HONEST REVIEW: Zentik Project Hotel in Valladolid Mexico

Looking for reviews of Zenti’k Project Hotel & Saline Cave Pool before you book?

Well, you’ve landed on the right article because I’ve stayed at this hotel — and in this article, I’m sharing my honest review of Zenti’k Project Boutique Hotel & Spa.

🛑 Don’t have time to read the whole article? In short: I LOVE this hotel, and recommend it to everyone — so head here to check availability and rates now.

The only people it’s not for are families because the hotel is adults only. For everyone else, this is one of the best hotels in Valladolid — but let’s break down why.

Where is Hotel Zentik Located?

Nestled in the charming town of Valladolid, Zentik Project offers a unique blend of art, comfort, and relaxation.

The closest airport is Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), though Merida International Airport (code: MID) is not much further away.

The hotel is about a 1.5-2 hour drive from the Cancun Airport, making it accessible for international and domestic travelers alike → Search for cheap flights now!

📍 Hotel Zentik Address: Calle 30 #192C, Valladolid, Yucatán, Mexicó 97780

Best Valladolid Shuttle

If you’re flying into Cancun International Airport, I recommend booking your shuttle service with Cancun Airport Transportation.

You can also rent a car in Cancun and drive, or take the ADO bus which is a more budget-friendly Cancun to Valladolid transportation option.

Attractions Near the Hotel

Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman (AKA Cenote Oxman) is about 10-15 minutes from Downtown Valladolid.

The hotel is conveniently located near popular attractions like Cenote Zaci, Cenote Ik-Kil, the Valladolid Cathedral, Cenote Oxman, the Convent de San Bernardino de Siena, Cenote Suytun, and more.

The proximity to Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, one of the Seven Wonders of the world, and other archaeological sites like Ek Balam Ruins, enhances its appeal for tourists.

Unique Features and Amenities

This 4-Star boutique hotel in Valladolid provides an exceptional escape with its distinctive features and thoughtful amenities.

It’s a standout choice for travelers seeking tranquility and uniqueness, and I’m going to highlight some of the coolest features below, including the famous cave pool.

⚠️ Note: As a smaller boutique hotel, rooms go fast. I actually wanted to extend my stay but they were completely sold out — so make sure you book ASAP!

1. Saline Cave Pool at Zentik Project Hotel

Entrance pathway and view from inside of this famous Mexican hot springs cave pool.

The reason many people stay here is the underground pool. This saline cave pool, filled with hot saltwater, offers a therapeutic retreat like no other.

The high salt concentration allows guests to float effortlessly, reducing stress and muscle tension in a tranquil cave-like setting underground.

The mineral water has beneficial properties for the skin and is maintained at a therapeutic temperature of 95-100° Fahrenheit 🌡️ (35-38° Celsius).

This subterranean sanctuary, illuminated by soft, ambient lighting, provides a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring all the best hings to do in Valladolid.

2. Artistic Gardens

You can do a mini art walk by just strolling around the premises of the hotel.

Art is a core element of Zentik Project’s identity, and the hotel showcases a diverse collection of murals and sculptures created by local and international artists.

These pieces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal, but also provide a vibrant and culturally-rich environment.

Guests can enjoy a colorful feast of creativity and expression throughout the hotel, making their stay both visually and emotionally enriching.

3. Outdoor Pool & Hammocks

The hotel offers both an indoor and outdoor pool, ensuring guests can enjoy a swim regardless of the weather.

The outdoor pool area is complemented by sun loungers and hammocks, providing a perfect spot for relaxation under the hot Yucatan Peninsula sun.

Additionally, the hotel’s garden and terrace areas surrounding the pool are ideal for unwinding amidst nature.

4. Hotel Zentik Spa

The entrance to the Spa at Zenti’k Project Valladolid Yucatan Mexico.

If the impressive subterranean cave with a hot saltwater pool isn’t enough, you can get a treatment at the Hotel Zentik Spa.

Here, guests can indulge in a variety of treatments including a deep-tissue massage, hot stone massage (I got one of these), mani/pedi, facial, and more.

The serene spa environment, combined with artistic surroundings featuring murals and sculptures, adds to the hotel’s distinctive charm and inviting ambiance.

This combination of art and wellness created a rejuvenating experience that catered to both my body and mind.

5. Fish Pedicure

A unique offering at Zentik Project is the fish pedicure, where Garra Rufa fish gently exfoliate your feet by nibbling away the dead skin.

This natural and refreshing treatment leaves your feet feeling soft and rejuvenated, adding a playful and relaxing experience to your stay.

If you’ve never had a fish pedicure, you’re in for a real treat. I’ve done this in both Mexico and Bali, and while strange at first, the fish really do a great job!

6. Free-Roaming Animal Friends

Zentik Project Boutique Hotel & Spa embraces a natural environment where guests may encounter free-roaming animals.

Friendly animals like cats, turtles, and iguanas can be seen around the property, enhancing the serene atmosphere and providing delightful, unexpected moments during your stay.

They also have a meliponario that houses Yucatecan stingless honey bees called Melipona — but don’t worry, the bees stay enclosed in their area 🐝

7. Nudist Only Area

The upper area of this palapa is reserved for guests who want to go clothing-free.

For those seeking a more liberating experience, Zentik Project offers a secluded and private area for nudists only.

This is the ideal space for guests who prefer to relax without clothing, allowing for a truly freeing and natural experience in a serene, beautifully-landscaped setting.

Dining & Drinks

1. Naino Restaurant at Zentik Project Hotel

Not bad for a free breakfast, but of course, the paid meals were a lot more fancy.

The on-site restaurant, Naino, offers an exquisite dining experience with everything from Mexican food favorites to international cuisine and fusion dishes.

Guests (including me 🤤) have praised the quality and variety of the food in Zentik Project Hotel reviews, highlighting it as one of the hotel’s key strengths.

During my stay there, I ate at this restaurant several times and tried everything from the steak and burger to the ceviche and grilled tuna curry (this was a special).

Naino is also where you go for the FREE breakfast, which is included in the cost of your stay. They offer several choices like pancakes, omelets, and chilaquiles.

2. Café Oh Lá Lá

For those seeking a more casual dining experience, there’s Oh La La. They serve drinks and small bites, and are open for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Cafe Oh La La is a charming 2D café at Zentik Hotel that beautifully captures the essence of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles in a fun way.

Every detail has been meticulously designed to enhance your dining experience, making you feel as though you’re part of a life-sized illustration.

The ambiance, enriched by artistic elements, creates a unique and immersive dining experience that’s very Instagrammable.

3. Hotel Zentik Bar

The bartenders were super nice, and happy to make me an off-menu drink.

If you want to grab a quick mocktail, cocktail or cold beer, the hotel has a full bar located right next to Naino Restaurant and the check-in desk.

I had a mezcal and passion fruit (maracuyá) cocktail that was delicious, and they also make yummy coffee drinks in the morning (both with and without booze).

Guest Rooms at Zentik Project Hotel

Guest rooms at Zentik Project are designed with comfort and convenience in mind.

Each bungalow-style room features premium bedding, air conditioning, an in-room hammock, and separate sitting area with a small sofa bed, ensuring a restful stay.

Your furnished balcony or porch provide a serene space to enjoy the surroundings, and has a chair outside you can chill on.

Daily housekeeping and well-appointed bathrooms with FREE locally-made toiletries and bathrobes, add to the overall comfort.

Hotel Staff & Service

My welcome mezcal and cold towel, which was SO refreshing on a hot day.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a cold towel to cool down and a welcome drink of mezcal.

Besides this warm welcome, the hotel’s staff has received high praise from other past guests like me for their helpfulness and hospitality.

Services such as a 24-hour front desk, concierge, luggage storage, and porter/bellhop ensure guests’ needs are promptly attended to.

The availability of an airport shuttle service, though for a surcharge, adds to the convenience for guests arriving from afar.

You can also use the shuttle service I recommend called Cancun Airport Transportation if you’re flying into Cancun International Airport.

FREE Parking at Zentik Project Hotel

The hotel also offers FREE self-parking on-site, making it convenient for those traveling by rental car like I was.

My car was safe and secure here, as staff is constantly keeping an eye on the lot. They also lock the gate at night for added security.

I will say that it only accommodates about 15 cars, but there is street parking right in front of the hotel if the lot does end up full.

Additional Amenities at Zentik Project Hotel

There’s a small library reading nook where you can enjoy a good book during your trip.

For those who need to stay connected, FREE in-room WiFi is provided. I work online and had no connectivity issues during my work-cation.

Other amenities include a library and laundry services, enhancing the comfort and convenience of the stay.

Are There Day Passes at Zentik Project Hotel?

Yes — Before I stayed at the hotel, I did a day pass to enjoy the salt pool. I was so obsessed with it, I ended up staying at the hotel on my next Valladolid trip.

The cost of the day pass at the time was 1,750 MXN pesos per person (about $85 USD) — but for about double that, you can just book a room at Zentik Hotel Valladolid.

If you just want the day pass, the cost lets you enjoy ALL the facilities for a full day, including the cave pool, swimming pool, Naino restaurant, spa, and more.

My Overall Experience Staying at Zentik Project Hotel in Valladolid, Mexico

A large Mexican alebrije sculpture near the area where the hotel rooms are located.

With an average guest rating of about 9.5 out of 10 on both Expedia and Booking, Zentik Project Boutique Hotel & Spa is celebrated for its ambiance, excellent service, and unique amenities.

On a personal note, I know there are other great Valladolid hotels I could check out, but Zentik Project is my go-to because I love the cave pool so much 💦

If you’re on the fence, I can’t recommend this hotel enough so check availability and rates at Zentik Project now because as a smaller hotel, rooms go fast.

Would I stay here again?

Besides my beloved salt cave pool, comfortable accommodations, artistic elements, and exceptional spa facilities make this a great hotel for Valladolid travelers.

Whether you’re visiting for relaxation or exploration, Zentik Hotel provides a perfect base to enjoy the culture and natural beauty of Valladolid — one of the best Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns).​

⚠️ Note: Hotel Zentik Project is adults only, so if that won’t work for you, check out these top-rated hotels in Valladolid Mexico instead.yucatan

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