5. Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Situated about 30 miles southeast of Cancun International Airport on a secluded perch along Playa del Carmen, Mexico’s northern coast, the Asian-inspired Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers vacationers easy access to the Riviera Maya’s maze of mangrove forests, freshwater lagoons and, of course, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Apart from communing with nature, guests can unwind in their villas, which feature Mayan-inspired decor, floor-to-ceiling windows and private pools and sun decks. If you’re not one to stay cooped up, Banyan Tree Mayakoba also features a bevy of facilities, including The Shack Beach Club, pools and a spa that pampers with signature treatments like The Rainforest hydrothermal therapy session. The resort’s numerous dining facilities also earn praise, but for an unforgettable meal, book a seat aboard the romantic Ixchel dinner boat, which cruises through the scenic Mayakoba lagoon.
6. The Cape, A Thompson Hotel
Recent visitors warn newcomers they won’t want to leave this hotel once they’ve arrived. With its beachfront location on the shores of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the hotel overlooks the famous El Arco. Everywhere you go in this hotel, you’ll run into spectacular scenery, literally – each guest room, suite and villa features ocean views. This, grouped with balconies, rain showers, kimono bathrobes and a welcome tequila amenity, not only make for a great getaway, but an unbeatable (albeit pricey) paradise. If guests do decide to leave their digs, they’ll find even more luxury within the hotel’s spa, nestled upon one of The Cape’s natural rock formations. Lodgers can indulge in three bars, including Point Break (in the main pool) and The Rooftop (the only rooftop lounge in Cabo San Lucas), as well as two on-site restaurants, both serving up a blend of seafood specialties, Mexican cuisine and American comfort dishes. Previous guests applauded the chefs for creating such flavorful food, no matter how simple the dish. But aesthetics and gastronomy aside, The Cape’s most admirable quality is its impeccable service, according to travelers. From the moment guests arrived until the time they were bid a friendly adios, they felt they were truly taken care of.