Chichén Itzá pyramid; Xenotes, a nature tour in the Mexican jungle to visit cenotes; and Xavage, the latest addition to the Grupo Xcaret portfolio.

We checked out two of the parks with the most extreme adventure options:

Xplor & Xplor Fuego: Xplor is Grupo Xcaret’s day and nighttime adventure park. The family-friendly park offers six distinct types of activities: ziplines, amphibian vehicles, rafts, stalactite river swimming, hammock splashing and spelunking (hiking through caves and caverns). At sunset, Xplor Park becomes Xplor Fuego, with torches and bonfires illuminating all its attractions adding an extra layer of excitement and mystery for the more daring visitors.

Xavage: Xavage is Grupo Xcaret’s newest and most extreme adventure park. Park visitors pick between four levels, depending on how challenging they want their experience to be. From kayaks and a ropes course for the cautious, to ziplines and a speed boat for the more daring, this is the only park in the Riviera Maya that offers whitewater rafting and rock crawlers to those who would like to embark on a memorable adventure.

As you plan your summer travel, choose Hotel Xcaret Mexico for your next family vacation. You’ll be everyone’s hero.

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Cover photo courtesy Grupo Xcaret

A native Texan, Leslie Barrett has lived in all four corners of the state.
Now living in Austin, she is an avid reader, traveler and cookbook addict.