It seems like most hotels in Mexico have the same amazing natural amenities: blue skies, white sands and calm beaches. So when you want to choose the best of the best for your clients, the list becomes immeasurably long. Fortunately, U.S. News & World Report has decided to launch a Best Hotels in Mexico ranking, which kicked off last month.
Of the 340 luxury hotels across Mexico that were evaluated for the 2013 rankings, 34 were deemed worthy enough to be placed on the list. Still, 34 hotels is a lot to sift through, so here are the top five resorts in Mexico that should be on your radar, along with the latest news out of each:
1. Las Ventanas al Parais, A Rosewood Resort
Earlier this year, The Spa at Las Ventanas unveiled a fully transformed treatment menu. Featuring a range of new therapies, the eight new treatments were designed to restore energy and balance to the body. Highlights include: The Path of the Shaman is a unique cleansing ritual performed by a shaman healer in a private sanctuary within the spa that is specially designed for this experience. The shaman uses an herbal mixture called copal to purify and cleanse the body before massaging it with bamboo. Herbal tea is served after the ritual. The Body and Mind Energy Restoration provides a Thai massage and personalized yoga instruction to relax the muscles, Shirodara to calm the mind and Reiki for balance. The massage and yoga is followed by a lunch from La Cocina del Spa. The Equilibrium Bamboo Massage uses bamboo trunks instead of hands to provide a deeper, firmer massage.
2. Rosewood San Miguel De Allende
This resort, which debuted in 2011, is located in the mountains just north of Mexico City. Situated within the heart of downtown and blocks from El Jardin, the hotel has 67 rooms and suites. The resort also has numerous dining options and Sense, A Rosewood Spa.
3. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
This summer, the St. Regis Punta Mita is offering “Sunsational Savings,” which give guests every third night for free, and a full daily breakfast at Las Marietas or Sea Breeze restaurant. Butler service, complimentary 24-hour gym access and use of the relaxation areas at Remède Spa are also included with this package. Children 5-12 years of age can use the Children’s Club free of charge. These savings are available for travel between July 1 and October 31, 2013 (black out dates may apply). Garden View Deluxe Rooms begin at $488 per night, and Ocean View Deluxe Rooms begin at $638 per night, not including the 19 percent tax and 10 percent service charge per room, per night. The rates are subject to availability. The rate code SUNSAV should be used when making reservations. Visit: www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/index.html.
4. Capella Pedregal
Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas is an exclusive resort on Mexico’s Baja peninsula. There are just 96 rooms, which gives the property an intimate feeling. However, the resort is close enough to downtown Cabo so your clients will have easy access to nightlife partying. Book your parties in the three-bedroom Beachfront Suites, which, as the name implies, sit right on the beach, with 35 feet of roped-off area for privacy. Guests enjoy a shared living room, a fireplace, personal assistant, dining cabanas, hammocks, an LCD TV, iPod docks and free use of iPads. Last fall, Capella Pedregal debuted Crudo Bar. Tell your clients that this should be their spot before hitting the town, as they can enjoy an afternoon or early-evening snack. The bar’s menu includes a variety of ceviches, tiraditos, sushi rolls and sake cocktails.
5. Banyan Tree Cabo Marques
Banyan Tree Cabo Marques is a cliff-top hotel that opened in 2010. The all-pool villa resort overlooks Acapulco Bay in the exclusive Punta Diamante private residential area, where celebs like Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and Elvis used to romp. Each of the 47 private villas is 2,000 square feet in size and has its own 1,400-square-foot pool. Ask about the three-level, three-bedroom Presidential Pool Villa, which can join forces with the Spa Pool Villa to create a four-bedroom retreat. An outdoor lounging./dining area has sea views and massage beds.