Seven Awesome Mexican Resorts

Don’t believe the hype: Mexico is open for business. And even though the country has received some bad press in the past for violence, most of the resorts remain quite safe and you are likely to travel here without incident. Home to two distinct coastlines – the Pacific Ocean on the west coast and the Caribbean on the east – as well as an electric metropolis in Mexico City and activities from hiking to Mayan ruins to catch waves on a surfboard, Mexico has a mix of everything. Here are some of our favorite hotels to stay at in the various regions.

1. Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen

A luxury resort that is a favorite with honeymooners by the upscale Asian Banyan Tree brand, it sits in a gated complex comprised of a few other properties known as Mayakoba in the Mayan Riviera on the Caribbean Sea – if you like turquoise water, this is your region. The Banyan Tree’s design is a fusion of Mayan and Thai and is absolutely gorgeous with accommodations in giant villas, each boasting its own private plunge pool and al fresco soaking tub. The spa is also noteworthy.

2. Playa Viva, Joluchuca

South of Zihuatanejo, in Joluchuca, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this makes for an awesome off-the-grid sleep. A boutique eco-hotel istboasts casitas spread across the grounds of a 200-acre nature preserve that is also home to an Aztec archeological site, a turtle sanctuary and a deserted stretch of white sand beach. Rates include meals and non-alcoholic beverages.

3. Viceroy Zihuatanejo, Zihuatanejo

The Viceroy is one of the top resorts in the Zihuatanejo region (fans of the Shawshank Redemption will recognize the name of the town) and features fantastic private plunge-pool suites. Located on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach fronting the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, it is known for its excellent service, romantic vibe and a house restaurant serving up some of the best fresh seafood around.

4. ME Cancun, Riviera Maya

For an all-inclusive resort experience in Cancun that is a step above many, then check out the ME Cancun. It features very good food for an all-inclusive as well as a hot party scene – it once served as the home for MTV’s Real World Cancun housemates. But it doesn’t feel like a drunken college spring break retreat, instead it has a more sophisticated vibe and attracts top DJs to spin at its nightclub and by the pool on holiday weekends.

5. Las Alcobas, Mexico City

Mexico City has an enigmatic energy to it that draws leisure travelers back again and again. And as the country’s capital and largest city, it also sees plenty of business travelers. In the posh Polanco neighborhood, Las Alcobas is a small property, with only 35 guestrooms, featuring eye-pleasing interiors by award-winning designers. It also boasts two gourmet restaurants by an emerging local chef and a spa known for its indigenous bath rituals.

6. Hacienda Encantada Resort, Cabo San Lucas

Located on the quieter end of the popular resort area of Cabo San Lucas on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the hilltop Hacienda Encantada has exceptional views all the way across the famed Lands End. The design is quite cool with a series of infinity pools lending the illusion of tumbling into the Pacific Ocean plus colonnaded terraces with lounge chairs for watching the gorgeous sunsets this region is known for. Le Marias, the house restaurant, serves very good traditional Mexican coastal fare.

7. Edelmira Hotel, Guanajuato

In Guanajuato, a four-hour drive north from Mexico City, Edelmira is a boutique property in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city. It features Spanish colonial architecture and stylish, modern rooms. Don’t skip having a sunset drink on the rooftop terrace where views stretch across the city to the rugged canyons beyond.