Adventure and Ease: A Week at Hotel Xcaret Arte
A peaceful corner of Hotel Xcaret Arte, where jungle greens meet turquoise waters.
Shared Joy Series
📍Playa del Carmen, Q.R., México | 📅 June 17-23, 2022
🛏 Hotel Xcaret Arte
Traveling with Meagan (one of my closest friends from college/practically my sister) is always fun and just the right amount of unpredictable. We move at different speeds (I’m up early; she eases into the day), but we’ve found our groove. I catch the sunrise, she joins when she’s ready, and somehow it always works out.
In June 2022, we spent a week at Hotel Xcaret Arte, an adults-only resort in México’s Riviera Maya that blends adventure, luxury, and nature. The resort’s All-Fun Inclusive™ concept means unlimited access to Grupo Xcaret’s adventure and eco-parks, plus incredible dining options, and complimentary transportation to and from the airport and all the parks — one less thing to plan, and a huge help in keeping everything seamless. It’s the kind of place where one day you’re zip-lining through the jungle and the next you’re lounging by the pool, and both feel equally unforgettable.
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
We arrived on June 17th and were instantly surrounded by lush greenery, winding rivers, and open-air spaces that made everything feel peaceful and tropical. The check-in process was smooth, and we spent the rest of the evening getting our bearings, grabbing dinner, and settling into vacation mode.
One thing I loved was the resort’s bracelet system. It’s your room key, your wallet, and even your photo pass. Scattered across the resort and parks are multiple cameras, and when you see one, you just scan your bracelet, strike a pose, and the camera captures the moment automatically. The photos are saved to your account, so later you can see a collection of snapshots from throughout your stay.
Day 2: All Thrills, No Sleep
We kicked things off strong at Xavage by Xcaret, a park built for adrenaline junkies. Between whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and obstacle courses, it was an all-day rush of energy and laughter. That night somehow turned into an almost all-nighter — the kind of spontaneous fun that happens when the vibe is just right. Music, meeting new people, and conversations that carried us well past bedtime.
Day 3: Rainy Recovery and Las Cuevas Brunch
After the long day (and night) before, we needed something slower. Thankfully, brunch at Las Cuevas felt like the perfect reset. Tucked inside natural caves, it offered a cozy, warm atmosphere with a buffet that kept us fueled and cheerful. Sunday afternoon brought rain — the kind that makes you want to stay in your robe and watch the drops fall. So the rest of the day, we took it easy: lounging in the room, catching up on rest, and letting the rain set the pace for a relaxed, quiet afternoon.
Day 4: Playing with Perception
Monday brought more adventure. Xenses Park was a surreal playground for the senses — tunnels that trick your mind, villages where up feels like down, and immersive experiences that made the whole day feel like stepping into another world.
That evening, we traded illusions for celebration at Xoximilco. Boarding a vibrant gondola, we floated along the canals while dancing, sampling traditional Mexican food, and enjoying live music. It was festive, lively, and one of those nights where you lose track of time in the best way.
Day 5: Poolside Peace
Tuesday was slow and sunshine-filled. I went paddleboarding and made it to the pool early while Meagan eased into the day, our usual rhythm. The mood was calm and indulgent: poolside drinks, lounging, and easy conversation. No schedules, no rushing, just the simple joy of a lazy day.
Day 6: Nighttime Magic
On our final full day, we visit Xcaret México, a massive eco-park celebrating México’s nature and culture. We watched some of the Xcaret México Espectacular Show, a grand performance that tells Mexico’s story through music, dance, and light. Afterward, we headed to Xplor Fuego, the park’s nocturnal adventure experience. Torches lit our path as we zipped across the jungle canopy and marveled at the fire-lit scenery. It was the perfect capstone to a week of adventure — thrilling, magical, and unforgettable.
Nights at El Deseo
We didn’t visit every night, but El Deseo Speakeasy was a highlight. Hidden behind a secret door, it had a low-key club vibe with live music and dim lighting. And of course, the taco stand outside made for the perfect late-night snack afterward.
Day 7: Heading Home
Before heading to the airport, we returned to Xcaret México one last time to explore the eco-archaeological side — quiet trails, hidden ruins, and views that felt worlds away from the buzz of the resorts. It was the perfect, grounding way to close the trip.
Hotel Xcaret Arte may describe itself as where “art and nature meet,” but for us, it was where adventure and ease came together perfectly. Some days were full of movement and energy; others were all about stillness and rest. Between paddleboards, zip-lines, and slow mornings by the pool, the week reminded me that balance, in travel and in friendship, makes every moment richer.
🌿 Adventure and Ease
This week in Riviera Maya blended energy and stillness, laughter and quiet, spontaneity and reflection. We returned sun-kissed, tired in the best way, and filled with memories that felt both exhilarating and grounding. It was a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be one thing or the other: you can have adventure and ease, all in the same week.
Thanks for reading! You can find more moments, memories, and adventure over on Instagram: @_GracefullyWandering
