Occidental at Xcaret Destination
Travelers who plan to visit Xcaret park and want a beachfront base with bundled park access
At a glance
Real-time availability & rates through our booking engine. No service fees.
Occidental at Xcaret Destination is a mid-range all-inclusive set on a rocky coastline adjacent to the famous Xcaret eco-archaeological park, roughly an hour south of Cancun International. The resort's standout feature is its location—guests have direct access to Xcaret Park via a private entrance, and many rate packages include park admission, which can be a meaningful value for travelers planning to visit anyway. The property is sprawling, with a series of pools, restaurants, and rooms terraced into the jungle landscape. The beach is small and partly rocky, with a protected cove for swimming. The vibe leans family and adventure—the crowd is a mix of families, international travelers, and groups using the resort as a base for Riviera Maya exploration. It is a niche choice that pays off if Xcaret is on your itinerary.
Who It's Best For
This resort is purpose-built for travelers who plan to spend at least a day or two at Xcaret Park and want a beachfront all-inclusive base within walking distance. Families with school-age kids and teens tend to get the most value here, since Xcaret's mix of underground rivers, wildlife, and cultural shows pairs well with resort downtime. It is also a strong choice for international travelers and first-time visitors to the Riviera Maya who want a packaged experience with easy park access. Adventure-leaning couples who like eco-tourism will appreciate the jungle setting and proximity to other Riviera Maya parks (Xel-Há, Xplor). It is less ideal for travelers who want a swimmable beach resort as their primary focus—the beach here is small and partly rocky—or anyone who wants to be close to Cancun's nightlife, since you are an hour south of the airport and even further from the Hotel Zone.
Location & Setting
The resort sits on a stretch of rocky coastline just south of Playa del Carmen, with the main entrance to Xcaret Park literally next door. The setting is lush—jungle foliage wraps around the buildings, and there is a protected cove for swimming that is calmer than the open ocean. The property is large and terraced, meaning lots of walking between rooms, pools, and restaurants; golf carts and shuttles run regularly for guests who need a lift. You are about 5–10 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen by taxi, which gives you access to Fifth Avenue shopping and dining if you want a break from the resort. Cancun International Airport is roughly an hour north—longer in traffic—so plan for a longer transfer than Hotel Zone properties. The trade-off for the location is real value if Xcaret is on your list: park admission bundled with your stay can save a meaningful amount per person.
What's Included
The all-inclusive plan covers all meals at the buffet and à la carte restaurants, plus snacks and beverages at multiple bars. Local and international liquors are included, with premium spirits available via the Unlimited Luxury upgrade. 24-hour room service is included. Daytime activities, evening entertainment, the kids' club, the fitness center, and non-motorized water sports are all bundled. The biggest value-add is Xcaret Park access: many rate packages include one or more days of park admission per guest, which is a substantial savings if you were planning to visit anyway—check the package details carefully when booking, since inclusions vary. Not included: spa treatments, motorized water sports, off-property excursions to other parks or ruins, and Wi-Fi upgrades (basic Wi-Fi is included, faster speeds cost extra). À la carte restaurant reservations are included but limited by length of stay; reserve early in your trip for the most popular restaurants.
Dining & Drinks
The dining program is solid for the mid-range tier. The main buffet is large and varied, with international stations and themed dinner nights that rotate through Mexican, Italian, Asian, and seafood. Breakfast is the most consistent meal—made-to-order eggs, fresh fruit, and a broad pastry selection. The à la carte restaurants typically include a steakhouse, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and seafood option, with quality that is noticeably better than the buffet and enough variety to keep a week-long stay interesting. The pool bars and lobby bar pour standard tropical cocktails and house liquors generously; wine is serviceable rather than notable. Premium spirits are available with the upgrade package. The resort also has a few snack bars and a late-night option for guests returning from evening shows at Xcaret Park, which is a thoughtful touch given the location.
Pools & Beach
The pool scene is one of the resort's strengths—a series of pools cascade through the property, including a large main pool with a swim-up bar, quieter relaxation pools tucked into the jungle, and a children's pool area. The layout means you can usually find a calmer spot even when the main pool is busy. Loungers and palapas are plentiful, though prime spots near the main pool bar fill up by mid-morning during peak weeks. The beach is the weak spot: this stretch of coastline is rocky, and the resort's main swimming area is a protected cove rather than a long sandy beach. It is calm and swimmable, but it is not the wide Caribbean sand you would find at Hotel Zone properties. If a beach vacation is your top priority, this is not the right pick. If you are here for Xcaret and pool time, the beach is fine as a secondary amenity.
Good to Know
The biggest trade-off at Occidental at Xcaret is the beach—it is small and partly rocky, with a protected cove rather than a long sandy stretch. If a wide Caribbean beach is your priority, look elsewhere. The resort is also large and terraced, which means a lot of walking; shuttle carts run regularly, but if mobility is a concern, request a room close to the main areas. The Xcaret Park access bundled into many rate packages is the genuine value here—verify what is included when you book, since inclusions vary by package and season. The location an hour south of CUN means a longer transfer; budget for private transportation rather than relying on shared shuttles, which make multiple stops. Service is friendly and competent but the resort's scale means it is not highly personalized. Spring and summer can bring sargassum seaweed to the cove, though the protected setting mitigates this somewhat.
Occidental at Xcaret Destination — frequently asked questions
Is it really all-inclusive?
Yes—all meals, snacks, and drinks (including alcohol) at the buffet, à la carte restaurants, and bars are included, along with daytime activities, evening entertainment, the kids' club, and non-motorized water sports. Many rate packages also include Xcaret Park admission—verify when booking.
What's the food like?
Solid mid-range all-inclusive. The buffet is varied and the à la carte restaurants—especially the steakhouse and Japanese—are a noticeable step up. Enough variety to keep a week-long stay interesting without repeating restaurants.
Is the beach nice?
It is a mixed bag. This stretch of coastline is rocky, and the main swimming area is a protected cove rather than a long sandy beach. It is calm and swimmable, but it is not the wide Caribbean sand you would find at Hotel Zone properties.
How far from the airport?
About an hour south of Cancun International, depending on traffic. Plan for a longer transfer than Hotel Zone properties—private transportation is recommended over shared shuttles, which make multiple stops.
Are there hidden fees?
No hidden resort fees on the all-inclusive plan. Optional extras include spa services, motorized water sports, premium spirits upgrades, off-site tours to other parks, and faster Wi-Fi. Xcaret Park admission is included in many rate packages—verify inclusions when booking.
Is it good for families with kids?
Yes—the kids' club, multiple pools, family-friendly buffet, and especially the bundled Xcaret Park access make this a strong value for families. School-age kids and teens will get the most out of both the resort and the park.
Ready to book Occidental at Xcaret Destination?
Check live prices and availability — no service fees, exclusive perks when you book through our Vacation Planning Company network.