MEXICO

Mexico is one of the world’s great luxury travel destinations — and one of the most misunderstood. Beyond the all-inclusive resorts of Cancún lies a country of extraordinary variety: dramatic desert coastlines in Baja California, lush Pacific jungles in Nayarit, charming colonial cities, and some of the best hotel properties in North America.

We’ve traveled extensively across Mexico with and without kids, stayed at dozens of properties, and eaten our way through the country’s best restaurants. Everything here is based on real experience — no hotel paid to be featured, and no review is sponsored.

Where we cover in Mexico:

Los Cabos — The southern tip of the Baja Peninsula is home to some of Mexico’s most impressive luxury resorts. One&Only Palmilla, Chileno Bay, Montage Los Cabos, and the new Four Seasons at Cabo Del Sol at Costa Palmas are all here. Most visitors stay along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. See our best hotels in Cabo guide and our honest hotel reviews. Or our best beaches in Cabo guide.Read our full Cabo Travel Guide here.

Tulum — Tulum has evolved from bohemian backpacker destination into one of Mexico’s most design-forward hotel scenes. It’s particularly strong for boutique stays, (we loved La Zebra) jungle settings, and the best restaurant scene outside Mexico City. Read our guide to exploring Tulum with kids.

Sayulita — A laid-back surf town on the Pacific Coast and one of the best places in Mexico to travel with young kids. Small enough to walk everywhere, charming enough to keep you longer than planned. Read about our favorite Restaurants in Sayulita. North of Sayulita, you will find the luxury development with One&Only Mandarina.

Valle de Guadalupe — Mexico’s answer to Napa Valley, located 90 minutes south of San Diego in Baja California. World-class wineries, exceptional outdoor restaurants, and a handful of beautiful boutique hotels make this one of the most underrated destinations in North America. Read our full travel guide for Valle de Guadalupe here.

Mexico City — One of the great cities of the world. Roma Norte and Condesa are the neighborhoods worth knowing — walkable, full of excellent restaurants, and surprisingly easy for families. Read our guide for the perfect long weekend in Mexico City.

Isla Holbox-This tiny (car-free island) off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is one of our favorite places to visit in Mexico. It’s expecially great for families since there are no cars. The food is also one of the highlights (read our guide to the best restaurants here).

Best time to visit Mexico: Cabo and Baja are ideal from October through May, avoiding summer heat and hurricane season. Pacific Coast destinations like Sayulita are best November through April. Tulum and the Yucatán are lovely November through March. Mexico City is pleasant year-round. Read more on the best time month-to-month to visit Cabo.