Like many avid travelers, the concept of all-inclusive resorts never really appealed to me. I’ve tried a couple throughout my adult life, and found the same unfortunate stereotypes to be true: watered down drinks, cafeteria-reminiscent food, and tacky decor that would make even your live-laugh-love aunt cringe. So when I was introduced to La Casa de la Playa a few years back, I was naturally skeptical. Now that I’ve been, I consider it one of the best resorts I’ve stayed at as someone who is constantly on the road — so much so that I now find myself a repeat guest.
Photo: La Casa de la Playa
Oceanfront Suites and a 24-Hour Wine and Mezcal Cellar: Finding Luxury at Riviera Maya's La Casa de la Playa
Opened in 2021, La Casa de la Playa is the luxury property of Grupo Xcaret, a Mexican hospitality company that started in 1990. The group operates some of the biggest outdoor parks in Cancun and Riviera Maya, including Xplor, Xenses, and Xavage. Contrary to the family-friendly Xcaret parks and hotels centered around outdoor excursions like rafting, kayaking, and ziplining, La Casa de la Playa is exclusive and adults-only.
The stunning infinity pool extending out to the Caribbean. Photo: La Casa de la Playa
Home to 63 suites, the expansive property exudes luxurious tranquility. In addition to high-end drinks and dining, the hotel features an ocean-view library and award-winning spa, along with multiple infinity pools and views that leave a serious impression. Thanks to the combination of limited guests and a large footprint, the resort feels wildly empty even at capacity. If solitude, serenity, and serious drinks are what you’re after, I’ve yet to find a better property to fit the bill.
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Rooms and suites
It may sound cliche, but there’s really no bad room at La Casa de la Playa. All 63 suites clock in at 1,000 square feet or more, with ocean-front views and local handcrafted artwork. Additionally, each suite comes with its own fully stocked mini bar, work area, outdoor hammock, private plunge pool, and volcanic stone bathtub, should you tire of the views from either of the infinity pools.
Outdoor tub and hammock in the room. Photo: Vicki Denig
The rooms’ most unique feature is the in-room jellyfish tanks, which are (safely) built into the wall and are part of the resort’s conservation efforts to study the creatures and bolster the wild population numbers. Pour yourself a drink, turn the lights off, and get ready to be hypnotized.
Dining and amenities
Tuch de Luna. Photo: La Casa de la Playa
While the rooms and scenery are stunning, it’s really the culinary and drink offerings that kept me dreaming of coming back to La Casa de la Playa. Contrary to the watered-down, sugary beverages associated with all-inclusives, the drinks at La Casa de la Playa are works of art. Upon arriving to the hotel at mid-day, I kicked off the visit with an inaugural lady in black cocktail (mezcal, volcano ashes, and spicy honey) followed by a shot of mezcal (dealer’s choice, my memory escapes me) served with a side of granita made with mango and passion fruit.
Food is taken quite seriously at the resort, even the “casual” lunch offerings. For lunch at Tuch de Luna, I devoured the same corn tostada made with greens, cotija cheese, and freshly shaved black truffle two days in a row. Other options include guacamole, birria quesadillas, and steak with mole, the latter of which my partner housed in record speed with wide-eyed delight. Back on the drinks beat, serious wine and mezcal lovers will lose their minds over the property’s 24-hour, self-serve wine cellar and mezcal bar.
Photos: Vicki Denig
The gastronomy tour continues through dinner, with a handful of options at play. Xal is the property’s fine dining establishment, known for its multi-course tasting menu centered around the vibrant flavors and colors of Mexico, all overseen by chef Andoni Luis Aduriz. The property’s other on-site restaurant alternates between two concepts every other evening — much more my speed, despite the exquisite nature of the tasting menu. First, there’s Lumbre, which focuses on the signature wood-fired cuisine of northern Mexico. Its counterpart Centli, pays tribute to the corn, the lifeblood of central and southern Mexican cuisine.
Equally delicious in their own right, my best bites of the trip as a pescatarian were the roasted broccoli with Huastecan-pistachio pipian, salsa macha, mint vinaigrette and yellow lime from Lumbre. Joining that was the al pastor crab taco served with tepache mayonnaise, pineapple relish, and mayo-macha from Centli.
The pool bar, where great drinks meet great views. Photo: Vicki Denig
The restaurant’s top-notch bar program, overseen by Freddy Pineda, stays consistently great at all hours. From classic and signature cocktails (get the mezcal tropical made with mezcal, grapefruit, pineapple, agave syrup, and Ancho Reyes foam) to a selection of hand-selected tequilas and mezcals, Freddy truly has something for every drink enthusiast to enjoy at the bar, with Mexican hospitality as the cherry on top.
What to do around the resort
Relax at Muluk Spa
There are spas, and then there’s Muluk Spa. Designed to harmoniously integrate ancestral Mayan rituals with modern holistic practices, this breathtaking oasis promises to leave you refreshed and reenergized. Best of all, guests at La Casa de la Playa receive daily complimentary access to the ocean-view hydrotherapy circuit (sauna, steam room, and cold room). Additionally, Muluk Spa has numerous massage cabins with jacuzzis, two salt rooms, two mud rooms, and a dedicated relaxation area. Treat yourself and book a treatment, you won’t regret it.
Taste through local wines and mezcals at your own speed
Photos: Vicki Denig
Curious to dive deeper into the world of Mexican wines and spirits? Back to that 24-hour, self-serve wine cellar and mezcal bar where La Casa de la Playa goes above and beyond. The resort is home to an on-site cellar, Cava, featuring a selection of bottles curated by sommelier Sandra Fernández, which guests are free to grab at their leisure. Similarly, La Bodega is the resort’s on-site, self-serve agave bar, highlighting a diverse selection of mezcal and tequila that guests can sample at their leisure. (Transparently, my partner and I spent probably too much time at the latter, but hey, when in Mexico.)
Hit the high seas via yacht or catamaran
For those looking to dive into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, La Casa de la Playa organizes private yacht charters (additional cost) and catamaran voyages daily, both of which depart from the Xcaret Marina. Similarly, hotel guests can book excursions to explore the sacred waters of the property’s cenotes (or a cenote dinner with live jazz, if you’re feeling fancy), as well as outdoor jaunts via Xplor Fuego, a nighttime adventure circuit brought to life by fire-lit scenery.
Venture off-site for dinner and a show
Reserved exclusively for guests of La Casa de la Playa, the resort offers a backstage tour and dinner at Teatro Gran Tlachco, located just a short shuttle ride away from the property. The show offers an educational exploration through the history of Mexican dance, music, and traditions, all enjoyed alongside a curated tasting menu with wine pairings. The spectacle is dazzling on its own, though the behind-the-scenes component truly makes it an unforgettable experience. Approximate duration of experience is 3.5 hours, with pickup at La Casa de la Playa at 4:45pm.
How to get to La Casa de la Playa
Photo: La Casa de la Playa
La Casa de la Playa is about 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport, and about 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen’s popular Quinta Avenida. If you’re combining your trip or want to make a stop in Tulum, the beach town is about 45 minutes away.
Round-trip transportation from the airport in a luxury vehicle can be arranged by the hotel 24 hours in advance. 