7 of the Best Resorts in Mexico
Dotting Mexico’s sun-drenched coastline and nestled in its emerald jungles are a host of luxury resorts that regularly attract travelers from around the globe. With the weather in Mexico warm year-round, and flights from the United States consistently affordable, there’s never a bad time for a vacation here. From boutique accommodations that connect guests with local culture to sprawling properties that cater to your every need, here are seven of Mexico’s best resorts.
1. Conrad Punta de Mita
Families will find much to love at this Hilton property, located on a mile of white-sand beach in Riviera Nayarit. Between a waterslide and splash pad at the zero-entry family pool to a kids club where children 11 and under can eat free, your young ones will have plenty to do.
Not looking to spend your vacation surrounded by kids? Conrad Punta de Mita is home to an adults-only pool, luxurious rooms, and a variety of restaurants. There’s also a well-curated selection of shops located on-site. With all that it has to offer, it’s no wonder that the hotel, which is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains, has been steadily building buzz among travelers since it opened in September 2020.
2. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
Does the prospect of drifting off to the sound of waves crashing into a rocky coastline sound like an appealing way to spend your getaway? If your answer is yes (and why wouldn’t it be?), Esperanza is probably for you.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the coast, Esperanza is the only private beach resort in Cabos San Lucas. Inside the 57-room hotel, five restaurants, a desert-inspired spa, and infinity pools immerse you in luxury. Interested in upping the luxury even more? Choose one of the rooms with a private infinity pool.
3. Hotel Esencia
One of the best-kept secrets in Mexico sits on a largely undeveloped section of the country’s Caribbean coastline. One visit to this chic resort, and you’ll understand why guests don’t want word to get out.
Beloved by celebrities looking for privacy, Hotel Esencia offers a secluded getaway complete with swaying palm trees, hammocks perfect for relaxation, and an overriding feeling of tranquility missing from the larger resorts.
Mingle with other guests over afternoon tea served in the ocean-facing library of the hotel’s main house, then enjoy what Condé Nast Traveler calls the best margaritas in Mexico at a wooden beach bar. Snorkel among vibrantly colored fish in the barrier reef that’s located only five minutes away on the hotel’s catamaran, then retire to your choice of spacious rooms overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
4. Maroma, a Belmond Hotel
Maroma has been a favorite of Riviera Maya vacationers since opening in 1995. A recent renovation has added more amenities for wellness-conscious travelers, including underwater meditation, honeybee therapy, and guided jungle walks.
As has long been the case, Maroma immerses visitors in the culture of the Yucatán Peninsula. Regional textiles hang on the whitewashed walls, and local liquors like pox and mescal are available in your in-room bar. When you decide to venture out, underwater caves lead you to a network of cenotes.
5. Rosewood Mayakoba
Another Riviera Maya resort sits in a secluded complex in the verdant jungle between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. Arrive by boat, and be prepared to experience personalized luxury at every turn.
Guest have the option to choose rooms with either ocean or lagoon views. If you opt for the latter, you’ll have the privilege of staying in a generously appointed overwater villa.
An ecologically minded resort, Rosewood Mayakoba boasts stunning decor highlighted by renewable wood and limestone. Before checking out, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Sense spa, a place where one can gaze down on limestone lagoons while experiencing relaxing Mayan-influenced treatments.
6. St. Regis Kanai Resort
The gleamingly white, futuristic design of this Riviera Maya resort contrasts with the lush greenery of the surrounding Yucatán Peninsula. It’s fronted by a beach, whose brilliant sand shimmers in the Mexican sun.
Inside the ultra-modernist resort, Mayan-inspired rooms that start at 592 square feet offer views of the sea. There are a range of amenities here for travelers of all types, but every guest should be sure to visit the unforgettable boutique spa.
7. Waldorf Astoria Cancun
As one of the world’s most boisterous vacation spots, Cancun casts a long shadow, particularly aurally. It’s a testament to the serenity and privacy the Waldorf Astoria Cancun provides that a stay here makes you feel as if the city’s bustle is oceans away.
The property’s soothing decor, much of it cream- and sand-colored, goes a long way toward creating an ambiance that encourages you to unwind. Wander slowly from one of the two infinity pools to your table at any of five on-site restaurants. Luxuriate in your room’s private soaking tub or upgrade for swim-up access. Whether you prefer ocean- or poolside lounging, a generous number of cabanas and lounge chairs mean you’ll never have to compete for a spot.