14 Fabulous Luxury Destinations for a 2023 Vacation in Mexico

Looking for the best 5-star hotels and resorts for an epic luxury vacation in Mexico in 2023? You’re not alone. Mexico remains one of the most popular tourism destinations, and even as the global pandemic fades to an epidemic, chances are it will remain that way. If you’re looking for the perfect fabulous vacation spot to call your own in Mexico, we’ve got ideas to share. We’ve rounded up 14 of the best 5-star hotels and resorts for a luxury vacation in Mexico in 2023, including destinations like Mexico City, Tulum, Bacalar, Oaxaca and more.

what’s the best destination for a luxury vacation in Mexico in 2023?

As we enter a post-pandemic world, Mexico remains one of the most desirable travel and vacation destinations for Americans. A quick flight to a neighboring nation, loose entry requirements, and relaxed coronavirus regulations made Mexico even more popular throughout the pandemic. In fact, it is Travel & Leisure magazine’s 2022 Destination of the Year. And plenty of luxury travelers agree with this choice, opting for Mexico for its azure blue waters and paradisiacal beaches, its lush nature, and its historical and ancestral cities where there is ample beauty, artisanry and handcrafts.

Boasting all seven of the world’s natural climate zones, Mexico has got something for everyone. Looking for longshot hotels and all-inclusive resorts? Cancun and Puerto Vallarta might be in the books for you. When discovering pre-Columbian history, consider heading to Mexico City, Puebla, or San Miguel de Allende. When looking for a hushed-luxury hideout away from crowds of tourists, a trip to Bacalar or Baja California is calling. And while you’re at it, pop over to Valle de Guadalupe, the wine region of Mexico, currently home to some of the most exclusive design hotels in the country.

Mexico is the hot place to be

Regardless of where you go, Mexico itself is an enchanting destination. It has impeccable food and libations as well as great service, and overall accessibility. Its hotels are consistently rated as some of the best in the world, attracting top-tier travelers.

In fact, Mexico has seen such an influx of luxury tourism that services like Universal Sky VIP airport transfers offer direct concierge service to take you from your flight to your destination, skipping all passport control lines and airport hustle. Other hotels, like One & Only Mandarina, are offering charter flights between their locations, from Baja California to Puerto Vallarta.

We’ve compiled the country’s best and most exclusive destinations right now, for even the pickiest, offering a tailor-made luxury escape to the land of the Ancient Aztecs and Mayans.

the 14 destinations best for a luxury vacation in mexico in 2023

1. Punta Mita Rentals, Nayarit.

Perhaps no destination across Mexico offers a naturally more exclusive location than Punta Mita, located on an archipelago on the Pacific coast. The invite-only, secure and exclusive destination features two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, Four Seasons and St. Regis hotels, and beachfront luxury rentals.

Punta Mita is the place to be in Mexico, away from the hustle and bustle of the world, in a secure and enjoyable-hush kind of luxury. Guests may choose to stay in its hotels, purchase property (mostly American-owned) and/or rent one of their villas.

You might easily spot a Mexican or American celebrity here while you golf, surf, whale-watch, and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It is a place to lay back and forget the world and all its noise. And enjoy with full security and service (you can even keep your doors open and no one will ever enter due to its state-of-the-art security system.)

Book on Visit.PuntaMitaRentals.com

2. La Valise, Tulum. 

The premium destination on the international DJ circuit and an important city for the Mayan civilization known for its white-sand beach and perfectly blue water, Tulum boasts a barefoot kind of luxury.

If you go, we recommend the French-owned La Valise – it’s a true gem located at the entry of the National Park of Sian Ka’an. You’ve surely seen this hotel on Instagram, with its pull-out bedroom riding out directly onto the balcony overlooking the beach and the sea.

La Valise is beautifully designed and maintained with a European kind of elegance. Here, you won’t find loud music and afterparties. Instead, a relaxation vibe reigns. While La Valise is not an all-inclusive property, the wonderful amenities (including an on-site spa, yoga and even painting classes) and the first-rate customer service more than make up for that.

3. Casa Silencio, Oaxaca.

The newly-opened Casa Silencio mezcal palenque and boutique hotel in Xaagá, Oaxaca is perhaps one of most impressive design hotels in Mexico.

Its long-expected opening was documented by just about every media outlet, including The New York Times (which named it one of the best hotel openings in 2021.) The sustainable destination is also a functioning mezcaleria for the mezcal brand El Silencio.

The six-suite hotel spans a grand territory of 16 acres of desert. Its located near the ancient city of Mitla, the city of the dead according to age-old Mexican legends. Here, you can unplug and surrender to the beauty and the energetic power of this special land. Where the sun shines just a bit more, the agave grows sweeter, and the mezcal burns and leaves a smoky aftertaste.

4. Habitas, Bacalar.

Grupo Habitas expanded their Tulum institution to two new destinations in 2021: Bacalar, Mexico and Al-U-la in Saudi Arabia.

Bacalar, known as the lagoon of seven colors, is Mexico’s own Maldives. It even features the planet’s oldest known microorganisms, stromatolites. Just two hours south of Tulum and about an hour from the border of Belize, this is the destination for those looking to vacation deep into the jungle.

Habitas created its own glamping station directly in front of the lagoon. Serving up the most incredible sunrises, waterfront yoga classes, and even electrical surfing. The tents feature a safari-like set-up with a sustainable ethos.

5. Banyan Tree, Puebla.

The latest hotel in the luxury chain, Banyan Tree Puebla offers a bit of old-town classics with world-class amenities and a side of history. The hotel is bringing new luxury guests to Puebla, a major Mexican city just two hours south of Mexico City.

The ancient village of Cholula and Popocatépetl volcano are major attractions. Guests are also invited to spend time enjoying the all-inclusive hotel amenities, including the wellness center. The beauty of the Asian hotel chain is now available in Puebla!

6. Hotel Esencia, Xpu-Ha.

With a nod to the heyday of Palm Springs and the Côte d’Azur, Hotel Esencia is a one-of-a-kind hotel in the Riviera Maya. It’s luxury is loud, and yet elegant. Colorful and yet contemplative. And entirely glamorous.

It’s a kind of destination that from the “private property” sign at entrance to check-out, everything’s as if out of an old Hollywood movie (with Marilyn Monroe ready to make an appearance). Its exceptional service, cuisine, and amenities made it “the best hotel in the world” in 2019.

7. Four Seasons, Mexico City. 

The Four Seasonshotel in Mexico City is one of the luxury brand’s most beautiful destinations. Its located in anold colonial hacienda with a courtyard in the center.

The hotel features spacious rooms and glorious balconies to enjoy the view of the bustling, fifth largest city in the world. Its also home to Fifty Mils, one of the world’s best bars. You’ll find unique tasting experiences, including Macallan whisky and more. Indulge in the true pleasure of metropolitan vacationing at the Four Seasons, the perfect stay in Mexico City.

8. Chablé, Merida.

Built inside of an old henequen factory, Chablé is a world-class hotel in the Yucatan, located next to the city of Merida. The Yucatan is officially Mexico’s safest region, and Merida, in particular, one of the safest cities for living (families welcome!) in the Americas.

Chablé is a kingdom of pure and utter relaxation. Each room is connected to a luxurious pool. And adorned with handmade hammocks and other artisanal décor details. Here, you can also experience the preparation of the local delicacy, cochinita pibil, and watch chefs cook it in the ground (to be eaten later in a taco).

9. Cuixmala, Careyes.

Members of the Mexican royalty class almost always choose Careyes as their ultimate beach vacation. Perched on the hillside of the Pacific Ocean, Careyes is bleached from the hot Mexican sun. And the place to witness some of the most stunning sunsets in the world.

Because its so exclusive, there aren’t many hotels. Instead there is a booming rental home business. But Cuixmala isn’t exactly a hotel. Actually, you’ve probably seen it on Instagram. You know, the yellow and orange hotel with real-live zebras, like something out of a Wes Anderson film. Looking for a truly special getaway to a bucket list location? Cuixmala checks all the boxes and happens to be plenty Instagram-worthy.

10. Casona Sforza, Puerto Escondido.

Puerto Escondido on Oaxaca’s Pacific Coast has the kind of 5-star luxury resorts and experiences that make it widely predicted to be the next Tulum. Until this happens, though, it is a hideaway filled with incredible hotels.

Casona Sforza is a one-of-a-kind design boutique hotel with infinity pools and a “cocina de autor” featuring organic ingredients and splendid presentations. When you’re looking for that kind of surfer vacation, with a luxurious twist, this is the place to be. Even better, come with a group of friends and rent out the entire hotel.

11. Rosewood Hotel, San Miguel de Allende.

For a traditional kind of beauty, head to one of Mexico’s most beautiful, colorful cities: San Miguel de Allende and its grand dame hotel, the Rosewood. This hotel features the most stunning views of the city.

It expresses the rich heritage and enchanting cosmopolitan spirit of Guanajuato’s famed art-centric colonial city. This destination is also a popular wedding locations for those looking to celebrate in a traditional Mexican manner with a proper callejonata, walk in the streets and at the beautiful La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. 

12. Bruma, Valle de Guadalupe. 

The Mexican wine region hotel Bruma is a true minimalist’s dream. It has beautifully designed rooms that open directly into the desert and onsite winery.

This makes it a marvelous weekend destination alternative to Sonoma, California. Contemporary art and design fanatics go here to withdraw from city living and explore the North of Mexico. 

13. Paradero Hotel, todos santos.

Baja California is becoming the new “it” destination, with the beautiful Sea of Cortez providing incredible vistas. It is also a blank slate for a new generation of designers and architects.

Paradero Hotel is one of the most beautiful properties in the region, offering a full dose of relaxation in the Mexican desert. The hotel also features an on-site organic farm, tracing the journey from sowing seeds to the moment that it reaches your plate. 

14. St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

Newly opened in 2023, the newest St. Regis debuts on a pristine and relatively private stretch of beach in Kanai. It is a 680-acre gated community. Only ten minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, it’s next door to the Sian Ka’an Reserve nature reserve of jungle and mangroves.

The architecturally striking resort is inspired by ancient Maya culture with intertwined circles and semicircles based off the constellation Pleiades. With a minimal ecological footprint in mind, the buildings are suspended over a mangrove forest. They are connected by elevated walkways (which also translates to ocean views for every room.) In addition to a spa, fitness center, family and adults-only pools, and dining venues, upscale dining venues include Chaya, whose menu features dishes with Eastern Mediterranean flair, and Toro. It focuses on Latin American cuisine.

Luxury Destinations Across Mexico Travelers are Heading to in 2023

That’s our roundup of the best 5-star hotels and resorts for a luxury vacation in Mexico in 2023, including destinations like Tulum, Bacalar, Oaxaca and more. Happy travels, dear reader!