From paradise beaches with gentle lapping azure seas to vibrant, colourful cities, Mexico mixes culture and luxury perfectly. Its west coast – and the Yucatan peninsula in particular – is home to lavish resorts, theme parks and ancient Aztec ruins. And with lots of flights from across the UK to Cancun airport, it’s an easy, long-haul option. Or if you’d like to sample a different side of the country’s coast, go loco in the iconic destination of Acapulco, where you can watch cliff-divers and drink some of the best margaritas in the world. Or venture inland to Spanish colonial towns, cities on the edge of the jungle, and the wonderfully loud Latin capital.
Mexico City
The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City
Mexico City is now home to The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City. This will be the first hotel from the brand in this vibrant centre of commerce and culture. The luxury hotel will become one of the country’s tallest buildings, making it a key landmark on the city’s skyline and with a super central location on the iconic Paseo de Reforma guests will enjoy uninterrupted views of the famed Chapultepec Park from its 153 guestrooms and suites. The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge, an exclusive Club Concierge, a heated indoor swimming pool, large fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment are all upscale amenities guests can enjoy. For those wishing to relax or rejuvenate, a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa, with six luxurious treatment rooms, is available. The Spa thoughtfully sources local ingredients and botanicals, which are then coupled with the healing and spiritual traditions of Mexico City’s Aztec culture. A truly localised experience. And for a one-of-a-kind dining experience guests should make a reservation at Samos, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant which will occupy the 38th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City. Dishes will comprise dynamic local flavours with creative cuisine flair. For refined luxury with unparalleled views over the enchanting city, The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City is THE place to stay.
W Mexico City
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.
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 breathtaking 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.
Four Seasons
Conveniently located just a few steps from some of the city’s most celebrated attractions, the Four Seasons features 240 guest rooms and 40 spacious suites. Guests can choose one of the rooms that overlook the enchanting Paseo de la Reforma or the inner courtyard, which is set with a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush sun loungers. People who are travelling for business will want to take advantage of the large and fully loaded business centre. Lovers of fresh seafood dishes served in an elegant setting will feel right at home at the classy Zanaya restaurant, while the Four Seasons also boasts one of the newest and trendiest cocktail bars in the whole of Mexico City.
Las Alcobas A Luxury Collection
Offering an intimate service and plenty of luxurious yet pleasantly understated touches, the Las Alcobas 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.
Hotel Condesa DF
Cool enough to appeal to visiting pop stars and actors, this chic ‘20s style hotel can be found in the stylish Roma district. Each of the 40 guest rooms are decorated in cool tones such as moss green and cream to emphasise the abundant light and space and each room opens out onto a large wooden terrace that is extremely inviting. The spa area is the ideal place to unwind and guests can choose from a series of hot tubs as well as a sauna and a traditional hammam.
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.
Downtown Mexico
Featuring a striking neo-industrial design, the Downtown Mexico is ideal for style seekers who are looking for a convenient place to unwind. The hotel is set in a former palace that was built in the 17th-century and has managed to retain its classic style while also offering guests plenty of contemporary touches such as the outdoor swimming pool that is set in a leafy garden and edged with bright yellow sun loungers and matching umbrellas. There are 17 rooms for guests to choose from and each bathroom comes with a large and elegant bathtub.
Habita Mexico City
Set in the Polanco neighbourhood, the Habita is certainly stylish enough to keep up with its elegant neighbours. The hotel was opened in the year 2000 and was the first non-chain hotel to grace Mexico City. While the overall theme and character of the original ‘50s building have been paid homage to, guests are also treated to plenty of contemporary and very luxurious touches. there are just 36 rooms in total. To add to the feeling of opulence and those who appreciate space should choose one of the junior suites, which come with a large living room and terrace to unwind on while taking in city views.
Riviera Maya
Viceroy Riviera Maya
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.
La Valise Tulum
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.
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.
Barcelo Maya Palace
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.
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 dining 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.
Fairmont Mayakoba
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.
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.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
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.
Casa Malca
This Tulum escape will suit wannabe castaways down to the ground. Its proprietor Lio Malca has created a unique, bohemian and quirky resort. With a concealed entrance and sandwiched between wild jungle and sandy shores, it houses just 40 bedrooms filled with colourful enormous modern art pieces and oversized grand mirrors – for the ultimate treat, opt for a Master Suite Beach Front with hammocks and a private terrace. The hotel and grounds are rustic, yet super stylish with an eclectic mix of baroque and contemporary design, with more oversized sculptures and artwork. Of its three pools, one has a moodily magical underground grotto and the onsite restaurants offer truly sensory dining experiences.
San Miguel De Allende
Casa No Name
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.
Hotel Nena
A boutique escape designed for adult travellers, this was a private estate, before being reimagined as a 12-bedroom hotel. Nena has a stone exterior, with an authentic vibe that’s made even more Instagrammable by lanterns and foliage. After dark courtyard dining is especially magical, made even more divine with homemade tortillas, fresh breads and salsas. The interiors at Nena are fashionable, boasting contemporary Mexican style and upscale bath products. It’s a top choice if you want a chic stay with great nightlife, DJs play on the terrace at the weekend (don’t worry if you prefer quiet – rooms are soundproofed).
Dos Casas
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.
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.
Rosewood San Miguel De Allende
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, A Belmond Hotel
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.
Live Aqua San Miguel De Allende Urban Resort
A glamorous urban retreat, this is a new-build property, with floor-to-ceiling windows, hanging chairs, poolside hammocks, modern artworks, murals, and 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.
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