Xenses is a new park in the Cancun/Playa area that we first heard about from one of the staff members at our resort. We were told that it was something to experience and that they wouldn't give us details to spoil our experience - I offer the same to you, with the option of knowing more of what you are getting into to help you plan for your circumstances.
OVERVIEW:
Xenses is all about exploring and using your senses and perception. The flyers you'll see about the park offer very little details as to what kinds of activities are at the park, which brings an air of mystery to is, but also probably turns many people off.
There are water activities, "XPA" or spa activities, and some thrills. The park is clean, very unique, and well thought out for the most part. Due to the activities and experiences, I recommend a minimum age of 8-10 with strong swimmers (waterslide and the ability to float on your back). Young children, claustrophobia, heart or back conditions, and pregnancy will severely limit the attractions you can experience.
DETAILS **SPOILER ALERT**:
Xenses is very unique and had my husband and I smiling from the moment we entered the main building, which is set up like a kaleidoscope. Colors, sounds, and textures are everywhere, really heightening your senses. The spindles of the kaleidoscope lead to rooms that make you think and change your perception.
There are several areas within the park to explore:
-Kaleidoscope
-The town (el Pueblo) - an optical illusion with the construction of this walk-through town makes it appear to be build on a steep hill. You walk on flat ground throughout but feel like you are going up hill while the river runs downhill and your sense of balance is heightened.
-Giants and Dwarfs isn't well marked - it's a separate spoke of the kaleidoscope. Not only is it easy to miss because the entrance is by the snack bar, but the direction to walk isn't well marked. Unfortunately we went the wrong way, then had to turn around and ran out of time before making it to the "Xsensotorium", which is the main experience in that section. We did get to see the beautiful oasis that is hidden within the trails! Simply amazing!
**The following are experienced one after another along an underground walk**
-Slip is a steep water slide that ends in a plunge into a deep salt water pool.
-Bird Flight is a suspended harness ride down a zip line that you experience with your arms outstretched like a bird. 300lb weight limit.
-The River is a salt water river in caverns underground. The salt is so concentrated that you can easily float on your back down the river. It's a long float, you must be able to maintain the position and remain silent to experience it.
-Sludgerie is another floating experience, this time in a slippery clay mud. As weird as it sounds it is totally relaxing and moisturizing! We spent several minutes enjoying the mud pool at the end because we weren't ready to get out! If you have textural sensitivities it won't be for you as it can seem a little slimy at first. You rinse off under a waterfall at the end.
-Rain is a walk through colored water jets of slightly varying temperatures
-The Sauna is a walk through a super hot (113 degrees F!!) tunnel. Soo hot. Walk fast! But very relaxing! You can cool off at the end under showers.
PROS:
-The park is very unique and can be experienced in half a day
-It's not popular yet, so the lines are non existent! We did the entire Xpa circuit twice!
-If you wish to skip something in the Xpa circuit you can easily do so by following the "alternative route" trails
CONS:
-They don't provide maps or a list of things to see so as not to spoil the experience. But that means you can easily miss things! It was a huge bummer to miss the xensotorium!
-Small kids, health problems, or the inability to trust closed spaces/the dark without knowing what to expect severely limits who will enjoy this park.