Best Luxury Hotels in Mexico

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.

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.

Just metres from Fifth Avenue, you’ll find Aloft Playa del Carmen, a 167-bedroom hotel designed for the urban traveller seeking innovative future focussed facilities. The decor here is minimalist, with nods to the indigenous culture via textures and colours. A roof terrace has two infinity pools with colourful floating sunloungers and seating spaces, and a bar set beneath a pergola. It’s all very chic, yet with a fun and playful vibe. Guests can drink and dine at W XYZ bar, Re:mix lounge and the Nook restaurant and grab food to go at Re:fuel. The hotel also offers workspaces for digital nomads, a Camp Aloft kids’ program, entertainment and pet-friendly amenities.

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.

With its contemporary design and playful atmosphere, the W provides guests with a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Each guest room is appointed with one of the W signature beds, which boasts 350-thread-count sheets to ensure a very comfortable night’s sleep. Guests are also treated to rainforest shower jets and a plasma flat-screen TV, while a range of relaxing treatments can be enjoyed in the onsite AWAY spa. There are two onsite restaurants to choose from, while the Lobby Bar is a vibrant place to meet other guests and enjoy a drink or two.

Dating back to 1576, this building served as the Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena until the mid-1700s. Now a boutique hotel, its frescoes, original tile floors, beamed ceilings, flower-filled gardens, stone courtyards and fountains make it a unique and enchanting place to stay. There are 91 classically decorated rooms (with air-con, a minibar, bathrobes and slippers), an alfresco restaurant, bar, a snack bar, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool. Quinta Real Oaxaca places travellers within a short walk of all of the city’s main attractions.