Viva la Mexico! Residence to palm-fringed seashores, ample sunshine, sweltering jungles, glistening cenotes, bustling cities, cobblestone cities, vibrant road artwork and chili-spiced delicacies, the nation serves up all of the experiences. No surprise Mexico was named Journey + Leisure’s 2022 Vacation spot of the Yr—it’s a spot for households, {couples}, solo vacationers and everybody in between to take pleasure in. These 10 locations are a few of the nation’s best.
Playa del Carmen
As soon as a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen has reworked right into a boho-chic paradise. Whereas the city usually makes one take into consideration sugary-white beachfront and sipping cocktails below thatched palapas, it’s far more than that. Its reputation as one of many nation’s most luxurious locations on the Riviera Maya has attracted a clutch of upscale eating places, bars and boutique retailers alongside fashionable Quinta Avenida.
And the fashion doesn’t cease there. Banyan Tree Mayakoba (proven left), nestled inside a gated group linked by canal waterways and surrounded by mangrove forests, brings all the flamboyant. The hideaway is house to an 18-hole PGA course and a world-class spa The brand new Beachfront Pool Suites are the final word leisure haven, full with a solarium and heated personal plunge pool. Then there’s Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen (proven proper), a beachfront retreat poised proper on the Avenida with one thing for everybody: kayak excursions for households, yoga lessons for wellness lovers and infinite culinary delights for foodies.
New to the glitz of Riviera Maya is La Casa de la Playa (proven left). Tucked within the Mayan jungle, this adult-only enclave gives tailored itineraries to close by caves and rainforests. For one thing a bit quieter, outdoors of the bustle of Playa del Carmen, there may be the stylish Resort Esencia (proven proper). Previously an Italian duchess’ retreat, the 29-room beachside escape is simply half-hour from oh-so-cool Tulum and serves up the most effective margaritas on the town at its Seaside Bar, set on the pristine shores of Xpu-Ha.
Cancun
Time and time once more, Cancun proves itself as greater than only a vacation spot for spring break. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and journey seekers with lots to do, from diving within the area’s mystic cenotes to jet snowboarding on glowing Caribbean waters. It’s the form of place the place it’s completely wonderful—and inspired—to lounge within the solar or spa, admiring beautiful views whereas basking in deep leisure.
Discover bliss at NIZUC Resort & Spa (proven left), house to 2 personal seashores, a magnificence and wellness spa and a Youngsters Membership for little vacationers. Suites and villas embrace all the weather of an ideal vacay: personal swimming pools, sweeping views and free-standing soaking tubs. One other of the world’s beachfront sanctuaries is SLS Cancun (proven proper), that includes 250 meters of personal beachfront, a non-public seaside membership, a Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, a non-public marina with 175 boat slips, 100 retail shops, 16 film theaters and all kinds of eating choices to high it off. And new to Cancun’s shimmering shores is Waldorf Astoria Cancun. Take within the 100 acres of picturesque personal seashores from a cabana by one of many property’s two swimming pools.
Punta de Mita
The middle of an expensive seaside scene within the Riviera Nayarit, Punta de Mita is the kind of place the place idyllic tropical getaway desires s flip into actuality. Nestled alongside Mexico’s Pacific Coast within the shadow of the dramatic Sierra Madre mountains, Punta de Mita (separate from Punta Mita) gives vacationers top-notch golf programs, clay tennis courts, six miles of sprawling golden seaside and numerous luxurious lodging.
Indulge freely and loosen up utterly at Conrad Punta de Mita (proven left), an inviting coastal respite alongside a palm-lined stretch of beachfront. Spend time taking within the pure environment, whether or not or not it’s from a spacious suite or outside spa hut. The foyer, which appears to be like extra like a contemporary artwork museum, opens to the guts of the resort. A baby-friendly space and an adult-only space of swimming swimming pools cut up straight down the center and are conjoined by a central infinity-style pool. For one thing extra secluded, with out being too far off the crushed observe, Imanta Resort (proven proper) is the proper place to reconnect with oneself. Coexist with natural world from certainly one of 12 suites positioned throughout the lushness of greater than 250 jungled acres.
Mexico Metropolis
With creativity and culinary pursuits on the forefront, Mexico’s buzzing capital has joined the ranks of the world’s best cities. Residence to greater than 20 million folks, Mexico Metropolis‘s cosmopolitan vitality is mirrored in its parks, galleries, landmarks, museums and cantinas. Whereas it might be tough to cowl the entire must-sees in a single journey, nailing down the place you keep in CDMX performs a component.
Near Mexico Metropolis’s beloved treasures is Las Alcobas (proven left). As soon as a palatial personal residence, this refined property within the vibrant Polanco District displays town’s admiration for modern design, with 35 modern rooms and suites. If that weren’t sufficient, Anatol, the most effective eating places within the metropolis, is discovered on the property. However don’t let the meals tour cease right here. Situated on tree-lined Paseo de la Reforma, The St. Regis Mexico Metropolis (proven proper) soars 31 tales above the road and nods to town’s wealthy tradition with a wide range of culinary choices—from genuine Mexican delicacies to fresh-baked pastries.
Cozumel
Roughly 12 miles from the mainland of Mexico’s Riviera Maya within the glowing Caribbean Sea, the island of Cozumel impresses with calm turquoise waters, fascinating Mayan ruins set within the jungle and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
Inserting you proper on the foot of this unforgettable setting is Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. Together with half a mile of beautiful personal seaside (the one personal seaside on the island for that matter), this resort boasts a tranquil spa, a beachside infinity pool and a number of connoisseur eating choices to fulfill any palate.
San Miguel de Allende
With its thriving arts group and colourful façades, San Miguel de Allende was named the 2022 Greatest Metropolis within the World by Conde Nast Traveller. A UNESCO World Heritage Website since 2008, this colonial-style city within the nation’s central highlands comes with a vibrant wine scene, markets and artisans galore, plus some of the spectacular gastronomic scenes in Mexico.
Evoking the appeal of the city is Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Resort (proven left). Composed of six distinctive Spanish colonial casas, the retreat comes alive by way of tranquil courtyards, glowing fountains and luxurious tropical foliage. Step by way of conventional wood doorways and stone arches, earlier than retreating to your personal sanctuary, embellished with distinctive native work. The inventive spirit of colonial Mexico lives on at close by Rosewood San Miguel de Allende (proven proper). Harking back to a grand hacienda, the lodge was crafted by native artisans with the appear and feel of previous San Miguel de Allende, capturing the essence of certainly one of Mexico’s most beloved cities.
Los Cabos
Set on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula, Los Cabos is comprised of the sister cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Luxurious vacationers and nightlight aficionados are inclined to flock towards Cabo San Lucas, whereas extra laid-back, surf-centric crews gravitate to San Jose del Cabo. Regardless, the pristine blue waters of the Sea of Cortez create the proper backdrop for any form of getaway.
Perched on the cliffs of Cabo’s Punta Ballena Esperanza, an Auberge Resort (proven left) is the one personal seaside resort in Los Cabos. Visitors (and loads of celebs) are invited to put out on their personal terraces, lounge by the pool or head to the spa for a break from the 350 days of solar the world will get. You additionally could spot a celeb or two at close by One&Solely Palmilla (proven proper). Constructed-in the Fifties by bold aviator and playboy Abelardo Luis Rodriguez, son of the president of Mexico, the resort’s spacious cliffside havens with sweeping sea views are nonetheless enveloped in its unique old-world appeal.
Todos Santos
Recognized for its quirky mixture of locals, fishers, surfers and New Age spiritualists, Todos Santos (or All Saints) has managed to maintain a comparatively low profile compared to different Mexican coastal cities. Artwork galleries, charming eating places and many cacti line the sleepy streets, whereas lengthy seashores and wild surf breaks deliver all the thrill.
Named in honor of Saint Christopher, patron of vacationers, surfers and sailors and protector throughout lengthy journeys, Resort San Cristóbal sits on the seaside on the southwestern fringe of the Baja peninsula and blends in superbly with the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Thirty-two rooms and suites are located round a central pool and lounge that had been designed to enrich the fantastic thing about the encompassing nature.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
On Mexico’s southwestern coast, vacationers will discover the pleasant duo of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. Whereas Zihuatanejo could also be a quiet fishing village, its next-door neighbor Ixtapa grew to become a trendy resort city constructed amid a coconut grove, solidifying the area as a brand new trip hub. Each boast plain pure magnificence, certain by mountains and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, with loads of swim, surf and sizzle.
Proof of this may be discovered on the stylish 59-suite Cala de Mar (proven left), Ixtapa, an intimate, wellness-focused property perched on a cliff overlooking the coast. Again in Zihuatanejo, La Casa Que Canta (proven proper) provides a style of conventional Mexican life with a sequence of terracotta terraces that roll right down to Zihuatanejo Bay beneath. The freshwater infinity pool is a should, with submerged seats carved out alongside the far wall––you’ll really feel as if you’re leaning again over the horizon itself.
Mérida
Mayan roots meet colonial heritage in Mérida. This vibrant, cobblestoned city will not be solely the capital of Yucatán, but in addition a gateway to exploring the area’s wealthy arts tradition and legacy of the Mayas. Beachfront retreats and boutique gems are scattered alongside the coast, whereas some are nestled within the quiet countryside.
One such place is the tranquil wellness oasis Chablé Yucatán. The right setting for a holistic retreat, the hideaway sprawls over a powerful 750 acres, with 38 casitas and two expansive villas set amid lush tropical vegetation. The personal swimming pools and hammocks guarantee utmost relaxation and leisure.