For travelers seeking an experience beyond the sun-drenched beaches and bustling pool bars of the Riviera Maya, a hidden gem awaits at the luxurious Hotel Xcaret Arte. Tucked away in a secret corner of this adults-only paradise is a clandestine speakeasy that transports guests to the glamorous era of the 1920s. While its official name is El Deseo, English-speaking guests and reviews on Google refer to it as The Desire Bar. The Cancun Sun has the exclusive details on how to find this hidden bar and what to expect once you’re inside.
@oso_feisty5 Now getting here was another story 👀 The club is open from 8pm-4am every single day! Afterwards, grab some fresh street tacos right outside the exit. #xcaret #xcaretmexico #xcarethotel #xcaretarte #cancun #playadelcarmen #tulum #vacation #solotravel #speakeasy #barlife #nightclub #nightlife #traveltiktok #blackgirltravel #travelhack #hiddengems ♬ BREAK MY SOUL – Beyoncé
Finding El Deseo, or The Desire Bar, is an adventure in itself. The speakeasy is located within the Casa de la Paz building of the resort, but there are no obvious signs to guide you. Instead, your landmark is a humble, yet delicious, taco cart that appears in the evenings. As the sun sets and the resort’s nightlife begins to stir, make your way past the main buffet and toward the gym on the Arte side of the property. There, you’ll find the tantalizing aroma of fresh tacos al pastor, and nearby, a discreet door that leads to another world. A staff member is typically stationed at the entrance to ensure only guests of Hotel Xcaret Arte are granted access, adding to the bar’s exclusive feel.
Once inside, you’ll be transported back in time. The Desire Bar is a world away from the tropical paradise outside, with its dim lighting, plush velvet seating, and vintage decor that perfectly captures the speakeasy vibe. The walls are adorned with sepia-toned photographs and memorabilia from a bygone era, and the air is filled with the soulful sounds of live jazz music. Later in the evening, a DJ takes over, spinning a mix of electronic dance music and throwback hits, transforming the intimate bar into a lively dance floor.
The cocktail menu at The Desire Bar is as creative as its decor, with a focus on handcrafted concoctions that pay homage to classic 1920s libations while incorporating modern twists. While the signature cocktails are a feast for the eyes, some visitors have found them to be on the sweeter side. For a perfectly balanced drink, The Cancun Sun recommends ordering a classic cocktail and specifying your preferred brand of liquor. Whether you’re a fan of a traditional Old Fashioned or a refreshing Gin Rickey, the talented mixologists at The Desire Bar are happy to craft a drink to your exact specifications.
No visit to El Deseo is complete without a stop at the now-famous taco cart just outside its doors. As The Desire Bar is open from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM daily, the cart serves guests late into the night, offering some of the most delicious and authentic tacos al pastor you’ll find in the Riviera Maya. It’s the perfect way to cap off an evening of craft cocktails and live music, and a culinary experience you won’t want to miss.
The Desire Bar is more than just a bar; it’s an immersive experience that adds an element of mystery and intrigue to your stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte. So, on your next visit to this luxurious resort, be sure to seek out the taco cart, and you’ll be rewarded with a night to remember. And for more inside tips on the best-kept secrets of the Riviera Maya, be sure to follow The Cancun Sun.
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