It's hard to pick a favorite part of La Casa de la Playa. Perched above the Riviera Maya's turquoise coastline, the crown jewel of Grupo Caret's portfolio promises luxury, and it certainly delivers. With just 63 suites, each with its own private plunge pool and outdoor soaking tub carved within a boulder, I found La Casa de La Playa to be an elevated all-inclusive experience on my October visit to the resort.
Stepping into one of the suites, the first thing to greet guests (after their personal butler, of course) is the private plunge pool that comes with uninterrupted ocean views. The outdoor soaking tubs -- stone cutouts that look like they were scooped from a cenote -- invite long, bubbly soaks beneath the stars. And then there's the in-room jellyfish aquarium. (Yes, you read that right.) Pulsating moon jellyfish lend a hypnotic glow to the room, creating a personal underwater light show.
All 63 suites at the resort have private plunge pools and outdoor patios. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
But the real magic for me: I was not just staring at these ethereal creatures, I was geting to know them. Guests should request a behind-the-scenes tour of the resort's jellyfish lab, where they'll emerge knowing more about moon jellies than they could have possibly expected when they checked in. It's a quirky, fascinating dive into marine biology and a neat perk of a stay at the resort.
La Casa de la Playa is as much about the adventures it offers as the indulgence it provides. Everything's included, and I'm not just talking margaritas and in-room dining -- though, those are a pretty good start. Think private dinners inside the Xcaret theme park or personalized purification rituals and private caving expeditions. One afternoon, I found myself up to my elbows in chocolate at the resort's chocolate-making workshop -- a deliciously decadent homage to Mexico's cacao legacy. The workshop is held in the on-site candy store, where guests can pop in 24 hours a day to fill their pockets with Mexican truffles, chocolates and other sweet treats. By the evening, it was wine and Mexican food pairings curated by the resort's in-house sommelier.
Park perk
The cherry on top of this experience is the unlimited access to all of Grupo Xcaret's adventure parks, from Xel-Ha's snorkeling to Xplor's ziplines. Guests can also book included sailings about Xcaret Xailing to explore the islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Private transportation whisks you to and from these activities, skipping the lines, crowds and general theme park chaos. Even in spaces designed for mass enjoyment, the La Casa de la Playa treatment has the VIP status dialed in.
Back at the resort, the signature piece is a stunning infinity pool. Suspended dramatically over the sea, it's one of those cinematic wow moments to swim out toward the edge. Most guests can be found splayed out on the rounded daybeds dotted along the pool deck. Adjacent to the aquatic architecture is the Muluk Spa, a sanctuary of treatment rooms and an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit with steam showers, cascading waterfalls and heated pools. On the rooftop is yet another pool with expansive Caribbean Sea views.
The pork belly tacos at Lumbre were a favorite. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
True to all-inclusive form these days, food is an important pillar of the resort's concept. But La Casa de la Playa takes it a step further, calling names like Michelin-starred Martha Ortiz and the Rivera-Rio brothers to helm restaurants. Ortiz's dishes at Tuch de Luna are an edible art, from the open-faced quesadilla piled high with mushrooms and arugula to the decadent spin on eggs Benedict atop a blue corn tlacoyo. The Rivera-Rio brothers have two restaurants here, with Centli focusing on the corn-based cuisine of southern Mexico and Lumbre highlighting the smoky desert flavors of the north. Lumbre was my personal favorite, particularly for the pork belly taco topped with tuna tartare and caviar.
And not to be overlooked is La Casa de la Playa's wine cellar -- a treasure trove of Mexican vintages where guests can come at any time and select a bottle to bring back to their room -- all included in the all-inclusive rate.
Guests are welcome to visit La Casa de la Playa's wine cellar at any time and select a bottle to bring back to their room. It's included in the all-inclusive rate. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
Bottom line is, the resort a great adults-only option for guests who want an intimate, five-star, all-inclusive experience. Keep in mind with rates above $2,000 per room, per night, it is one of the most expensive all-inclusive resorts in the area. But with that price tag comes all-inclusive access to all the dining and activities at nearby Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
What sets La Casa de La Playa apart isn't just its over-the-top amenities -- it's the details. From the handmade Mexican crafts that adorn the lobby and each suite to the ecoconscious design that integrates into nature, the details feel deliberate, thoughtful and definitely luxe.