Whether you're looking for beach, jungle, or city adventures, Mexico's best hotels offer it all.Courtesy Soho House Mexico CityWhen you imagine the best hotels in Mexico, all-inclusive resorts boasting white sand beaches along the Caribbean Sea, or legendary surf breaks off the country's Pacific coast, likely come to mind—and yet, that barely scratches the surface of our southern neighbor. There’s also bustling Oaxaca, where ancestral craftsmanship thrives, and Mexico City, where one of the world’s foremost art and design scenes is taking shape. This year also marks the debut of Condé Nast Traveler's Triple Crown award—a distinction for hotels which have garnered the Readers’ Choice Awards, our annual survey of the hotels you, our readers, love the most; the Gold List, which features the places to stay our editors consider their all-time favorites; and the Hot List, our compendium of the year's hottest new openings.In a country so rich with culture and history, you can bet the hotel scene is eclectic and exciting, filled with classics that have long mastered the craft of making you feel welcome. To enjoy the best of Mexico and its unique culture—and for a getaway on the West Coast, East Coast, or somewhere in between—our editors have selected the best hotels in Mexico, a cohort that balances exclusivity with a wide breadth of range. We've even organized our list by region and give insider tips on our favorite amenities. If you want to get ahead of your future travels across the globe, check out our complete list of Triple Crown winners for the very best hotels in the world.Baja California PeninsulaPacific CoastMexico CityMore in central MexicoYucatán PeninsulaSouthern MexicoFAQOur top picks:Best overall: Habitas BacalarBest value: Octavia CasaBest amenities: One&Only MandarinaWaldorf Astoria Los Cabos PedregalPrice: Starting at $2,575Address: Cam. del Mar 1, Pedregal, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., MexicoLocation: Cabo San LucasTop amenities: Cliffside restaurant, world-class spa with saltwater grottoesWaldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is one of Cabo’s most elevated stays. Carved directly into the cliffs and accessed through a private tunnel that instantly makes everything outside feel far away, every room, suite, casita, and villa comes with its own private plunge pool and unobstructed Pacific views. The vibes skew romantic and very grown-up: honeymooners, babymooners, couples celebrating something, wellness-minded travelers, and anyone who treats privacy like a luxury in itself. Food is a major standout here. Don Manuel’s delivers authentic Baja fine dining; El Farallon is the hotel's romantic cliffside dining experience you’ll be thinking about for years, and the Agave Study dives deep into Mexico’s finest tequilas and mezcals. Service is out of this world thanks to the resort’s dedicated concierge team. Rooted in Mexican healing rituals and moon-phase treatments, the spa is a sanctuary in its own right. You can’t swim in the ocean here, but for couples or travelers craving a private escape with excellent food, killer cocktails, and incredible service, Pedregal is the place for you. —Michelle Gross, contributorRead Full ReviewEsperanza, Auberge CollectionPrice: Starting at $450Address: Punta Ballena, Carr. Transpeninsular KM 7, Tourist Corridor, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., MexicoLocation: Cabo San LucasTop amenities: Spa with steam caves, two-tiered infinity poolThe only private beach resort in Los Cabos, Esperanza couldn't feel further from the freewheeling streets of downtown Cabo San Lucas (though it's only a 15-minute drive, in case a craving for cheap strawberry-mango margaritas strikes). This 57-room hotel sits right on the rocky Cabo coast, meaning every room, suite, and infinity pool—several room categories come with their own—promises stellar views, and a constant soundtrack of crashing waves. Inside, the rooms have a soothing blend of crisp white linens, light wood-beamed ceilings, and massive windows, and are all spacious enough to spend the day in. But with a world-class spa, fitness center (which also offers a full schedule of workout classes), and experiences that include sea foraging and a tequila tasting course, you'd rarely be tempted to do so. —Devorah Lev-Tov, contributorRead Full ReviewThe Cape, A Thompson HotelPrice: Starting at $370Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Km 5, 23455Location: Cabo San LucasTop amenities: Private balconies, rooftop barA mod-Mexican restaurant from Enrique Olvera, four bars with note-perfect cocktails (over 100 and counting), two pools, an amazing spa, and not a trace of hacienda-style architecture—in short, just what Cabo needed. Kudos to Thompson Hotels for introducing a place in an otherwise crowded market with uninterrupted views of El Arco and the Bahía San Lucas horizon. Mexico City architect Javier Sanchez has combined a relaxed 1960s Southern California-meets-Baja aesthetic. It’s refreshingly grown-up, perfect for couples, but without an ounce of pretension. Every room has a balcony to view the Pacific (some with private plunge pools and butler service), plus Cabo’s only rooftop lounge to relish each and every sunset. —Lissa Poirot, contributorRead Full ReviewMontage Los CabosPrice: Starting at $1,048Address: Carretera Transpeninsular KM. 12.5, Int.Bahía Santa María, Twin DolphinLocation: Cabo San LucasTop amenities: Ocean views from every room, beach and pool cabana rentalsLocated on 39 quiet acres of beachfront between the overdeveloped hotel zones of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Montage looks out on the serene, divinely swimmable waters of Santa Maria Bay. As impressive is the fact that all of the 122 guest rooms, suites, and casas (not just top-tier rooms) have ocean views, expansive terraces with daybeds, dining areas, and outdoor showers—just the sort of breezy indoor/outdoor setup you want on a beach holiday. And in a town where things can go from place-defining to cliché quickly, Montage gets it right. Interiors have a Mexican 2.0 aesthetic that leans into local materials while executed in a sophisticated desert palette (lots of native wood, earth-toned woven throws and hanging tapestries, and creamy sandstone), and landscaping embraces native, drought-resistant plants like agave, flowering desert figs, and saguaros. The real treat, though, is to sit by the pool with a book and michelada, knowing that the Pacific is there waiting when you’re ready for your plunge. —Rebecca Misner, features director, west coastRead Full ReviewFour Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa PalmasPrice: Starting at $700Address: C. Eureka s/n La Ribera, Los Cabos, CP, 23570Location: La RiberaTop amenities: Private marina, access to water sportsSet right on the beach, against the backdrop of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, the Four Seasons is by far the area’s sleekest stay. Exclusivity is of course a draw—a handful of celebrities are rumored to have bought villas. But there’s also a strong outdoor-adventure pull, from snorkeling in nearby Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, where giant polka-dot whale sharks hunt for plankton, to quad-biking empty sand dunes. While there might not be the bars and restaurants to rival Los Cabos, they’re hardly missed. Toes-in-the-sand El Puesto is the spot for ceviche and margaritas; for a proper sit-down meal, an outpost of beloved Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos serves seafood suppers. All 141 rooms are designed to blend into the surrounding desertscape with sliding glass doors that lead to private terraces, as well as views of the Sea of Cortéz. And unlike on the rough, rocky Pacific side of Baja, the waters here are as tranquil as a lake. —Jen Murphy, contributorRead Full ReviewOne&Only PalmillaPrice: Starting at $634Address: Carr. Transpeninsular, Tourist Corridor, 23400 San José del CaboLocation: PalmillaTop amenities: Private butlers, private golf course, access to watersportsArriving at this spot on the very tip of the Baja Peninsula feels like coming home. Many of the staff are third-generation employees who remember not only your name but whether you prefer your margarita made with tequila or mezcal (and which brand), and where you like your yoga mat to be set up in your room. And those rooms. Whitewashed hacienda-style architecture brightened with hand-embroidered textiles, plus perks such as private butlers and, in the case of Villa Cortez, an exclusive fitness suite, spa room, and beach cabana reflect Cabo’s emergence as Latin America’s latest luxury hotspot. There is no shortage of glitzy new five-stars, but as the area’s first proper hotel, Palmilla has a serious advantage: real estate. Its secluded location on one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches is unbeatable. In the ’50s, Hollywood’s elite flocked here, and today a fresh generation of A-listers does the same. A commitment to discretion and timeless glamour in an age of social-media noise, as well as constant reinvention (new wellness offerings from spiritual healer Alicia Kanxoc), have allowed Baja’s big hitter to continue holding court. —J.M.Read Full ReviewParadero Todos SantosPrice: Starting at $379Address: La Mesa KM 59 +3100, Degollado, 23300Location: Todos SantosTop amenities: Infinity pool, guided hikes, taco toursThough experience-based lodgings are old news in countries throughout South America and Africa, Paradero claims to be the first hotel brand to introduce the model to Mexico. Located on a previously unused 5.5-acre plot within a farming community in Baja California Sur’s Todos Santos, it’s become the mission of Mexico City-based founders Pablo Carmona and Joshua Kremer to preserve the over 160 acres of family-owned farms that surround the property. The resort, set in front of a palm tree oasis about 20 minutes from the beach, is made up of a series of brutalist-inspired structures designed by architects Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo. They took note of the landscape’s sunbaked hues and designed the property in golden shades to blend into the sandy natural surrounds. The buildings’ desert tones also allow the plants in the resort’s 100,000-square-foot botanical garden to pop: red sand verbena, Mojave yucca, and Shaw’s agave. Though the resort’s outdoor spa and half-moon-shaped infinity pool make it hard to leave the grounds, it would be a shame to miss out on guided hikes through cactus fields to reach the deserted Las Palmas beach, taco tours of the best local spots in Todos Santos, or private surf lessons. The hotel has custom boards positioned in the open-air living room, an airy sanctuary where guests kick back and relax post-adventure in anticipation of seafood-centric meals prepared by chef Eduardo Ríos, an alum of Enrique Olvera’s Mexico City restaurant, Pujol.Read Full ReviewZadún, a Ritz-Carlton ReservePrice: Starting at $571Address: Blvd. Mar de Cortez, 23403Location: San José del CaboTop amenities: Ocean views from every room, personalized wellness consultationsThe high-stakes Cabo hotel scene has been particularly frenetic for the past few years, with fresh openings from big-name players like Four Seasons, Montage, and Viceroy. Amid the fray, Ritz-Carlton managed to seek out a 20-acre plot for its fourth reserve, overlooking the indigo Sea of Cortez and built partially on the sand dunes. Suites feel both comfortable and considered, with vast living rooms featuring blue-and-white textiles, objets d’art from local artisans (woven leather baskets, painted pottery), and terraces with firepits. But it’s the staff that truly makes the place stand out: remembering favorite breakfast tables and knowing the right chaise lounge around the enormous L-shaped pool at which to drop off each swimmer’s margarita. In one of the world’s most elevated hotel towns, Ritz-Carlton shows that the bar can always be raised. —Stephanie Wu, contributorRead Full ReviewBaja Club HotelPrice: Starting at $247Address: Paseo Álvaro Obregón 265, Zona Comercial, 23006Location: La PazTop amenities: Rooftop bar, guided hiking experiences, poolWith the opening of Baja Club Hotel along the esplanade of La Paz, the coastal town now has its first proper boutique hotel. Attracting the creative, artistic elite of Mexico City and beyond, the 32-room, Spanish colonial–style property serves as a base for further explorations in the Sea of Cortez, from swimming with the area’s seasonal visitors—whale sharks and blue whales—to boating trips to the biodiverse Espíritu Santo island. The rooms all have either a balcony, terrace, or private outdoor patio, with cream-and-coral striped banquettes as well as Grupo Habita’s classic minibar staple: a house bottle of mezcal for guests to enjoy.Read Full ReviewThe St. Regis Punta Mita ResortPrice: Starting at $793Address: Lote H-4 Carretera Federal 200, Km 19.5, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay., MexicoLocation: Punta MitaTop amenities: 24-hour butler service, two Jack Nicklaus golf coursesA certain hushed elegance permeates St. Regis Punta Mita, and a late 2023 major renovation breathed new life into an aging property. Despite being a sprawling Mexican resort, it feels exclusive, private, and nails the things that matter. Five culinary experiences range from feet-in-the-sand casual to buttoned-up fine dining, so there’s something for everyone. Rooms all feature exposed wood-beam ceilings, terra-cotta tiles, and statement piece tapestries made by local artisans (it really creates a hacienda-on-the-beach vibe). Service leans more relaxed than stuffy, and it’s executed flawlessly. Travelers looking for upscale relaxation, panoramic ocean views, and Mexican culinary excellence—all within easy reach of the US—should consider the St. Regis. —Chris Dong, contributorRead Full ReviewCala de Mar Resort & Spa IxtapaPrice: Starting at $387Address: Paseo Punta Ixtapa S/N, Zona Hotelera II, 40884 Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Gro., MexicoLocation: Ixtapa ZihuatanejoTop amenities: Private heated ocean-front plunge pools in every suite, round-the-clock personal assistant serviceCala de Mar earned its in-the-know acclaim by doing everything backward. While Ixtapa's hotel zone churns through spring breakers, this 59-suite property cascades down nine cliff levels at Punta Ixtapa, accessible only by brass funiculars that feel borrowed from a Jules Verne novel. Owner María Elena Checa transformed her father's vision into Mexico's most compelling hotel opening nobody's heard of—every suite gets a private plunge pool and WhatsApp-enabled Personal Assistant, while the Seafood Market grills fish delivered directly to the cliff by local boats. The restaurants transcend resort dining entirely with their emphasis on hyper-local fare, the bar stocks single-barrel mezcals from family palenques, and the onsite boutique and art curation are worth investigating. But upon first impression—and on day five—the “Zihua Style” architecture continues to impress. Nothing runs straight; walls curve like coral, Yvonne Domenge sculptures catch sunset light in the lobby. This is the near-perfect hotel that lets you check in to “check out” and soak in the best of the Guerrero coastline without ever leaving your canary-colored compound. —Paul Jebara, contributing writerRead Full ReviewBanyan Tree Cabo MarquésPrice: Starting at $238Address: Blvrd Cabo Marqués Lote 1, Punta Diamante, 39907 Acapulco de Juárez, Gro., MexicoLocation: Punta DiamanteTop amenities: Seaside grills, nature-wrapped yoga sessionsThis hideaway in Acapulco offers guests laid-back luxury in private villas set amongst dramatic cliffs and tropical forest. The wellness-oriented resort delivers individually tailored service and experiences for guests to unwind and reconnect in the property’s serenely beautiful surroundings. The resort features 45 private pool villas peppered across the 22-acre property. All are strewn along the cliffs and hillside overlooking the Pacific or Puerto Marques Bay. Each villa has its own infinity pool, covered veranda, and open patio, offering guests considerable privacy that’s enhanced by the lush vegetation and sloping terrain. The villas reference Thai design with their steep, gabled roofs that provide ample shade, and coverage from the rain, but the subdued color scheme and aesthetic lean more toward understated luxury that keeps the focus on the surrounding tropical foliage and panoramic ocean views. —Kevin Brouillard, contributing writerRead Full ReviewAnna Wolf/Casa SforzaCasona Sforza, Puerto EscondidoPrice: Starting at $315Address: La barra Santa María Colotepec, 70934Location: Puerto EscondidoTop amenities: Spacious rooms, pool, beach bedsYou’ll reach Casa Sforza after a windy drive down the dusty roads of Puerto Escondido’s quiet La Barra district. Pure secluded luxury is the order of the day here, allowing you to disconnect and unwind. Mexican architect Alberto Kalach designed this beachfront property with the intention of capturing and not distracting from the striking natural landscapes. The impressive design blends seamlessly into nature, using naturally colored materials and smooth-flowing shapes. The hotel is made up of a series of huge, airy connecting domes that seamlessly slot together to form the 11 suites, an oval-shaped pool, and a bar and restaurant. (Note: There's a strict no children or pets policy throughout.) Beach beds and straw umbrellas spill onto the sandy beach as do spiky cacti, tall palms, and flowering beach shrubs. Follow the wooden stepping stone path to the beach bed dressed in linen curtains or to the shaded hammocks to divide your time between the pool and the beach. Flop and enjoy uninterrupted ocean views; if you plan your visit during migratory months, you may even spot a whale in the distance.Bedrooms are huge, built from dusty yellow brick that glows warm at golden hour. Ground-floor suites have a private swim-up pool, while second-floor rooms come with a view of the Pacific Ocean, best enjoyed while soaking up the glow of sunset from the huge woven hammock or a freestanding hot tub. The kitchen is run by a husband (who previously did a stint at Lyle's in London) and wife duo originally from Venezuela. —Sophie Knight, senior visuals editor, Condé Nast Traveller UKRomain Laprade/Casa ToCasa To, Puerto EscondidoPrice: Starting at $236Address: Morelos s/n, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934Location: Puerto EscondidoTop amenities: Pool, rooms with private gardens or terracesLittle boutique hotel Casa To is made up of just nine bedrooms. But this is a property that's a step above the rest among the boho beach-bum hostels on this corner of the Pacific coast. The self-cooling brutalist design was the craftsmanship of architect Ludwig Godefroy. A jigsaw of circular concrete archways makes up the heart of the hotel, crawling with vines that align and frame the lobby's features. There's a well-stocked bar run by a casually cool barman in a paisley shirt, and cozy corners are filled with wicker seating and sun loungers. Wooden stools dotted with retro teal lamps and the odd photography book, statement vases, and plenty of palms decorate the incense-infused space. Then, of course, the hotel's iconic swimming pool, which runs through a series of concrete circular walls spanning the length of the hotel. Beautiful guests spend most of the day sipping mezcal and lounging in the sunlight that beams onto the pyramid of concrete puzzle steps that make up the back wall, conveniently dotted with pillows and candlelight come dusk. The bedrooms follow suit. Bifolding doors reveal a private garden sheltered by lush green palms. All furnishings, such as the colorful woven rug, the striped linen bedding, and heavy wooden crafted chairs, are local artisanal pieces bringing that home-from-home feel. Glou Glou, the rooftop bar and restaurant, is run by a trendy Argentinian couple who were invited to relocate to Puerto Escondido by the hotel owner after he fell in love with their cooking and hospitality back in Argentina. The highlight is an innovative, intimate, and delicious seven-course tasting menu cooked and prepared right in front of you. —S.K.Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, MexicoPrice: Starting at $2,545Address: México 200 Km 19.5, 63734Location: Punta MitaTop amenities: In-room soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and plunge poolsThis is not your parents’ Four Seasons. Formalities, like a front desk, have disappeared, and the traditional concierge has been replaced with guides who can help arrange everything from dinner reservations to surf lessons. The all-inclusive model means the entire stay is blissfully transaction-free, and the intimate scale—at just 30 guests, the size is also a shift for the brand—allows for unscripted experiences such as mezcal tastings with local distillers. And the tented suites are what it takes to persuade travelers to book a hotel in Punta Mita that isn’t right on the beach. Terraced into 48 acres of forested Pacific-facing cliffs, this adults-only luxury tented resort was designed by sustainably minded safari-tent pioneers Luxury Frontiers. Each of its 15 bungalows has an indoor soaking tub, an outdoor shower, and a private plunge pool with sunset views. Taking in and getting out into nature is at the heart of Naviva, but a visit to the two spa pods is a must for treatments informed by Mesoamerican traditions, like the five-hour Refuge Retreat. It includes a copal cleansing and Mayan mud massage, plus post-pampering time to soak in the pod’s oversized palm-shaded tub. Guests have access to the amenities at sister property Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, just next door, but it’s doubtful you’ll want to leave this jungle oasis. —J.M.Read Full ReviewOne&Only MandarinaPrice: Starting at $735Address: Carretera Federal Libre 200 Tepic-Puerto Vallarta Municipio de Compostela El Monteón, 63724Location: MonteónTop amenities: Private plunge pools, on-site temazcal, designated butlerJust when you think all beach resorts are made alike, One&Only Mandarina begs to differ. Nestled in the lush hills of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit—where jaguars skulk in the shadows, colorful birds fly overhead, and the gentle sound of the Pacific urges bone-deep relaxation—One & Only makes it easy to find the big red reset button you’ve been looking for. There’s a traditional temazcal sweat lodge experience at the spa, surfing on a private beach, and even a restaurant that has an Enrique Olvera–designed menu that would draw major crowds in a big city: Carao. Ultimately, though, it’s forgetting about the outside world that is the draw—and promise—of spending a few days here. —Megan Spurrell, senior features editorRead Full ReviewSusurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts CollectionPrice: Starting at $976Address: Desarrollo El Banco Carretera a La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Km 14, 63734Location: Punta de MitaTop amenities: Complimentary fitness classes, acess to water sports, cascading poolsEverything about this property is seemingly curated to feel more like a boutique hotel than a resort. It’s normal to stumble upon things like a sound bath experience on the beach led by a local bohemian who infuses jazz with the singing bowls or a sombrero-making class. The on-site boutique, a Fashionkind outpost co-owned by Nina Farran and Sophia Bush, includes leading designers from across Latin America, with a special focus on those local to Mexico. The design by Paul Duesing and Glazier Le Architects, sports stone walls that continue from the balcony to the interior of the room with pebble-floored rain showers clad in colorful tiles almost entirely Mexican-made and also supports local and regional makers, artisans, artists, and purveyors, solidifies the POV of being a boho-fresh, intentional, and barefoot sanctuary for those in-the-know. Don’t get me wrong, it still feels like a resort—just a resort that is focused on what is important to today’s customers. —Scott Bay, contributorRead Full ReviewFour Seasons TamarindoPrice: Starting at $761Address: K.M. 7.5 Highway 200 Barra De Navidad, 48898Location: JaliscoTop amenities: Private infinity pools, private aviation available, golf course accessLocated in the relatively undeveloped western state of Jalisco, Tamarindo is intentionally secluded. From the moment you pass through its tucked-away gates and steal a far-away glimpse of the bright-blue Pacific through miles of lush jungle, it becomes clear just what a hidden treasure the resort is. The outdoor lobby acts as a central home base for the property, where contemporary seating invites you to leave your worries behind and ornate wooden beams frame sweeping views of the coastline below. To the right sits Tamarindo’s Discovery Center, where guests can learn about the wildlife and vegetation that surround the property and how they change throughout the seasons, as well as the resort’s boutique, which is filled with unique crafts, fashion, and homeware made my local artisans alongside some signature Four Seasons merchandise. Just beneath the lobby’s main structure are several levels of eateries and bars, three infinity pools, the spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, all cascading down the cliffside and overlooking the beach. An 18-hole golf course and two additional beaches are just a short golf ride away, as is Rancho Ortega, a 35-acre farm that supplies the resort’s produce, meat, and eggs and will soon produce its own tequila. —Gabby Shacknai, contributorRead Full ReviewLa Valise San Miguel de AllendePrice: Starting at $255Address: Jesús 17, Zona Centro, 37700Location: San Miguel de AllendeTop amenities: Rooms with private terraces, rooftop lounge, courtyard poolHidden behind an unassuming vermillion facade lies a surrealist sanctuary in the heart of vibrant San Miguel de Allende. When you open the wooden colonial doors from the pedestrian-only cobblestone street, it feels like you are walking into a too-cool gallery. There’s a large circular structure just beyond the front door that gives way to a bright and airy courtyard space with Escher-like stairs criss-crossing the shared pool. The six rooms look out to the shared pea-gravel courtyard or rooftop patio, each with charming bistro tables for huevos rancheros and fresh squeezed juices in the morning or for enjoying Mezcal in the evenings while chatting (and sometimes dancing) with other guests via candlelight. Everyone I saw during my stay were among the art and style set—and the location can’t be beat. You're steps from The Parroquia (and the other beautiful cathedrals scattered throughout the historic colonial district), trendy boutiques, and some of the best restaurants in the city. —S.B.Read Full ReviewRosewood San Miguel de AllendePrice: Starting at $494Address: Nemesio Diez 11, Zona Centro, 37700Location: San Miguel de AllendeTop amenities: Tennis courts, on-site art and culture experiences, rooftop barThe Rosewood's 13 acres are enviably sited in San Miguel de Allende's centro, and the hotel is without peer in a town that has its share of swank stays. Portals and stone paths lead to tiered swimming pools, two-person cabanas, covered patios, and a tequila bar, and the 67 rooms are grand and outfitted with regionally sourced hardwood floors and Spanish colonial furnishings. Even a standard king, at an already-generous 535 square feet, comes with special treatment: A bubble bath lit by candles is drawn at turndown upon request. Views from the rooftop Luna tapas bar make a seat here especially sought-after at sunset. —M.S.Read Full ReviewCasa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond HotelPrice: Starting at $455Address: Hospicio 35, Zona Centro, 37700Location: San Miguel de AllendeTop amenities: Rooftop bar, cooking school, courtyard poolThe babble of a courtyard fountain, a breeze that shoulders its way through stone arches: Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel is an unquestionably sensory experience. But the more elemental charms of this historical marvel, whose 17th- and 18th-century buildings are scattered across San Miguel de Allende’s Centro district, are only part of its allure; the rest it owes to the human touch. I arrived at my suite—a corner unit cleaved from a former mansion—to find my wedding portrait set into a carved tin frame; one afternoon, I returned to find textured strips of paper on my reading stack—bookmarks. Chef Alejandra Puente told me about her daughter as we contemplated fresh avocados at the local market, gathering up the bounty we would need for my private cooking class. This is hospitality at its finest. —Betsy Blumenthal, contributorRead Full ReviewCasa DelphinePrice: Starting at $271Address: Calz. De La Presa 69a, Zona Centro, 37700Location: San Miguel de AllendeTop amenities: In-room fireplaces, curated experiencesSan Miguel de Allende has captivated writers and artists including Jack Kerouac and Frida Kahlo since the 1940s. It also bewitched LA jewelry designer Amanda Keidan, who fell so hard for its bohemian vibe that she relocated to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed spot in Mexico's Central Highlands and bought an empty hotel. With just five rooms, it hits the right note in this artistic landscape so dominated by big-name players. (Book the rooftop suite with its hot tub and epic views of the church spires.) And unlike other small properties opening in the outskirts, it has one of the more enviable addresses, just a 10-minute stroll from the famous neo-Gothic Parroquia church with its distinctive orange-pink towers soaring above El Jardín. The latter is the social heart of the city where everything—fiesta band practice, football games, lovers meeting on benches shaded by laurel trees—takes place. There are original cantera-stone fireplaces, colorful painted tiles from nearby Dolores Hidalgo and lampshades from printmaker Ri Anderson. Local woodworker Peter Grau crafted the cedar dining table where jalapeño-spiked avocado toast and pastries are laid out each morning. Keidan’s insider knowledge rivals any hotel concierge’s, offering tips on everything from her favorite restaurants (El Manantial for tacos) and shops (KM33 for dresses) to Pilates classes and spa treatments. Tarot suppers and chef-led pop-ups double as mini house parties. This feels like a revitalization of the scene, drawing in a new wave of creatives. —J.M.Read Full ReviewW Mexico CityPrice: Starting at $416Address: Campos Elíseos 252, Polanco, Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, MexicoLocation: PolancoTop amenities: Indoor pool, spa with a traditional Temazcal, breakfast buffetSet in leafy Polanco, The W Mexico City pairs a prime location with a theatrical personality that feels playful, maximalist, and unapologetically non-serious. Public spaces glow with neon backlighting, abstract art, and conversation-starting furniture choices. The Living Room Bar anchors the hotel’s social scene and can always be counted on to draw a crowd for pre- and post-night on the town cocktails. Rooms balance spectacle with function and include moody lighting, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows that are especially striking on higher floors overlooking the city. It’s not for everyone, but for those who don’t mind the theatrical flair in their hotel stay, this is a good option in one of the best locations in town. —M.G.Read Full ReviewHotel San FernandoPrice: Starting at $151Address: Iztaccihuatl 54, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100Location: La CondesaTop amenities: Daily breakfast, rooftop lounge, dog-friendlyOrnate stained-glass windows and olive green tiles are showstoppers in the lobby of Hotel San Fernando, a boutique property near Condesa’s best cafés and restaurants. It's a great spot for pet owners—the property is steps from Parque Mexico, one of the city’s top dog parks. Originally built in 1947 as an apartment building, this Art Deco property was revamped by Bunkhouse and Mexico City-based Reurbano. Its original architectural details remain, including casement windows, encaustic tile floors, and stained glass windows. An oblong spiral stairwell with a sleek wood and metal railing leads to the 19 guest rooms, each featuring coral-hued walls, wood furnishings by Mexico City-based studio La Metropolitana, and bedside lighting from Oaxaca-based studio Oaxifornia. Guests are privy to a complimentary breakfast of fresh fruits, pastries, and coffee on the rooftop, while afternoon and evening meals are served at the ground-floor Lounge Fernando; dishes range from empanadas and tostadas to charcuterie boards and tacos. The bar also offers a selection of natural wines and craft cocktails featuring agave-based spirits like pox, sotol, and raicilla.Read Full ReviewSoho House Mexico CityPrice: Contact hotel for detailsAddress: C. Versalles 28, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600Location: Colonia JuárezTop amenities: Poolside service, reading roomsSituated in the heart of Colonia Juárez in a former private mansion and residence, the Soho House Mexico City, with its restored French and Baroque architectural influences, is the most coveted members club and hotel in Mexico City—and its pool is worth the stay alone. A playground for the city’s most affluent, there’s not a top Mexican creative or in-the-know international resident who hasn’t congregated here, be it to mingle around one of several bars, see-and-be-seen in the 60+ foot pool, or dance into the night at the underground vinyl room. Restored and reimagined by Soho House Design, this showstopper of a property includes only four rooms set on the second floor of the main house, ranging from a small studio to a large suite with a freestanding marble bath, a separate living area with a velvet sofa, and views overlooking the pool. The design team drew inspiration from the property’s European origins, retaining most of the original finishes and pairing them with a bold color palette, contemporary and vintage furnishings, and an art collection of over 150 works from artists born, based, or trained in Mexico across various mediums—including murals, custom fabrics, pottery, and paintings.Read Full ReviewCampos PolancoPrice: Starting at $342Address: Campos Elíseos 361, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11540Location: Roma NorteTop amenities: Private gathering spaces, personalized concierge, daily breakfastSteps from Polanco’s iconic Lincoln Park and within easy reach of the verdant gardens of Republica Del Líbano, this boutique hotel offers apartment-style suites for travelers interested in long stays where comfort and convenience are paramount. Managed by the hospitality company Mosaic Hotel Group and designed by a trifecta of collaborators—All-Arquitectura, Amass & G, and AvroKO—the 12 suites of this property range from expansive apartments with chef’s kitchens and outdoor balconies to cozy studios with open layouts and claw-foot bathtubs that overlook the gardens. Regardless of the suite guests choose, each comes with bespoke art pieces by some of the city’s top talent. As for dining, breakfast is included, and comes with its own artistic appeal: a delicious menu of traditional specialties like chilaquiles and enchiladas created by chef Diego Isunza Kahlo, the great-grand-nephew of Frida.Read Full ReviewCasona Roma NortePrice: Starting at $270Address: Durango 280, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700Location: Roma NorteTop amenities: Rooftop terrace, agave tasting room, 24-hour room serviceBe it for the art or the food, travelers arriving at Casona Roma Norte are immediately impressed by the equal parts stateliness and softness of the 1920s rose-hued building. Originally constructed in 1923 by the engineer M. Hernandez Cabrera, the Belle Époque building was recently renovated by Colonnier Arquitectos and Simple Arquitectura; it blends several architectural styles, from Art Nouveau nature-inspired designs to Porfirian high ceilings and grand spaces. Like a living gallery, guests are greeted with a lobby full of framed cutout collages by the artist Maria Rec, while each of the 32 guest rooms features the photography of Santiago Arau set against a palette of soothing earth tones. The hotel offers six dining concepts, from a Sinaloa-inspired sushi spot to a craft cocktail bar with libations made from agave-based spirits like mezcal and xtabentún.Read Full ReviewCasa CuencaPrice: Starting at $187Address: Cuernavaca 4, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140Location: La CondesaTop amenities: 24-hour front desk, courtyard patioAn ode to the bygone era of 1930s Mexico City—when aristocrats built expansive European-inspired estates in what is now the city’s premiere bohemian enclave—Casa Cuenca’s new life as a boutique hotel attracts aesthetes for many reasons, especially thanks to its whitewashed facade and outdoor courtyard with a spiral staircase. The concept and design of the hotel were a creative collaboration between sisters Mara Sánchez Renero and Gala Sánchez Renero, in collaboration with the architect Ivan Esqueda. Together, they renovated the Beaux-Arts building into a minimalist 10-room respite, a peaceful oasis just off of the verdant Parque España and Avenida Veracruz, one of the best walking streets in Condesa. From the open courtyard dotted with terra-cotta-toned tables to the rooms—featuring interiors like coral and lime wall tiles and custom oak and Parota wood furnishings—the hotel is like a time capsule of Mexico City’s leading design and architectural movements.Read Full ReviewColima 71Price: Starting at $343Address: Colima 71, col. , Del, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700Location: Roma NorteTop amenities: Private balconies, in-room kitchens, honesty barTucked away in Roma Norte, one of Mexico City’s most lively corners, this former school is the area’s latest minimalist refuge with a focus on contemporary art. Famed Mexican architect Alberto Kalach led a local design team that transformed the property into a spacious hotel with 16 residential-style studios. In the cozy lobby, there’s a floor-to-ceiling photography installation by Iñaki Bonillas. Just beyond, in the courtyard, is the next showpiece: a hollow latticework steel structure by Sofía Táboas, another globally renowned Mexican artist. The staircase is adorned with a suspended sculpture made of bicycle tires, stainless steel, and brass by Guatemalan provocateur Darío Escobar. Most rooms have outdoor balconies, white oak bed frames draped in Portuguese cotton linens, and kitchens stocked with ceramics produced by Indigenous communities in Oaxaca. Colima 71 blends a boutique hotel with aspects of a serviced apartment building—so it doesn’t have a restaurant, but there are treats. A barista drops by to deliver coffee made with beans from Chiapas and heartier dishes such as ricotta-and-guava-stuffed rolls from Panadería Rosetta, an acclaimed bakery by Rosetta’s Elena Reygadas, who was voted the world’s best female chef in 2023. For evenings, there’s an honesty bar—made from emerald marble imported from Iran—stocked with Mexico’s top tequilas and mezcals.Read Full ReviewOctavia CasaPrice: Starting at $382Address: Av. Amatlan 126, Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06170Location: La CondesaTop amenities: Daily breakfast, honesty bar, rooftop terraceFashion designer Roberta Maceda has crafted this seven-room retreat in the chi-chi area of La Condesa as a minimalist extension of her Octavia clothing line. On the ground floor, next to a breezy seating area with bamboo stools grouped around a concrete table by interior firm Habitación 116, there’s a shoppable bronze rail of her pieces that may include white button-up shirts or a black-and-white snakeskin ensemble. Upstairs, rooms are also decorated in neutral tones and each is named after a natural material, from walnut (nogal) and linen (lino) to earth (tierra) and bronze (bronce). The softest bedding comes from Octavia’s new homeware line, while the rest of the studied hangout spaces showcase other Mexican makers with blown-glass cups by Onora and cream-colored vases from ceramics studio Encrudo filled with dried magnolia leaves. There’s no restaurant, but breakfast is brought in from a nearby bakery—conchas (sweet pastries) are served with homemade hibiscus-and-ginger jam and eaten in the meditative pebble-floored garden under a guava tree. In the evenings it’s a short stroll to local favorites such as Italian restaurant Lardo and natural-wine bar Hugo. This is a meticulously designed gateway to Mexico City’s coolest scene.Read Full ReviewHotel DamaPrice: Starting at $286Address: Zamora 94, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140Location: La CondesaTop amenities: Library lounge, private patios, rooftop barWith the intimacy of a homestay, polished guests of Hotel Dama can be seen lounging in the hotel’s many spaces, from its cozy midcentury-inspired sunken library lounge to its panoramic rooftop terrace, draped in seasonal jacarandas blooms. Hotel Dama—originally constructed in the 1950s as a vecindad, a residential-style building with five apartments—was remodeled by C2D Arquitectura, with interior design direction led by Paulina Herrera Chain and Patricio Galindo Chain to create an experience not dissimilar to visiting a beloved aunt's home. The result is a boutique hotel filled with personal touches that celebrate Mexico’s heritage—antique books, pre-Hispanic figurines, and Oaxacan pottery and sculptures included—all selected to showcase a deep appreciation for Mexico's culture and history. The 17 rooms, each celebrating a 1950s aesthetic, are spread throughout all three floors of the building, with many featuring a private patio or terrace looking towards the stunning Castillo de Chapultepec.Read Full ReviewCasa PolancoPrice: Starting at $547Address: Luis G. Urbina 84, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560Location: PolancoTop amenities: Shared terraces, library, exclusive collection of city tours, personal trainer available upon requestSet in Mexico City’s posh Polanco neighborhood, a stay at this elegantly renovated Spanish Revival-style mansion feels like a peek inside the lives of well-to-do chilangos (Mexico City locals). Polanco is within walking distance from sites like Chapultepec Park, a popular hangout for local families on the weekends, and lovely for morning jogs; and a short drive from Museo Soumaya, known for its unique architecture and mirror-like façade. Just around the corner are the trendy Roma Norte and Condesa neighborhoods for eating, drinking, and boutique shopping. While many Mexico City hotels play to classic heritage motifs, Casa Polanco shows off a different side of the city. Here, the lines are clean, neutrals take precedence, and there’s a subtle prep-school flavor with houndstooth pillows and plaid napkins. Given this is a home, soak up the spaces that so clearly remind you that you're in one. Order a glass of wine at the lobby bar and take it to one of the many shared terraces; after a long day, grab a nook in the well-curated library and flip through one of the many coffee table books on Mexican art, history, or culture. —M.S.Read Full ReviewFour Seasons Hotel Mexico CityPrice: Starting at $693Address: Av. P.º de la Reforma 500, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600Location: Roma NorteTop amenities: Garden courtyard, exclusive tours, rooftop poolEven though it’s set on busy Paseo de la Reforma, this name-brand luxury hotel delivers tranquil, boutique charms. Rooms are set around an interior courtyard, and you’re just a short distance from Chapultepec Park, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. Add to that all the other Four Seasons hallmarks—insanely comfortable beds, high-quality service, and wellness amenities like a pool, gym, and spa—and you’re guaranteed a memorable experience. —Susannah Rigg, contributorRead Full ReviewCirculo MexicanoPrice: Starting at $210Address: República de Guatemala #20, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Cuauhtémoc, 06020Location: Centro HistóricoTop amenities: Rooftop infinity pool, rain showers, co-working spaceKnown for creating Mexico’s trendiest boutique properties, the hotel developer Grupo Habita transformed this 19th-century townhome in Centro Histórico into a Shaker-inspired boutique hotel. The result is Circulo Mexicano, which begins with a buzzing marketplace-style ground floor and moves up to the chilled-out rooftop with an infinity pool, Japanese soaking tub, and views of Centro Histórico sights: the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor. The 25 bedrooms are fitted out with custom oak pieces and most have their own contemplative terrace or balcony. Head to the courtyard Itacate del Mar restaurant for innovative takes on Mexican street snacks, the standout of which are the tostadas with tangy tuna or fried calamari topped with shiitake mushrooms.Read Full ReviewRosewood MayakobaPrice: Starting at $583Address: Ctra. Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen Km 298, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., MexicoLocation: Playa del CarmenTop amenities: Arrival via electric boat, multiple beachfront poolsSituated on a mile of white-sand beachfront, a stay at Rosewood Mayakoba is just as much about luxury as it is about immersing oneself in the wilds of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. When not relaxing in one of the 129 suites, well-to-do couples and families can usually be found congregating at one of Rosewood Mayakoba’s six swimming pools and four pool decks, from Casa del Lago, a relaxing multilevel pool overlooking the lagoon, to the Punta Bonita, a family-friendly infinity pool near the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Then there’s the Sense spa, renowned for its herbal treatments, and the numerous dining venues, including Agave Azul, an indoor-outdoor restaurant overlooking the lagoon and serving Baja California-style cuisine, as well as Zapote Bar, a day-to-night venue known for its cocktails, with signature drinks made with local ingredients and techniques.Read Full ReviewRoyalton Reserve Paraíso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, Riviera Maya, Adult All-InclusivePrice: Starting at $358Address: Fracc Bahia Petempich Cancun-Puerto Morelos Highway, Supermanzana 12 Manzana 41 Km 27.5, Riviera Maya, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., MexicoLocation: Puerto MorelosTop amenities: 22,000-square-foot thalassotherapy spa, five gourmet dining optionsParadiso de la Bonita is an adults-only all-inclusive with just over 100 suites, all facing the ocean. The tucked-away location between a quiet stretch of soft-sand beach and mangroves and a residential vibe make it feel like a private getaway, even though it’s just 30 minutes from Cancun. The property was originally built as a gift from an architect to his beloved wife as a living record of their travels and life together. Rooms are named after cities they visited, decor is from several cultures across continents, and the on-site restaurants feature traditional local and fusion cuisines. Service is attentive and friendly with personal butler service as a perk for higher-level suites. A beautiful tiled main pool with food and drink service, beach setups, and a brand-new 22,000-square-foot wellness center offer different ways to spend your day, along with daily cultural activities like cooking classes, hands-on textiles, or taking part in a traditional temazcal purification ceremony. —Katherine Alex Beaven, contributorRead Full ReviewBanyan Tree MayakobaPrice: Starting at $520Address: Carretera Federal Chetumal-Puerto Juárez KM 298 Riviera Maya, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., MexicoLocation: Playa del CarmenTop amenities: Hydrotherapy “Rainforest Trail” treatment, complimentary canal ecotourAfter its recent $50 million expansion, this is the star of the Mayakoba development in Playa del Carmen, with 34 private beachfront pool suites and a brand-new beach club with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Beneath wooden pergolas and linen umbrellas of the Sands Beach Club, city dwellers on a seaside escape bask in the balmy Yucatán air before the languid Caribbean waters of Riviera Maya. The development includes a waterway lined with mangroves perfect for kayaking excursions, over two miles of biking and walking trails, and a Greg Norman-designed, 18-hole golf course. The resort has its very own turtle field since, where four of the seven species worldwide come to nest on the beaches of the complex.Read Full ReviewCasa ChabléPrice: Starting at $1,816Address: Carretera Tulum Km. 34.5, 77768 Javier Rojo GómezLocation: Sian Ka'an Biosphere ReserveTop amenities: Bike rentals, private beach with daybeds, infinity poolLocated within one of Mexico’s most spectacular nature refuges, this luxury lodging experience is a welcome respite from Cancun’s endless strip of all-inclusives and Tulum’s increasingly frenetic development. After boarding a small fishing boat that whisks you past mangroves and colonies of frigate birds, guests are greeted by a lobby filled with beaded chandeliers, thatched ceilings, and rattan chairs and sofas. The overall vibe is: tranquil. With just 10 rooms (decked out with ocean-facing hammocks and outdoor moon showers) and no immediate neighbors, you’ll feel a bit like Robinson Crusoe—albeit with drinks service. Don’t expect a large pool or a bar scene; instead, you’ve got a warm, aquamarine sea at your disposal, and the best drinks happen on the pier at sunset (Chablé is perhaps unique in all of Mexico in that you can view a sunrise and a sunset over water). Come to Case Chablé to fill your eyes and mind with sea and sky. —Tom Vanderbilt, contributorRead Full ReviewSHA Wellness Clinic MexicoPrice: Starting at $680Address: Carretera Punta Sam 84, 77420Location: CancunTop amenities: Infinity pools, extensive health clinic, access to water sportsWhen the original Sha Wellness Clinic opened its doors in Alicante back in 2008, it immediately stood out from other destination spas, taking a holistic, in-depth approach to the often vague concept of “wellness.” This follow-up property includes the same comprehensive treatments and cutting-edge medical techniques—only this time, the address is on a prime stretch of beachfront in Costa Mujeres. The rooms and suites all come with private balconies and studio-size bathrooms, but the health clinic—complete with six stories and a hundred treatment rooms—is obviously the star attraction here. On the top floor there’s a fully equipped gym and a terrace for yoga or sound baths; in the basement there is a hydrotherapy circuit with a sauna, steam room, Roman bath, and cold plunge around a lovely pool; and in between are numerous areas with a dedicated purpose, from aging well to traditional Chinese medicine. Cutting-edge tech abounds, from machines that give you an intense core workout to a bed for advanced cell regeneration therapy. The vibe is calm, cool, dim, and science-y without being overly medicalized. The food is expectedly nutritious but surprisingly flavorful: Following the recommendations of the Harvard Medical School, as well as centuries of Eastern thought, dishes at Shamadi, the main restaurant, emphasize vegetables of various colors, whole grains, proteins (including fresh local seafood), and alkaline foods. If you need a reminder to take care of yourself, a visit to Sha Mexico will flawlessly do the trick. —Jesse Ashlock, contributorRead Full ReviewMaroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera MayaPrice: Starting at $725Address: Carretera Cancún-Tulum, Km 51, 77710Location: TulumTop amenities: Three pools, watersports, cenote visitsThis palm-studded resort has been one of the most beloved destinations on the Riviera Maya since it opened in 1995. But a complete reimagining of the 72-room hotel has given it a renewed edge over its neighbors—without losing any of its soul. Arriving at Maroma involves driving through thick mangroves where spider monkeys swing from the trees (the property sits on 200 acres of jungle) before reaching its signature whitewashed architecture and thatched roofs. The design still leans heavily on the region’s Mayan vernacular—the curved stucco buildings are based on ancient geometric principles—and wider Mexican craftsmanship. In fact, almost every detail of the restoration, overseen by interior designer Tara Bernerd, prioritized Mexican makers and artisans (80 percent of the property’s furnishings and objects were made in the country), from the hand-painted Saltillo floor tiles and woven wall hangings to the cotton “manta” caftans left in rooms for guests to slip into. Rooms overlook the palm tree-lined pool, the Caribbean Sea, or both, and feature more of those beautiful tiles, along with whitewashed walls hung with regional textiles. Every detail is designed to keep guests rooted in the Yucatán Peninsula: Even the in-room bar, which is far from mini, is stocked with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugarcane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a beautiful bottle. Of the two restaurants on site, the pick is Casa Mayor from Mexican chef Daniel Camacho, which does mind-blowing tomato salads. (The chef also teaches a predictably delicious tortilla-making class.) While the property is spectacular, you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore the surroundings, which include a network of cenotes reached through underground caves. A swim in the pools, bats swooping overhead, is the stuff memories are made of. —Lale Arikoglu, special projects directorRead Full ReviewChablé YucatánPrice: Starting at $682Address: Tablaje 642 San Antonio ChabléLocation: ChocholáTop amenities: Private pools, private butlers, cenote spaBecause it’s located in the jungle between the colonial city of Mérida and the Maya site of Uxmal, Chablé Yucatán has two distinct personalities, making it unique among luxury resorts in Mexico. The buildings that form the historic two-centuries-old hacienda now house common areas and the gourmet Ixi’im restaurant, and guests sleep in 38 contemporary glass boxes masterfully situated throughout the lush grounds so that each feels remarkably private—your views are of the jungle foliage, not your neighbor. Each casita has its own pool, but there’s also a larger common one for when you’re feeling social. The resort is home to countless iguanas and diminutive Yucatecan deer, and an astounding variety of birdlife. You’ll feel like you have escaped to a unique Eden, only with gracious service. —John Newton, contributorRead Full ReviewThe St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera MayaPrice: Starting at $444Address: Paseo Kanai 15, Solidaridad, 77730Location: Playa del CarmenTop amenities: Ocean views from every room, beachside pools, expansive spaWhen viewed from above, the St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya looks like a deconstructed Olympic logo—a series of curvaceous shapes sitting on over a mile of private beach. It’s meant to be a celestial schematic (inspired by the 1,000-plus stars in the constellation Pleiades), with gleaming, ultramodern white buildings hovering over protected mangroves. While the scale may seem overwhelming at first, the genius of its indoor-outdoor architecture reveals itself throughout one’s stay. Every thoughtfully designed, Mayan-inspired room has a view of the sea; there are elevated wooden walkways in lieu of cement paths; and the whole place is surrounded by a ridiculous amount of greenery. The generous footprint allows for a variety of tastes and needs to be accommodated—solo travelers, honeymooners, girlfriends on getaways, extended families—with minimal overlap. There are multiple beach clubs, a kids’ club, and seven dining options (and dedicated butlers to help you manage it all). But the pièce de résistance here is the spa: It’s like a boutique resort within the resort, and you could easily spend the entire day there, whether getting pampered or not. Offerings include separate men’s and women’s outdoor aqua-thermal circuits with pools and a menu of treatments that incorporate ancient Mayan traditions. Best yet, the spa can be experienced even if you’re not staying on property. Similarly, St. Regis guests can easily pop over to the Edition or the Etéreo (an Auberge resort), the hotel’s neighbors in this gated development. —Rima Suqi, contributorRead Full ReviewThe Riviera Maya Edition at KanaiPrice: Starting at $300Address: Paseo Kanai 14, Solidaridad, 77730Location: Playa del CarmenTop amenities: Rooms with plunge pools or terraces, private beach cabanasMaking its debut in Latin America, The Edition Riviera Maya at Kanai brings the brand’s quintessential late-night soirees and chic city style to an expansive, 620-acre nature reserve in the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya. With interiors by the Ian Schrager Company in collaboration with the design firm Rockwell Group, and architecture by Edmonds International, the resort was created with cenotes (freshwater limestone pools) in mind. After walking up an orchid-lined staircase, guests arrive at a seating area with views of an oversized lagoon-like swimming pool—the resort’s centerpiece—that looks straight to a palm-lined path leading to the sea. It’s here where the property’s cenote-inspired architecture really shines, courtesy of a bamboo yoga deck designed by Eduardo Neira. The structure’s undulating walls continue to the surrounding limestone buildings—mimicking the seismic ripple that occurred when an ancient asteroid struck Chicxulub—which contain 182 guestrooms, including 30 suites, most with plunge pools and terraces providing either ocean or mangrove views. During a stay, guests are privy to the menus of two Mexican chefs who both appear on the World’s 50 Best lists: Francisco Ruano leads the resort’s signature restaurant Ki’is (meaning “zest” in Mayan), which is known for its revolving tasting menu; while Tomás Bermúdez helms So’ol (Mayan for “oyster”), an outdoor seafood eatery overlooking the Caribbean Sea.Read Full ReviewChablé Maroma, Riviera MayaPrice: Starting at $481Address: Camino predio Manzana 002 Lote 006, 77710Location: Punta MaromaTop amenities: Outdoor rain showers, infinity pools, private beachThis may quite possibly be the only hotel in Mexico that combines the level of wellness travelers now hop planes for with the country’s trademark sugary beaches. It has 70 neutral-palette suites, each with its own pool, terrace, and palm-shrouded outdoor rain shower. And let’s not forget its access to Riviera Mayakoba’s powdery beach. True to the brand, Maroma’s bright spa remains deeply rooted in Mayan healing traditions (the temazcal ceremony, led by a local healer, is the real-deal, requiring a two-hour commitment). While your schedule in the Yucatán is packed with fitness classes and spa sessions, Maroma encourages time spent sipping margaritas by the infinity pool, as any Mexican resort should. Chef Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City’s top-ranked Quintonil oversees the menus, sourcing ingredients from on-site ka’anches, Mayan gardens. Seafood is the star at Maroma, showcased at the rooftop raw bar and at casual restaurant, Kaban. The tasting menu-only restaurant Bu’ul is more ambitious, with regional dishes like mamey fruit tartare topped with glazed escamoles, surprisingly tasty ant larvae, which will challenge (and wow) your palate. —J.M.Read Full ReviewConrad Tulum Riviera MayaPrice: Starting at $200Address: Carretera Cancun Tulum 307 Tulkal ChemuyilLocation: TulumTop amenities: Private beach area, kids club, hydrotherapy spaThe most distinctive part of Hilton’s luxury debut on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is its chameleon-like approach to hospitality. Yes, with its 349 rooms, acres of pools, 11 restaurants, and kids’ and teens’ clubs, the Conrad is the type of resort whose (large bronze) gates a traveler would be content to pass through only twice: right before check-in and right after checkout. Spiritually, though, it aligns more closely with the smaller-scale properties 30 minutes north in Tulum that seek to connect guests with the surrounding destination. Honoring the Mayan cultures that have occupied this stretch of Caribbean coast for centuries, a traditional sacbe, or “white road”—the name of the ancient roadways Mayans created to travel by moonlight—cuts through the jungled grounds. In the lobby, a soaring art installation takes a cue from Mayan macramé. And at the cenote-inspired spa, a traditional four-hands massage is second only to a jalapeño margarita in the open-air bar as a way to immediately shed any lingering real-life stress remaining after a dip in the sea. —Erin Florio, global features directorRead Full ReviewWaldorf Astoria CancúnPrice: Starting at $400Address: 1E, Carr Federal Libre 307 Cancun-TulumLocation: CancunTop amenities: Private beach cabanas, infinity pools, white-glove serviceFor all the resorts that crowd Mexico’s east coast, the Waldorf stands out for its truly white-glove service and amenities that make it hard to leave the property. There are infinity pools aplenty, acres of pristine coastline, and that most glorious asset of all, the feeling of complete privacy in one of the country’s most bustling vacation spots. The decor, a soothing sea of creams and sand hues, spotlights Mexican artisans and highlights materials like tropical woods and local stone. The vibe here is palpably slow—no rushing from one activity to the next, just relaxing. And there are enough private cabanas to go around—you can forget about the dreaded visit to the pool at dawn to reserve a great spot. There are also dozens of lounge chairs facing the beach for when the ocean is your dip du jour. With comfortable yet polished rooms, an excellent spa, and a clutch of bars and restaurants serving excellent riffs on traditional dishes and drinks, this is Cancun like you’ve never seen it. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editorRead Full ReviewHabitas BacalarPrice: Starting at $200Address: Carretera Federal 307 Xul Ha, 77963Location: BacalarTop amenities: Daily breakfast, complimentary activitiesA four-hour drive south of heavily touristed Cancún, the discreet Habitas Bacalar entrance on the side of a remote road makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a grand secret. The place is small—just 34 rooms, each with a maximum occupancy of two—and has a very communal vibe. The hotel makes an effort to bring the community to you, by hosting local vendors for guest experiences like a cacao-and-wine tasting, and partnering with local businesses for complimentary paddleboard tours, yoga lessons, and more. Meanwhile, the wellness program sources local ingredients for its spa products, and restaurant Siete uses traditional Mayan cooking techniques. —Mercedes Bleth, global director of social mediaRead Full ReviewHotel Esencia, Xpu-HaPrice: Starting at $905Address: Carretera Cancún–Tulum km 265, Xpu HaLocation: TulumTop amenities: Daily breakfast, complimentary yoga, access to water sportsRight on Xpu-Ha beach, the best stretch of white sands on this part of Mexico's Caribbean coast, Esencia is one of those hotels that is spoken about in hushed tones by bohemians in the know, none of whom want to let this secret get out. But those who do make it here discover a small, natural beauty of place set on a palm-swaying estate on the edge of the tumbling sea. There are hammocks to laze in, and a dimly lit spa where lotions and potions made from garden herbs are crushed into poultices to smooth out knots. For snorkeling among rainbow-colored fish, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a five-minute hop on the hotel’s catamaran. There are ceviches and tiraditos to try at Mistura, a restaurant with views of the moon-dappled sea, and a wooden beach bar that does the best Margaritas in Mexico. Then there are the rooms. The interiors of the house, originally built as a hideaway for an Italian duchess, have splashes of fifties art and huge bedrooms with generous terraces. The Jungle Rooms, complete with plunge pools and beach suites, are a study in white. The property recently opened Esencia Mansion, a 12,000 square-foot, four-room villa equipped with its own screening room with seating for 20 and a subterranean speakeasy with wall art painted freehand by the Guadalajara-based artist Humberto Ramirez. All in all, it is perfect. —Mary Lussiana, contributorRead Full ReviewOtro OaxacaPrice: Starting at $310Address: C. Macedonio Alcalá 505, Oaxaca de JuárezLocation: OaxacaTop amenities: Rooftop pool, underground spaAnother brutalist boutique stay by Grupo Habita, Otro is the hospitality group’s second outpost in Oaxaca. Designed by João Boto Caeiro of the firm RootStudio, the hotel’s dual exposed staircases leading away from the main entryway are reminiscent of the greca symbology etched into the ruins of nearby Mitla. The 16 rooms are a study in simplicity, employing an elemental palette of concrete, wood, and iron, while olive green headboards and burgundy suede curtains bring color and texture. The rooftop terrace with a pool is the hotel’s undeniable gem, with uninterrupted views from the Sierra Norte mountains to Santo Domingo and across the city. For dining, guests have the option of the on-site restaurant, or any of Oaxaca’s best eateries just steps from the front door. The hotel’s most unique feature is its subterranean wading pool, meant to mimic a cenote, which guests can use freely during open hours, or reserve for a private visit. —Catherine Tansey, contributorRead Full ReviewCasa SilencioPrice: Starting at $1,285Address: Unnamed Road, 70430 XaagáLocation: OaxacaTop amenities: Mezcal tours, local culinary experiencesLocated in a windswept valley within the community of Xaagá (about one hour outside downtown Oaxaca City), this six-room boutique property is an isolated refuge for spirits enthusiasts who desire to taste rare editions of Mezcal El Silencio. Designed by the Mexican architect Alejandro D’Acosta, using a rose-hued shade of compressed clay—along with reclaimed wood, steel, and stone—the property’s heartbeat is an open-air dining room with outdoor fire pits, where its legendary mezcal tastings are held. Each of the six rooms features a moody aesthetic, with design touches like abstract black-and-white textiles produced by local artisans, copper light fixtures, and wood-burning fireplaces.Read Full ReviewEscondido OaxacaPrice: Starting at $300Address: Av. José María Morelos, Ruta IndependenciaLocation: OaxacaTop amenities: Rooftop pool, courtyard patio, 24-hour front deskThe city of Oaxaca has long been celebrated for its ancestral artistry and gastronomy, which homegrown hoteliers Grupo Habita have drawn on for their latest opening here. Fusing old and new, behind an unassuming russet red facade downtown, architect Alberto Kalach has added a surprising Brutalist addition to this colonial-era home. Minimalist-looking rooms, four in the original building and eight in the new tower, are dedicated to elevated Mexican craftsmanship. Each features a majority of furniture produced from ahuehuete wood (a type of Mexican cypress that is sacred to the local Zapotec culture and even featured in their creation story), while locally-made olive bedspreads match the elemental interiors. Another surprise is dished up in the restaurant where chef Mario Petterino turns out classic dishes from his home region of Piedmont, Italy, such as homemade ravioli and gelato. Afterwards, enjoy a mezcal nightcap in the library-like ‘Culture Room’. The hotel is in walking distance of all the city’s attractions, from the famed restaurant Criollo by chef Enrique Olvera to the main plaza, home to the Templo Santo Domingo church and the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, that connects Oaxaca’s cultures of past and present; much like the hotel itself.Read Full ReviewFAQ:What part of Mexico is the best to stay in?While narrowing down a top region to visit in Mexico is nearly impossible, Mexico City is often a great place to start—and the best way to gain an understanding of the country as a whole. The capital is a cosmopolitan melting pot where the nation converges, and the culture of multiple states is represented in its markets, galleries, and restaurants.As a whole, Mexico is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. From Oaxaca in the southeast to Baja California in the northwest, each state often has its own indigenous language, heritage, and customs that create entire food, art, and religious pantheons, all singular and invigorating to explore more deeply.What and where are the most luxurious all-inclusives in Mexico?While many assume the most luxurious all-inclusives are in Riviera Maya or Los Cabos, I believe the best are found in Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile stretch of coastline on Mexico's Pacific Coast. Travelers typically fly into Puerto Vallarta and take private transfers to resorts that set the standard for luxury in Mexico and the world. The best of the region includes One&Only Mandarina, where villas and elevated treehouses with private plunge pools are tucked into 80 acres of coastal rainforest above the ocean, and Naviva in Punta Mita, an adults-only, tented resort where each guest is paired with a private guide to curate bespoke experiences, from snorkel safaris and agave tastings to sound healing and cliffside yoga.When is the best time to visit Mexico?Mexico has two main seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season runs from June through September, the months when Mexico City is most prone to earthquakes, making it best to avoid. October to May is the country’s high season, with little rainfall and cooler temperatures. October also brings the start of cultural celebrations, when pan de muerto arrives on the shelves of panaderías, flower markets glow with cempasúchil blooms, and preparations for Día de los Muertos take center stage. Formula One comes to the city at this time, too, followed by holiday markets through December. In spring, jacarandas bloom across Mexico City, painting its boulevards in lavender. For coastal regions, October to May is also ideal, offering clear skies, cooler nights, and no hurricanes.How we chose the best hotels in MexicoEvery hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We're always looking for beautiful design, a great location, and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK. This article has been updated with new information since its original publication date.Michaela Trimble is a Condé Nast Traveler contributor and freelance journalist who has been based in Mexico City for almost a decade. She specializes in covering all things Latin America, travel, culture, design, wellness, spirituality, and psychedelics. With the philosophy to be a forever student, she loves traveling the world to learn ... Read MoreMore hotels nearbyLa Casa de la Playa by Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Carretera Chetumal, Puerto Juárez Km. 282-L23-2An adults-only Riviera Maya retreat that redefines the all-inclusive experience.Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveMexico, Tepic - Puerto Vallarta, Carretera Federal 200Mexico, Cancún, Blvd. Kukulcan KM 11.5, Punta CancunA laid-back and recently renovated Cancun all-inclusive for breezy Caribbean Sea oceanfront views.Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa$$ | Mexico, Ixtapa, Av. Playa LindaFormerly Capella—all suites have private plunge pools.
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