Mexico is Having Its Moment

Viva la Mexico! Home to palm-fringed beaches, ample sunshine, sweltering jungles, glistening cenotes, bustling cities, cobblestone towns, vibrant street art and chili-spiced cuisine, the country serves up all the experiences. No wonder Mexico was named Travel + Leisure’s 2022 Destination of the Year—it’s a place for families, couples, solo travelers and everyone in between to enjoy. These 10 destinations are some of the country’s finest.

Playa del Carmen

Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen has transformed into a boho-chic paradise. While the town often makes one think about sugary-white beachfront and sipping cocktails under thatched palapas, it’s much more than that. Its popularity as one of the country’s most luxurious destinations on the Riviera Maya has attracted a clutch of upscale restaurants, bars and boutique shops along trendy Quinta Avenida.

And the style doesn’t stop there. Banyan Tree Mayakoba (shown left), nestled within a gated community linked by canal waterways and surrounded by mangrove forests, brings all the fancy. The hideaway is home to an 18-hole PGA course and a world-class spa The new Beachfront Pool Suites are the ultimate relaxation haven, complete with a solarium and heated private plunge pool. Then there’s Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen (shown right), a beachfront retreat poised right on the Avenida with something for everyone: kayak tours for families, yoga classes for wellness lovers and endless culinary delights for foodies.

New to the glitz of Riviera Maya is La Casa de la Playa (shown left). Tucked in the Mayan jungle, this adult-only enclave offers tailor-made itineraries to nearby caves and rainforests. For something a bit quieter, outside of the bustle of Playa del Carmen, there is the chic Hotel Esencia (shown right). Formerly an Italian duchess’ retreat, the 29-room beachside escape is just 30 minutes from oh-so-cool Tulum and serves up one of the best margaritas in town at its Beach Bar, set on the pristine shores of Xpu-Ha.

Cancun

Time and time again, Cancun proves itself as more than just a destination for spring break. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers with plenty to do, from diving in the region’s mystic cenotes to jet skiing on sparkling Caribbean waters. It’s the kind of place where it’s perfectly fine—and encouraged—to lounge in the sun or spa, admiring gorgeous views while basking in deep relaxation.

Find bliss at NIZUC Resort & Spa (shown left), home to two private beaches, a beauty and wellness spa and a Kids Club for little travelers. Suites and villas include all the elements of a perfect vacay: private pools, sweeping views and free-standing soaking tubs. Another of the area’s beachfront sanctuaries is SLS Cancun (shown right), featuring 250 meters of private beachfront, a private beach club, a Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, a private marina with 175 boat slips, 100 retail stores, 16 movie theaters and a wide variety of dining options to top it off. And new to Cancun’s shimmering shores is Waldorf Astoria Cancun. Take in the 100 acres of picturesque private beaches from a cabana by one of the property’s two pools.

Punta de Mita

The center of a luxurious beach scene in the Riviera Nayarit, Punta de Mita is the type of place where idyllic tropical getaway dreams turn into reality. Nestled along Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the shadow of the dramatic Sierra Madre mountains, Punta de Mita (separate from Punta Mita) offers travelers top-notch golf courses, clay tennis courts, six miles of sprawling golden beach and countless luxury accommodations.

Indulge freely and relax completely at Conrad Punta de Mita (shown left), an inviting coastal respite along a palm-lined stretch of beachfront. Spend time taking in the natural surroundings, whether it be from a spacious suite or outdoor spa hut. The lobby, which looks more like a modern art museum, opens to the heart of the resort. A child-friendly area and an adult-only area of swimming pools split straight down the middle and are conjoined by a central infinity-style pool. For something more secluded, without being too far off the beaten track, Imanta Resort (shown right) is the perfect place to reconnect with oneself. Coexist with flora and fauna from one of 12 suites located within the lushness of more than 250 jungled acres.

Mexico City

With creativity and culinary pursuits at the forefront, Mexico’s buzzing capital has joined the ranks of the world’s finest cities. Home to more than 20 million people, Mexico City‘s cosmopolitan energy is reflected in its parks, galleries, landmarks, museums and cantinas. While it may be difficult to cover all of the must-sees in one trip, nailing down where you stay in CDMX plays a part.

Close to Mexico City’s beloved treasures is Las Alcobas (shown left). Once a palatial private residence, this refined property in the vibrant Polanco District reflects the city’s admiration for contemporary design, with 35 sleek rooms and suites. If that weren’t enough, Anatol, one of the best restaurants in the city, is found on the property. But don’t let the food tour stop here. Located on tree-lined Paseo de la Reforma, Sofitel Mexico City Reforma (shown right) soars 42 stories above the street and one of its onsite culinary concepts, Bajel, reinvents its menu every three months, along with complementary collaborations with renowned international chefs.

Cozumel

Roughly 12 miles from the mainland of Mexico’s Riviera Maya in the sparkling Caribbean Sea, the island of Cozumel impresses with calm turquoise waters, fascinating Mayan ruins set in the jungle and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

Placing you right at the foot of this unforgettable setting is Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. Along with half a mile of stunning private beach (the only private beach on the island for that matter), this resort boasts a tranquil spa, a beachside infinity pool and a host of gourmet dining options to satisfy any palate.

San Miguel de Allende

With its thriving arts community and colorful façades, San Miguel de Allende was named the 2022 Best City in the World by Conde Nast Traveller. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, this colonial-style town in the country’s central highlands comes with a vibrant wine scene, markets and artisans galore, plus one of the most impressive gastronomic scenes in Mexico.

Evoking the charm of the town is Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel (shown left). Composed of six unique Spanish colonial casas, the retreat comes alive through tranquil courtyards, sparkling fountains and lush tropical foliage. Step through traditional wooden doors and stone arches, before retreating to your private sanctuary, decorated with unique local paintings. The artistic spirit of colonial Mexico lives on at nearby Rosewood San Miguel de Allende (shown right). Reminiscent of a grand hacienda, the hotel was crafted by local artisans with the look and feel of old San Miguel de Allende, capturing the essence of 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. Luxury travelers and nightlight aficionados tend to flock toward Cabo San Lucas, whereas more laid-back, surf-centric crews gravitate to San Jose del Cabo. Regardless, the pristine blue waters of the Sea of Cortez create the perfect backdrop for any kind of getaway.

Perched on the cliffs of Cabo’s Punta Ballena Esperanza, an Auberge Resort (shown left) is the only private beach resort in Los Cabos. Guests (and plenty of celebs) are invited to lay out on their private terraces, lounge by the pool or head to the spa for a break from the 350 days of sun the area gets. You also may spot a celeb or two at nearby One&Only Palmilla (shown right). Built-in the 1950s by ambitious aviator and playboy Abelardo Luis Rodriguez, son of the president of Mexico, the resort’s spacious cliffside havens with sweeping sea views are still enveloped in its original old-world charm.

Todos Santos

Known for its quirky mix of locals, fishers, surfers and New Age spiritualists, Todos Santos (or All Saints) has managed to keep a relatively low profile in comparison to other Mexican coastal towns. Art galleries, charming restaurants and lots of cacti line the sleepy streets, while long beaches and wild surf breaks bring all the excitement.

Named in honor of Saint Christopher, patron of travelers, surfers and sailors and protector during long journeys, Hotel San Cristóbal sits on the beach on the southwestern edge of the Baja peninsula and blends in beautifully with the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Thirty-two rooms and suites are situated around a central pool and lounge that were designed to complement the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

On Mexico’s southwestern coast, travelers will find the delightful duo of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. While Zihuatanejo may be a quiet fishing village, its next-door neighbor Ixtapa became a stylish resort town built amid a coconut grove, solidifying the region as a new vacation hub. Both boast undeniable natural beauty, bound by mountains and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, with plenty of swim, surf and sizzle.

Evidence of this can be found at the chic 59-suite Cala de Mar (shown left), Ixtapa, an intimate, wellness-focused property perched on a cliff overlooking the coast. Back in Zihuatanejo, La Casa Que Canta (shown right) gives a taste of traditional Mexican life with a series of terracotta terraces that roll down to Zihuatanejo Bay below. The freshwater infinity pool is a must, with submerged seats carved out along the far wall––you’ll feel as though you’re leaning back over the horizon itself.

Mérida

Mayan roots meet colonial heritage in Mérida. This vibrant, cobblestoned town is not only the capital of Yucatán, but also a gateway to exploring the region’s rich arts culture and legacy of the Mayas. Beachfront retreats and boutique gems are scattered along the coast, while some are nestled in the quiet countryside.

One such place is the tranquil wellness oasis Chablé Yucatán. The perfect setting for a holistic retreat, the hideaway sprawls over an impressive 750 acres, with 38 casitas and two expansive villas set amid lush tropical vegetation. The private pools and hammocks ensure utmost rest and relaxation.