An economical, family-friendly all-inclusive with a plethora of activities on-site and within walking distance, the Occidental at Xcaret Destination is unique in that it’s located within a nature preserve, adjacent to the Xcaret eco-archaeological park (one of the Riviera Maya’s top attractions). The beach is manmade and doesn’t have much space (this has a strong negative effect on the Overall Beach Resort Rating) and the food is inconsistent in quality and just so-so overall; but the property offers seven swimming pools including an adults-only saltwater pool, outstanding cuisine variety at 11 on-site restaurants, 10 bars (including swim-up), recently renovated rooms, an excellent fitness center, quality tennis courts, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys and coati. All guests have unlimited access to Xcaret Park, which offers caves and underground rivers, Mayan ruins, a kids area with waterslides and cenotes, a wine cellar, original chapels, a genuine Mexican cemetery, a 19th century Mexican mansion, natural pools (one has a waterslide), and more; activities include scuba diving, snorkeling with stingrays and nurse sharks, swimming with dolphins and other marine life, parasailing at 600 feet above the water, temazcal spa rituals, speedboat rides, deep sea fishing, and 7-course dinner shows, to name a few. Downtown Playa del Carmen is also a quick taxi ride away.
On-site COVID-19 testing is offered prior to departure, but it isn’t complimentary.