Best Resort Hotels in Mexico

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.

This flagship property of the Live Aqua group of hotels, is in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, with privileged direct beach access, and proximity to high-end designer shopping at Luxury Avenue and sophisticated retail and family-friendly leisure entertainment at the Fashion Harbour mall. The property is a delight for the senses; from the aromatherapy in the rooms, the award-winning spa; to the seven different swimming pools with different temperatures and orientations.  Dining is another highlight, including the new gourmet ‘In Laa´Kech’ restaurant, by Executive Chef Cesar Germain. This is a resort for couples, friends and families that want style, fun and superb facilities all close to the attractions of Cancun and those amazing beaches.

Just north of the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen, lies this romantic, intimate adults-only resort. With 41 suites it’s low rise and peaceful, incorporating a private beach, the Wayak Spa, gym, lagoon pool, open-air bar and grill and a fancy Mexican restaurant. You can pack light before coming, the hotel loans guests sombreros, books, snorkelling gear, DVDs, Neil George bath products – and limos are on hand for exploring further afield. Book a thatched Royal Villa for your own butler, pool, hammock, huge soaking tub and indoor-outdoor showers. Do try The Temezcal, an intensive sweat lodge ceremony to truly unwind and experience the mysticism of Mexico.

Offering guests a private stretch of 600 metres of powdery sand to spread out on, this stunning hotel is separated into five establishments that have been created in the shape of pyramids. Each pyramid is surrounded by its own tropical garden and comes with a separate lagoon-style swimming pool to ensure guests will find plenty of room to splash around. People who are in search of the optimum luxury will be able to take advantage of a range of upgraded services such as the Royal Service which is reserved exclusively for adults and the Family Concierge. The dining here is among the best in the whole of Cancun and with a seven-star Michelin chef overseeing the creation of dishes, guests can be sure that they will be in for a real treat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ound in the same property as the adults-only TRS Coral Hotel, the new 673-room family-friendly Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa is an upscale resort for families, groups of friends and couples. It’s on the Costa Mujeres beach, a natural area on the Mexican Caribbean, about half an hour’s drive from the town of Cancún. For families looking for a truly premium experience, there is ‘The Family Selection’ service, with access to the best sports facilities, fine-dining restaurants and an upgraded all-inclusive offering.  The resort village has a range of leisure, dining, entertainment and shopping options that ensure both children and adults are having their best holiday.  The property’s facilities feature nine restaurants, four swimming pools, one of them exclusive for children, as well as a convention centre with capacity for 1380 people. In addition, the resort offers world-class spa facilities with the Zentropia Spa & Wellness centre; and also, exceptional tennis facilities with The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre Costa Mujeres, set to be one of Mexico’s most comprehensive tennis facilities, offering tennis programmes developed by Nadal and his technical team for all levels and ages, suitable for both hotel guests and local residents. There are eight clay tennis courts, a football pitch, one paddle court, a gym for warming-up, stretches and basic training, a Rafa Nadal exhibition area, a shop with exclusive premium sports products, and a bar/cafeteria.