3. Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada
Sitting in central San Miguel de Allende, a sizeable city in central Mexico, Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada blends into its historic surroundings. The hotel occupies several colonial mansions within walking distance of popular cultural sites like the San Miguel de Allende Historical Museum and the stunning Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel cathedral. Yet despite its central location, guests describe Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada as quiet and peaceful. Guest rooms ooze Old World charm with antique furnishings and bright decorative accents (some rooms also boast stone fireplaces). Although they look like they belong in an 18th-century villa, most accommodations are equipped with modern-day conveniences like upscale bath products, TVs and wireless internet access. However, recent guests mentioned that you could hear outside noise from within the accommodations. Meanwhile, the property’s outdoor swimming pool provides respite from the Mexican heat, while a massage at the Laja Spa will leave you feeling replenished. Although Casa de Sierra Nevada’s location is ideal for sampling the city’s culinary offerings, consider dining in at least once: The on-site restaurant, Andanza, earns rave reviews from previous guests for its contemporary Mexican fare and charming colonial-inspired setting. And for a quiet nightcap, make your way to The Blue Bar.
4. Banyan Tree Cabo Marques
Rising above the Pacific Ocean on a verdant bluff in the Punta Diamante neighborhood of Acapulco, Mexico, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués certainly impresses visitors with its picturesque surroundings. Its villas are built into a cliff, offering panoramic ocean views. Each offers Wi-Fi access (which the daily service charge of 15% of villa rates covers) and comes appointed with a heated pool, a sun deck and a terrace, all of which are made from locally sourced materials. With a fusion of Asian and Latin American design elements, the resort offers what it calls a “holistic Asian ambiance,” a signature of the Banyan Tree brand. Though this New Age aura permeates the entire five-star property, it’s perhaps most noticeable at the spa, where therapists pamper visitors with East-meets-West massage techniques. Seeking more relaxation? Take a dip in the hotel’s infinity pool, a favorite feature among past guests. Then, cap off your day with gourmet Thai dishes at Saffron, a preferred dining spot. Or, sample the Mexican-inspired plates at La Nao or the flavorful seafood entrees at Las Rocas Grill and Bar. Because this property is part of the Accor Hotels family, members of the brand’s loyalty program will especially enjoy their stays knowing they can earn and redeem points at this location.