Be it windswept tropical beaches, charming cobbled towns, or the welcoming nature that draws its visitors in, Mexico delights as one of the top travel destinations in the world.
© Sydney Rae via Unsplash
During a visit, you will likely begin your trip on the coast before making your way to the country’s thriving capital where some of the top boutique hotels, architectural wonders, and eateries await. From there, even more, regional destinations await, from relaxed coastal towns on the Sea of Cortez to the mountainous regions running along the southern tip.
Baja California
Baja, the earth's second-longest peninsula, offers over 1200km of the storybook structure, fairytale landscapes, and the mystical untamed.
© Constanza S. Mora
Gaining statehood in 1930, Baja California literally translates to ‘Lower California’. Here, you’ll find two halves of the same soul; the former Mexican territory split into two - with the northern side sticking to the name Baja California - while the southern part eventually became Baja California Sur.
At the tip of the 1,000-mile-long Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos & Cabos San Lucas reign supreme as one of the world's most diverse tourist destinations.
Welcome to Quiet Luxury
While "Cabo" has assimilated nicely into the vocabulary of the locals, more often than not, you'll hear the proper phrasing of "Los Cabos" used instead, and naturally, they're correct. Collectively, "Los Cabos" refers to the popular tourist hub of Cabo San Lucas as well as the laid-back colonial gem of San Jose del Cabo.
The latter, San Jose del Cabo, provides a gorgeous getaway with palm-lined lagoons on the hem of the ocean.
Gay Play | San José del Cabo
Marked by warm architecture, the main plaza of this historic town resides downtown and, over the years, has become an Artist Mecca, spotlighting traditional Mexican creations from local artists.
© Mary West
Facing the shining Sea of Cortez, the picturesque marina is home to world-class surf spots, seafood joints, and wonderous wildlife such as gray whales in breach and turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea for the first time.
Gay Stay | Luxurious Leisure
Boasting a brilliant beachfront location where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect place to soak up the sun in sophisticated style. Never mind Cabo's reputation for attracting wild spring breakers, the resort lies closer to the less touristy San José del Cabo, not Cabo San Lucas, and it attracts a refined crowd to match.
Need a break from the sun? Treat yourself to tropical tranquility at the luxury Jasha Spa & Salon.
© Casa Maat at JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa via Instagram
For supreme comfort, Casa Maat is a single tower located in a sleepy corner of the aforementioned JW Marriott property. A sanctuary of peace and quiet, Casa Maat provides a laundry list of conveniences. Wash your worries away in the private pool and enjoy cabanas and premium amenities, or get pampered by the butler service.
It's worth noting that Casa Maat’s guests have free access to all JW Marriott Los Cabos resort facilities.
Butler Service |
Receive genuine assistance from our staff of experienced butlers who are committed to making your stay memorable and offering you a personalized touch that makes you feel at home.
© Zadún, A Ritz Carlton Reserve via Instagram
Sharing its deep connection to the culture through exclusive excursions that journey through the land and amid the sea, at Zadún, A Ritz Carlton Reserve, there will always be new ways to discover the local community, history, and culture in unforgettable ways.
All guests are assigned private attendants, called a Tosoani, or “dream watcher,” who is tasked with anticipating your every need and can curate a customizable itinerary with any activity the property has to offer — from a desert walk that ends at a hidden waterfall to agave tastings and romantic dinners or bonfires under the starry night sky.
El Panadero |
Experience fresh housemade artisanal bread delivered by the resort's very own bicycle baker.
© Zadún, A Ritz Carlton Reserve
Gay Play | Weekly Happenings
Big believers in food being the window to a culture's soul, Zadún has three restaurants on-site — all with the ability to dine al fresco.
Music and Cigars at Humo & Candil | Every Friday. Starting at 6:00 p.m.Enjoy exceptional Latin American dishes grilled to perfection at Humo; end the night with live music and meet our expert cigar maker at Candil terrace.
Baja Med Fish Market at Equis | Every Thursday. Starting at 6:00 p.m.Delight your palate with our ocean-to-table experience. Every Thursday, savor the freshest catches combining the freshness of Baja’s seafood, organic vegetables, Mediterranean cuisine, and local techniques.
Sunset Ritual at The Beach | Every day at sunset hour.With celebratory cocktails, a fireplace with marshmallows, and the wide range of colors of the Cabo sunset, join us for a relaxing moment with breathtaking views.
Ciudad de México (CDMX)
A study in contrasts, Mexico City is an always-changing yet evergreen megalopolis making its mark as one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlements in the Western Hemisphere.
© Luis Domínguez
Tenochtitlan, el Distrito Federal, and now la Ciudad de México – the city has been known by many names in its centuries-long run. In present times, from food to culture to history, Mexico City checks every box - and then some.
The sun in the Mexican solar system, this high-octane hotspot lays claim to old-school cantinas, highbrowed museums, visionary cuisine, and al fresco activities along the ancient canals.
© Azahed via Unsplash
As one of the biggest cities in the world, Mexico City can be difficult to navigate, but when it comes to navigating neighborhoods, if Reforma is the city’s Times Square, then Polanco is definitely Beverly Hills!
Postcard Polanco
Known for its famous Michelin-star restaurants and world-class museums that pride themselves on iconic exhibits by artists like Marcel Duchamp, Jeff Koons, and James Turrell, Polcano has prestige locked down.
Despite its address in one of the most well-to-do parts of CDMX, the fruits that this neighborhood bears remain will within the public's reach. This noteworthy colonia shows off high-end retailers and five-star brasseries alongside architecture that will transport you back to the Spanish Colonial Revival.
Gay Stay |
The perfect place for relaxing and recharging, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City flawlessly blends modern style and substance. With easy access to Chapultepec Castle, the National Auditorium, Teotihuacan, and Xochimilco-Floating Gardens, this hotel is ideal for travelers on the go.
After a busy day perusing the streets of the Polanco neighborhood, fuel up with a delicious Mexican dish from the hotel's restaurant, Xanat Bistro & Terraza, or grab a quick bite and relax with a dip in the outdoor pool.
Lights, Camera, Reforma!
One of the safest areas in Mexico City, Reforma is home to the Paseo de la Reforma, one of the most important avenues in the world. Lined with street vendors and club-goers alike, Reforma connects Centro, the city's largest park, to the trio of art institutions thronged together at its northern end - the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Tamayo Museum for contemporary art.
Gay Stay |
Bringing the best possible blend of luxury and leisure to the famed Reforma Avenue, Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel surrounds guests with boutique shopping, dynamic nightlife, and eclectic restaurants influenced by the neighborhood's Korean population.
This 5-star hotel belongs to the Zona Rosa district, giving guests the chance to revel in the Angel of Independence's beauty. What's more, the central location near Centro Histórico places you within close distance of Palacio de Bellas Artes, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other famous landmarks featuring iconic Spanish Colonial and Art Nouveau facades.
© Alexa Rodriguez via Unsplash
Rising 58 stories tall in the heart of the Paseo de la Reforma financial center, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, adds striking character to the skyline of Mexico City. This luxury high rise occupies one of the tallest buildings in the city, delivering sweeping views of Chapultepec Park from the privacy of its rooms.
Stay in style at W Mexico City, located off Reforma Boulevard in the stylish Polanco neighborhood, where trend-seekers meet to explore chic shops, a fast-paced cultural landscape, and tempting nightlife.
Keep your Polanco party going at the Living Room Bar, the hotel's bar that bursts with daring décor as it quenches the thirst of many with the most innovative collection of cocktails the city has ever seen. Meet up with old friends or make new ones in the lounge and then
get your evening going with a sip of something crafted as live DJs infuse the night with exhilarating energy.
© The St. Regis Mexico via Instagram
Soaring 31 stories above tree-lined Paseo de la Reforma, The St. Regis Mexico City stands tall amongst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tired from a long flight? Champagne service greets you at check-in. Need your shoes shined? The St. Regis signature butler service, which performs all the tasks of a personal assistant, is available to guests of the hotel, whether you’re in a standard deluxe room or the signature suite. Even during the shortest of stays, the staff will learn and remember your name, offering a personalized greeting anytime you walk by the front desk.
Jalisco
Mexico's heartland, Jalisco, stretches from the gleaming Pacific Coast inland to enchanting gems like the state capital of Guadalajara and the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta.
© Shelley Pauls
Journey into Jalisco, where jungle-shrouded mountains rise from the sea, blue agave fields blanket vast rolling hills, and ancient history come alive in this colonial and rural wonderland. Anyone after a quintessential Mexican experience will certainly find it in the western state, the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila, and many other classic traditions.
The New Cultural Hotspot
As Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara serves as a less chaotic alternative to the nation's capital.
© Roman Lopez
From mariachi music to wide-brimmed sombreros, many of the visual symbols we attribute to Mexico have roots here; but Guadalajara is as much a vanguard of the new Mexico as it is the guardian of the old.
A city full of pleasant distractions, museums drive the culture forward, fusion chefs sharpen the already iconic food scene, and foresighted local planners prioritize green space.
Gay Stays | Embrace Modern Luxury
In between adventurous outings, settle into stylish surroundings at AC Hotel Guadalajara, Mexico. Smartly stationed in the heart of the city's financial district, our Guadalajara hotel is situated close to historical attractions such as Guadalajara Cathedral and the sites of nearby Zapopan, where a wealth of entertainment options await.
Refresh your well-being at The Westin Guadalajara, a haven of rejuvenation with all the buzz of the city just outside its doors. Located in the prestigious Residencial del Bosque district, this hotel places you directly across from the Convention Center Expo Guadalajara, a major venue for events, exhibitions, congresses, and conventions.
The Next Big Thing
Stretching around the sparkling blue Bahía de Banderas and backed by lush palm-covered mountains, Puerto Vallarta, simply 'Vallarta' to locals, is one of the most enticing destinations on Mexico's coasts.
© José Carrillo
Each year millions come to laze on the dazzling sandy beaches, browse in the quirky shops, nosh in the stylish restaurants and wander the picturesque central streets and enticing malecón, or boardwalk. There are activities aplenty, including boat trips, horseback rides, diving trips, and dozens of day trips.
After sunset, Vallarta takes on a new identity with pumping nightlife along the cobblestone streets and numerous LGBTQ+ friendly options in what is the gay beach capital of Mexico.
Gay Stays | Escape to Lush Landscapes
Dotted with swaying palm trees and fronted by the bounds of a private beach, The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta is set on 14 acres of lush grounds and features all the comforts you'd expect... and then some. Boasting beachfront pergolas, head-to-toe pampering at the spa, delicious on-site dining, and close proximity to championship golf, this hotel offers all this splendor just minutes from the international airport and charming downtown.
© Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Vacation on your own terms at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. Snorkel, swim, and kayak in the blue waters just steps from the hotel near downtown. The resort is within walking distance of Marina Vallarta Golf Club and a short drive from the International Convention Center Puerto Vallarta. Allow the resort's very own Tequila Casamagna to add a little extra spark to your lounging experiences.
Be sure to stop by Ohtli Spa for aromatherapy or a couples massage before your Mexico stay comes to an end.
Ohtli Spa | Call to book your reservation today.
Offering contemporary techniques with ancient healing traditions & treatments that will melt your stress away, enjoy a relaxing couples' massage, facial, aromatherapy & much more.
Nayarit
Once part of the state of Jalisco, Nayarit became a state in its own right in 1917.
Escape to an Enticing Hideaway
Nestled within a 1,500-acre private peninsula situated in the Riviera Nayarit, few places in the world do world-class service and eye-catching serenity as they do in Punta Mita.
© Alonso Reyes
Nestled within a 1,500-acre private peninsula situated in the Riviera Nayarit, few places in the world do world-class service and eye-catching serenity as they do in Punta Mita.
Just north of Puerto Vallarta, this luxurious resort town is the type of place where heavenly dreams of idyllic tropical getaways turn into reality. The gated, ultra-luxurious locale houses multimillion-dollar villas, two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, a tennis center with ten courts, and two top-shelf hotels.
© St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
On that note, there is no shortage of luxury accommodations in this secluded paradise. Among Punta Mita’s five-star offerings, the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is located on 22 lush acres of the peninsula and acts as a paragon of contemporary luxury and extraordinary hospitality.
For a refreshing twist on resort travel, turn to W Punta de Mita. Perched on the ocean in the heart of one of Mexico’s most gorgeous beaches, soak up sun, surf, and local culture at this beachfront resort.
Quintana Roo
Located on the eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula, Quintana Roo is the home of the city of Cancún, the islands of Cozumel, and the towns of Playa del Carmen, as well as the ancient Maya ruins of Tulum.
Cancún
A tale of two cities, Cancún is both a beach bum's paradise and a high-brow holiday, with the Zona Hotelera offering majestic Caribbean beaches and Maya culture and the Cancún Centro providing the local flavor. One of Mexico's most popular— and most visited—resort regions, this hotspot is the ideal long-weekend getaway with direct flights from many major cities.
© Gerson Repreza
Masters of going with the flow, a trip can be catered to various demographics, including big groups of families, solo travelers, or couples. The destination also appeals to a variety of different interests, including enthusiasts of outdoor adventure, spa and luxury, history and culture, shoppers, and food lovers.
Gay Stays
A trendy destination amid a vibrant hotspot, Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina is the perfect place to call home during a visit to Mexico. This scenic haven thrills with refined design elements, contemporary essentials, premium amenities, and inspiring views of the city and bay. Itching to see the sights? The hotel belongs to an exclusive area in the city's hotel zone, placing you just steps from the beach, Marina Town Center Mall, Isla Mujeres, and popular shops, restaurants, and pubs downtown.
Get ready for a vacation of a lifetime at Marriott Cancun Resort. When you stay at this oceanfront hotel, you can feel the soft sand between your toes in a matter of seconds, and you'll spend your nights gazing into the infinite horizon of the Caribbean Sea. When not soaking up the sun, this hotel has a premium location close to main attractions such as Isla Mujeres, The Mayan Museum, shopping malls, Coco Bongo, and downtown Cancun.
Sacbé Beach Shack
© Marriott Cancun Resort
With 9 on-site restaurants, guests have access to many different cuisines and atmospheres. If you want to treat your significant other to a romantic dinner, Sasi Thai is your best choice, or spend your day at SacBé Beach Shack, the Tulum-inspired lounge on the beach with swinging bar stools, Mexican street food, and dine-in-the-sand tables.
Together with sister property and next-door neighbor Marriott Cancun, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa offers a multitude of upscale amenities, including spacious, sand-toned accommodations, on-site dining, and premier access to alluring destinations.
Dedicate a day to exploring the historical Mayan ruins and experience the area's lively clubs and bars, dancing your nights away. Watch the sunrise over the blue Mexican Caribbean Sea, unwind with a dip in the infinity pool, retreat to a beachfront Bali daybed, or pursue a little wellness at the world-class Mayan-inspired spa Sens-yah.
Cozumel
Fascinating for its dual personality, Cozumel offers an odd mix – quietly authentic neighborhoods existing alongside tourist-friendly playgrounds.
© Jakob Owens
While diving and snorkeling are the main draws, the town square is a pleasant place to spend the afternoon, and it's highly gratifying to explore the less-visited parts of the island on a rented scooter or in a convertible car.
Gay Stays
Relax and recharge at The Westin Cozumel, a rejuvenating resort offering a unique balance of energizing adventures and relaxing amenities. Explore your adventurous side with nearby activities such as Beach clubs, museums, Mayan Ruins, scuba diving, boating, and eco-tours.
For extra enhanced views, head to the Sky Lounge, the highest one on the island. On-site dining options include three unique restaurants, including Cuzamil, ideal for a romantic candlelit dinner for two.
Tulum
The spectacular coastline of Tulum – with all its confectioner-sugar sands, cobalt water, and balmy breezes – makes it one of the top beaches in Mexico. Where else can you get all that and a dramatically situated Maya ruin?
© Raquel Moss
There’s also excellent cave and cavern diving, fun cenotes, and a variety of lodgings and restaurants to fit every budget.
Gay Stays
Immerse yourself in the local way of life at Aloft Tulum offers a wide selection of cutting-edge technology and high-touch amenities, as well as a perfect location near the city center and a short drive from stunning shores.
This hotel is best for maximizing all the vibrant attractions Tulum has to offer, including the archaeological area, majestic cenotes, pristine beaches, natural reserves, and more. Mix, mingle, and soak up the jungle views from our rooftop lounge, offering great music and vibes, dining, and a variety of cocktails.
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