La Casa de la Playa: Why Is It the Second Best Hotel in the World?

A unique luxury experience offering exclusivity and top-tier contemporary hospitality.

When we travel, we always seek incredible experiences—those that leave a mark and make us want to return. But what happens when a place not only meets our expectations but surpasses them in every detail? That is exactly what happens at La Casa de la Playa, the exclusive adults-only boutique hotel that was recognized in 2024 as the second-best hotel in the world and the best hotel in Mexico by the prestigious World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure.

These awards, granted annually based on votes from travelers worldwide in various categories, confirm that La Casa de la Playa is a unique luxury experience, offering exclusivity and top-tier contemporary hospitality. But what makes this boutique hotel one of the best in the world? Let’s find out.

Absolute Exclusivity: An Adults-Only Hotel

From the moment you arrive at La Casa de la Playa in your private transportation, you are welcomed in a lounge as if you were stepping into your own living room. From this moment, you realize that this hotel is unlike any other.

The hotel is exclusively for adults and features just 63 suites, designed to provide an intimate and personalized experience.

Each suite offers direct views of the Caribbean Sea, meaning that from your private terrace, you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that merge with the horizon. But the luxury goes beyond the view: each suite is decorated with Mexican craftsmanship, features a heated private pool, a handwoven artisan hammock, and a volcanic stone bathtub, creating an atmosphere of total relaxation.

The design of La Casa de la Playa is inspired by Mexico’s natural and cultural wealth. Local materials such as wood and limestone, combined with concrete, steel beams, and glass, create a contemporary style that respects the surroundings without sacrificing comfort. Its eco-integrative architecture is a living work of art that stands between the Mayan jungle and the sea.

Its prime location—just 50 minutes from Cancun International Airport and 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen—places the hotel in the heart of the Riviera Maya, facing one of the world’s most iconic beaches, with white sands and crystal-clear waters. This guarantees an experience of absolute exclusivity.

Experiences on Your Terms: No Schedules, No Rush

One of the major differentiators of La Casa de la Playa is that the experience goes far beyond a luxury stay. Here, you are free to do things at your own pace, without rushing. With 24/7 personal butler service, you can book exclusive access to Grupo Xcaret parks, gourmet experiences, spa treatments, and tailored experiences.

Unlimited Access to Xcaret Parks

As a guest, you have exclusive access to Grupo Xcaret’s iconic parks, including Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xenses, and Xoximilco. At any time, you can request your luxury private transportation to visit any of these parks and return at your convenience. Being a guest of La Casa de la Playa also means you skip the lines for activities and restaurants in the parks.

Tailor-Made Experiences

These private experiences are designed to provide personalized attention in an exclusive setting available only to guests of La Casa de la Playa. Some highlights include:

• Xpeleo: A private tour for two with a specialized guide to explore a virgin cave inside Xplor Park. 
• Cenote Dinner: An exclusive dinner for up to two couples in the Blue Cenote at Xcaret Park, illuminated by candlelight with live jazz music and an eight-course menu celebrating a connection to the land. 
• Islote Dinner: A six-course gourmet dinner on an islet in Xcaret’s Mayan village, a setting like no other. 
• Gran Tlachco Theater Dinner: A backstage tour of Xcaret México Espectacular, where you can explore the dressing rooms and learn about the production process of this world-class show. Then, you’ll have VIP seating for the performance while enjoying a seven-course gourmet dinner.

World-Class Gastronomy 

If there’s something that sets La Casa de la Playa apart—besides its impeccable service—it’s its culinary offering. Here, you won’t find traditional buffets or generic menus, but rather signature restaurants led by renowned Mexican and international chefs, including:

• Andoni Luis Aduriz, one of the world’s most acclaimed chefs, brings his vision to Xal, a restaurant inspired by the Manila Galleon trade route, offering a blend of Filipino, Mexican, and Basque cuisine.

• Martha Ortiz, known for her vibrant and colorful style, leads Tuch de Luna, where every dish is an artistic expression of contemporary Mexican cuisine.

• Rivera-Rio Brothers, overseeing Lumbre and Centli: one focusing on northern Mexican flavors in an elegant setting, and the other celebrating the milpa (cornfield) with a menu inspired by southern Mexican cuisine.

Additionally, guests can explore 14 restaurants at Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte, including Ha, the fine-dining restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán.

For an extra touch, the hotel also features a chocolatería, a tequila and mezcal room, and an exclusive wine cellar, where guests can enjoy tastings at any time.

Wellness and Relaxation at Muluk Spa

Luxury is also about well-being, and Muluk Spa is the perfect place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. The treatments are inspired by Mayan ancestral wisdom, combining natural ingredients with deep relaxation techniques.

Its hydrotherapy circuit has become iconic, featuring an outdoor playful pool with breathtaking Caribbean Sea views. With its world-class service and facilities, Muluk Spa is recognized as one of Mexico’s best spas.

Hospitality and Service: The Key to Global Recognition

While eco-integrative architecture, tailor-made experiences, and world-class gastronomy set La Casa de la Playa apart, what has truly earned it the title of the second-best hotel in the world is its personalized service.

Each guest has a 24/7 personal butler, who takes care of everything—from packing and unpacking to coordinating personalized experiences, booking private dinners, and ensuring that every detail is perfect.

At this hotel, there is no standard experience. Each stay is unique, designed to match each guest’s preferences, desires, and needs.

A Recognition That Puts Mexico at the Top of Luxury Tourism

The fact that La Casa de la Playa has been voted Mexico’s best hotel and the second-best hotel in the world in the World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure is not just an achievement for the hotel but also a testament to Mexico’s rising status as a global luxury destination.

This award reflects Grupo Xcaret’s commitment to offering a hospitality experience that goes beyond traditional luxury, blending culture, nature, and top-tier service with the warmth that defines Mexican hospitality.

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether Mexico can offer a luxury experience that rivals the world’s best destinations, La Casa de la Playa is the answer.

An Experience You Must Live

Beyond awards and accolades, what truly matters is the experience at La Casa de la Playa. Every moment in this boutique hotel becomes unforgettable, where luxury is found in the details, the art, the cuisine, and the heartfelt service that makes you feel at home.

If you’re looking for your next luxury getaway in an intimate setting that combines exclusivity, fine dining, wellness, and exceptional service, La Casa de la Playa is the place to be.

After all, it’s not every day that you get the chance to stay at the second-best hotel in the world. Would you like to experience it?