Mexico’s best beach resorts, according to the experts
Take a break from life with one of these gorgeous beach getaways recommended by professional reviewers.
Mexico has no shortage of great beach destinations, but which one is right for you? Are you looking for a family vacation, or a romantic couple’s escape? Our experts have done the hard work for you; after braving the beachside cocktail bars, sampling the sand and surviving too many spa days to count, we’ve found the best beach resorts Mexico has to offer. It’s tough work, but someone has to do it.
With a score of 96 out of 100 in our Experts’ Choice rating, the Ritz-Carlton is easily our experts’ favorite place to stay in Cancun. Along with being easily the most opulent of options in Cancun, the Ritz also enjoys a pleasant beach-side location far from the springbreaker rabble. We’re talking beautiful beaches, two pools, six on-site restaurants and a spa service that includes soothing Mayan treatments.
Within walking distance of Cancun’s entertainment heart, the Grand Fiesta really is the party-goer’s choice in Cancun. Guests are lavished with marble interiors, jacuzzis, hydrotherapy and special event facilities. Oh, and did we mention they have arguably the best beach views in town? Their 270-degree views of the Bahía de Mujeres.
Excellent food, personalized service and an inciting Zen vibe – Live Aqua is all about escaping reality and rejuvenating in style. Sure, the ultra-modern exterior of Live Aqua might look a bit like Starfleet Academy, but inside you’ll find breezy rooms that come with large terraces replete with private jacuzzis, and on-call spa services to pamper you at your beck and call. It’s particularly popular with honeymooners, though bear in mind that kids aren’t invited.
Another couples-focused resort, the St. Regis is Puerto Vallarta’s premier adults-only resort. Rooms come with private terraces, outdoor garden showers and custom-made Mexican décor. Most rooms come with beach views.
Just to the south of central Puerto Vallarta, Garza has a cute little beach cove all to itself. This award-winning hideaway boasts two infinity pools, a beach-side bar and spa services. Those with a sophisticated taste will enjoy the excellent steakhouse, to say nothing of the wine cellar with over 2000 bottles of the good stuff. Oh, and did we mention you should keep your eyes peeled during whale season, when you might catch a glance of some of Puerto Vallarta’s favorite marine guests.
Hidden deep in a mountainous region just outside Acapulco, this hidden treasure offers seclusion and luxury. All rooms have stunning views of either the bay below or the jungle-carpeted mountains inland.
Come for the iconic faux-Aztec pyramid, stay for the decadent villas huddled away between gardens and waterfalls. The Princess Mundo is easily Acapulco’s most-well known resort, and was famously the retreat of preference for Howard Hughes. They also offer a range of spa and aromatherapy services, plus a tennis court where international tournaments are occasionally held.
If you’ve ever wanted to stay at a postcard-perfect jungle-meets-Caribbean resort, then this is it. Guests of the Viceroy’s 41 private villas can enjoy privacy even on their own personal beach, or one of their many luxury services like the sweat lodge. Each glam-rustic villa comes with its own kayak – perfect for a morning paddle. Pro tip: take the kayak out just before dawn, and watch as the sun rises over the mirror-like Caribbean waters.
Our highest rated resort in Playa del Carmen, Rosewood Mayakoba proves that tasteful design can go a long way. Located on a pristine white Caribbean beach in a verdant corner of the Riviera Maya, each suite comes with its own on-call butler. To add to the feeling of seclusion, guests are ferried here by a palapa-roofed boat, which stops at your own private dock.
