Xcaret Membership Review

Every summer, we make our pilgrimage to Hotel Xcaret Mexico—a tradition that started four years ago and shows no sign of stopping. My family and I don't typically revisit the same destination, but Xcaret is the one exception. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty, top-tier activities, and exceptional food keeps us coming back. And if you ask our son Eli, he'd tell you there's no other resort in Mexico worth visiting.

This year marked a significant shift in our Xcaret experience. Eli turned six last November, which meant the days of him staying for free (a perk for kids five and under) were over. With the prospect of additional costs looming, we decided to dive into the Xcaret membership program while we were at the resort last year, which offers a 25% discount among other perks. Now that we’ve experienced the resort as members, it’s time to share our thoughts on whether the membership is truly worth it.

The Membership: More Costco than Timeshare

When you hear the word "membership" in the context of vacation resorts, the immediate association might be with timeshares. But Xcaret’s membership program is different—refreshingly so. There are no exorbitant maintenance fees or complex property ownership agreements. Instead, it’s more akin to a Costco membership where you pay an annual fee in exchange for access to discounts and exclusive perks.

There are various membership tiers, each with its own set of benefits. We opted for a tier that suits our needs, primarily focused on the 25% discount and a handful of other enticing benefits. The upfront cost was a consideration, but given that we plan to visit Xcaret annually, we felt it was a smart investment.

*Eli’s favorite - Octopus pool. I mean, look at that face!*

The Booking Process: Easy and Streamlined

Booking our reservation through the membership portal was a breeze. The interface was user-friendly, and the reservation was confirmed quickly. It’s reassuring to know that the ease of booking matches the quality of the experience we’ve come to expect from Xcaret.

Perks of Membership: Fast Pass, Special Seating, and More

One of the standout features of the Xcaret membership is the array of perks that enhance the overall experience. Members enjoy fast passes at select parks like Xplor, which significantly cuts down on wait times for popular attractions. Additionally, there’s reserved seating at the Xcaret show—a nice touch if you want to ensure a good view without having to arrive early.

Another benefit we found particularly useful was the members-only check-in. This streamlined the arrival process, allowing us to skip the general line and start our vacation sooner. It’s these small touches that make the membership feel like a luxury experience.

However, the BEST perk of the membership besides the preferential booking rate is the inclusion of Sunday Brunch. Even as non-members, we opted to pay the extra fee to attend the brunch as it is an experience not to be missed. As members, we were able to make a reservation for the brunch without paying any additional fees.

Concierge Service: Convenient but Needs Improvement

As members, we were assigned a concierge to assist with any questions or reservations throughout our stay. They could be contacted via WhatsApp, which is convenient in today’s world where everyone is glued to their phones. We were welcomed with a bottle of Xcaret’s special liquor in our room and branded tumblers to use during our stay—a thoughtful gesture that set a positive tone.

*Welcome drinks and cheese in our room upon check in*

However, we did encounter some issues. We were told that the concierge would reach out a month or two before our stay to help with reservations, but no one contacted us. This lack of communication was disappointing, especially when you're expecting a higher level of service. That said, the concierge was responsive and helpful once we arrived, but the initial oversight is worth noting.

The Special Touches: Gold Bracelets and Personalized Attention

One of the more visible signs of membership is the special gold bracelets members receive. These aren’t just for show—staff throughout the resort recognize these bracelets and acknowledge your member status. It’s a small detail, but it contributes to the overall feeling of being a valued guest.

During our stay, we attended an upgrade meeting to discuss some concerns we had as members. While we weren’t interested in upgrading our membership at this point, we appreciated the attentive and empathetic approach of our agent and the manager. Plus, we walked away with $400 in Xpa credits for attending the meeting—another win.

The Resort Experience: Consistently Excellent

As expected, the resort was beautiful, and the weather was perfect throughout our one-week stay. The familiarity of the place never feels stale, thanks to the diverse range of activities and the consistently high quality of the food. Whether it’s relaxing by the pool or exploring the various parks, there’s always something to keep us entertained.

*The resort is so beautiful - we highly recommend a “resort day” in your itinerary*

Eli, our son, was in his element. He loves Xcaret and refuses to go to any other resort in Mexico, and we can’t blame him. The resort offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion that’s hard to beat.

Membership Value: Worth It for Repeat Visitors

When evaluating whether the Xcaret membership is worth it, the answer depends on how often you plan to visit. For us, knowing that we’ll be returning at least once a year made the decision straightforward. The 25% discount alone is significant, and when you add in the additional perks, the membership fee quickly pays for itself.

If you’re considering visiting Xcaret for the first time, I’d suggest going without the membership to see if the resort is a place you’d like to return to regularly. But if you, like us, find yourself captivated by what Xcaret has to offer, the membership could be a valuable investment.

A Final Note: Referrals and Future Plans

If anyone reading this is interested in visiting Xcaret, we’d be happy to refer you (send us a message here). In exchange for a referral, we’ll receive one free night at the resort, and you’ll benefit from preferential membership pricing. It’s a win-win situation.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our annual trips to Xcaret, now with the added benefits of membership. Despite a few minor hiccups, the overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to seeing what new experiences await us next summer.

In conclusion, the Xcaret membership has enhanced our vacation experience and made an already amazing resort even better. If you’re a frequent visitor to Xcaret or plan to be, the membership is definitely worth considering.