Hotel Xcaret Mexico vs Hotel Xcaret Arte: Which Resort Is Best for Your Destination Wedding?
If you’re considering a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, there’s a very good chance you’ve come across these two names:
- Hotel Xcaret Mexico
- Hotel Xcaret Arte
And then the question hits:
What’s the difference… and how do I choose the right one?
You’re not alone.
These sister resorts sit side-by-side, share the same breathtaking eco-luxury setting, both include full unlimited access to Xcaret parks and excursions, and both include round trip transportation to/from the resort.
But the wedding experience – and the guest experience – can feel very different depending on which one you choose.
So let’s break it down the way I explain it to couples every day.
The Quick Difference: Family-Friendly vs Adults-Only
At the highest level:
- Hotel Xcaret Mexico = Family-friendly, all ages welcome
- Hotel Xcaret Arte = Adults-focused, with a minimum age of 16, designed for couples (and their older children) and grown-up groups
But the real difference goes deeper than just whether kids are allowed.
Guest Demographics: Who Feels Most “At Home” at Each Resort?
Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Multi-Generational & Family-Centered
This is the resort I recommend when your guest list includes:
- Couples that don’t mind a family friendly environment
- Children of any age
- Teens
- Parents bringing the whole family
- Grandparents
- A true “family reunion” feel
It’s lively, energetic, and designed for groups where everyone – from toddlers to grandparents – has something to do.
Typical wedding guest vibe:“Everyone we love is here, and we’re making a whole week out of it.”
Hotel Xcaret Arte: Adults-Only & Elevated
Arte attracts a slightly different crowd:
- Couples without kids
- Couples with older teens (16 years and up)
- Friend groups
- Guests who want a more romantic, upscale atmosphere
- People who love design, food, and relaxation
Arte feels calmer, more curated, and a bit more “honeymoon-forward.”
Typical wedding guest vibe: “This feels like a luxury getaway – and the wedding is the highlight.”
Wedding Vibe Differences: The Feeling of Each Celebration
This is where couples really start to see the difference.
Weddings at Hotel Xcaret Mexico Feel…
- Bright
- Festive
- Family-focused
- Both High-energy and relaxed, depending on your choice of activities
- Great for bigger guest counts
If you’re picturing a lively cocktail hour, a big dance floor, and a joyful, family friendly community celebration… Hotel Xcaret Mexico is your place.
Weddings at Hotel Xcaret Arte Feel…
- Romantic
- Sophisticated
- Intimate
- More “luxury adult escape”
- Perfect for small, mid size, or even very large weddings
Arte weddings often feel like an elevated dinner party weekend – with incredible food, design, and a calm atmosphere.
If you want something that feels more like:
“We’re hosting the most beautiful adults-only wedding weekend ever…” Arte is it.
What About the Wedding Venues?
This is where the decision gets really interesting.
Both Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte offer a wide variety of stunning ceremony and reception spaces – beaches, chapels, jungle settings, riverfront spots, and elegant indoor backups.
But here’s the biggest difference:
Only Hotel Xcaret Mexico has the iconic cave venue, Cuevas Kayak.
And for many couples, that alone becomes the deciding factor.
Let’s break down the venue options at each resort and the type of wedding vibe they create.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico Wedding Venues (Family-Friendly)
Hotel Xcaret Mexico has the widest variety of venue styles – especially if you want something truly unique or dramatic.
Signature Venues at HX Mexico:
- Playa Beach (accessible from both resorts)
– A classic beachfront ceremony option with that “Mexico postcard” feel. - Catholic Chapel (accessible from both resorts)
– One of the most beautiful chapels in Mexico, for couples wanting a traditional Catholic wedding. - Caleta Fuego
– An outdoor beach venue tucked along the river, where you enter the ceremony site through a cave mouth. - Bar Bio
– A waterfall-backed beach venue along the river, perfect for couples who want something tropical and unexpected. - Cuevas Kayak (the famous cave venue!)
– Indoor cave + outdoor sandy beach. This is one of the most jaw-dropping venues in all of Mexico, and it’s exclusive to Hotel Xcaret Mexico. - Xplanada Xpiral
– Located at the base of the chapel building, surrounded by jungle. A modern meets nature setting with a hard surface, for those that don’t want a sandy ceremony site. - Ballroom Spaces
– Ideal weather backup or for couples who prefer an indoor reception. - Ballroom Pre-Function Space
– A bright, window-lined space that feels “outdoors” when you’re forced indoors due to weather.
Hotel Xcaret Arte Wedding Venues (Adults-Only)
Arte’s venues feel more curated, modern, and intentionally designed for an elevated adults-only wedding atmosphere.
Signature Venues at HX Arte:
- Playa Beach (accessible from both resorts)
– Same stunning beachfront option as HX Mexico. - Catholic Chapel (accessible from both resorts)
– A shared option for couples wanting a formal Catholic ceremony. - Ecumenical Chapel
– A covered, non-denominational outdoor chapel overlooking the ocean – one of Arte’s most popular ceremony choices. - Caleta Ecumenical
– The beach area directly below the Ecumenical Chapel, perfect for your cocktail hour & reception. - Playon Pyramide
– A hard-surface outdoor venue with a gorgeous view of the chapel – very architectural + surrounded by palm trees. - Playon Musica
– Another hard-surface outdoor space designed for larger groups and receptions. - Mercado Patio
– A covered open-air venue connected to Mercado buffet – lively, social, and great for a festive reception.
Ballroom Spaces
– Excellent indoor backup options, especially during warmer or rainier seasons.
So, which one is it going to be?
Choose Hotel Xcaret Mexico for your wedding venues if…
-
You want the cave venue for your reception
-
You love the idea of river + waterfall settings for your ceremony
-
You want the most variety across venue styles
Choose Hotel Xcaret Arte for your wedding venues if…
- You want your ceremony in a Chapel but aren’t Catholic or religious
- You prefer more modern hard-surface spaces over sandy venues
- You want a more “grown-up,” architectural vibe
- Your group is adults-only and loves elevated design
If you’re torn between these two resorts based on venue, here’s one of the simplest ways to choose:
- If you’ve dreamed of a wedding in a cave, in front of a waterfall, or riverfront jungle setting → Hotel Xcaret Mexico is the clear winner.
- If you want a wedding that feels modern, elevated, adults-only, and/or in a chapel → Hotel Xcaret Arte is perfect.
Both resorts are extraordinary – so you’re not going to choose wrong on this one!
Now let’s talk about the question everyone asks next… price.v
Cost Perception vs Reality: Is Arte More Expensive?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions I hear: “Arte is adults-only, so it must cost way more.”
The truth?
Cost differences are often smaller than couples expect, with Hotel Xcaret ARTE typically pricing a little lower than Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
Yes, it’s often a surprise that even though Arte is positioned as more upscale, the rooms typically price slightly lower than rooms at Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
Here’s some other considerations:
- Wedding package pricing & inclusions are exactly the same
- Guest travel costs will always depend on season and availability, with the lowest guest rates coming from locking in your room block at least 10 months or more in advance of your wedding
My honest take:
Don’t choose based on assumptions. Choose based on the guest experience you want. We price these side-by-side for our couples all the time, and the results often surprise them.
Which One Is Easier for Guests?
This is such an important question, because your wedding isn’t just about you – it’s about the experience your guests will have.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico Is Easier If…
- Guests are traveling with kids
- People want more casual dining options
- Guests like having lots of activity built in
- You want tons of restaurant choices (over 20 options at HX Mexico)
- Families need flexibility
Hotel Xcaret Mexico is built for group travel.
Hotel Xcaret Arte Is Easier If…
- Your guest list is mostly adults
- Guests want peace, quiet, and luxury (but look forward to a night club as well)
- Your group prefers a more “grown-up” resort atmosphere
- People are foodies and love elevated restaurants
Hotel Xcaret Arte is simpler when the entire group is adults – no extra planning around family needs.
How Do You Decide? Choose This If…
Here’s the simplest way I explain it:
Choose Hotel Xcaret Mexico If…
- You want kids and families included
- Your wedding feels like a big joyful celebration
- You have a large or multi-generational guest list
- You want the most flexible option for everyone
- Your group wants nonstop activities
- Having your wedding reception in the cave venue is important to you
Best for: Classic destination weddings with everyone invited
Choose Hotel Xcaret Arte If…
- You want an adults-only wedding weekend
- Your vibe is romantic, modern, and elevated
- Your guest list is mostly couples and friends
- You want a calmer, more luxurious atmosphere
- You want a honeymoon-meets-wedding feel
- You want your ceremony in a chapel (and the chapel has no religious requirements)
Best for: Sophisticated adults-only celebrations
Cheryl’s Take (What My Team Tells Couples Every Week)
Both resorts are incredible – truly two of the most unique wedding properties in all of Mexico.
But the right choice comes down to one thing:
→ Who are your guests, and what kind of wedding week do you want to create?
That’s exactly what we help you figure out here at Yellow Umbrella Events. We don’t just book a resort – we match you with the one that fits your people, your vibe, and your vision.
Want Help Choosing Between Xcaret Mexico and Arte?
If you’re stuck between the two, I can promise this:
A quick conversation usually makes the answer very clear.
We’ll walk through:
- Guest list demographics
- Budget expectations
- Wedding vibe
- Resort availability
- The real cost breakdown for your group
And we’ll help you secure the perfect fit.
Here at Yellow Umbrella Events, we prevent expensive mistakes, guest chaos, and resort regret – so you can actually enjoy the planning process.
Reach out, and let’s find your perfect, regret-free resort.
