Xcaret has always stood out in the bustling Cancun area as a distinctive presence. It’s one of the few entirely Mexican-owned and operated tourism companies there and has been at the forefront of offering nature and adventure experiences to visitors. One of its early projects, the Xel-Há park, opened over 30 years ago and has expanded rapidly to cover over 200 acres, offering countless activities like exploring cenotes and enjoying live shows.
Recently, Xcaret has ventured into hospitality by launching three all-inclusive resorts. Each resort uniquely showcases Mexican artists, culture, and design. Now, Xcaret is making a significant impact in the culinary world with its newest adults-only property focused on gastronomy.
La Casa de la Playa, Xcaret’s latest hotel, opened in December 2021 and is shaking up the culinary scene in Latin America with its new restaurant, Estero. This restaurant is a collaboration between Xcaret and renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez. Estero offers a unique fusion menu blending the flavors of the Yucatan coast with those of the Andes mountains.
Chef Martínez is famous for his Michelin-starred restaurant Central in Lima, Peru, which was recently ranked as the second-best restaurant globally and has been recognized as the best in Latin America since 2013. His approach combines modern techniques with local ingredients, and he is credited with bringing Peruvian cuisine to the international stage. His decision to open a second restaurant in Mexico was thoughtfully considered.
“I want to be in places where food matters to people,” Martínez explained. “You can see that here in Yucatan. We’re drawing inspiration from Mexican regions and ingredients, applying our philosophy, and exploring different seasonings and techniques. It’s truly a blend of culture, tradition, and techniques.”
This fusion is evident in dishes like shrimp and corn, tuna with ant eggs, and mango paired with Andean peppermint, which create exciting balances of familiar and novel flavors. Estero not only honors cultural traditions but also respects nature, as dishes are artfully presented to reflect their natural origins.
The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between Mexican and Peruvian culinary worlds. “We used to compete with Mexico in Lima. Now, we’re working together,” Martínez said. “When we sit at a table, all differences and issues fade away. That’s the power of gastronomy.”
Estero is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at La Casa de la Playa, an exclusive 63-suite hotel where every room offers a private pool and a personal butler available via text. Guests can also visit Bodega, a tequila and mezcal bar with top Mexican spirits; Cava, a wine cellar featuring Mexican wines curated by sommelier Sandra Fernandez; and Chocolateria, a chocolate bar by world-renowned chocolatier Mao Montiel. The hotel also hosts three acclaimed restaurants led by chefs Martha Ortiz and the Rivera-Río Brothers.
