Mexico, a land celebrated for its breathtaking coastlines, vibrant jungles, rich historical tapestry, and captivating culture, stands as an unparalleled vacation destination. It’s a place where world-class beaches meet exceptional hospitality, offering an array of hotels consistently recognized in prestigious lists like T+L’s World’s Best Awards and It List. From intimate, eco-conscious boutique hotels emphasizing sustainable design to lavish luxury resorts boasting private pools and deeply restorative spas, Mexico caters to every traveler’s desire.
The allure of Mexico is further amplified by its accessibility and relatively affordable flights from the U.S., making it a favored escape. Whether it’s a romantic retreat to the enchanting locales of Mayakoba or ancient Tulum with a partner, or a family adventure to the stunning Punta de Mita or lively Puerto Vallarta with children, Mexico presents a diverse palette of cities, beaches, and hotels to satisfy all preferences. The most challenging aspect is often selecting just one from the plethora of incredible options. This curated guide highlights the Best Resorts In Mexico, compiled from firsthand experiences, editor-approved selections, and T+L award-winning properties, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
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Nestled in a serene cove renowned for its swimmable waters—a true gem in Cabo where many beaches are unsuitable for swimming due to strong currents and deep drop-offs—Chileno Bay Resort & Residences offers an enviable location that sets it apart as one of the best places to stay in the region. This resort, a consistent winner of the T+L World’s Best Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, provides more than just pristine sands and sparkling turquoise seas.
An open and airy aesthetic permeates the entire resort, centered around a stunning saltwater infinity pool, beachfront dining experiences, a top-tier spa and wellness program, and rooms designed with bright, contemporary décor inspired by the Baja coast. Chileno Bay is equally appealing to couples and families, featuring dedicated kids’ and teen clubs, along with a wide range of on-site activities to ensure engaging and memorable stays for guests of all ages.
The Details:
- Location: Cabo San Lucas
- Accessibility: Designed with accessibility in mind, offering accessible public entrances, front desk, concierge services, lounges, restaurants, parking, pathways, and spa facilities. Rooms are equipped with accessible showers, closed captioning, visual fire alarms, and doorbell/telephone notifications.
- Loyalty Programs: Not applicable.
- Parking: Valet and self-service parking are complimentary for guests.
- Pet Policy: Welcomes up to two pets, each weighing under 40 pounds, with a fee of $150 per pet, per room.
- Rates: Starting from $925 per night.
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
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Perched gracefully on a rocky hillside overlooking dramatic ocean vistas and crashing waves, Esperanza, another Auberge Resorts Collection gem and a T+L World’s Best Awards recipient in 2021, 2022, and 2023, delivers an elevated retreat just outside Cabo San Lucas. As Los Cabos’ only private beach resort, it offers unparalleled exclusivity and tranquility. Guests can indulge in five serene pools, explore five distinct restaurants, and rejuvenate in a desert-inspired, palapa-topped spa rooted in ancestral wellness principles.
Accommodations are generously sized, starting with 925-square-foot casitas that feature indoor-outdoor living spaces, deep soaking tubs, and expansive terraces complete with hammocks. For an even more lavish experience, guests can choose to upgrade to suites, haciendas, or villas, which boast sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez, infinity-edge hot tubs, or private plunge pools, ensuring a stay of ultimate luxury and privacy.
The Details:
- Location: Cabo San Lucas
- Accessibility: Offers accessible public entrances, concierge, fitness center, lounge, parking, walkways, pool, and spa. Rooms feature roll-in showers, closed captioning, visual fire alarms, and doorbell/telephone notifications, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.
- Loyalty Programs: Not applicable.
- Parking: Both valet and self-service parking options are included.
- Pet Policy: Allows two pets, each under 40 pounds, with a fee of $125 per pet, per room.
- Rates: Starting from $1,050 per night.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
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Nestled in the historic heart of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende stands as a beacon of luxury and culture. This T+L World’s Best Awards Winner for 2021, 2022, and 2023 perfectly encapsulates the rich history and artistic essence of its location.
Set within a charming 16th-century Spanish Colonial estate, the hotel pays homage to its cultural heritage through carefully curated art, refined dining that celebrates Mexican culinary traditions, and beautifully preserved architecture. It features 67 rooms, suites, and private residences, each adorned with hand-carved furniture, exposed wood-beamed ceilings, and delightful balconies. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, and a spa that incorporates Mexican traditions and indigenous ingredients into its treatments.
The Details:
- Location: San Miguel de Allende
- Accessibility: While ADA-accessible rooms are not available due to the hotel’s historic nature, ground-level rooms with separate showers and tubs are offered for guests with mobility considerations.
- Loyalty Programs: Not applicable.
- Parking: Valet parking is available at approximately $17 per day.
- Pet Policy: Welcomes cats and dogs up to 40 pounds, with a maximum of one pet per room, for a fee of $50 per night, plus 16 percent VAT.
- Rates: Starting from $407 per night.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya
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Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, a 2024 T+L It List Winner, is ideally positioned between 200 acres of lush jungle and mangroves and the shimmering Caribbean Sea. Recently renovated from top to bottom, this resort offers a secluded paradise on the Riviera Maya.
Featuring 72 luxurious rooms and suites, including villas with private pools and a unique wellness suite equipped with chimes, fitness equipment, in-room yoga amenities, and aromatherapy, Maroma emphasizes holistic well-being. The resort boasts a nature-inspired Guerlain spa, palm-lined pools, an on-site apothecary, and distinctive experiences such as underwater meditation, guided jungle explorations, and innovative honeybee therapy, ensuring a rejuvenating escape focused on wellness and nature.
The Details:
- Location: Punta Maroma (between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen)
- Accessibility: Offers one dedicated ADA-compliant Deluxe Ocean View Room #29. Public areas, including Casa Mayor, Freddy’s Bar, Bambuco, the beach, and main pool area, are adaptable for ADA guests with ramps.
- Loyalty Programs: Not applicable.
- Parking: Complimentary parking is available for guests.
- Pet Policy: Welcomes small dogs and cats under 18 pounds with a $200 fee.
- Rates: Starting from $725 per night.
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya
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The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, centrally located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and a 2024 T+L It List winner, distinguishes itself with a futuristic, avant-garde circular design that appears to float above a mangrove canopy. This resort is set on a 620-acre reserve and features three pools, a pristine white sand beachfront with an adults-only club, eight dining options including a restaurant by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval, and a celestial-energy-inspired spa.
The resort offers 124 rooms, suites, and residences, starting at 592 square feet, each designed to impress with stunning views, marble bathrooms, custom modern furnishings, private terraces or plunge pools, and signature St. Regis butler service, providing an exceptional and luxurious stay.
The Details:
- Location: Punta Maroma (between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen)
- Accessibility: Features accessible elevators, entrances, and routes throughout the hotel, including to the pool, fitness center, spa, restaurants, meeting spaces, and main entrance. Four ADA accessible room types are available, equipped with adjustable hand-held shower wands, self-closing doors, lowered electrical outlets, non-slip bathroom grab rails, and wheelchair-height toilets, among other features.
- Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy.
- Parking: Complimentary on-site parking for guests.
- Pet Policy: Allows one pet under 11 pounds per room with a $200 fee.
- Rates: Starting from $756 per night.
Conrad Punta de Mita
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Conrad Punta de Mita, a 2023 T+L World’s Best Awards winner, is perfectly positioned on a tranquil, expansive white-sand beach, offering an ideal setting for both relaxation and family fun. This resort balances serene solitude with family-friendly amenities, featuring multiple infinity pools including a large lagoon-shaped pool overlooking the ocean, a secluded adults-only pool, and a zero-entry family pool complete with a waterslide and splash pad.
The resort excels in catering to families while maintaining an air of sophisticated luxury. It provides a complimentary kids club and free dining for children under 12 when accompanied by a paying adult. Guests can also enjoy on-site boutiques, a spa, diverse dining options, and refined accommodations, such as suites with walk-in showers, separate living areas, and large terraces with private plunge pools, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay for all.
The Details:
- Location: Punta de Mita
- Accessibility: Offers a selection of accessible rooms with wider doorways, bathroom grab bars, and lowered fixtures. The hotel provides wheelchair-friendly pathways, ramps, elevators, accessible parking, pool access, and accessible restaurants and facilities, including the spa and fitness center.
- Loyalty Programs: Hilton Honors.
- Parking: Complimentary valet parking for guests.
- Pet Policy: Allows one pet per reservation with a $50 fee.
- Rates: Starting from $496 per night.
Rosewood Mayakoba
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Rosewood Mayakoba, a consistent T+L World’s Best Awards winner from 2021 to 2023, is nestled within the exclusive Mayakoba complex, a secluded enclave between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen surrounded by lush jungle. As the crown jewel of Mayakoba, this resort is synonymous with indulgent luxury, offering exceptional butler service—including personalized embroidered pillowcases—and rooms that overlook either a serene lagoon or a pristine beach.
While beachfront rooms are highly desirable, the lagoon-view accommodations, many of which are unique overwater villas, provide an equally enchanting experience with stunning natural surroundings, private plunge pools, and outdoor showers. The resort also features elegant dining venues, four pools, a lavish beach area, and a magnificent spa, making it a premier destination for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled luxury and tranquility in Mexico.
The Details:
- Location: Mayakoba
- Accessibility: Offers suites and villas equipped to accommodate guests with disabilities, customizable to meet specific needs.
- Loyalty Programs: Not applicable.
- Parking: Complimentary valet parking for guests.
- Pet Policy: Dogs up to 10 pounds are permitted, with a maximum of one pet per suite or villa, for a charge of $100 plus 16 percent VAT for the first three days, and a daily charge of $25 plus VAT for longer stays.
- Rates: Starting from $895 per night.
Andaz Mayakoba
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For those drawn to the exclusivity of Mayakoba but seeking a more accessible price point or wishing to utilize Hyatt loyalty points, Andaz Mayakoba presents an exceptional alternative. This resort offers a sophisticated ambiance, excellent dining, and spacious, modern rooms with views of the Caribbean Sea, lagoon, or golf course. Rooms feature spa-like bathrooms, vibrant design accents, and in select cases, private plunge pools, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay.
The expansive layout of Andaz Mayakoba creates a sense of intimacy and approachability, even at full capacity. Guests can enjoy multiple sparkling pools, a calming spa, a beautiful beach, and meandering paths. Bicycles are provided for exploring the grounds, or guests can take a boat tour of the Mayakoba lagoon, enhancing their experience of this remarkable destination.
The Details:
- Location: Mayakoba
- Accessibility: Accessible parking, registration, public restrooms, swimming pools, fitness center, restaurants, concierge, public entrance, and business center. The ADA-accessible Andaz Suite includes lowered entryway features, wider bathroom doors, grab bars, a roll-in shower, and an accessible terrace, among other amenities.
- Loyalty Programs: World of Hyatt.
- Parking: Complimentary self-parking for guests.
- Pet Policy: Allows one dog under 50 pounds or two dogs with a combined weight of 75 pounds or less per room, with a fee of $100.
- Rates: Starting from $242 per night.
Mahekal Beach Resort
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Mahekal Beach Resort, a T+L World’s Best Awards winner from 2021 to 2023, offers a tranquil retreat on a wide stretch of white-sand beach, just moments from the vibrant heart of Playa Del Carmen. Guests can unwind under thatched palapas, relax in hammocks, or lounge on daybeds, all while enjoying views of the clear Caribbean waters.
This all-inclusive resort provides modified or full board plans at six dining venues. Accommodations range from bungalows to beach houses, featuring Mayan-inspired architecture, thatched roofs, local art, and, in some cases, private plunge pools. In addition to private options, guests can enjoy four main pools located throughout the resort, catering to both families and those seeking a quiet escape.
The Details:
- Location: Playa Del Carmen
- Accessibility: While not offering ADA-designated rooms or features, the hotel is committed to assisting guests in finding a room that best suits their needs.
- Loyalty Programs: Not applicable.
- Parking: Public parking is available near the resort for an additional hourly fee of approximately $0.50.
- Pet Policy: Welcomes small cats and dogs up to 25 pounds with a fee of $25 plus 19 percent per night.
- Rates: Starting from $203 per night.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
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Waldorf Astoria Cancun, a 2023 T+L It List winner, offers a luxurious escape removed from the bustling energy of Cancun, yet conveniently located. This sumptuous resort provides mesmerizing views, two sparkling infinity pools, a holistic spa with 21 indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, and five chic on-site restaurants, ensuring a relaxing and indulgent stay.
The resort features 173 luxurious rooms and suites, each with an airy color scheme, private balcony, and soaking tub. Upgraded rooms offer direct swim-up access, enhancing the luxury experience. Waldorf Astoria Cancun is perfect for those seeking a serene and sophisticated Mexican getaway.
The Details:
- Location: Cancun
- Accessibility: Accessible throughout with an accessible concierge desk, elevators, restaurants, meeting rooms, parking, check-in desk, ramps, and more. Guest rooms feature wider doorways, bathroom grab bars, lowered amenities, visual alarms, and other accessibility features.
- Loyalty Programs: Hilton Honors.
- Parking: Complimentary valet and self-parking for guests.
- Pet Policy: Pets under 50 pounds are welcome with a mandatory fee of $150 per stay, plus $50 per day, per pet.
- Rates: Starting from $396 per night.
Hotel Terrestre
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Hotel Terrestre, a 2023 It List winner, is an eco-conscious, adults-only sanctuary nestled between the Pacific shores and the rugged mountains of Puerto Escondido. Operating entirely on solar power, this off-the-grid hotel offers a unique and sustainable luxury experience.
The hotel features 14 villas, each with a private pool, outdoor bathroom, hammock-equipped terrace, and a striking earthy design palette using wood, brick, and concrete, infused with the soothing scent of copal. Guests can enjoy an open-air restaurant, a serene bathing pool, and a hammam spa with various chambers for restorative water experiences, making Hotel Terrestre a destination for mindful relaxation and eco-luxury.
The Details:
- Location: Puerto Escondido
- Accessibility: While ADA-designated rooms or features are not available, the hotel is ready to assist guests in selecting a room that best accommodates their needs.
- Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy.
- Parking: Complimentary on-site parking for guests.
- Pet Policy: Pets are welcome with a $50 fee.
- Rates: Starting from $416 per night.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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Zadún, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Mexico and a T+L World’s Best Awards winner in 2022 and 2023, and It List winner in 2020, is situated where desert dunes meet the sea in Puerto Los Cabos. This breathtaking resort is a sensory delight, featuring 113 rooms, suites, and villas designed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living with sliding glass walls, private plunge pools, and décor showcasing Mexican craftsmanship.
Guests can enjoy fine dining with views of the Sea of Cortez, championship golf, turquoise pools with exceptional service, and a nature-inspired spa offering transformative treatments centered around water, sound, heat, and touch. Zadún provides an exclusive and luxurious Mexican escape that emphasizes natural beauty and refined relaxation.
The Details:
- Location: Puerto Los Cabos
- Accessibility: Accessible parking, elevators, entrances, and restaurants. Guest rooms offer accessible vanities, adjustable shower wands, roll-in showers, bathtubs with grab rails, self-closing doors, and lever handles, among other features.
- Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy.
- Parking: Complimentary self, valet, and electric vehicle parking.
- Pet Policy: Allows one pet per room under 40 pounds with a $100 fee.
- Rates: Starting from $1,300 per night.
One&Only Mandarina
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One&Only Mandarina, a T+L favorite and recipient of the World’s Best Awards in 2023 and It List in 2021, offers unparalleled luxury in a coastal rainforest setting that feels like a private island. This sublime resort features over 100 suites, celebrity chef dining, and six pools, ensuring an opulent and exclusive experience.
Guests can indulge in the 27,000-square-foot spa or enjoy treatments in posh seafront cabanas at the blissful beach club, including cold-stone Ayurvedic massages and meditative sound baths. Accommodations range from secluded cliff-top villas surrounded by rainforest to mountain treehouses with retractable walls and private plunge pools, with the option to splurge on residential villas featuring private infinity pools, hot tubs, spas, and wine cellars, making One&Only Mandarina the epitome of luxury in Mexico.
The Details:
- Location: Monteón
- Accessibility: Accessibility is limited due to the cliff-top location. Guests should contact the hotel for detailed information.
- Loyalty Programs: Not applicable.
- Parking: Valet parking is provided for guests.
- Pet Policy: Pets under 50 pounds are welcome with a $100 fee per pet, per day in villas, or $3,000 in signature villas. Pets are not permitted in treehouse accommodations.
- Rates: Starting from $805 per night.
Be Tulum
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Be Tulum offers a unique barefoot luxury experience in an eco-friendly beach resort located on Tulum’s most desirable stretch of sand. This adults-only retreat (guests must be 16 and up) seamlessly blends nature into its design, with lush pathways and walls that make the outdoors feel like an extension of the hotel.
Suites and villas feature natural materials like wood and stone, complemented by rustic furnishings and luxury amenities such as copper soaking tubs and private plunge pools. The Yäan Spa provides a healing sanctuary for Mayan-inspired rituals and treatments, while five on-site dining venues and a Boho beach club offer vibrant flavors in enchanting settings, making Be Tulum a perfect choice for those seeking a blend of nature, luxury, and tranquility.
The Details:
- Location: Tulum
- Accessibility: Due to the natural jungle terrain and hotel architecture, accessibility features are not available.
- Loyalty Programs: Not applicable.
- Parking: Complimentary valet parking for guests.
- Pet Policy: Pets are not permitted.
- Rates: Starting from $400 per night.
Know Before You Go
Be Aware of Hurricane Season
Mexico’s hurricane season spans from May through November, with the most active period typically between July and October. Hurricanes can affect both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts during these months. For optimal weather and to minimize potential travel disruptions, it’s advisable to avoid traveling during this period or to book with caution, ensuring flexible booking policies are in place.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and larger resorts throughout Mexico, especially in brand-name establishments, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases is both courteous and helpful. Simple greetings like “hola” (hello) or expressions of gratitude like “gracias” (thank you) can significantly enhance your interactions and travel experience.
Expect Seasonal Seaweed
Many envision pristine, picture-perfect white-sand beaches when planning a trip to Mexico, and often, this expectation is met. However, popular tourist destinations along the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, may experience sargassum, a type of seaweed that can accumulate on beaches and affect water clarity. Sargassum presence tends to be higher in the spring and summer, although it can occur in winter as well. While hotels diligently work to clear the beaches, it’s worth being aware of this potential natural occurrence.
How We Chose These Hotels
This guide to the best resorts in Mexico is curated with extensive knowledge and firsthand experience. Our selections are based on a comprehensive evaluation of numerous properties across Mexico, considering factors such as location, amenities, design, guest room spaciousness, unique experiences, dining quality, wellness facilities, swimming pools, and price range.
Our recommendations also incorporate accolades from respected travel publications, including Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and It List winners, and customer reviews to ensure a balanced and reliable perspective. We prioritize resorts that not only offer luxurious accommodations and exceptional service but also align with core values of providing enriching and memorable travel experiences.
