Travel Culture 03.19.2024

40 of the Best Mexico Resorts from Coast to Coast

When it comes to finding the best Mexico resorts for your travel style, our SmartFlyer travel advisors are armored with relationships spanning this wide-ranging country.

Mexico is the furthest thing from a monolith, and its beaches dotting Baja California, the Yucatán Peninsula, Punta de Mita, and beyond are no different. So, we’re rounding up some of our coast-to-coast favorites for trips tailored for everything from bachelorette parties to multi-generational celebrations and everything in between. While we believe that many resorts can meet the needs of a wide array of travelers within any given group, for this roundup, we’re dividing up some of our travelers’ most beloved properties into seven categories; you can click the links below to skip to the section that best serves your next Mexico escape!

Best Mexico Resorts for Multi-Generational Celebrations

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol: Set to open in May 2024, this new build on Cabo’s Golden Corridor is sure to snag top spots on lists of best Mexico resorts for even the most seasoned of travelers. Its modern hacienda-style village and plentiful dining outlets all embrace the warmth of the Four Seasons “familia” which will extend directly to your own family, no matter if you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary, or a family reunion.
NIZUC Resort & Spa: With a decade of history welcoming guests from all around the world, NIZUC Resort & Spa’s convenient location just fifteen minutes from Cancun International Airport ensures your stay will be all about relaxation. Its open, airy design, overflowing vegetation, sea views, and tranquil reflecting pools help set the tone for a stay steeped in the natural sanctuary of its surroundings. Families love it for its robust daily schedule of activities — including dance classes, family treasure hunts, and Master Chef classes in addition to water pursuits — allowing every member of your clan to enjoy Mexico their way.
One&Only Palmilla: Cradled on the cusp of the Baja Peninsula, One&Only Palmilla is located on one of Cabo’s few swimmable beaches. We love it for multi-generational celebrations thanks to its KidsOnly Club welcoming children as young as four years old so the adults in your group can relish in pursuits like art and cooking classes and surfing. Plus, even the family pups can enjoy this stay as the property is pet-friendly!
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya: Situated in a gated community between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, the Kanai development offers guests over a mile of beachfront bliss. The St. Regis Kanai Resort is ideal for your multi-generational celebration thanks to eight dining venues, a family pool area, an adults-only beach club, and an expansive wellness center. And in classic St. Regis fashion, you can look forward to the nightly ritual of Champagne Sabering to ensure your celebratory trip is all kinds of bubbly.

Best Mexico Resorts for Families with Young Children

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita: Boasting a prime location on the Pacific Coast, the true spirit of Mexican hospitality is embraced here by Four Seasons. We love it for families thanks to its KidsWell program, which offers a fresh series of well-being–focused activities that foster a connection with nature, promote focus and self-awareness, and encourage better sleep for your little ones; think, bubble-blowing breathwork, gratitude journaling, and rainbow watercolor relaxation. For teens, there are endless water activities, surf lessons right on the beach before the resort, and the chance to partake in a special turtle release ceremony.
Rosewood Mayakoba: Resting along a mile-long stretch of white sand beach, Rosewood Mayakoba is a go-to for families with young kids. When it comes to family fun, Rosewood Explorers was built with the resort’s youngest guests in mind — here, little ones can take part in yoga class, eco-tours, scavenger hunts, eco-bing, pizza and cookie-making classes, Mayan storytelling, and themed nights like PJ parties and Pirate Night. There are also babysitting services if the parents want a fun night at Zapote Bar!
St. Regis Punta Mita Resort: Set amidst twenty-two lush acres on a tranquil peninsula in Punta de Mita, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort has something that will satisfy every member of your family. With its legendary St. Regis Butler Service, your every whim will be attended to whether it’s arranging for a meal by the beach, or setting up tee times on one of two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses located within minutes of the resort. For the kids, there’s a dedicated pool (one of three) to enjoy, plus a Kids Club and a plethora of poolside activities. Be sure to work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to secure connecting rooms and suites!
Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Collection: One of Auberge Collection’s latest openings, this newcomer to Punta de Mita calls for lingering days along its swimmable beach. With multiple pools including dedicated zones for kids and lots of water activities, the youngest in your crew will have ample activities for fun in the sun. Plus, its Morritos Kids Camp welcomes children with an array of programming including arts and culture classes, nature-inspired elemental experiences, and culinary sessions seven days a week.
Viceroy Los Cabos: Perfectly suited to your curious little travelers, Viceroy Los Cabos has dedicated spaces and programming for children. The V Team Kids Club features fun activities like beach cleanup, Spanish classes, movie nights, and biking all under the helm of onsite caregivers. We love it for kids looking to express their creativity. Parents can also bring the kids to check out the on-property Art Gallery which features a rotating mix of local artists and workshops all overlooking the Sea of Cortez.

rosewood mayakoba four bedroom villa living room

Best Mexico Resorts for Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas: An epicenter for adventure, Four Seasons’ first Cabo outpost has garnered a bit see-and-be-seen reputation that makes it ideal for bachelor or bachelorette parties. Select ground-level suites feature private pools to anchor your celebration. Whether your crew starts the night with a mezcal tasting at its outdoor bar, takes in the glow of the secret lemon grove garden at Limòn, or opts for a gorgeous table at Estiatorio Milos, there’s no shortage of impeccable food and beverage. Nights are sure to end at the Martin Brudnizki-designed Chiki where you can dance the evening away.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai: A brand that perfectly caters to those celebrating, EDITION unveiled its Riviera Maya property at the beginning of 2024 to great excitement. With North America’s largest penthouse suite, the ultimate party could truly take place on this Yucatán Peninsula property where modern and ancient Mayan cultures are married. We love it for its SO’OL Beach Club where fresh catches are paired with rare mezcals and tequilas, plus, its cabana-adorned pool.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Mexico, Los Cabos’s best features shine across this property. We love Zadún for bachelor or bachelorette parties thanks to its villa product which affords the groom or bride-to-be and their crew with a home-away-from-home to celebrate their impending nuptials with their nearest and dearest. The beachfront Grand Reserve Villa is perfect with five bedrooms positioned on the sand, complete with a sweeping kitchen just begging for a private chef evening!

Best Resorts in Mexico for Honeymooners or Couples

Esperanza, Auberge Collection: As the only private beach resort in Los Cabos due to its position tucked between two scenic bluffs on the Baja Peninsula, Esperanza is a beloved check-in for barefoot sophistication. For foodie couples, we love organizing an excursion with the resort’s chef to forage for local sea urchins, bluestone crabs, and snails followed by an unforgettable meal on the beach. Here, expect a sleepier vibe, sweeping views, and the type of resort where you really unwind and relax.
Hotel Esencia: Originally built as the private home of an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia retains this sense of cosmopolitan living today as it welcomes the discerning international jetset. This hidden oasis is tucked into the Yucatán jungle on the pristine sands of Xpu-ha Bay and makes our list of top picks for couples for its serenity, while still only being thirty minutes from Tulum if you want to dip into the action. Its identity as a “home by the beach” ensures that guests always feel like they are coming “home” when they return to Esencia. For adventurous couples, its lagoon paddleboarding experience will allow you to come in close contact with manatees.
Maroma, a Belmond Hotel: Recently reimagined and reopened with a more contemporary allure, Maroma is the ultimate hideaway to captivate your senses. Nestled into the beating heart of the Riviera Maya, this secret haven makes for your perfect romantic beachfront stay, complete with Belmond’s legendary service. Art lovers will especially appreciate the property’s rotating program of local Mexican artists from photographers to artisans.
Nômade Holbox: If being at a property free of kids where deep personal transformation can unfold is a priority, this adults-only resort fits the bill. We love Nômade Holbox for couples who value boutique properties (there are only thirty rooms here) focused on wellness; from heart-expanding yoga classes on the ocean deck to private waterflow sessions with its in-house sirens, profound experiences await at this holistic beachfront hotel. And if you book your visit between May and September, look forward to keeping an eyeline to Holbox’s waters which serve as a refuge for the largest concentration of whale sharks on the planet.
One&Only Mandarina: If you’re seeking the ultimate adult treehouse adventure, this Riviera Nayarit gem nestled in the jungle is for you. But rest assured, One&Only Mandarina is more than Instagram gold, here, you’ll be invited to connect with your spiritual side, dig into well-being, and if you’d like, dip into its ample adventure-friendly excursion options for ultimate memory-making with your partner.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort: Pure magic for couples, this Cabo icon envelopes its guests in its solitude from the moment you enter. We can think of few more romantic places than this blissfully private beachfront resort where guests have eight alluring pools to choose from, plus, cabanas directly on the beach. What stands out here most though is the discreet service powered by a network of underground tunnels, making it a favorite amongst honeymooners keen to have a butler on call 24 hours a day who can arrange for fun surprises like a rose-laden bath drawn after dinner.

Best Resorts in Mexico for Wellness

Be Tulum: A beachfront boutique gem, Be Tulum manages to have a thriving beach club while still having an ethos built on wellbeing. At its Yäan Healing Sanctuary, pre-Hispanic Mayan rituals, energy healing, and rejuvenating spa treatments are designed to reinvigorate guests. Detox programs are available, but one doesn’t have to go to extremes to be immersed in Be Tulum’s daily programming including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness activities. This is the perfect place to seek new perspectives and nurture your mind, body, and heart with a holistic approach to well-being.
Chileno Bay, Auberge Collection: Ideal for groups of friends and active couples, Chileno Bay’s swimmable beach makes it one of Cabo’s most alluring resorts. While the first part of your wellness journey could begin while unwinding in the adult-only pool overlooking the beach, it surely has to end at the spa. THE WELL at Chileno Bay offers everything from hot stone and gua sha massages to guided sessions with a certified Health Coach. We love The Bath House for holistic healing followed by The Nap Garden or Reflexology Pool for true solitude.
Palmaïa- The House of AïA: For those truly committed to personal and ecological wellbeing, this new and environmentally conscious resort in the Riviera Maya’s jungle is your key to unlocking plant-based restaurants, vegan-friendly suites, and unique wellness rituals. Best of all, holistic practices encouraging personal growth and progressive wellness—think: Sound Healing, Talks with Shamans, Cacao Ceremonies, and more—are included in the rate. For those well versed in some of the best resorts in Mexico, Palmaïa offers service akin to the resorts in Mayakoba mixed with the creative energy of Tulum; here, this translates into DJs and musicians playing deep fusion and tribal music at the beach daily. At Palmaïa you can rest assured you’re doing good things for your body while having a minimal carbon footprint.
SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico: Fans of SHA’s original location in Southern Spain have long awaited its debut in North America. The freshly opened SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico is positioned on a premier beachfront location in Costa Mujeres. Here, guests are invited to take part in the brand’s results-driven method with the latest advances in scientific medicine powered by the most effective natural therapies. Those seeking a journey to self-discovery and optimal health are sure to appreciate that here, it’s not just about the spa, but the full-body integration of what it means to live longer and better.
Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort: This architectural gem harmoniously blends the contrast of Los Cabos’ dry desert landscape with the vibrant blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. With 450 artworks curated by renowned Mexican artist Cesar Lopez Negrete, staying here is a reset for the system. We especially appreciate Solaz’s emphasis on wellness with its Ojo de Liebre SPA, the only one with a Thalasso therapy circuit of its kind in the Baja that allows you to enjoy seawater and freshwater pools, plus, chromotheraphy light showers. Plus, you can look forward to a green bar with its plant-based menu.

Best Resorts in Mexico for All-Inclusive Stay

Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Cabo: Situated in the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Cabo is an adults-only all-inclusive property with just seventy-nine suites. This new resort has taken the very best of what Grand Velas is known for and elevated it to an entirely new level. Here, you can stroll the private beach or relax at the infinity pool before enjoying one of the many dining outlets included in your nightly rate.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: Another standout option within the Grand Velas family of resorts lies in Riviera Nayarit, its Riviera Nayarit property is set against the azure waters of Banderas Bay, seemingly endless sandy beaches, the Sierra Madre Mountains, and green fairways of its world-class golf. This all-inclusive concept ensures a worry-free vacation as you indulge in exceptional dining the entire family will enjoy. Speaking of family, the Kids Club and Teens Club will ensure that there’s something for travelers of all ages.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: Perched on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, this all-inclusive resort helps to create unforgettable family vacations just minutes from San José del Cabo. With seven unique restaurants, seven bars, and lounges, swim-up suites, 24-hour in-suite dining, floating fire pits, four pools, a Kidz Club, a Water Park, two hot tubs, and floating fire pits, there truly is something for everyone. Consider Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos your go-to all-inclusive for a more approachable price point without sacrificing amenities.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun: Positioned in the heart of Cancun, Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun offers an adults-only all-inclusive haven that epitomizes “worry-free” vacationing. Here, you can enjoy top-shelf beverages, world-class restaurants, in-room dining, BVLGARI bath amenities, personalized butler service, and access to the hydrotherapy circuit at Blanc Spa, all included in your nightly room rate. And in true form to its name, the design here is all about clean lines and simplicity, helping to ease you into true relaxation.
Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort: The last brand you’d likely associate with the concept of “all-inclusive” is Four Seasons — but that’s where we ask you to think again. Now, we’ll ask you to imagine the first adult-only tented resort in the Americas with just fifteen luxury tents nestled on a private Punta Mita peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Here, there is no menu, you simply describe to Chef Sophia what you’re in the mood for — and it’s all included in the nightly rate. Oh, that and a daily spa treatment. This is Naviva.
Viceroy Riviera Maya: For travelers seeking an exclusive all-inclusive experience, this all-villa paradise in Playa Del Carmen ensures more than limitless mojitos. From one of just forty-one private villas, guests are welcome to indulge in jungle and ocean views, private plunge pools, outdoor rain showers, and butler service. Whether you opt for in-room dining or try out Viceroy Riviera Maya’s alfresco restaurants, you can do so knowing it’s all included in your stay.

Best Resorts in Mexico for Off-the-Beaten-Path

Habitas Bacalar: An under-the-radar Smartie favorite, Habitas Bacalar is set between a tranquil lagoon and Mayan jungle three hours by car from Tulum Airport, or thirty minutes from the regional airport, Chetumal International Airport. Its remote location ensures you will be able to draw inspiration from this secluded sanctuary straight to nourish your soul. This property is adults-only with a focus on empowering guests to recharge by being one with water. From sunrise to sunset, you can get out on paddle boards, kayaks, charter catamarans, or join the Habitas Bacalar team as they fly across the lagoon on Lift Foil boards.
Hotel San Cristóbal: We love Hotel San Cristóbal’s saying that “all good things are found at the end of a dirt road.” In this case, we most certainly agree! This beachfront paradise is positioned just about an hour’s drive from Cabo International Airport and framed by the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, Punta Lobos, and the Pacific Ocean; those who’ve been say there is truly something special about the quality of light in this convergence of nature. We love it for photographers, creatives, surfers, foodies, and those seeking something a bit under the radar.
Jashita Hotel Tulum: Located on Soliman Bay, one of Tulum’s most protected and off-the-beaten-track bays, this boutique all-suite property is for the one who wants to be away from the crowd. With only thirty suites and two hectares of private beachfront property, Jashita Hotel Tulum is your beacon of privacy and exclusivity. This homey hideaway is ideal for couples, honeymooners, adventurers, wellness-seekers and foodies.
Paradero Todos Santos: Something we love about Paradero is that it’s been described as “less of a hotel and more a high-design landscape project with luxurious suites.” The team here has broken from the conventional mold to create a space that inspires and astonishes guests. Here, you’ll experience a new side of Mexico just one hour from the Cabo International Airport, yet, tucked away from the beach. You won’t find TVs in suites at Paradero Todos Santos but instead are encouraged to immerse yourself in nature with the mountains, cacti forest, and farmlands all around you.
Thompson Zihuatanejo: Touchdown at the Ixtapa Airport and fifteen short minutes later, you’re at Thompson Zihuatanejo where the mezcal margaritas are flowing just as much as freshly squeezed green juice. This off-the-beaten-path spot offers unrivaled culinary and beachside experiences paired with renovated villas where you can dip into your private plunge pool if you tire of the beach (unlikely). Dine on wood-fired meals, or roam the lush jungle landscape set against cool waterfalls and tranquil lagoons.