Best Design Hotels in Mexico

XELA Tulum is an intimate beachfront retreat in South Tulum with just 12 rooms and suites, offering the character of a private coastal residence framed by lush palms and natural materials. Set along a quiet stretch of shoreline, the hotel occupies what was once a private home, now transformed with a design approach that respects its original spirit while introducing crafted contemporary comforts. The décor blends organic architecture with Mexican craft heritage, where stone, warm timber, woven textiles, Zapotecan ceramics and over one hundred pieces of red clay pottery create a serene, tactile environment shaped by nature and culture.

Guests can dine on modern Mexican cuisine in the open-air restaurant, relax in the spacious living areas, or unwind on the beach with sun loungers and handcrafted umbrellas made by local artisans. The rooftop bar offers sunset views across the Caribbean Sea and Mayan jungle, while the infinity pool leads towards fifty metres of secluded shoreline. Hidden wellness cabins provide tailored treatments inspired by the region, complemented by a small garden-facing gym. XELA Tulum’s setting places guests close to Sian Ka’an Biosphere, Tulum Ruins, local dining spots and boutique shops, while the hotel can arrange cenote tours, cultural rituals, sound baths and personalised wellness sessions.

Having made its debut in October 2023, Secrets Tulum offers the latest in barefoot chic. The adults-only hideaway has been designed in circular blocks, with lots of neutral earthy shades and natural materials incorporated into the build. Book a junior suite, with a tropical or swim-up upgrade, or Preferred Club status for access to a private lounge, breakfast in the Rosewater seafood restaurant, a personal concierge service and an upgraded minibar. The amenities onsite include 14 bars and restaurants, a spa, rooftop and courtyard pools and another pool at the Beach Club.

Located in the lively Polanquito area, Kimpton Virgilio marks the debut of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Mexico City and delivers the perfect balance between the cosiness and exclusivity of a boutique hotel with the support of IHG Hotels & Resorts. Offering 48 rooms designed with a sleek and contemporary Mexican aesthetic by Arquitectura de Interiores Studio, Kimpton Virgilio caters to both short-term and extended stays. The hotel emphasises a deep connection to Mexico City through every element, from locally crafted furniture and art to the latest music and decor, ensuring guests’ experiences are immersive and authentically local.  Kimpton Virgilio’s restaurant, Pepe: Mesa Española, is a street-side restaurant serving traditional Spanish cuisine with modern and international influences. The hotel’s commitment to highly personalised experiences can be tailored to its gastronomic offerings, design, and services, aiming to become a signature destination in Polanquito for sophisticated adventurers seeking a touch of local flavour.

Another of Oaxaca’s Design Hotels, this one lies on the pristine’s sands of the Oaxacan coast. Guests (aged 16 and over) are accommodated in palm-thatched pool villas with private terraces, but can also swim Olympic lengths in the enormous shared pool. During the day, meals are served in either of these locations or in the hotel’s restaurant, while in the evening, the chef prepares a small menu of daily changing specials. The decor and architecture gives the resort a castaway feel, aided by hammocks slung beside the pool. Visit Hotel Escondido between autumn and spring to be in with a chance of seeing turtles hatching on the adjacent beach.

This colourfully decorated hotel by W does a great job of harmonising both indigenous and contemporary local culture. Bedrooms in the 119 villa accommodations are decorated like a funky hacienda, with quirky wall murals, bright mismatched cushions and bold patterned floors. Some of the public areas could be mistaken for art installations – an incredible 751,184 tile ‘carpet’ mosaic runs up to and through the beach bar. The uber-contemporary pool area has swinging chairs, in-pool loungers and muslin-slung plush daybeds. W Punta De Mita also boasts six dining options, including a street food-inspired Spice market, a lush spa with an adult pool and a DJ on the decks.

A resort by Hilton, Conrad Punta Mita is found within the Litibú gated community. It offers a private stretch of beach, three outdoor pools, a spa, a 24-hour fitness suite, tennis and basketball courts and plunge pool suites. The dining options are many, with beach barbecues, an open-air beachside grill, a seafood-forward Aztec-themed eatery, a pool lunch spot and a very child-friendly Mexican restaurant. Plus there’s a coffee house and an artisanal cocktail bar. Connecting rooms and large, modern suites with living areas, make this a good choice for families.

Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, this hotel is found in the Centro area of this Mexican city. It’s close to all the main attractions and offers a friendly, personal level of service. Designed by Artigas Arquitectos, there are 44 rooms and suites, all with a terrace or balcony looking over the garden or neighbouring cobbled streets. Also on-site, is the Nubye Spa providing balancing ancient rituals; a courtyard housing El Fogón de Don Enrique gourmet restaurant; Bar El Camino; and a rooftop area with a further restaurant, a pool and a sundeck.

Fusing the colour & history of the country’s colonial past, with the contemporary creativity of modern Mexico, Hotel Matilda is a compelling microcosm encapsulating the culinary and artistic energy of San Miguel de Allende. This award-winning city boutique hotel of designer rooms & suites offers guests a stylish lounge bar called Müi (known for its creative mixology); a secluded sunbathing deck; a striking infinite pool, which cascades down into the garden of the intimate spa; and also signature contemporary Mexican dining at the hotel’s acclaimed Moxi Restaurant.

This small luxury hotel is a six-bedroom mansion house with a colourful history. Its 18th ecclesiastical heritage can still be seen in the large biblical mural adorning the main courtyard. And more recently, it served as the home of artist and fashion photographer, Deborah Turbeville (the library contains exhibits of her work). Now a UNESCO site, it was transformed into a hotel in 2017, featuring a garden dedicated to poet Federico García Lorca, an ancient Indian aqueduct, a bar terrace, original artworks and individually designed bedrooms with Bulgari toiletries, international artefacts and antique furnishings.

The majority of this hotel is housed across two colonial buildings (hence the name), crafted with rich vintage materials like stone, marble, wood, metal, leather and brass. A third area makes up the Grecian-inspired spa, IRIS, where guests can take a sensory water journey informed by ancient practices. Dos Casas opened as boutique accommodation in 2004 and was remodelled a decade later (becoming San Miguel’s first Design Hotel) incorporating stylish early mid-century pieces and creating six room categories. Áperi is the venue’s open kitchen dining concept with cutting edge tasting menus and Le Garage is its avant-garde exhibition and events space.

A glamorous urban retreat, this is a new-build property, with floor to ceiling windows, hanging chairs, poolside hammocks, modern artworks, murals, natural decor (slate, rattan and oak are prolific), a boho boutique and an onsite artisan bakery emanating tempting aromas. Beside the Resa del Obraje dam, it provides scenic views, yet has proximity to central attractions (there’s a house car for guests’ use). Kids are entertained with alfresco movie nights, a playroom, yoga and art classes and there’s a babysitting service. Rooms come with aromatherapy kits, record players and Molton Brown toiletries. Guests can visit the spa, dine at Zibu or the Spice Market and loiter in the cigar bar.

Coming from one of the world’s leading luxury hotel groups, this contemporary, large and stylish resort is connected by lagoons and waterways. 129 rooms and 11 residences appear to float on water and have been crafted using indigenous materials, in a minimalist, calming design. The Forbes-rated spa even has its own island, Sense, offering a huge range of Mayan healing practises and treatments and a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course El Camaleón. Kids are well catered for at Rosewood Explorers’ children’s club and for some adult-only time, chill out at Aquí Me Quedo, where three plunge pools are sunken into the sand beside the sea. There are five dining options, as well as a delectable bakery, weekly themed meals and several bars.