Beautiful, adults only, all inclusive resort by the Xcaret group. We were impressed by so many things it's hard to capture it all in one review, but I'll try my best.1) The resortGorgeous, unique architecture. Luxurious rooms that are tastefully decorated with locally made art pieces, top notch amenities and some really unique touches (jellyfish tanks!). There is a luxury chic aesthetic here which is yet somehow very homely and warm. The grounds are lush and serene. The main pool is stunning. All the common rooms (the wine cellar, library, bodega, chocolateria, lounge), are very modern, welcoming and cozy.2) The foodThis is where I will dock them a star. They have four restaurants, only two are open for breakfast and lunch. Lumbre and Centli are dinners only restaurants and open on alternate days in the same location. We were served some incredible meals at the Mexican-Peruvian focused Estero. Their lobster and grouper ceviche, and charred octopus were divine. Their drinks were fantastic. Their Mexican local dishes were also great. One night we had dinner at Lumbre, which prides itself on meats, we were shocked at how overcooked the pork and beef were. There was also no sense of food/wine pairings or balance. Whoever thought adding a heap of spicy roasted pork on king crab legs has never tasted the subtle beauty of unvarnished, untouched crab with just a hint of lime or butter. We tried several appetizers, entrees and desserts and all of the foods were mediocre. Brunch at Tuch de Luna was average too, nothing to write home about.Overall, I would rank the cooking finesse at all restaurants as below the level of Four Seasons, or the Ritz but higher than what one would experience at a typical four star property. None are Michelin level.3) The serviceWe were assigned two butlers that worked in shifts. Guillermo and Mariel. They were both very good, professional and on top of their game. The rest of the restaurant and spa staff were not as highly trained as our butlers and most spoke very little English. Now, I am aware that the Mexican staff's inability to speak fluent English is OUR shortcoming, not theirs. Everyone was sincere and earnest but getting things across was sometimes a challenge with the language barrier. They knew enough English to understand us for the most part. But it would have been a lot easier if a resort marketing itself to international tourists and claiming to be world class luxury destination also trained it's staff on English as well as the basics of hospitality and guest management etiquette.4) The ExperiencesThese are what sets this resort a level above other all-inclusives or other five star luxury resorts. Being a guest at Casa De La Playa gives you free admission to every single Xcaret group park (and there are several of them within a 30 minutes drive). Not only that you are treated like a VIP allowing you to skip lines to go to the front, go to exclusive private dinners, private experiences or access to meals at restaurants within other Xcaret hotels. These are each wonderful experiences on their own, but combined together make your stay memorable and ultra value for your money.Our guides - Beatrice, Gemali, Braunan, our two Shamans, Estrella, and many more staff (drivers David and others) were warm and friendly and quite personable.5) In Conclusion -This resort has almost all the elements locked down to make it the perfect luxury destination. If they could up their food game, and train their staff to the next level on hospitality, they would truly be a rare jewel. If anyone from management is reading this review, please know that this candid feedback is provided under the premise that every guest couple who drops minimum thousands on their trip is going to expect nothing but the absolute best. So please bring your A+++ GAME! You have delivered an A game so far. For all readers, please visit this resort and try it for yourself! 🙂
Authorized Xcaret Travel Agent
