Xpu Ha Palace Review Top All Inclusive Mayan Riviera

Xpu Ha Palace, Cancun

Carretera Chetumal 265

Puerto Juarez

Mexico 77710

http://www.palaceresorts.com/Resorts/XpuPalace/Index.asp

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• 60 minutes south of Cancun airport
• 37 acres of lush vegetation, 6,725 sq ft. pool
• 144 room cabana style thatched roof resort
• 3 restaurants, feeding stations scattered throughout
• Eco-guides available between 9am and 4am

What people are saying

• Superb jungle-like feel
• Pay for one, play at 6 facility is great
• Lots of fun for people who like the great outdoors, animals and snorkeling
• Not recommended for those who want a pulsating night life
• Spectacular snorkeling in a cove
• A great place for kids and adults to see natural wildlife

Editorial Review

The Xpu-Ha Palace (pronounced Es-scoo-Pah or Es-shoe-Pah) is an ecologically rich, jungle-like resort in the style of an eco-park.  Their grounds are vast with a variety of tropical vegetation including lush mangroves and tropical palms that line natural cenotes and an estuary.  The natural beauty of the place, which is filled with jungles, wildlife, rivers, surf and sand, has been remarkably adapted to please the people who visit it.

Thatched, cabana style rustic settings complement the plush interiors of the rooms.  But don’t be fooled by the tropical look.  The rooms are far from the world of Tarzan and his jungle with indoor luxuries like air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bars, double Jacuzzi and balcony/terrace with hammock.  Rooms are arranged in clusters, with each group containing 12 units each.  There are no sea views from the rooms, but you can look directly into the mangroves or see the clear waters of the cenotes with their rich and varied wildlife.  A tip: if possible, book the rooms on the upper floors as these have high conical roofs that make them look and feel even larger than they are. Avoid villas 3-4, as these are high traffic areas.

One great feature of the resort is the walk from the rooms to restaurants and pools, which takes you past turtles, crocodiles, aviaries, birds, butterflies and flamingoes.  This is a great opportunity for people and kids who love animals.  The experience of having free-roaming iguanas and coatimundis walking up to you and eating right out of your hands is so rare that it is WELL worth the trouble of the walk.  Of course, for those who prefer it otherwise, there is a shuttle service available.

The all-inclusive package comes with unlimited beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and a variety of snacks.  Wireless Internet service is available in the package.  You also get to play one round of golf per person per day with roundtrip transfers to the course, shared golf carts and of course, snacks and beverages.  But, best of all, you get to make use of Palace Resort’s pay for one and play them all facility whereby you can visit and stay in any of their 6 sister resorts.

The menu does not offer a very large selection.  With just three restaurants to cater to your palate, it all begins to get old after a few days.  But whatever is on the menu is presented well and served with charm.  Besides, you can always eat from Playacar Palace, the Moon, Aventura or Cozumel Palace to experience a change.  The bar is simply amazing with the barman only too happy to concoct his own exotic drinks.  Even children are allowed to order virgin cocktails!

Entertainment is extensive, though not exactly of the loud and noisy variety.  Theme parties and night entertainment abound.  Non-motorized water sports include kayaking, pedal boating and aqua biking are available.  There is also a wide variety of unlimited tours to choose from.  Try to take the tours to Chichen Itza and Coba.  But beware, the Coba tour can be physically demanding since you can climb the Mayan pyramid or bike your way through.

The tours around the eco park are spectacular and the guides are warm people who let you get to know the animals.  The water in the estuary is crystal clear and it’s a great place to kayak.  If you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the manatee, though she does not stick around for long.  Nearby Xel Ha offers amazing snorkeling too suited for beginners as it is well protected.  The cenotes down the road from the resort are another must-see, though it is better to lather yourself with lots of insect repellent before you get there.

The beach at the Xpu-Ha is rather small and you cannot swim on the resort property because it is very rocky.  Not to worry.  A 2-minute walk to your left will bring you to Barcelo Beach – the perfect place for swimming.  Xpu-Ha does not have a full-fledged spa.  However, they have 6 massage rooms and their massage service is wonderful.

The Palace Resort at Xpu-Ha perfectly captures the beauty of the exotic and untamed landscape of the Riviera and wraps it all up into a nice all-inclusive package.  While this may not be the place for restless teenagers or party-hungry people, it is an excellent stop for those who love to be in close commune with nature.  The place is huge, abounding with wildlife and rich plant life.  The sights, sounds and the feel of the Xpu-Ha make you believe that you really are suspended somewhere in the heart of a rich, exotic tropical forest.

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