Mexico: 5 Places We (Really) Love-Virtuoso and Visit Mexico
A diverse, big-hearted country that treats visitors like family, Mexico invites you to visit soon.
Cancún
One of the Caribbean’s most lauded and visited destinations, Cancún’s well-managed, resort-lined Hotel Zone offers both pristine, snow-hued sandy beaches bordering startlingly turquoise waters and a lively entertainment district that rivals the party power of Las Vegas — think all-night discos and high-end shopping.
“I love that you can find white-sand beaches, sophisticated resorts, and an energetic nightlife,” says Virtuoso travel advisor Caroline Wallace.
Cancún runs a glitzy gamut, with experiences suited for families, honeymooners, girlfriend getaways, and business retreats alike. Ever evolving, the destination boasts stately marinas, gated communities, and new developments.
In Cancún, many travelers spend their days enjoying beachside activities at their resorts, while others venture beyond the city to explore the greater Quintana Roo region. Nearby escapes include Isla Contoy, a wilderness-rich national park, and the lesser-known Isla Holbox, where whale shark swimming adventures await.
It’s also close enough to the Riviera Maya for day trips to iconic Mayan sites such as Tulum. Yet Cancún holds ancient wonders of its own within the Hotel Zone, including the El Rey Ruins, the Scorpion Temple, and the beautifully curated Maya Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts and relics.
Close to the airport and near the energy of the strip — yet secluded enough to offer true relaxation — NIZUC Resort & Spa is ideal for both family vacations and romantic escapes.
“They position themselves as the gateway to the Riviera Maya,” notes Meredith Broder, who also recommends The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún for its “club-level stays, beautiful beach, exceptional service, and cabanas.”
Los Cabos
The area is called Land’s End not only because it sits at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, but also because of its otherworldly terrain — a cactus-dotted desert landscape that feels worlds away.
“The contrast between the desert and the sea is breathtaking here,” says Hanna.
Known as Los Cabos for the two cities — Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo — that anchor its 20-mile stretch of resort-lined coastline, this destination draws families, honeymooners, and water sports enthusiasts alike.
In years past, Los Cabos’ undeveloped shores attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck, who came for the legendary deep-sea fishing that remains popular today. Old Hollywood icons such as Bing Crosby and John Wayne also sought out this south-of-the-border hideaway.
For an elevated escape, sequester yourself at Resort at Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, which Hanna describes as “effortlessly luxurious.”
Tucked into dramatic cliffs and accessed through a tunnel carved into the mountainside, Pedregal offers tranquility just minutes from the boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife of Cabo San Lucas.
The resort’s villas and suites cascade along the beach beneath towering cliffs, overlooking the deep cobalt waters of the Pacific. It’s also one of the best vantage points for whale watching from October through April, especially from the Ocean View Deluxe Terrace Suites perched along the second and third floors.
Guests can fill their days with everything from tequila tastings to yoga classes, but dinner at El Farallon is not to be missed.
Carved into the cliffs at the far edge of the resort, this open-air restaurant pairs crashing ocean waves with fresh-catch seafood, a celebratory champagne bar, and one of the most unforgettable dining settings in Los Cabos.
Mexico City
Massive, vibrant, and endlessly dynamic, Mexico City excites the senses at every turn.
Its charismatic neighborhoods — especially within the historic center — offer charm and accessibility amid the energy of one of the world’s great capitals. While Mexico City carries the sophistication of a European metropolis, its rich fusion of cultures is what truly sets it apart.
At the city’s core, old and new exist side by side, from prehistoric Aztec relics at Templo Mayor to Spanish Colonial churches adorned with ornate baroque facades surrounding the Zócalo.
“The historic center of Mexico City contains perhaps the most extraordinary buildings, museums, and art in the world. Begin your exploration at Palacio Nacional, where Diego Rivera’s murals cover the walls,” says Wallace.
She also recommends lunch at El Cardenal, a beloved culinary institution. “Be adventurous and try the escamoles,” she suggests — a delicacy often referred to as ant eggs.
Allow ample time for landmarks such as Palacio de Bellas Artes, Casa Luis Barragán, and Frida Kahlo’s iconic Blue House.
Beyond the city center, captivating excursions include the mysterious Teotihuacan Pyramids, famed for the towering Pyramid of the Sun. Insider tip: visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
History lovers should also make time for the sixteenth-century Monastery of Acolman, considered by legend to be the birthplace of the piñata, originally used by missionaries in their efforts to introduce Christianity to local communities.
For a luxurious home base, settle into the recently refurbished Four Seasons Mexico City, perfectly positioned along the elegant Paseo de la Reforma near Chapultepec Park and the stylish neighborhoods of Polanco and Condesa.
The Premier Terrace Suite is especially memorable, featuring striking black-and-white floors reminiscent of a Vermeer painting and views overlooking the hotel’s serene, shaded courtyard.
San Miguel de Allende
Virtuoso advisor Adamarie King recommends visiting the UNESCO-listed mountain town of San Miguel de Allende during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.
“It’s one of the most charming cities in Mexico,” she says. “The architecture is authentic and beautifully preserved.”
Beloved by both expats and Mexican travelers alike, San Miguel de Allende feels suspended in time, especially in its quieter corners. Don’t be surprised to encounter burros delivering wood through cobblestone streets or carrying black-clad members of a funeral procession, their slow movements as soulful as a prayer.
During siesta hours, gardens overflowing with jacaranda and bougainvillea can feel hauntingly still.
“The shopping is fantastic in San Miguel,” says King, who enjoys arranging VIP experiences at Fábrica La Aurora, the city’s celebrated design center. “There are around 50 galleries, antique shops, furniture stores, and cafés,” she notes.
King also recommends nearby side trips to the colonial towns of Guanajuato and Querétaro, or a leisurely picnic lunch and wine tasting at Bodega Dos Búhos, a beautiful local winery.
For accommodations, stay at Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, a collection of beautifully restored colonial mansions tucked throughout the city.
The deluxe one-bedroom suites are especially memorable, featuring copper bathtubs, hand-painted Talavera tile, and terraces overlooking La Parroquia — San Miguel’s iconic neo-Gothic church.
Guests can also take cooking classes at the hotel’s Sazón Cooking School, housed within a historic hacienda. Local chefs guide visitors through the farmers market before leading hands-on culinary lessons in traditional Mexican cuisine.
Another favorite is Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, a colonial-style hacienda that celebrates the city’s artistic spirit through immersive classes in photography, painting, sculpture, jewelry making, and language instruction.
Riviera Maya
“Travelers interested in learning about ancient cultures and civilizations will be delighted to discover that Mexico is home to more than 29,000 archaeological sites, including the very heart of Mayan civilization,” says Virtuoso advisor Meredith Broder.
Many of these extraordinary sites are found near the Riviera Maya, the stunning stretch of coastline extending south from Cancún to Tulum along the Yucatán Peninsula.
A captivating blend of untamed jungle and pristine beaches, the Riviera Maya is rich with both natural beauty and cultural history. Dense tropical landscapes — home to monkeys, coatimundis, crocodiles, and even jaguars — meet powdery white sand and some of Mexico’s most luxurious resorts.
The region proudly preserves Mayan heritage through iconic archaeological treasures such as Tulum and Chichén Itzá.
Just offshore lies the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world. Here, divers and snorkelers encounter more than 500 species of fish and over 100 varieties of coral in dazzling turquoise waters.
Beyond the sea, travelers can cool off in the Riviera Maya’s famous cenotes — underground freshwater springs once considered sacred by the Maya people.
For an elevated stay, consider one of the resorts within Mayakoba, including Rosewood Mayakoba, Andaz Resort Riviera Maya, or Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Carved into a lush mangrove forest, Mayakoba — which means “city on the water” in Mayan — is connected by a network of man-made canals reminiscent of Venice.
Its award-winning sustainability initiatives help preserve an extraordinary ecosystem that supports more than 200 species of wildlife.
Guests can explore the property by boat, bicycle, or golf cart while enjoying championship golf, exceptional dining, cooking classes, archery, and countless other activities.
While in the area, be sure to venture into the nearby beach town of Tulum, beloved for its bohemian atmosphere and sought-after culinary scene.
One standout is the famously hard-to-book Hartwood, a quirky, expat-favorite restaurant known for its open-fire cooking and jungle-chic ambiance.
This post was sponsored by Visit Mexico.
And Originally posted Virtuoso
November 21, 2017
How Far Adventures is an independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network, A Virtuoso Member.
