Palace Resorts is one of the leading all-inclusive hotel brands in Mexico and they try to cater to all travel tastes and styles. They have family friendly resorts, spa resorts, adults-only resorts and couples-only resorts. They are again leading the industry to be the first fully all-inclusive resort in Mexico to also offer an all-inclusive pet-friendly resort experience.
At the Xpu-Ha Palace, guests with pets (either dogs or cats) will receive special bedding in their room. A litter box and pooper-scooper (and a scratching post!) are provided for felines, and plastic bags are provided in the dog walk area outside. There is also a special pet facility on property that offers veterinarian care, boarding facilities and obedience training. And as part of the all-inclusiveness of the resort, grooming is included.
There are some rules to follow for those traveling with pets. They must be under the supervision of their owners at all times (except when being "baby-sat" at their on-site facility or they can be left in a crate in the room). A maximum of two pets are allowed per room - the first pet is free but the second pet will have to pay $50. The maximum weight limit is 55 lbs. per pet. They must be well-behaved, and they must wear an ID collar at all times. Guests must present a copy of the pet's vaccination records at the time of check-in as well as a certificate of a complete physical exam by a licensed vet (these documents will also be required for entry into Mexico).
The beachside Xpu-Ha Palace is located in the Riviera Maya which is just south of Cancun. The resort is set on 37 secluded acres, surrounded by the natural vegetation and wildlife. The eco-friendly accommodations look like treehouses and are set amongst the natural jungle that makes up most of the property. All have private jacuzzis and hammocks on the balconies. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool with areas for kids, teens and adults, a swim-up bar, a mini zoo, gym and spa. There is a choice of 5 restaurants and bars on property, but you can add more options by visiting other Palace Resorts in the area for no additional fee. See below for more information on what is included in a typical Palace Resort vacation.
What is included:
- Luxury accommodations - many with private jacuzzis or hammocks
- A choice of dining options
- Top-shelf drinks
- 24 hour room service
- Non-motorized water sports
- Entertainment including theme parties, contests and live music
- "Stay and Play" - Stay at one Palace Resort and use the facilities at all other Palace Resorts for free
- All taxes and gratuities
- and Much More!
To get to the Xpu-Ha Palace from Orlando:
The closest airport to the Xpu-Ha Palace is Cancun. Airlines such as Delta and jetBlue fly direct from Orlando (MCO). The flight is only 2 hours making it an easy destination for those traveling with a pet. Unless your pet is around 15 lbs or less, they will need to travel in cargo. Otherwise, smaller dogs and cats can typically travel under the seat in front of you in an approved carrier. Other airlines fly direct from Miami to Cancun, offering more choice even though its a bit of a drive to the Miami airport.
Requirements for taking a pet to Mexico: visit the Mexico consulate website to find up-to-date information. Currently, you will need a certificate of health for the pet issued by a certified veterinarian within 15 days of departure. You will also need a valid certificate showing proof of vaccinations. The health certificate will need to be endorsed by your states USDA APHIS office (for Florida it is located in Gainesville). For more information on how to get it endorsed, visit the USDA APHIS website.
* Passports now required for Mexico*
Once you have all the paperwork squared away, it will be time to head to sunny Mexico to have a laid-back vacation with your trusty companion at the all-inclusive Xpu-Ha Palace!
If you need assistance with your travel plans, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am a travel agent who specializes in pet travel. If you are looking for more ideas and tips on traveling with your four-legged friend, check out AndASmallDog.com.
For more information on Palace Resorts, and what they offer for humans check out these articles:
Complimentary Honeymoon packages
Free weddings at Palace Resorts
Comments
Do we presume the requirements for getting into Mexico will get the pet re-entry to the US?
Hi Pauline,
It depends on the state as to what the re-entry requirements are. The CDC requires proof of vaccination against rabies at least 30 days prior to arrival in the U.S. The health certificate that is used to gain entry into Mexico should still be valid for this (depending on length of stay in Mexico). States have individual rules on what is required so its best to contact the USDA APHIS office in your state, or hire someone like me to help sort out all the paperwork. Hope this helps!
More info, contact CDC at cdc.gov or USDA APHIS at Aphis.Usda.gov
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