1. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
This St. Regis outpost sits within Punta Mita just north of Banderas Bay. The accommodations, which range from 600- to 640-square-foot Deluxe Rooms to the 3,100-square-foot Presidential Villa, feature rustic Mediterranean and Mexican accents, including polished clay floors, handcrafted tiles and natural wood furniture. Along with stylish decor, the rooms also flaunt modern amenities like iHome radios, minibars, flat-screen TVs and complimentary high-speed internet access. You can dine in if you can’t bear to leave your digs, but for a change of scenery, head to one of the hotel’s six restaurants. Guests say the cuisine – which includes traditional ceviche and empanadas at Sea Breeze Restaurant and duck confit with black truffle at Carolina Restaurant – is superb. Once you’re well-fed, have the concierge arrange tee times at one of the two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in Punta Mita. Not a golfer? Leave the kids with La Tortuga Children’s Club while you luxuriate at the on-site Remède Spa, sunbathe on the beach or lounge by the three pools. A stay at The St. Regis Punta Mita can get a bit pricey, but thanks to the property’s Marriott family ties, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.
2. Grand Vela’s Riviera Maya
This 85-acre, all-inclusive property approximately 5 miles northeast of central Playa del Carmen, Mexico, garners rave reviews from its guests. The accommodations impress with whirlpool tubs, 42-inch plasma-screen TVs and at least 1,100 square feet of space. Meanwhile, guests consistently praise the resort’s excellent customer service, its gourmet cuisine and its revitalizing spa services. During your stay, you can sign up for invigorating treatments like the Mayan Jade Facial or the Coffee & Cocoa Experience. If you’re more interested in staying active, consider breaking a sweat in the fitness center, signing up for a free fitness class or borrowing complimentary kayaks and boogie boards at the beach. The all-inclusive rates also cover meals at the property’s eight restaurants and other privileges, such as kids and teens club activities, 24-hour concierge services and drinks. Plus, the hotel is part of the Preferred hotel group, so members of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program can earn points and use free night certificates here.