Planning a Mexican honeymoon is a breeze, especially when you book one of the country’s top-notch all-inclusive resorts. But beyond the seductive call of white-sand beaches, sexy lounges and free-flowing cocktails by the pool, you and your honey need to make sure the resort’s personality is one that best fits yours. Does a DJ booth and beats that start at noon top your lists of must-haves? Or does a hideaway spa retreat sound like just the thing? Here are 10 great options for newlyweds who want to find the perfect match.
Relaxation Seekers
Find your newlywed nirvana at these peaceful, couple-centric retreats.
Le Blanc Spa Resort, Cancun: This spa-oriented enclave is quiet and relaxed, and with 260 sleek rooms and suites that have floor-to-ceiling views of the turquoise Caribbean, it’s a window to wellness and a whole lot of pampering. The spa sanctuary has 19 treatment rooms (including four romantic couple’s suites) and two hydrotherapy areas, plus a yoga palapa on the lagoon. a pristine beach with butler service plus an infinity pool overlooking the ocean are ideal for daytime relaxation, while posh restaurants and lounges create a mood of sophisticated seduction after dark. Room rates start at $675 a night.
Photo courtesy of Le Blanc Spa Resort
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos: This peaceful, adults-only resort with its Zen-inspired architecture and panoramic vistas will flip your relaxation switch the instant you arrive. Featuring 154 rooms and suites (plus the new Towers at Pacifica, a 47-room resort-within-the-resort), this all-inclusive’s offerings include a wellness-focused spa, beach yoga, Pilates and a tranquil fire pit. Walk on the two-mile-long beach or play 18 holes at the oceanfront Quivera Golf Club. Dine at the three restaurants or at the more than 20 other eateries at neighboring Pueblo Bonito resorts (shuttle provided). Room rates start at $588 a night.
Photos courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Spa & Golf Resort
Next: Top resorts for active duos ►
Active Duos
Fill your days with plenty of adventure and your nights with blissful romance.
Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun: Whether you prefer to play on land or in the water, this sophisticated 450-room resort tucked away from Cancun’s party corridor will get your hearts pumping. Work out at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or sign up for stand-up paddleboarding, scuba lessons, beach volleyball and tennis — all included (or you can tee off at the Playa Mujeres Golf Club for an extra fee). Find adventure around the Yucatan peninsula, from exploring wreck dives to climbing El Castillo pyramid at the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza — your Instagram feed will be the envy of all your friends. Room rates start at $642 a night.
Photo courtesy of Excellence Playa Mujeres
Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: Satisfy both your passion for action and cultural curiosity at this 421-room resort located on a sublime stretch of Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. The fun begins on the ocean trampoline — or pony up a few extra pesos for a horseback ride or a snorkel excursion. Fitness buffs can hit the Aqua gym, jogging path or take a Pilates class. The nearby Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park is home to pre-Colombian ruins and ball courts, and the historic city of Oaxaca (known for its mole sauce and baroque architecture) makes a memorable overnight trip. Room rates start at $213 a night.
Photo courtesy of Dreams Resorts
Next: Top resorts for food and wine aficionados ►
Food & Wine Aficionados
Savor the distinctive flavors of Mexico, with a side of international sophistication.
Secrets The Vine Cancun: This chic high-rise hotel — very à la Miami — sits on a white-sand beach, and has 497 rooms with luxurious contemporary decor (all have balconies with stunning Caribbean views — the perfect spot to enjoy room service). Multiple dining options include eight restaurants (from Mediterranean to Asian) and a Mexican buffet, plus top tipples and inventive cocktails at the six bars and lounges. Sign up for special wine tastings or complimentary mixology classes or head out to one of Cancun’s culinary hot spots for dinner out on the town. Room rates start at $401 a night.
Photo courtesy of Secrets Resorts & Spas
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: This 267-suite luxury all-inclusive has a prime location on the edge of Banderas Bay where foodie couples can dine at three gourmet restaurants (Frida for Mexican, Lucca for Italian and Piaf for French), as well as the oceanfront restaurant and a palapa-topped snack bar. Free tequila tastings are offered once a week and cooking classes are available upon request. Head to romantic Puerto Vallarta (just 25 minutes away by shuttle) for a three-hour food tasting and walking tour where you’ll discover the city’s authentic regional flavors. Room rates start at $308 a night.
Photos courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Next: Top resorts for luxury lovers ►
Luxury Lovers
Indulge in the finer things in life at these posh adults-only enclaves.
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita, Riviera Maya: If you want your Mexican honeymoon to be full of personalized pampering — chauffeured airport transfers, poolside relaxation on a chaise for two, artfully designed suites with private plunge pools, local and organic cuisine, a world-class spa — this secluded, 90-suite resort located between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen is ideal. You’ll also enjoy intimate experiences and unforgettable moments, such as a traditional Temezcal steam-room ceremony and an hour-long sunset catamaran sail, that really ramp up the romance factor — all included. Room rates start at $533 a night.
Photo courtesy of Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts
Marquis Los Cabos: Hollywood A-listers love Los Cabos because this resort enclave at the tip of the Baja peninsula is all about laid-back luxury— desert-meets-sea in a land of bright sunshine and rolling surf. This stylish 235-room resort has Mexican-inspired suites and casitas with Jacuzzi tubs overlooking the Sea of Cortez — an effortless escape to paradise. Multiple bars and restaurants (plus 24-hour room service), three infinity pools overlooking a serene beach, a spa with 10 oceanview treatment rooms and wine and tequila tastings mean everything you need to feel like a VIP is right here. Room rates start at $490 a night.
Photo courtesy of Marquis Los Cabos
Next: Top resorts for life-of-the-party types ►
Life-of-the-Party Types
For fun in the sun, these raucous resorts rock.
Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Cancun: This 123-acre resort is undergoing a multimillion-dollar enhancement and will soon offer more than 3,000 rooms in three distinct sections: Moon Grand, Sunrise and Nizuc. You and your sweetie can find a different party every night at the seven pools, some with live DJs and six with swim-up bars. There are also 17 bars and lounges, including the Noir nightclub, and nighttime concerts. During the day you can play at the Flow- Rider surf simulator, a water park, a brand new bowling alley or relax at the 60-suite Awe-Spa. Room rates start at $456 a night.
Photo courtesy of Palace Resorts
Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit: The party never stops at this 348-room, rock ’n’ roll-inspired resort about 20 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. A rotating schedule of concerts, DJ parties, fire shows and karaoke contests make for never-a-dull-moment nights, while two pools (one with a swim-up bar), beach volleyball and poolside contests keep the afternoons from becoming a snooze. All rooms and suites feature a stocked bar with full-size bottles and hydro-spa tubs. What’s not to love? That is, aside from a potential hangover or two. Room rates start at $358 a night.
Photos courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta