When winter chills and threats of blizzards begin to plague the U.S. and Canada, many beach lovers start seeking solace from the South. Full of beautiful beach destinations, Mexico is an ideal getaway for people from northern climates to seek out some warmth and sunshine in an accessible way. Winter is the most popular time to visit Mexico because unless you catch that occasional cold front, most beach destinations will be warm all winter long. It’s also a great time to observe wildlife, including whale-watching excursions in Los Cabos and monarch butterfly migrations at the reserves of Michoacan and Estado de Mexico.
Since this is the busiest time of year to book a Mexican vacation, now is the time to start planning your air and hotel reservations in advance. To help get you started, here are some of the most luxurious resorts in Mexico.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen
The Rosewood Mayakoba was inspired by unique Frank Lloyd-Wright architecture and has beachfront rooms designed with luxury in mind. It is located near many other resorts along Riviera Maya, but it stands out because of its romantic vibe and tranquil spa setting. The spa is set on an island and has locally-inspired treatment options with soothing aloe and agave. There are luxury suites here that overlook a beautiful lagoon and mangroves and include rooftop sundecks. One particular suite even has its own private pool and private garden!
Key Amenities:
-
Luxury suites with rooftop sundecks
-
Spa on island with aloe and agave treatments
-
Beach access with beach attendants
Ctra. Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen Km 298, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico— +1 877-737-7538
Beloved Playa Mujeres, Cancun
Beloved Playa Mujeres is a luxury boutique-style hotel that’s all-inclusive and doesn’t skimp on the pampering or the details. The adults-only gem is located on a white sandy beach at Cancun’s Playa Mujeres, which has an inland marina and a golf course. Here you’ll also have easy access to an extensive spa, fine dining options with multiple restaurants and bars on site, boating, and lavish suites. With its impeccable service and a beautiful beach setting, this resort sets the stage for an unforgettable all-inclusive experience.
Key Amenities:
-
Adults/couples only
-
Located on white sandy beach
-
Inland marina and golf course
C. Vialidad P. Mujeres Mz. 1 Lt 24 smz.3 L, 5, 77400 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, Los Cabos
Another ultimate luxury resort that’s filled with romance and intimacy is Esperanza, an Auberge Resort in Los Cabos. Every room has amazing views of the sparkling blue water, and private terraces allow intimate access during your stay. This is an excellent resort for couples who are honeymooning, celebrating an anniversary, or vacationing together to celebrate their love. Here you can enjoy private candlelit dinners on the beachfront and couples’ treatments in the spa. This is also an excellent resort for animal lovers because this is the place where humpback whales end their migration all the way from Alaska.
Key Amenities:
-
Rooms with private terraces
-
Private beach resort
-
Couples’ treatments at spa
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort & Spa, Cancun
The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is best known for its top-notch services and luxury accommodations, nestled on a beautiful stretch of private beach. This resort is just a quick walk away from all of the popular entertainment of the Cancun strip. Some of the most popular activities to try in the area include swimming, jet skiing, and snorkeling. There are chic suites in this large resort, as well as excellent gourmet restaurants serving Mexican dishes on site. There’s also a 40,000-square-foot spa with 26 treatment rooms and luxurious, private VIP spa treatment rooms. If you have some time, make a point to visit local attractions like Chichen Itza, Tulum, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Cozumel.
Key Amenities:
-
Private beach access
-
Spa with VIP treatment rooms
-
Personalized packages for romance, family, wellness and food
Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico— +52 443 310 8137
Paradisus by Melia Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo
One of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Paradisus by Melia Los Cabos is located on a beautiful swimming beach. With its lush gardens and terraces, you’ll find complete peace and serenity, from the elegant suites with stunning views of the Sea of Cortez to the traditional Basque cuisine served at the exclusive Gastro Bar by Marin Berasategui, a world-famous chef with eight Michelin stars. Bask in the sunshine at the beach, then recharge at YHI Spa or take a dip in one of the multiple pools. Swim-up Suites offer access to sparkling pools, while families traveling with kids can take advantage of the Kids Zone activities.
Key Amenities:
-
Swimming beach and adults-only section
-
Swim-up suites with pool access
-
Kids Zone activities
Carr. Transpeninsular, Tourist Corridor, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico— +52 624 144 0000
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort, Mazatlán
If you’re traveling as a family with kids, one of the best resort options you can find is the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort. This resort is an all-inclusive resort that keeps even the youngest of travelers in mind. You can drop the little ones off at the kids club, which has arts and crafts, movies, pool games, and volleyball, while you relax by the pool or explore the area. Rooms on the fourth and fifth floors have the best ocean views, and there are several delicious dining options on-site to please every palate.
Key Amenities:
-
Kids’ club with arts and crafts, movies and pool games
-
Packages including dining, activities and accommodations
-
Shuttle services available to sister resorts
Av Camarón Sábalo 2121, Sábalo Country, 82100 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico— +52 669 989 8900
Princess Mundo Imperial, Acapulco
Acapulco has been a top Mexican vacation destination for many years, and one of the top resorts here is Princess Mundo Imperial. Located in the diamond zone of Acapulco, this Aztec pyramid-shaped hotel is 15 stories high and surrounded by lush gardens. You’ll find two exclusive golf courses and upscale restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, in addition to spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, rainfall showers and terraces and balconies that include golf course or ocean views. Swim in the pool, visit the on-site spa or enjoy a drink at the poolside bar.
Key Amenities:
-
Aztec pyramid-shaped hotel
-
Exclusive golf courses
-
Rooms with rainfall showers and terraces or balconies
Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos, Los Cabos
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to escape and get away from it all, definitely keep Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos in mind. This resort is perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful resort atmosphere. There are modern suites with ocean views in this intimate luxury hotel, which is located in the Los Cabos area of Baja California Sur, Mexico. However, this resort also has multiple pools, lovely gardens, and a luxurious beauty salon and spa. Enjoy poolside cocktails at the Pool Bar or savor fine dining in the multiple gourmet restaurants.
Key Amenities:
-
All-inclusive packages with concierge service and wellness activities
-
Multiple pools with pool bar
-
Beauty salon and spa
Barceló Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta
Adventure seekers and nature lovers will fall in love with the Barceló Puerto Vallarta resort. This resort is surrounded by mountains, the jungle, and the sea, so there are lots of outdoor excursions to choose from when you stay here. Some of the most popular activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, and deep sea fishing. There are several pools on-site, tennis courts, and a spa. If you’re traveling with kids, there are lots of activities suitable for the young ones here as well.
Key Amenities:
-
Access to mountains, jungle and sea
-
Several pools on-site and semi-private beach access
-
Premium level lounge and speciality restaurants
La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast the state of Guerrero and a great destination for backpackers and vacationers looking for a seriously laid-back vibe. One of the best resorts in this area is La Casa Que Canta, which is situated high above the Zihuatanejo Bay and ranks with consistently high marks. This is an adults-only resort that has plenty of top-shelf tequila and private plunge pools to splash around in with your sweetheart. It’s a romantic destination with wonderful beach views and a contemporary feel. Lounge along the pool to watch dramatic sunsets and spend as much time outdoors as possible.
Key Amenities:
-
Adults-only resort
-
Luxury villas with private plunge pools
-
On-site spa with Clarins and Mexican traditional treatments
La Casa Que Canta, Playa la Ropa, 40895 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
