Best Luxury Hotels in Mexico

The Rosewood’s San Miguel De Allende property reflects the artsy vibe and authenticity of the area. Guests can stay in rooms with private balconies, suites with expansive terraces or residences, with up to five bedrooms. All have original feature elements, like beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces, with added antique dark wood furnishings and on-trend soft furnishings. Some have a jacuzzi, iron grill and firepit, while all are made up using Italian Rivolta Carmignani bed linens. Amenities include the Sense Spa, tennis courts, adult and family pools, a restaurant, tequila bar, rooftop bar and a chic poolside daytime eatery.

Casa De Sierra Nevada is housed in 16th and 17th-century rustic stone buildings, including what was once a former convent. Like the Rosewood, it is packed with period features. Even the pool area feels like a step back in time, set within a hummingbird-filled walled garden, beside an ancient fountain, it is lantern-lit after sunset (the place for delicious mezcal based beverages). Andanza’s traditional-meets-contemporary small plates are renowned throughout the city and guests can even join the head chef on a market shopping trip, followed by a Mexican cooking workshop. The spa offers rituals, like temazcal, using indigenous medical herbs and those in the higher grade suites receive butler service around the clock.

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.

Peek across to the island of Cozumel from this immaculate resort in Playa del Carmen. Grand Velas has 531 rooms, six themed restaurants, two gyms and seven bars. Expect manicured lawns, high-end boutiques, perfectly tended sands and gleaming marble surfaces. The decor by Melín Castro Ardavín, is neutral, with mahogany furnishings, expansive walk-in showers and large terraces overlooking the ocean. Whether travelling as a family, or in need of some child-free time, it’s all possible here. There’s a kids’ club, but also a whole area of the resort reserved for over 18s, and a serene spa for some much-needed r&r.

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.

Perched on Punta Maroma’s sandy shores, stay at Chablé Maroma and you can watch the waves while catching rays beside the infinity pool, snacking on shrimp and lobster tacos. Its 70 rooms feature hand-carved sinks, local palm weavings, indoor-outdoor showers, private pools flanked with lush tropical greenery – and for larger groups, there’s a three-bedroomed villa. Take a wellness journey inspired by ancient Mayan rituals at the onsite spa, by yourself or enjoy a treatment with a loved one. Products are locally sourced and climate-friendly, including food and drink. Fine dine in the restaurant Bu’ul, take a relaxed meal in Kaban, or tuck into fresh oysters, octopus tacos, fish and mango ceviche at the Raw Bar.

Spread across 45 acres, the 401 suite Fairmont boasts its own golf course, spa and cooking school. It’s just 15 minutes drive from the bright lights of Playa del Carmen, but with so much to do and see here, you won’t want to leave. It’s a great place to wildlife spot, surrounded by ocean, mangroves and jungle on each side. Dinner at La Laguna (beside the lagoon) is a real highlight, not only because of its romantic setting but also for its fantastic Mexican cuisine. Guests can also eat seafood beachside at Brisas, and The Lobby Lounge’s balcony is the perfect spot for an after-dinner margarita or three. The style is contemporary with some traditional Yutucan elements and an earthy colour scheme. Book a beachfront casita for a private rooftop pool, tons of space and butler service.

If you’d prefer to stay in a large scale all-inclusive resort from a huge international hotel group, with tons of amenities, the Barcelo Maya Palace is a winner. Located in Xpu-Ha, it has 756 rooms, three tennis courts, three pools, a private beach, six restaurants, five bars, theme nights, tour services, access to a water park, a games room, nightclub, playground, children’s’ club, fitness centre, hammam and a full-service spa. Activities include snorkelling, canoeing, windsurfing, golf, football, tennis, volleyball, aerobics, as well as dance, language and cooking classes. And with theme parks and historic sites nearby, it’s safe to say you’ll never be short of something to do here.

Located in Mayakoba, between Playa del Carmen and Cancun (around 15 minutes to the lively hotspots), the Banyan Tree is spread across jungle, lagoon and beachside areas. Enter through the AAA Five-Diamond resort’s pagoda, a first taste of the Asian – Mayan design fusion. Made up of unique villas complemented by handcrafted Mexican furniture, guests enjoy private pools, outdoor bathtubs and a dedicated butler. Experience hydrothermal wellness at the award-winning spa with ‘The Rainforest’ hydrotherapy circuit. Take a romantic mangrove boat tour, bike ride (up to two are available per villa) and enjoy meals in eight different locations. It’s a great option for families, with a kids’ club, babysitting service, nursery and kids’ pool.

La Valise takes its interior inspiration from the natural beauty of its Tulum jungle and sea surrounds with palapa ceilings, stripped wood furniture, blonde and azure hues and Yutucan textiles. Palm-lined sandy paths connect each area of the tiny nine-roomed resort. There’s no spa, but treatments are provided in-room and the restaurant is an exotic alfresco affair serving alternative takes on familiar Mexican classics – or order room service for honeymoon seclusion in this magical hideaway.

This is true barefoot luxury – even a trip to the hotel’s bar and Mexican restaurant allows you to feel the sand between your toes. Guests are accommodated in huge thatched cabanas on stilts, with oversized mirrors artily leaning against the walls and muslin floating from four-poster handcrafted beds. The decor in the 21 suites revolves around richly hued wooden furnishings, offset by white textiles. There’s an appropriately lazy vibe here, with hammocks strung beachside and there’s a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring the local eco-system is supported rather than disturbed by its tourism.

Comprising three villa buildings, Aldea Canzul exudes contemporary rustic style. The high-end furnishings have a boho edge, ensuring the resort feels both fashionable and in keeping with its surroundings. Ideal for families and groups, the two, three and four-bedded self-catering casas include kitchens and terraces with BBQ facilities and superb views. The on-site concierge can book a private chef if you’d prefer not to cook, as well as arranging in-villa spa treatments, watersports activities and yoga classes. Tulum’s main beachfront is close enough to provide access to bars and restaurants, but far enough to afford peace and quiet.