I have arrived at the Cancun International Airport many times, but I’ve never been whisked off to a private lounge while waiting for my transportation to arrive.
The top-notch service of La Casa de la Playa began the moment I exited the airport and was welcomed at the colorful lounge just outside of baggage claim. Once settled into my private transfer, traffic was on my side, and I pulled up to paradise within an hour.
La Casa de la Playa opened in December 2021, and is the newest property at Grupo Xcaret’s beachfront compound just south of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya (which also includes Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte). Driving along the complex’s winding roads, guests are surrounded by lush jungle that keeps the ecosystem thriving and provides a barrier to the outside world.
The infinity pool at La Casa de la Playa
Credit: 2022 La Casa de la Playa
From the moment I arrived, it was apparent that Mexico’s cultural heritage is honored and celebrated throughout the property, which was designed by architect David Quintana. The inviting open-air lobby features wood decor and seating accented with plush cushions in pastel colors that match the sky, which I could see rapidly changing hues as the sun began to descend. Wicker ceiling lamps provided a soft glow that directed me toward a bar cart with several bottles of mezcal, an array of salts and fresh orange slices. I selected the Tobala from Gracias a Dios to kick off my trip.
Luxurious Oceanfront Suites
My butler, Libertad, and I took in the sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea crashing against the rocky shoreline, before she led me to my guestroom. Not even the all-inclusive $2,300 a night price tag prepared me for how luxurious my Beach Front Suite was going to be.
The Beach Front Suite
Credit: 2022 La Casa de la PlayaThe room boasts a heavenly king-size bed and a separate sitting area equipped with a sofa, a work desk and a dining table for two. The minibar features Hendrick’s gin, Buchanan’s Deluxe whiskey, Belvedere vodka, Cosmico tequila, Flor de Cana rum, mini bottles of Moet and snacks including dried beans, chocolate and more — all of which are complimentary and restocked daily.
The decor is bright and eccentric with handicrafts from Mexican artists, including a Huichol-style 3D heart, massive angel wings and a gigantic seashell nightlight. My favorite part was the bathroom, which is nearly as large as the sleeping quarters and features a wall of closets, a pair of sinks and a gigantic dual-waterfall shower.
Electric curtains open to unveil a large private terrace with a lounger for two, a deck chair, a hand-knit hammock hanging over the heated pool, and an outdoor volcanic bathtub with hydromassage. Among the resort’s 63 ocean-view suites with private en-suite swimming pools, I lucked out by getting a suite with direct access to the beach that makes the Riviera Maya so famous, thanks to warm, clear, turquoise waters and fine white sand.
Activities and Fine Dining
I started my morning with a coffee from the traditional Cafeteca, then swam laps in the hotel's 40-meter (about 131 feet) infinity pool that jets out over the sea. After joining a yoga class at the well-equipped gym, I headed to Tuch de Luna — helmed by renowned celebrity chef Martha Ortiz — for a traditional Mexican breakfast.
Estero is helmed by Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez.
Credit: 2022 La Casa de la PlayaGuests can also borrow a book from the oceanview library and head down to the pool to relax on an in-water lounge chair that resembles a leaf, or laze about in a cozy, cushioned poolside lounge chair at the Sky Bar. On the way, do as I did and pick up some sweets at the self-serve chocolate boutique.
Recommend that clients visit the organic Muluk Spa, where I enjoyed the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit before indulging in a customized massage treatment. The property’s Estero restaurant is a great spot for lunch; I feasted on dishes featuring the flavors of Mexico and Peru created by Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez, who owns Central restaurant in Lima, Peru, which was named the No. 1 restaurant in Latin America in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking. Meanwhile, dinner at Lumbre includes plates from Northern Mexico with recipes by the Rivera-Rio brothers.
Other features of the property include the Cuarto de las Maravilla (Room of Wonders) concept store, featuring Mexican art and textile creations; the swim-up Wet Bar; and Cava, where guests can taste Mexican wines with a sommelier (included in the room rate).
Returning to their suite at the end of the day, guests will find that their butler has left a turndown treat. And all that will be left to do is rest up for another day in paradise tomorrow.
