Best hotels in Mexico – Times Travel – The Times

Mexico is bursting with distinctive places to stay for all manner of tastes and budgets. Its unsurprising for a country thats known for its extraordinary diversity; expect everything from boozy tequila tours and mouth-watering street food, to the landscapes and cultural identities that characterise and differentiate each state. But, with a country as enormously varied as this, it can be difficult to know where to start planning a trip. The options are tempting and seemingly endless: do you go with buzzy Mexico City and a jaunt around foodie-heaven Puebla, or a meditative stay in the lush Oaxaca forest and whale-watching in starry Baja California? One thing is clear: whether youre leaning towards world-famous luxury hotels in Los Cabos, which are the last word in A-list hedonism, or soulful indigenous-owned hotels for a slice of Mexican life thats rarely spotlighted, youll find the best suggestions here.

Main photo: Hotel San Cristobal (Nick Simonite)

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Best for a contemporary crowdThis trendy bolt hole in the soulful, spiritual town of Todos Santos is the antithesis of the American-style maxi-hotels that often characterise Baja California. Its also a world away from the hedonism of nearby Los Cabos; here, the crowd is much more likely to be found sipping jalapeo margaritas by the pool or learning to surf Bajas best breaks. The 32 rooms are equally chilled: think whitewashed walls, bright patios with beachside views of the Pacific and Punta Lobos, and colourful, handwoven bedspreads. Look out for the hotels boutique, too; its a great edit of contemporary Mexican designers.

Best for privacyOnce the home of the multi-billionaire James Goldsmith, this 25,000-acre estate and nature reserve was the holiday spot of choice for US presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Youll find it south of Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast of Jalisco and its now owned by Goldsmiths daughter, Alix who has transformed it into an exclusive eco-hotel. The property continues to attract high-profile visitors for its huge swathes of wildlife-rich land, pristine beaches, lavish design and near-total privacy.

Best for natureWhile nature was the first to reclaim this old Yucatan sisal factory, it has since been given a new lease of life by Hamak, a small hospitality group from Mexico City that created a 40-casita destination spa thats truly worth its healing salt. Guests head out to visit some of the worlds greatest architectural triumphs by day the resort is set in remote, rural Yucatan, about 45 miles from Uxmal and 100 from Chichen Itza before arriving back to gawp at an enchanted forest by night, where fireflies flicker and hanging lanterns glow under a blanket of stars.

Best for serviceLocated on the tip of the glitzy Baja Peninsula and styled after traditional Mexican haciendas, this 84-room property certainly lives up to its name which translates to the windows of paradise. Consistently in demand by A-listers and those particular about luxury hotels, this place is all about the details; whether its the often-imitated decor, monogrammed cleaning cloths for your sunglasses or in-room telescopes for whale-watching and stargazing. If you manage to tear yourself away from your suite, the six bars and restaurants are spectacular we loved the onsite tequila bar.

Best for adventurersThis hotel is a 50-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, followed by a 30-minute ride on a panga (traditional boat) and a short-but-steep hike up the hillside. And, while youll have to work to get there, this bohemian-style eco-hotel is more than worth the effort. Ten handmade houses are surrounded by lush jungle, an open-air spa and yoga hut, divine candlelit restaurant and each has staggering panoramic views over the Bay of Banderas and the fishing village of Yelapa. Just make sure to time your arrival for daylight hours.

6. Hotel Esencia, Quintana Roo

Best for familiesThis chic beachside bolt hole, known for its signature Mayan-meets-Caribbean decor, is a social media sensation. Youll find it on a 50-acre estate halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, in peaceful Xpu-Ha. Unsurprisingly, its the former home of an Italian duchess and maintains a regal air; whether in the 42 decadent rooms, organic spa or the sophisticated locally sourced food. Families love the babysitting service, a childrens pool and well-thought-out activities throughout the school holidays.

Best for the beachIsla Holbox is barefoot Mexican luxury at its best and few places embody the idyllic islands bohemian spirit more than the 24-key Casa Las Tortugas. Think low-key design conch shell lamps, locally made linens and painted ceramic sinks as well as turtles hatching on the private white-sand beach, and restaurants serving fresh, line-caught fish and zesty margaritas. When the sun goes down, bioluminescent plankton sparkles like stars on the shoreline. While theres plenty to keep you busy, including kayaking in the mangroves and swimming with whale sharks, the very best thing to do here is absolutely nothing.

Best for buzzThis characterful three-storey hideaway in Mexico Citys elegant, tree-lined neighbourhood, La Condesa, owes its slick interiors to acclaimed Iranian-French designer, India Mahdavi. Here, clever use of texture including pale marble, wood-panels and traditional textiles offset sculptural tables, retro seating and futuristic tech. You can also look forward to a hydrotherapy pool and basement arthouse cinema, courtesy of architect Javier Sanchez. The huge rooftop bar and underground club are always busy and you wont want to miss late-night drinks on the terrace; its a hub for the citys VIPs.

Best for designThis renovated 19th century townhouse, in Mexico Citys Centro Historico district, is making waves for its Shaker-style interiors and its thoughtful homage to some of Mexicos most important contemporary creatives. As the former home of Manuel lvarez Bravo, one of the countrys most illustrious photographers, the property pays tribute to its former resident by lining the walls with his black-and-white portraits as well as spotlighting Oaxacan textile designers and hyper-local outfit, La Metropolitana, whose custom furniture pieces can be found in each of the 25 minimalist rooms. A walk around the neighbourhood will only deepen your understanding of Mexicos long tradition of crafts from gemstone jewellery to clever carpentry.

Best for cultureThis former nunnery and tile factory has been slowly and sensitively transformed into a peaceful luxury hotel in the heart of Pueblas old town. Here, 400-year-old walls remain, as well as an annexe which has tiled walls crafted with reclaimed and reused ceramics from the old factory. The lobby houses a Mestizo Rojo mural of pre-Hispanic items by Axolotl Collective, while the food Puebla is a gastronomic capital and home to mole poblano, one of Mexicos most famous dishes is exceptional. Just make sure you try it while sitting in the rooftop restaurant, which has a cracking view of Popocatpetl volcano.

Best for romanceMake no mistake: this ocean-wrapped, adults-only hideout, in Playa La Ropa, is one of the best honeymoon hotels going. Blending almost indiscernibly into the natural landscape, the resort spills down to Zihuatanejo Bay with majestic views of the Pacific from each of its cliffside terracotta huts. Happily, its so close to the elements that you can wake up and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. The open-air Mar Y Cielo restaurant is the stuff of rom-com dreams too; expect fresh, lantern-lit dinners, with the bay below and the stars twinkling overhead.

Best for responsible travelTaselotzin (which, in Nahuatl, means small plant or shoot) is operated by a hospitable indigenous womens cooperative, in Pueblas Sierra Norte mountains and every stay at the hotel supports their ongoing mission to empower local Nahua women. Rooms are basic, clean and comfortable, while the onsite restaurant is small but mighty; meals are authentic, flavourful and home-cooked, and served on native-made pottery. A visit here, and to Cuetzalan del Progreso, the local mountain town, feels like a doorway into the real Mexico the Sunday market, with its mind-blowingly talented artisans, is not to be missed.

Best for sustainabilityOn the surface, this beachside Oaxacan resort seems tailor-made for the design-savvy. Minimalist interiors and architecture all thatched roofs, cool, concrete walls and handcrafted furnishings are juxtaposed with meditative views of lush forest. Yet, theres sustainable substance behind its style: in addition to a rainwater catchment system, the 11-room eco-resort there are retractable walls that cleverly cool interiors with ocean breezes, rather than air-conditioning. The design project was overseen by Taller Luum a socially conscious team that contracts independent artisans all over Mexico.

Best for Old World grandeurLets not be coy when it comes to Cabo, this resort is as close to royalty as it gets. Its found at the business end of the region, sandwiched between the ocean and the desert, near sleepy San Jose del Cabo and repeat guests flock to the regions grande dame for their annual hit of Old World luxury. While parts of the Palmilla can feel archaic and uncomfortable for the modern traveller staff are inexplicably still told to bow to guests its remained an enduring favourite for the combination of a world-class spa, fine dining (including an excellent Jean-Georges restaurant) and spotless beaches.

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Best hotels in Mexico - Times Travel - The Times