Top Takeaways From the Condé Nast Awards for Mexico Specialists

Heads up: your clients could soon be buzzing about the destinations, hotels and resorts featured in the 32nd annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, which the publication announced this week. We're arming you with intel on the notable hotels in Mexico that have won. 

Overall Mexico was voted the #13 country in the world, just behind Japan and ahead of Tanzania. It also won awards for its small cities and towns, netting three spots in the top 10. Puebla ranked #8 in terms of small cities for its Baroque architecture and signature mole poblano, and Puerto Vallarta came in at #5 for its natural attractions and Old Hollywood glamor. Tip: In Puebla, guests may want to check out the Rosewood property, which is home to a rooftop bar with great views of the city center. Another option is the relatively new Hotel Cartesiano (opened October 2017); also in the historic center, it's comprised of two restored 18th-century colonial mansions and a more contemporary building. It's also a member of Leading Hotels of the World

Mérida, however, is the standout here, winning the best small city in the world this year: the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan State is an enticing mix of Spanish colonial architecture and Mayan history. The city is also working to promote its cultural tourism as Yucatan State looks to distinguish itself from its more famous neighbors to the south. It's also been enjoying expanded airlift recently, with direct flights currently available from Miami, Houston and Toronto. 

In terms of hotels and resorts, the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, won a #18 spot in the world and a #1 spot in Mexico for its historic architecture and rooftop bar with spectacular views. We also hear it's a great base for romantic getaways to San Miguel de Allende, particularly for foodies: the city around it abounds in cooking schools that let travelers explore the local markets with a chef. 

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, was voted the #16 best resort in the world for its private beach and stellar views of the rocky Cabo coast. In a recent interview with Travel AgentGeneral Manager Marc Rodriguez said that the resort is increasingly looking to promote itself as both a romantic getaway and a family-friendly resort. The property's layout, which divides adults-only and kid-friendly areas into separate coves, allows these two travel niches to avoid disturbing each other. It's also fresh off a complete revamp of its kids' club, plus it's debuting a number of activities for foodies: think diving for chocolata clams or sea foraging with the resort's executive chef. In both cases, guests get to enjoy the fruits of their expeditions as a specially prepared meal. 

The full list of top hotels and resorts in Mexico is as follows:

Top Hotels

  1. Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
  2. Hotel Matilda
  3. Hacienda Temozon, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Temozon Sur
  4. Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada
  5. Cartesiano
  6. Hacienda de San Antonio
  7. Hotel de la Soledad
  8. Rosewood Puebla
  9. AC Hotel Guadalajara
  10. Dos Casas Hotel & Spa
  11. W Mexico City
  12. Hotel Amparo
  13. Anticavilla
  14. Hotel El Ganzo
  15. Hotel Rodavento

Top Resorts in Eastern Mexico

  1. Chablé Maroma
  2. Thompson Playa del Carmen
  3. JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
  4. Vidanta Riviera Maya
  5. UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya
  6. Rosewood Mayakoba
  7. Banyan Tree Mayakoba
  8. The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
  9. Chablé Resort & Spa
  10. Casa Pueblo Tulum
  11. Viceroy Riviera Maya
  12. Nizuc Resort & Spa
  13. Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
  14. Habitas Tulum
  15. Hotel Esencia
  16. Excellence Playa Mujeres
  17. Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
  18. Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
  19. Mahekal Beach Resort
  20. Casa Malca

Top Resorts in Western Mexico

  1. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
  2. Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
  3. Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos
  4. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort
  5. Viceroy Los Cabos
  6. One&Only Palmilla
  7. Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués
  8. The Resort at Pedregal (Note: Now a Waldorf Astoria!)
  9. Cuixmala
  10. The Cape, A Thompson Hotel
  11. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
  12. W Punta de Mita
  13. Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences
  14. Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort
  15. Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa
  16. Las Alamandas
  17. Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort
  18. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
  19. Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
  20. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

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