Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best beach resorts & hotels in Mexico
Mexico is one of the world’s most beautiful countries, with a diverse cultural scene, spectacular nature, a rich history, and a vibrant society. The sunny nation is also known for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, which are the playground of Europeans and Americans during the northern hemisphere’s colder winter months. If you are thinking about traveling to Mexico for your next beach getaway but don’t know where to stay, you have come to the right spot. Below is my top 10 list of Mexico’s most luxurious beach resorts.
Do you have a favorite Mexican beach resort that didn’t make my list? Leave a comment.
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10. MAROMA, A BELMOND HOTEL, RIVIERA MAYA
Tucked away amid 25-acres of preserved jungle on the Yucatan Peninsula and set along one of the Caribbean’s most pristine beaches, hacienda-style Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa stands for pure escapism with a touch of Mayan magic. Lazy days are spent by the pool and ocean, or by strolling through flower-filled gardens where parrots and butterflies perch. Beachfront restaurants offer zingingly fresh and mouth-watering cuisine while the bars serve up artisanal mezcals and rare wines. Guests of the beach resort can explore some of Mexico’s great heritage sites, dive in mysterious underwater caves, or shop till they drop in Cancun. The resort will reopen in May 2023, following an extensive refurbishment by acclaimed designer Tara Bernerd.
- Hotel website: Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and up to $200 USD hotel credit per stay).
9. VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA
When describing Viceroy Riviera Maya, three words come to mind: sexy, secluded, and sea. Nestled within the dense Yucatán foliage near Playa del Carmen, this eco-chic refuge comprises just 41 thatched-roof villas with plunge pools, outdoor showers, hammocks, and enough space to get lost in (the smallest villa is 1,000 square feet). Accommodations are sprinkled throughout the grounds for the ultimate privacy, and range from jungle view to oceanfront – although you’re never far from the sand and the resort’s private pier. The spa draws upon ancient rituals; the cuisine fuses Mayan and Mediterranean traditions.
- Hotel website: Viceroy Riviera Maya
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
8. CALA DE MAR RESORT & SPA IXTAPA, ZIHUATANEJO
With each of its 59 suites featuring a master bedroom and an outdoor living area with a terrace and a private plunge pool overlooking the sea, Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa is an enviable address in Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. Here, modern must-haves like Wi-Fi and LCD televisions combine with traditional Mexican touches; handmade clay and stone meet sleek marble and polished hardwoods. Book a session in the 4,000-square-foot spa, which features outdoor treatment areas and locally inspired therapies using native herbs. Then retire to the private plunge pool on your terrace to contemplate the blue Pacific rolling toward the cliffs below.
- Hotel website: Cala De Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa
- Accolades: Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most spectacular cliffside resorts.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
7. BANYAN TREE MAYAKOBA, RIVIERA MAYA
Set within an exclusive gated community on the Riviera Maya, the Asian-inspired Banyan Tree Mayakoba has it all. Secluded villas and suites with private pools, imaginative dining venues from tapas cruises to deep-in-the-jungle Haab-style dinners, and a championship 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course – the region’s first PGA Tour course. Plus, the restorative Banyan Tree Spa, with treatments ranging from Balinese massages to holistic hydrothermal therapies like the Rainforest Indulgence.
- Hotel website: Banyan Tree Mayakoba
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (room upgrade, daily breakfast, preferential green fees at the El Camaleon golf course, early check in, late check out, and resort credits ranging from USD $100 to USD $200 per villa, per stay – the resort credit amount varies depends on the villa categories).
- Review: read my review of Banyan Tree Mayakoba here.
6. FOUR SEASONS PUNTA MITA, RIVIERA NAYARIT
Water enthusiasts won’t believe their good fortune at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. The casita-style beach resort features 177 guest rooms and 31 private villas, and is located on Bahía de Banderas, one of Mexico’s largest natural bays. Guests here can discover resort family programs as well as enjoy some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and whale watching on the planet. There’s also plenty to do on land: golfers have their pick of two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses (the Pacifico course has the world’s only natural island green). The resort also features ten restaurants and bars, three pools, two beaches and additional spa and fitness facilities. Four Seasons also recently opened an ultra-luxe, adults-only tented camp – called Naviva®, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita – located five minutes away from the main resort.
- Hotel website: Four Seasons Punta Mita
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
5. ONE&ONLY MANDARINA, PUERTO VALLARTA
Woven seamlessly into the diverse, dramatic vistas of one of the last tropical beachfront rainforests in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, One&Only Mandarina is an energized environment that calls you to adventure. Discover spacious, standalone chic treehouses and villas within the emerald cliffsides, a stone’s throw from palm-fringed sands, swimmable shores and an energetic environment crafted for reconnection. Embark on unlimited ocean adventures, explore miles of nature trails and immerse in the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club – a world-class hive of activity for riders and spectators alike.
- Hotel website: One&Only Mandarina
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $150 USD resort credit)
4. WALDORF ASTORIA LOS CABOS PEDREGAL, LOS CABOS
Located at the base of Pedregal Mountain, in the town of Cabo San Lucas, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal can only be accessed via a private tunnel carved through the center of the mountain. Travel + Leisure readers have voted this the best beach resort in Mexico; each of its guest rooms features its own private plunge pool, a fireplace, an outdoor terrace, and a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a relaxing day in the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa and an amazing meal at one of the property’s four restaurants: Don Manuel’s, El Farallon, The Beach Club, or Crudo.
- Hotel website: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD spa credit, and complimentary VIP airport transfer with beachfront suite bookings).
- Review: read my review of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal here.
3. ONE&ONLY PALMILLA, LOS CABOS
Cradled on the cusp of the Baja Peninsula – with panoramas over the Sea of Cortez – One&Only Palmilla is one of Mexico’s most legendary and famous beach resorts where the marvels of the nation come to life in style. Locally grown ingredients, enjoyed in utterly show-stopping surrounds. Thrilling adventures through rugged desert and thriving sea, and one of the few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. Endless amusements for every age and passion, from local art tours and cooking classes, to bespoke surf lessons and world-class golf are complemented by holistic spa therapies and ancient healing rituals. Be immersed in Mexican charm and surrounded by sparkling blue waters.
- Hotel website: One&Only Palmilla
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $150 USD resort credit).
2. ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA, RIVIERA MAYA
The ultraluxury Rosewood Mayakoba unveiled a fresh, modern design to all 129 suites in late 2019 after an extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation. This AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star resort is situated amid tranquil lagoons, lush mangroves, and white-sand beaches. Its oversize accommodations feature private plunge pools, and the resort offers an exclusive collection of Private Residences, six swimming pools, and Sense spa located on a private island. Upon arrival, guests are transported by boat through lagoons or by golf cart to their suite, where their butler awaits. Enjoy access to El Camaleón championship golf course.
- Hotel website: Rosewood Mayakoba
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
1. LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO, A ROSEWOOD RESORT, LOS CABOS
Offering “the windows to paradise,” Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort sets the standard for beach-front luxury in Mexico’s Los Cabos area. Every accommodation is a spacious suite, complete with a marble shower, conchuela limestone floors, and a telescope for viewing the night sky. The Signature Beachfront and Oceanview Villas are steps from the legendary Sea of Cortés. From private, infinity-edge pools to the expansive bathroom, with its steam and rainhead shower and infinity bathtub for two, this authentic Mexican villa awakens all senses to the wonders of this private paradise. Don’t miss the recently added beach cabanas with private Jacuzzis.
- Hotel website: Las Ventanas Al Paraiso
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, an Oasis Margarita & Taco Sampler Experience from Taqueria, and $100 USD resort credit).
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How would you rank FS Costa Palmas? Do you predict Amanvari will dethrone Las Ventanas?
Top 5 were solid. 6-10, I don’t agree with. Auberge Esperanza is arguably the best in Cabo. St. Regis Punta Mita in my opinion is better than FS Punta Mita.
Cabo would be a great option for you to visit and upload videos. Plenty of 5 star options including newer resorts not on your list like Montage, Ritz Zadun, Four Seasons, and One hotel.
I would have to agree that while Las Ventanas & OO Palmilla are superb resorts, Esperanza is the best in Cabo and I’m scratching my head as to why its not on this list.
I love Nobu Los Cabo and One and Only Los Cabo. Great list!
I’m sure once Aman opens in Cabo, it’ll be #1. Besides that, The Cape and Esperanza are both amazing options in Cabo along with Las Ventanas, One & Only and Waldorf Astoria. Esperanza is definitely a top 5 property in all of Mexico so it should have been on this list.
Azulik and Auberge Esperanza missing from the list.
Maroma, Viceroy & Banyan Tree Mayakoba are all overrated properties. Esperanza is a stunning property. Why is that not on this list? very confused.
Hi there,
I just wanted to share my thoughts on your recent blog post about the top 10 best beach resorts and hotels in Mexico. I must say, your descriptions of these stunning locations are so vivid and captivating. It makes me want to pack my bags and book a trip immediately.
Your attention to detail in describing the amenities and perks of each resort is also impressive. The information about the VIP perks for booking through Virtuoso, for instance, is really helpful and could be a deciding factor for many travelers.
I especially loved reading about the Viceroy Riviera Maya, which you describe as “sexy, secluded, and sea”. The eco-chic design and fusion of Mayan and Mediterranean traditions in the cuisine sound like a true escape from the daily grind. And the Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa, with its private plunge pools and locally inspired spa therapies, sounds like a luxurious getaway in paradise.
Your descriptions of the Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya and the Banyan Tree Mayakoba are equally enchanting. I appreciate the way you incorporate elements of the local culture and history, like the Mayan magic at the Maroma and the imaginative dining options at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
All in all, I think you’ve done a fantastic job putting together this list of top beach resorts in Mexico. Your love for travel and your eye for detail really shines through in this post. I’m sure it will inspire many travelers to book their next beach getaway to Mexico.
Thanks for sharing!
We stayed at the new Conrad Tulum in July 22 – the general architecture and especially the pool area is just stunning. The most exquisite buffet breakfast I have ever experienced and service was excellent throughout the hotel. Highly recommend