The Xcaret Xperience

with Adrienne Lem

Travelling with kids can be stressful and it can become much more of an ordeal than the ideal family vacation. Children’s moods can sometimes dictate the entire experience, which is why the Occidental Grand Xcaret’s new and exclusive partnership with the neighbouring Xcaret Park could be the answer to the ultimate family getaway. “If you take care of the kids, everything will be fine,” said General Manager David Ocete.

Vox International, Occidental’s Canadian representatives, hosted a launch event for the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience last week in Toronto and invited 80 of its travel agent and tour operator partners. Guests enjoyed a Mexican-inspired dinner, festive margaritas and live entertainment performed by a Mexican trio.

Ocete presented the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience, which is a new package available at his resort that grants visitors unlimited access to the Xcaret theme park, an eco-park that features water activities in Xcaret’s natural Underground Rivers, interactive wildlife exhibits, Mayan ruins, cultural showcases and more. Other features of the package are VIP hotel check-in, unlimited specialty restaurant reservations, daily stocked mini-bar and a private eco-tour of the park led by an expert guide. In total, the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience equates to a US$980 value. On top of this, the package also includes almost US$1,000 in resort and park credit.

According to Ocete, it would be impossible to experience the 12-acre park in just 1 or 2 days. Since 1-day’s admission to the park is US$80 per adult, going with the Xcaret Xperience means savings for the entire family. This is key since visitors will most likely visit the park more than once throughout their stay (the park is literally a 1-minute walk from the resort). Kids love the park and their parents love the value.

Sonia Hidalgo of Sears Travel is a fan of the new Xcaret Xperience. “Packaging the Xcaret Park with the resort is better, because now we can make commission on it as well,” she said. “We just have to explain to the client what the Xcaret Park is all about. We make more money, but it is also beneficial for the client. It’s a great way to experience Mexican culture with the entire family.”

Open Jaw’s Bruce Parkinson can attest to this since he and his family returned from the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience last week with nothing but rave reviews. For more information, check out his blog coming soon to Open Jaw.

Mexico Tourism Board's Rodrigo Esponda & Cristina Alvaradejo with David Ocete, General Manager of the Occidental Grand Xcaret (centre)

    The event's hostess greeted guests in tradtional Mexican dress