16 best resorts in Mexico – which one to choose for recreation, photo, description, reviews

Holidays in Mexico are always bright, lively and very noisy. The colorful culture of Mayan and Aztec civilizations with their bloody legends and pyramids, colonial architecture in its elegance and grace, excellent beaches with clean sand and developed infrastructure, a variety of coral reefs – the best resorts in Mexico know how to hook guests. Interesting excursions are offered for tourists. You can swim in the purest water of the holy springs of the Maya and admire the unique natural “wells”, swim with turtles, dive to the sculptures under water. There really is a lot to do and see here.

Cancun

Cancun is the most famous sand “seven” in the Caribbean. This is a classic travel booklet with white sand beaches, emerald greenery and turquoise waters in 3d. However, this resort is suitable not only for a lazy beach holiday, but also for a more active pastime. Do you want to go surfing? Different parts of the coast are suitable for both professionals and beginners. Are you planning to catch the biggest marlin or barracuda and write your name in the book of legendary anglers? you to Cancun.

The extravaganza of water entertainment is intercepted by diving – the coral reefs of Cozumel are considered to be perhaps the most beautiful in the Caribbean. The remains of the Maya civilization in Xcaret are in perfect harmony with the uninterrupted neon animation on giant hotels. And next to the secluded Shel-Ha Reserve, going to which you can get a unique opportunity to swim with turtles, there are noisy nightclubs and the best restaurants in Mexico.

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Playa del Carmen

The once unknown fishing village overnight turned into one of the most popular and fashionable resorts in the Caribbean. European chic is very harmoniously combined with a cheeky party atmosphere. Snow-white sand and warm sun provide the resort with thousands of guests all year round, and ecotourism lovers are happy to visit local national parks to immerse themselves in the riot of real tropical nature at least for a while.

For fans of a more intense holiday, seven-hour tours are organized around the local lagoons and bays, as well as along underground rivers. At night, you can stay on the island and join the rhythm of the folklore show with a torchlight show, or you can go on a night cruise on one of the ships that are brightly burning with all the lights. Tequila never ends on such ships, and colorful Caribbean rhythms continue to break the silence of the night until dawn.

Tulum

This resort town is known for two things – the best-preserved ruins of the Mayan civilization and the best hotels in Mexico. At the junction of two eras and world cultures, there is a tiny Indian settlement in which folk crafts are still preserved.

Here, exotic, archaic and rustic flavor combine, creating an indescribable cocktail. Tulum is also often chosen by divers: the clearest water and colorful underwater world are reason enough to go to this particular resort. From the excursions of local guides, you can learn that the name of the modern resort once meant “wall” or “fence”.

This name is well deserved, because the ancient Mayan city is still surrounded on all sides by fortress walls, whose thickness in some areas reaches eight meters, as well as sheer cliffs. All this made the city almost impregnable. On the territory, in addition to city buildings, the so-called temple of frescoes has also been preserved, in which unique pieces of art of antiquity are preserved.

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Akumal

This relatively small town was tightly sandwiched between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It would seem that this is the most ideal place for a complete secluded vacation. But no, people come here not only for the sake of snow-white beaches. It is enough to know what the name of this resort means, and everything instantly becomes clear. “Turtle Place” fully justifies its fame – out of the six species of sea turtles currently known to science, two live here. There are practically no waves on this stretch of coast, and the sand is very clean. It is for this that these ancient reptiles fell in love with Akumal.

Beach areas are divided into three components. The central beach is an ideal installation on the theme of a modern beach holiday with large hotels and developed infrastructure. Jade Beach is mostly deserted and couples often walk here enjoying the panoramas of sunsets. The northern beach belongs to fans of snorkeling and scuba diving, as a coral reef lies parallel to it.

Nayarit

The resort is always popular among tourists due to the high standards of service in local hotels, developed infrastructure, clean beaches and exotic local cuisine. The very name of the state already sets in a positive mood – “sunny” or in some translations “son of God.” This land really seems to be blessed by the sun. Its main city, Tepic (“Place of Huge Stones”) is the clearest example of the layering of cultural traditions.

Despite the fact that the city does not give the impression of a place overloaded with architectural monuments or ancient buildings, a trip here will allow you to more fully experience the Mexican flavor through getting to know the local cuisine, communicating with the locals, trying traditional crafts, or even taking part in one of the festivals, which usually take place on a large scale.

Puerto Vallarta

A slightly different energy emanates from this resort than from all other resort towns in Mexico. Old World charm is its trademark. It is comfortably located in Bandares Bay, which is the largest on the entire Pacific coast.

There are dozens of beaches in the city. The most popular and largest of them is Los Muertos. Puerto Vallarta was considered a colonial city. Its laying took place in the middle of the nineteenth century. But today, the ancient streets, cobbled stone, and tiled roofs inevitably have to coexist with fashionable hotels made of glass and concrete.

In the very center of the city is the Church of the Virgin of Guadeloupe, which is difficult to confuse with anything else: the red stone bell tower is crowned with the crown of Empress Carlota, the favorite of the people. Even if you are not a fan of yachting, be sure to check out the local port – every day dozens of luxury yachts, cruise ships and just fishing boats moor at the pier.

Guerrero

Guerrero is located in the southern tip of Mexico and is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The first settlements on its territory appeared in the sixteenth century, and by the nineteenth century, the entire local population was partially forced out of the state. The real heyday of Guerrero came in the fifties of the twentieth century, when Hollywood stars became interested in this place. Its central resort is Acapulco with its Cathedral of Madame Solitude, an outstanding Art Nouveau monument with numerous statues and colorful stained glass windows.

Be sure to visit the bird park, which was founded in the nineteenth century. The territory is decorated with artificial lakes. An astronomical platform with a variety of telescopes is also open to guests. It is best to go in early March, when the carnival week begins, filled with fireworks, national cuisine, and noisy festivities.

Икстапа

If you find yourself in the central part of Ixtapa, this city is unlikely to be able to charm you – a typical fishing village, of which there are many on the Pacific coast, with dozens of small shops and family restaurants. Low-rise buildings do not contribute to the special romanticization of this place. But it is worth digging a little deeper and it becomes clear why Ixtapa is one of the local tourist veins. Once the territory on which the city stands today belonged to the Aztec empire – serene lagoons and sleepy villages.

Gradually, the largest port of New Spain grew out of a tiny settlement, which maintained its position until the discovery of Acapulco. Ixtapa was founded precisely on these foundations. At the initiative of the state, the city was turned into a beach recreation area, in the center of which there is a giant water park in the style of Disney cartoons. Golf fans will also be more than pleasantly surprised – the best courses are laid out against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre chains.

Isla Mujeres

There are many islands in the Caribbean that definitely deserve attention, but Isla Mujeres literally captures this attention. So, the Island of Women. The name is more than intriguing, however, it was difficult to name the island in a different way, where a huge number of ceramic figures of women from Mayan times have been preserved.

The island is relatively small – only sixteen square kilometers, but if you are determined to feel the concentrated Mexican flavor, this island will be an ideal option: truly heavenly beaches, impenetrable tropical jungles, a dozen or two old buildings, including Ixchel Castle, and five-star hotels – the giants of our time.

The nightlife of the island is no more measured than the daytime, especially during the summer months, when seasonal celebrations begin, associated with the migration of huge whale sharks that swim very close to the island.

Holbox Island

If you even remotely know Spanish, the name of this island will hardly please you – Black Hole. It is located near the northern part of the Yucatan. There is only one tiny town on the whole island, which is too small to need cars or public transport. But the silence of this place and the beauty of the landscapes are captivating – the island is consistently included in the top tourist attendance. For visitors, small hotels are open right on the coast.

The best time to visit the island is in May, when migratory sharks and whales can be seen to the north of the island, which rise to the surface. Also on the island was a bird sanctuary with a large number of relic species of birds. There are no conditions for diving or snorkeling on the island – the local waters are crystal clear, but the bottom of Holbox is sandy – there are no colorful reefs here, as on other parts of the coast.

Los Cabos

Mostly Americans go to Los Cabos to rest. Due to the climatic conditions, this resort is much more pleasant for recreation, as there is a less humid climate, which is easier to tolerate by visitors. On average, there are no more than eight rainy days per year. But the prices here are significantly higher – if you choose Los Cabos, be prepared to spend 20-30% more than when relaxing in the same Cancun. The city owns almost eighty kilometers of beach line given to sun worshipers.

Divers should head straight to El Arco and Palmilla with their clear aquamarine waters, surfers usually choose Acapulquito, and lovers of walks and colorful pictures go to Playa del Amor. In addition to water activities, guests are offered a jeep safari in the desert, as well as the opportunity to see whales with their own eyes – from an airplane, boat, and sometimes right from the shore. It also has eight high quality golf courses.

Manzanillo

Thanks to its more than successful location, Manzanillo began to play the role of a key port as early as the twelfth century. It is believed that even then trade began between the Chinese and the local Indian population. It was this city that became one of the strongholds of Cortes. Today, its port glory is still not forgotten. Pretty much any Mexican fisherman will tell you that this is definitely worth a visit if you love shellfish dishes.

Manzanillo is known as a recognized center for shellfish production. After the construction of the unusual complex “Fairies” in the Moorish style, the tourist popularity of the city has increased dramatically. It was rebuilt on the initiative of a Bolivian tycoon, whose idea to create a small town in the style of “Thousand and One Nights” with snow-white houses, immersed in tropical flowers, was more than fully realized. At the moment, there is an active development of the surrounding areas – who knows what other architectural delights Manzanillo can offer.

Veracruz

It is difficult to call Veracruz a classic of a beach holiday in Mexico – the atmosphere of this city is more like a port and more authentic, as mostly Mexicans come here on vacation. There is no lush colonial baroque, bright facades – the city is restrained and not as sunny as other coastal cities.

The sun still shines, but winds often blow and it rains. If you are planning a trip to Veracruz, be guided by the summer months or December-March. The beaches in the city itself are not very friendly – there is a well-developed infrastructure, but the shade of the sand is slightly grayish, however, this is in perfect harmony with the general mood of the city.

Suburban beaches are much prettier. Many tourists are happy to go to Sakrifisios, a small island with pristine beaches and all the conditions for diving. Veracruz is also known for its coffee. Be sure to visit the Gran Cafe del Portal, which is located on the territory of an ancient monastery. The traditional local cuisine is also very good.

Michoacan

If you plan to visit Michoacan, stop your choice on Morelia – this ancient Mexican city has maintained its status as the center of the state for more than five centuries. It is known for the fact that the descendants of the same Spanish conquistadors who founded the city in the sixteenth century still live in the city. The mild climate combined with majestic architectural monuments make this place undoubtedly attractive for tourists from all over the world. The central part of the city is under the protection of international organizations, being a unique piece of historical heritage.

The main dominant of this part of the city is the Cathedral – the only religious building that is not oriented to the west. There is another extremely popular tourist attraction here – the sweets market, on the territory of which there are more than two hundred outlets, which contain extremely rare sweets – marmalade jam, coconut candies, milk syrup and many others.

Puerto Morelos

This resort town is one of dozens of similar once fishing towns, of which there are so many on the Pacific coast. At one time, they all became popular tourist sites. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Puerto Morelos played the role of an important port. However, this charm of the port city is fully preserved today. To preserve such a cozy authentic atmosphere in the city, the construction of buildings whose height exceeds three floors is prohibited. The main local value is coral reefs, which are located a maximum of two meters from the surface of the water.

For the sake of preserving them in this form, fishing was prohibited here. This approach is paying off – the reefs of Puerto Morelos are the largest untouched reefs of the coast. No wonder diving is one of the main reasons to go to this city. In addition, the surrounding area includes a botanical garden, an eco-park where you can ride horses, and a zoo with a crocodile farm.

Chiapas

Once upon a time, the Maya Indians chose Chiapas for the construction of majestic temples and powerful cities in the midst of a riot of nature. Many buildings of that period have been preserved more than completely. The same can proudly be said about the architecture of the colonial cities, excellently preserved in this region. Pay attention to Chiapa del Corso, one of the pearls of Chiapas. Moorish traditions and sophistication of Old World architecture are combined in the appearance of this resort town. The building of the monastery overlooks the main square of the city, above which the Sacred Tree rises.

Among the local rainforests, another treasure is hidden – Pelenke, in the center of which there is a strange temple of the Sun, the square of the same name, as well as the Temple of Inscriptions, whose history still raises a lot of questions from researchers. Local cuisine is another reason to visit Chiapas without fail – it organically combines traditions brought by the Spanish conquistadors, Dominican priests, ancient Mayans and Olmecs.

Which one to choose for families with children

Holidays in Mexico can become a truly bright episode in the life of a child, so going here on vacation with the whole family is a great idea! For relaxation, the Riviera Maya resort, surrounded by tropical vegetation, is best suited. There are many hotels concentrated here that will meet your requirements and offer assistance in organizing various events that are guaranteed to be able to attract the attention of young guests. Also, most hotels offer a children's menu option. Playa del Carmen is another very good option for families with children.

Its main advantage is a relatively large selection of Russian-speaking guides, and therefore you can introduce the child a little closer to the culture of those civilizations that, one way or another, lived in this territory. And the acquaintance is expected to be more than bright! In general, you should pay attention to the Cancun Riviera beach area. Hotels in this area are perfect for families with young travelers.

The best beaches

Mexican beaches – a dream come true! Fine sand, tall palm trees, warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Almost every resort can offer its own exclusive beach. The tops usually include the beaches of Cancun, for example, Pearl Beach, which is almost traditionally famous for its cleanliness. If you are planning a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, opt for Tulum Beach – you are guaranteed sunny landscapes, colorful reefs and a gentle slope to the sea. The narrow spit of the island of Consumel, with its Paradise Beach, has an excellent reputation among tourists.

Among the unusual beaches, it is also worth mentioning the wild Revolcadero, where the most daring and experienced surfers usually go, as well as Playa del Amor with its rocky, secluded landscape, ideal for relaxing in love. There is another unique place in Mexico – a hidden beach in the vicinity of Puerto Vallarta. Most of all, it resembles a giant pool of warm water – as practice shows, it is impossible to freeze in its waters.

When to go on vacation

It is believed that the best time to go on vacation to Mexico is from December to April, which usually coincides with the dry season. However, if we talk about the interior regions of the country, the picture may change somewhat. Usually, those wishing to visit the interior try to get to Mexico from May to October, since in this part of the territory, as a rule, it is colder than on the coast, warmed by warm oceanic breath.

Definitely not worth going from June to October. At this time, two natural phenomena fall that are guaranteed to spoil your vacation – the rainy season and the hurricane period. And coupled with high humidity and extremely hot weather, the trip can be rather disappointing. If you are planning to visit the highlands, keep in mind that the winter months can get really cold.