If ever there were a place that captures a guest’s heart with its attention to detail, it would be the new luxury resort La Casa de la Playa on Mexico’s coveted Riviera Maya.
A quick flight from South Florida to Cancun begins this transformative journey. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed upon exiting the airport to hordes of people waving signs from hotels and taxis, you’ll find the friendly entourage of Grupo Xcaret (the famed hospitality group behind multiple successful ventures, including this new luxury boutique hotel) sporting flamingo pink shirts — made by Mexican designer Carla Fernández — easy to spot among the crowd. From there, you’ll be escorted to a comfortable Mercedes-Benz van or Tesla (the vehicle of choice on the environmentally friendly property) for an hour-long ride deep into the Mayan jungle at the edge of one of the most iconic beaches in the world, or as we like to refer to it: paradise.
Grupo Xcaret invested $85 million in creating the adults-only property (opened December 2021) and from the minute you arrive, it shows. Designed by renowned Mexican architect David Quintana, La Casa de la Playa (which translates to “the beach house”) is both a functional work of art and a tribute to the mesmerizing environment it encompasses. Let’s begin with the main swimming pool, a 40-meter infinity marvel which appears to magically jut out over the Caribbean below. A large porthole built on the floor at the far end allows curious swimmers to peek at the crashing rocks below. The Rooftop Pool, on the top floor as the name implies, has clear glass walls on one end and plenty of places to lean over the infinity pool’s edge to take in the breathtaking view. Powerful underwater speakers ensure that when you dive underneath, you’ll still be able to enjoy the Latin music coaxing sunbathers into vacation mode.
BIBLIOTECA
I recommend exploring the property fully before heading to your suite because once in it, it is quite possible you may never want to leave. Stroll along the lush passageway where you’ll find various venues seemingly built out of the cliff side, showcasing Quintana’s eco-integrated style. One of the resort’s signature stamps is the celebration and pride in all things Mexico, visible by the offerings found along this path. Head to the “Chocolateria,” or chocolate shop, overflowing with master chocolatier Mao Montiele’s mouth-watering assortment of bonbons, paletas (Mexican ice pops) and churros with hot chocolate, all a tribute to one of the Mayan’s most valued treasures: cacao. Craving a drink? The Bodega showcases an impressive collection of tequila and mezcal. This is a good time to mention that La Casa de la Playa is an all-inclusive resort, meaning, one is able to wander into either of these spots (open 24/7) and help oneself to some of the best chocolate and tequila in the world.
CHOCOLATERIA
Perhaps you are a wine lover? You’ll want to visit the Cava, where Sommelier Pavem Martinez can walk you through the 25 Mexican wineries (that translates to roughly 275 bottles) with a wine tasting or wine pairing dinner. You’re also encouraged to swing by at any time and help yourself to a bottle or two during your stay (you’ll find a worthy selection waiting for you inside your suite as well).
There’s also a library with plush seating and a thoughtful selection of books.
The uncompromising excellence that defines La Casa de la Playa can be found in its culinary offerings as well. Estero, helmed by the notable Peruvian Chef Virgilio Martinez (whose Lima eatery Central has had a steady top spot in the 50 Best Chefs in Latin America for several years) features a nightly tasting menu blending the creative cuisine of his home country with that of Mexico’s with dishes like Squash Mole with Pork Belly, Mole with Chickpea and Octopus, Corn with Wild Blueberry and Coffee and Wagyu and Caviar with Epazote cream.
Tuch de Luna (which in Mayan means “belly button of the moon”) is the brainchild of Chef Martha Ortiz, a passionate advocate for Mexican gastronomic culture with restaurants in Mexico City and London.
PRIVATE SUITE
At La Casa de la Playa entry to your suite is easy and painless thanks to the bracelet that doubles as your room key. Once inside, your eye will inevitably make a beeline to the postcard perfect ocean view (a given for each of the property’s 63 suites), so you may initially miss the private heated pool (with hydro massage) with a handmade hammock swinging directly above. Beyond that, an alfresco volcanic rock jacuzzi beckons — the ideal spot to end the night. There’s also an expansive terrace with a comfortable chaise and daybed making it impossible not to relax.
SUITE POOL
Head back inside towards the plush king-sized bed and you’ll be greeted by a large circular aquarium sporting miniscule, incandescent jellyfish that serve as your pets during your stay. The suite is outfitted with numerous light switches, all of which have a picture explaining the area they light (yes, there is a jellyfish switch). Others include a seashell, for the gorgeous conch-shaped light as well as a heart, igniting a warm glow over a massive, rainbow-colored, beaded heart with wings — an impressive example of the artistry from the Huichol people who live in the states of Jalisco, Durango, Zacatecas and Nayarit.
Each guest is assigned their own butler to make sure every whim is met. That jacuzzi? Ask your butler to have it ready for you at the end of the day and it will miraculously await with bubbles and the perfect temperature.
MULUK SPA
A visit to Muluk Spa is a must. With 13 soothing treatment rooms, saunas, steam and cold rooms, two salt rooms, two mud rooms and a hydrotherapy infinity pool with extraordinary ocean views you’ll be pampered with a local touch. Services like the Exfoliation treatment, which removes dead cells from the skin with natural emollients that include a selection of essential oils like Mangata (white tea), Meraki (a blend of peppermint, rosemary and geranium) or Inmarcesible (rosemary, peppermint, rose and lemongrass) are unique and restorative.
TUCH DE LUNA
La Casa de la Playa is part of the massive Grupo Xcaret complex, just shy of 400 acres housing 3 hotels and 3 amusement parks connected through winding roads. Which means, for those seeking entertainment beyond lounging, sunbathing or imbibing tropical drinks, they have access to the other hotels, parks and dining experiences there. If you’re seeking a unique show, visit Xcaret Park to see the production “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular.” Held in an open amphitheater that has a capacity to seat 6,000, the performance recounts 500 years of Mexican history, from its earliest days to the culture and traditions of each region today. With a total of 300 performers (plus dogs, horses, jungle parrots and more) it’s unlikely you’ve seen a show like this. As an added perk, guests of La Casa de la Playa are treated to a behind-the-scenes tour prior to the show as well as a multi-course dinner provided during the performance.
ESTERO BARRA
There is plenty of opportunity for romance within La Casa de la Playa, but for a truly exceptional experience, a private dinner at Cenote Azul is hard to beat. A quick ride to Xcaret Park (in one of the property’s Teslas) followed by a walk leads you to your table perched along the edge of the turquoise-water cenote (a natural sinkhole formed in a cave), donning multiple luminarias sets the tone for a night to remember. There’s also a saxophone player and an extensive dinner served by elegantly outfitted, attentive waiters to help make the night one to remember forever.
Between the beautiful surroundings, luxe accommodations, incredible pools and award-winning food bolstered by impeccable service and warm hospitality, you’ll find the only downside to Casa de la Playa is how time has the quirky quality of passing by way too fast. Keeping that in mind, we suggest you take it all in — make multiple stops at the chocolate store — and enjoy every moment of what feels a bit like stepping into a dream.
La Casa de la Playa is located at Carretera federal Chetumal -puerto Juárez, kilómetro 282, Lot 023, 2, 77710 Q.R., Mexico. For more information, visit lacasadelaplaya.com.
CAVA