Aqua (Cancún; www.feel-aqua.com): This is the trendiest resort in Cancún, a privileged spa-retreat for the urban jet-set. Completely rebuilt after having been destroyed by Hurricane Wilma, Aqua features spacious oceanview rooms, eight beachfront pools, an invigorating spa, world-class cuisine, and exceptional service.
Royal (Cancún; www.realresorts.com.mx): The Royal is a stunning all-inclusive, adults-only resort in which luxury abounds, from the sprawling infinity pools and gorgeous beach to the gourmet restaurants and sophisticated spa. The elegant marble lobby looks out one side to the Caribbean and the other to the lagoon, and the guest suites offer every conceivable amenity, including two-person Jacuzzis. Guests in the top-category suites have access to BMW Mini Coopers. The all-inclusive package includes gourmet meals, premium drinks, and evening entertainment.
JW Marriott (Cancún; www.jwmarriottcancun.com): This gorgeous resort affords elegance without pretense, combining classic and Caribbean styling with warm Mexican service. The inviting free-form infinity pool extends to the white-sand beach, and families feel just as comfortable here as romance-seeking couples. The hotel includes a spectacular 3,250-sq.-m (35,000-square-foot) spa.
Ritz-Carlton Cancún (Cancún; www.ritzcarlton.com): For years, thick carpets, sparkling glass and brass, and rich mahogany have surrounded guests at this hotel, the standard-bearer of luxury in Cancún. The service is impeccable, leaving guests with an overall sense of pampered relaxation. Its restaurants are among the best in the city.
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel (Cozumel; www.intercontinentalcozumel.com): Surrounded by shady palms, this hotel also has the best beach on the island, right in front of Paraíso Reef. Favorite rooms are the deluxe beachside units with spacious patios and direct access to the beach -- you can even order romantic in-room dining on the patios, complete with a trio to serenade you.
The Tides Riviera Maya (north of Playa del Carmen; www.tidesrivieramaya.com): Small, secluded, and private, the Tides offers extraordinary personal service and spa treatments. Rooms are spread throughout the jungle, and there's a beautiful seaside pool and restaurant.
Maroma (north of Playa del Carmen; www.maromahotel.com): You can't ask for a better setting for a resort than this beautiful stretch of Caribbean coast with palm trees and manicured gardens. You'll start to relax before you even take the first sip of your welcome cocktail. Service is very attentive, and the rooms are large and luxurious.
Hacienda Xcanatún (outskirts of Mérida; www.xcanatun.com): With its large, boldly designed suites built with extravagance in mind, sprawling grounds, private spa, excellent restaurant, and ample staff, this hotel masters the difficult trick of being compact in size but expansive in offerings.
Hacienda Puerta Campeche (Campeche; www.luxurycollection.com): Not a hacienda at all, really, this gorgeous hotel was created out of several adjoining colonial houses. This makes for a large property (especially for having only 15 rooms), with an open area in back featuring a pool and tropical gardens under ancient crumbling walls. From any vantage point the hotel is beautiful -- both in overall layout and design details. And the service is impeccable.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
