Mexico’s 6 most mesmerising luxury resorts

Mexico is primed for luxury holidays, with an exceptional selection of upscale resorts – often hidden among the palm trees along its tropical coastline. Whether you want to splash out and take the whole family, a group of friends, a partner or simply enjoy some time to yourself, it’s a destination where hospitality has been honed to a fine art – expect Mayan-themed spas, sensational swimming pools and the freshest of fine dining. Here are six of the country’s most impressive luxurious retreats.

Nizuc Resort & Spa, Cancún

This 29-acre resort exemplifies seamless luxury. Facing deserted white sands, Caribbean sea and a lagoon lined by swaying mangroves, it’s a far cry from the high-rises of nearby Cancún and possesses the kind of serenity you might expect from a Mayan temple. Though many of the suites have private pools, it’s the dark grey slate of the main infinity swimming pool that really steals the show – swim up to the sunken, mosaiced and thatched roof bar to order a lychee Martini or signature Nizuc margarita. The resort’s design is minimalist but incorporates elements of the area’s natural resources and its Mayan heritage, with furniture made from local wood and Mayan hieroglyphs carved into native stone. And the facilities are almost overwhelming, including a grand ESPA spa (featuring Mayan cleansing ceremonies), four fine dining restaurants, several swimming pools (purified with a reverse osmosis system so as not to dry out your skin), tennis courts and watersports galore.

Downtown Hotel, Mexico City

When dreaming up a remote Mexican luxury resort holiday, hotels within the energetic capital of Mexico City probably aren’t front of mind. But Downtown Hotel guarantees a rejuvenating retreat right in the centre of town, minutes from key landmarks like the Aztec Templo Mayor. This modern city oasis comprises the two top floors of a former palace and the combination of historic architecture and cutting-edge design is exquisite. The high-ceilinged suites are pared back with natural touches like terracotta tiles and wrought iron balconies. 17th-century grey volcanic stone features throughout the property, updated and refreshed with citrus accents from tangerine window awnings to brilliant yellow sun loungers and parasols by the rooftop swimming pool – and the poolside terrace has a bar that serves up mean Mexican cocktails.

Hostal de la Luz – Spa Holistic Resort, Tepoztlán

For those looking to revitalise mind, body and soul, Hostal de la Luz is a good place to start. Located within the El Tepozteco National Park at the foot of the Quetzalcóatl mountains, this holistic retreat was named a place of world peace in 2006 by the Dalai Lama. Even the rooms are arranged according to feng shui and feature meditation chairs in window alcoves. Indulge in a water therapy treatment or massage in the spa, take a dip in the jacuzzi or one of the two outdoor swimming pools (with sensational mountain views). It’s also worth trying a temazcal ceremony with a local shaman; an ancient cleansing ritual that involves sweating out toxins in a tiny stone hut that’s heated by hot rocks splashed with water.

Villas HM Palapas del Mar, Isla Holbox

With its own private beach on Isla Holbox, Villas HM Palapas del Mar is nothing short of idyllic. It’s a collection of 52 boutique villas, laid out with terraces, hammocks and plunge pools that create a sense of privacy, and looking out towards the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The aesthetic is pared-back and natural with wicker lampshades, natural wood furniture and thatched roofs, making you feel like you could be staying in a remote beach hut, were it not for the considerable creature comforts, from the infinity pool to the on-site Caribbean restaurant. The resort is also part of the Yum-Balam Biosphere Reserve, so it’s worth hiring a bike and exploring the rich surrounding flora and fauna.

Las Nubes de Holbox, Isla Holbox

If you’ve got a soft spot for unbridled indulgence, flower petal baths and candlelit dinners at Las Nubes de Holbox will definitely satiate your cravings. The architecture and decor is understated, however, with white-washed walls, gnarled tree trunk pillars and thatched palapa roofs that create a relaxed, island life ambience. Enjoy a welcome massage in the resort’s Orquidea Spa (where you can also try various beauty treatments, therapies and a healing Mayan ritual), alternate between the various swimming pools (including a relaxation pool, jacuzzis and one that practically spills into the ocean) and watch the sunset before a candlelit dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, El Sabor de las Nubes.

Hotel Rosewood, Playa del Carmen

As an outpost of the revered Rosewood hotel collection, it’s no surprise this complex on Mexico’s Riviera Maya delivers on luxury to a flawless degree. On arrival, guests are whisked off to their suite in a deluxe motor launch – every room faces water, be it lagoon, canal or beach – where they’ll find subdued decor featuring cream and dark woods, as well as glass doors that open up straight onto the sand. Each suite feels remarkably secluded given that there are 129 in total, thanks to the size of the sprawling complex and the verdant foliage that surrounds each private deck. Wake up to the sound of crashing waves and spend the day sunbathing, paddleboarding, visiting the SENSE spa, lazing in one of the many infinity pools or booking yourself a lesson at the on-site Mexican cookery school. At night, the grounds are lit with lanterns and guests can enjoy banquets in the herb garden, kept warm by the fire pit.