Best Luxury Hotels in Mexico
Peppered with luxury beachfront hotels, Riviera Maya on the Yutucan Peninsula is a wonderful choice for those in need of a paradise sun holiday. And unlike secluded, far-flung destinations, there’s plenty of activities, ancient Mayan ruins and nightlife close by – or, depending on where you stay – right on the doorstep.
Nayarit, Punta Mita
Four Seasons Punta Mita
With not one, but two stretches of beach along its perimeter, this is the top choice for water babies – or those wishing to lounge beside the ocean, being served tequila cocktails upon a wicker framed cabana. Waiters will also attend those in the infinity pool (yes, in the pool), bringing drinks to your precise spot. After all, with views this epic and temperatures so warm, you won’t want to budge. Indeed, the service throughout the Four Seasons is five-star attentive, with guests’ every micro-need met. Book a treatment at the Apuana Spa, play some sports, charter a yacht, dine on Las Cuevas beach at Bahía, eat Japanese-Mex dishes at Aramara, snack at the Shack or taco stand… the choice is yours.
Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen
Rosewood Mayakoba
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.
Mexico DF, Mexico City, Polanco
Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City
Offering an intimate service and plenty of luxurious yet pleasantly understated touches, the Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City provides a stylish retreat in the heart of the city. There are just 35 rooms for guests in total, which ensures plenty of privacy and each room boasts elegant custom-made rosewood furniture and goose-down bedding. Guests are also treated to their very own whirlpool tubs and this luxurious touch combined with the fact that are butler is provided to tend to every need ensures that guests will want to spend plenty of time simply unwinding in their rooms, although the excellent Dulce Patria at Anatole France 100 is worth leaving the room for.
Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende
Casa De Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel De Allende
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.
Casa De Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel De Allende
SAVE FOR LATERQuintana Roo, Tulum
Nest Tulum
The 12 rooms and villa accommodation at Nest back onto its private stretch of beach. Its name reflects a loose theme here, with plenty of thatching and weaving integrated throughout the resort. Much of it was built using traditional Mayan methods and local materials. Guests can lounge on comfy daybeds, make use of complimentary bicycle hire, dine in several eateries and drink on the rooftop terrace. Like Delek, sustainability is big here, as such, guests are offered vegan LoredAna toiletries, recycled water and plastic-free excursions. While Nest tends to attract adult travellers, the five-bedroom villa is a good choice for older families.
Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
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.
Mexico DF, Mexico City
La Valise Mexico City
Those who are looking for a home away from home rather than a characterless hotel are sure to love this extremely private and stylish mansion, which features just three rooms for guests to choose from. Those who are travelling in a group have the option of booking the whole of La Valise to get the most out of this luxurious experience. In addition to enormous and very stylish rooms there are plenty of amenities that are just waiting to be enjoyed such as the pretty garden and private dining areas, while master bedrooms open out onto contemporary decking areas for extra space and light.
Nayarit, Punta Mita
Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico
Guests can experience a once-in-a-lifetime stay at Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico where they can become one with nature and completely unwind in their own blissful sanctuary. The resort is comprised of only 15 luxurious tents but sprawls over 48 acres of lush jungle surrounds along the Pacific coast. Guests are welcome to socialise at the stunning La Solana Beach or around the sun-soaked swimming pool where divine food and beverages are served, right in the heart of the resort. The resort aims to make guest feel at home while helping them to forget the stress of everyday life thanks to invigorating spa treatments and fully equipped leisure and wellbeing facilities. There is a wonderful array of alfresco dining options which are enhanced by the natural surroundings and breath-taking views as well as bars and more private options – including a secret beach picnic and fully customised beachfront dining experiences for two.
Quintana Roo, Cancún
Kempinski Hotel Cancún
Seamlessly transitioning from the Ritz-Carlton resort into the Kempinski Hotel, this property provides eight dining options, two freeform swimming pools, a seaside whirlpool, a spa with relaxation gardens, tennis courts, a salon and a kids’ club. There are 315 guestrooms and 48 suites of which have balconies or terraces. And the hotel has its own 400-metre stretch of beach, with cabanas and neat rows of sun loungers. Book the top-level Saasil Suite for three king-size beds and your own oceanfront pool with a teak terrace.
Mexico DF, Mexico City
The St. Regis Mexico City
Set in the historic Paseo de la Reforma neighbourhood, the St Regis receives its fair share of return guests thanks to its impressive style and first rate service. Guests are treated to breath taking views from their huge picture windows and the service is excellent including a private butler option. There are also panoramic city views to be enjoyed while working out at the gym, while the indoor swimming pool is a great place to splash around or swim laps. While the hotel comes with several different restaurants for guests to choose from, the J&G Grill comes especially highly recommended.
Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende
Hotel Matilda
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.
Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen
Chablé Maroma
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.