Couples looking for a high-end honeymoon in 2017-2018 might want to keep things close to home. The perfect option? A resort getaway or land-and-cruise vacation in Mexico. (See the Travel Romance links at the bottom to help with your decision-making.)
For honeymooners traveling outside the United States, Mexico is a great choice — one that provides convenience with just the right amount of adventure and dreaminess.
Here are 10 high-end honeymoon havens in Mexico that newlywed couples are sure to fall in love with.
Chileno Bay Resort
Los Cabos, Mexico
Let's start at the high end. At the 22-acre Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, which opened in February 2017 along the protected cove and natural marine reserve of Chileno Bay in the Gulf of California, newlyweds can relax in private poolside cabanas lining the 450-foot-long, three-tiered, infinity-edge pool that cascades through the center of the property. Or they can unwind in their two-bedroom villa with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Sea of Cortez. Or they can dine on crispy octopus with hazelnut mole complemented by inventive handcrafted cocktails at the resort’s COMAL restaurant.
This new Auberge Resorts Collection boutique property, located nine miles from Cabo San Lucas and 13 miles from San Jose del Cabo, features 92 accommodations in all — 60 guest rooms and 32 two-, three-, four- and six-bedroom villas — and if I were planning my honeymoon I’d go for one of the two three-bedroom Sky Villas, with its own spacious private rooftop terrace with private pool, extended living area and bar. Active couples will want to check out the H20 Cave watersports activity center, which has been ingeniously carved into a natural granite bluff and provides equipment for everything from paddleboarding to snorkeling with masks donning GoPro attachments. After a day of snorkeling or kayaking on glass-bottomed kayaks, couples can bite into authentic tacos and antojitos at the beachfront tacos and tequila bar, TnT. And what’s a honeymoon without the requisite couples massage — the resort is home to the 10-room Auberge Spa, with locally inspired treatments and an outdoor bathing circuit cleverly called Purification Garden.
Rates at this dreamy hideaway start at $675 per night.
Cruise ships that call on Cabo San Lucas include ships from Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Oceania, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival.
For more info: See Cruiseable's Cabo San Lucas travel guide. See more photos of the venue.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
Los Cabos, Mexico
The adults-only, all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos should be on any honeymooners’ list of highly anticipated hotel openings. Set to open in fall 2017, the 373-room beachfront property — part of the Palace Resorts family of brands — will feature spacious accommodations with private terraces and ocean views, and suites ranging from 760 to 1,400 square feet. Guests can expect such details as comfort menus: a variety of specialty pillows, bath salts and aromatherapy scents; en-suite high-def Smart TVs with Apple TV; in-room signature beach tote and umbrella; a seven-course French tasting menu at the resort’s signature restaurant, Lumiere; Bulgari products; an ice room at the 29,000-square-foot BLANCSPA and interactive mixology classes.
Again, it's pricey, with room rates starting at $708 per night. (Be careful, many of these resorts quote rates "per person based on double occupancy." In other words, pay attention to whether you're being quoted a price per room or per person.)
Los Cabos alternatives
Auberge’s other Cabo resort, Esperanza, perched on the bluffs of Punta Ballena outside of Cabo San Lucas, is also worth a look. And set to debut in early 2018 is Zadun, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, built into the steppes of the desert landscape and the fourth resort in the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio.
Cruise ships that call on Cabo San Lucas include ships from Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Oceania, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival.
For more info: See Cruiseable's Cabo San Lucas travel guide. See photos of the venue.
Hotel Xcaret
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The all-inclusive Hotel Xcaret, set to open its doors in December 2017, will be hugged by the Riviera Maya jungle and the Caribbean Sea and is the ideal getaway for eco-conscious newlyweds. Around every corner, guests will find nature beckoning, as the resort boasts coves, rivers, caves and a jungle setting. For honeymooners, I recommend the premier adults-only Casa Fuego accommodations, with direct access to semi-private beaches, private pools and a rooftop pool/bar area.
Ideal for newlyweds, the Fuego Master Suite Ocean-Front accommodations feature VIP private airport pickup/dropoff, complimentary massages and body treatments, access to private beach coves and lounge areas, and a complimentary dinner at the Ha’ restaurant for stays of four or more nights, among other amenities. Premier services at Casa Fuego also include butler services and access to a pool concierge team, who can coordinate romantic experiences, as well as tours and activities at Experiencias Xcaret parks. A final treat: The salt water isolation cabin at the Muluc Spa sounds delightful. Room rates start at $498 per night if purchased in advance.
Cruise ships that call on Riviera Maya generally stop at the island of Cozumel and ferry over. See cruise ships that call on Cozumel.
For more info: See Cruiseable's Riviera Maya travel guide. See photos of the venue.
Unico 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya
Quintana Room, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Minutes within arriving at Unico 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, I sent a text to family and friends saying, “I might not return home. I found heaven.” The accommodations at this new all-inclusive Mexico property exude modern Mexican flair and a relaxed ambience — mine came with a swim-up pool with chaises set in the water and hammocks hanging in the patio. Want a good soak? There's a hydro spa tub on the balcony of all 372 rooms, ideal for taking in the surrounding scenery.
Rooms come stocked with wines, mescal, tequila, soft drinks and complimentary sun hats. While lounging about in the room, guests can use the services of their anfitrion, or “host,” who, among other things, can set up the spa tub. The adults-only hotel embodies relaxed luxury and immerses guests in local culture through great food and drinks, design, music, arts and wellness experiences. Each day offers a different experience. After daytime activities, guests can relax at the onsite Esencia Spa, which offers one daily complimentary service, as well as amenities to use in-room upon their arrival.
Room rates start at $600 per night (double occupancy).
Cruise ships that call on Riviera Maya generally stop at the island of Cozumel and ferry over. See cruise ships that call on Cozumel.
For more info: See Cruiseable's Riviera Maya travel guide. See photos of the venue.
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Mexico offers such lush settings it would be remiss for us not to mention a property surrounded by abundant greenery such as Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Playa del Carmen — and there’s a beach, too! Here, newlyweds can bike through the resort’s lush jungle, take a wilderness path that leads through the jungle past a series of cenotes, explore the mangrove forest, or take a tranquil boat ride through a winding river. They can also observe birds, turtles, deer and iguanas, and even plant a tree as part of the destination’s conservation efforts … oh, and they can also frolic in the water park with its 17 slides, splash areas and fountains. The ocean, too, beckons, with snorkeling trips, deep-sea fishing excursions, parasailing and catamarans.
After a day filled with active pursuits, couples will want to hide away in a private retreat at the resort’s Select Club Adults Only section, which is tucked away in a quiet jungle area of the resort and offers an exclusive pool and Jacuzzi. The resort’s honeymoon package is complimentary to newlyweds who mention that they are booking the resort for their honeymoon. They’ll receive a bottle of sparkling wine, fruit basket, chocolate-covered strawberries, special decoration in the room, two “Just Married” T-shirts, dinner in a restaurant and breakfast in bed. Other romantic offerings at the resort include spending the afternoon together in the spa’s hydrotherapy area or the Temazcal, enjoying a nighttime Mayan show or having a private dinner on the beach in a gazebo or on a deck surrounded by the jungle.
Room rates start at $206 per night.
Cruise ships: Playa del Carmen has a shallow reef so nearly all ships dock at Cozumel and passengers ferry over. See the ships that call on Cozumel.
For more info: See Cruiseable's Playa del Carmen travel guide. See photos of the venue.
Le Blanc Spa Resort
Cancun, Mexico
Le Blanc Spa Resort — winners of Condé Nast Readers' Choice and TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for 2016 — knows how to cater to newlyweds: It’s adults-only, it has a Royale Honeymoon Suite with a double whirlpool made for romantic interludes, and it has a few honeymoon packages to choose from … oh, and there’s that gorgeous setting in Cancun on white-sand beaches along the Caribbean Sea.
The property, part of the Palace Resorts portfolio, knows how to do all-inclusive, too — there’s a sprinkling of fine dining restaurants; a spa with 19 treatment rooms, including couples’ suites; yoga and Pilates classes; poolside snuggling and the opportunity to take in the sights while touring the destination. The aforementioned honeymoon suite rates start at $344 a night, and those couples who present proof of marriage within the past year and book a minimum 4-night stay can opt for a complimentary honeymoon package, too, which includes a mini honeymoon cake, bottle of sparkling wine, romantic candlelight dinner, two honeymoon T-shirts, breakfast in bed, guaranteed turndown service and late check-out until 6 pm.
Newlyweds can up the ante (way up) and go for the Ultra Deluxe package, which includes a Holistic Spa package — 25-minute body scrub, 50-minute holistic massage and 25-minute refresher facial, large flower arrangement, king bed guaranteed, chocolate-covered strawberries, keepsake bathrobes and slippers, in-room aromatherapy with fragrance menu, intimate candlelit rose petal bath in Jacuzzi, mini honeymoon cake, in-room romantic dinner and tour. The rate is $850 per night for an Ultra Deluxe suite; some less-expensive options are also available.
Cruise ships: Cancun has a shallow reef so nearly all ships dock at Cozumel and passengers ferry over. See the ships that call on Cozumel.
For more info: See Cruiseable's Cancun travel guide. See photos of the venue.
Royal Suites Yucatan by Palladium
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula and Riviera Maya is one of Mexico’s most captivating destinations. Here, ancient cultures mingles with a vast natural playground that showcases both jungles and beaches. Within this tropical destination, the adults-only Royal Suites Yucatan by Palladium — located in an exclusive area within the Grand Palladium Resorts of Playa del Carmen — offers couples a VIP getaway coupled with unlimited access to its neighboring resorts.
With nine thematic restaurants as well as buffet dining options, and 26 bars throughout the resort complex, there’s an array of places to sit down and get a bite to eat or sip on a cocktail, and Royal Suites guests have exclusive access to one buffet-style restaurant, an a la carte restaurant and two bars. They also have butler service and 24-hour room service. The resort’s Royal Junior Suite, which overlooks the garden and features a two-person whirlpool on the balcony, has rates starting at $324 per night, which includes a complimentary Segway ride.
Cruise ships: Playa del Carmen has a shallow reef so nearly all ships dock at Cozumel and passengers ferry over. See the ships that call on Cozumel.
For more info: See Cruiseable's Playa del Carmen travel guide. See photos of the venue.
Casa Velas
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The adults-only Casa Velas, located in Puerto Vallarta, is delightful, and it's just brimming with bougainvillea — there’s a profusion of these flowers around every corner in this sprawling resort. There are several room categories, although we love the ones with their own private immersion pool on the terrace. If you want intimacy with a bit of pampering, we recommend the Grand Class Suites, although for pure indulgence, the Governor Suite overlooks the golf course and the pool. The decor is pure Mexican hacienda and the service is top of the line, but what will captivate honeymooners is the hotel’s culinary feast.
Puerto Vallarta offers a host of restaurants you'll want to try out, but you should spend at least one night dining at the resort's four-diamond Emiliano: The shrimp burrito and the fountain of seafood are scrumptious. Although the hotel is not located beachside, you can take the shuttle to the Ocean Club, where you can hang out by the pool, whirlpool or on the beach (cabanas are available). Of course, there are also golf privileges at Marina Vallarta Golf Club and an onsite spa. The resort sometimes offers a Spa package that includes a private dinner on the beach, a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries in-suite upon arrival, transportation from/to airport, guaranteed upgrade to a Master Suite and a 50-minute massage per person. Room rates start at $574 a night and reservations of more than three nights automatically receive 20 percent off any spa treatment.
Cruise ships that call on Puerto Vallarta: Celebrity Infinity, Crystal Serenity, Crown Princess, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Veendam, Jewel of the Seas, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Star, Disney Wonder
For more info: See Cruiseable's Puerto Vallarta travel guide. See photos of the venue.
Capella Ixtapa
Ixtapa (near Zihuatanejo), Mexico
Let’s not beat around the bush here: Capella Ixtapa and Ixtapa, the destination itself, are dreamy. That languid fisherman village vibe that emanates throughout Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa’s sister town, is intoxicating. But back to Capella Ixtapa, where honeymooning couples can spend lots of time snuggling up to each other looking out over the Pacific Ocean. It features five one-bedroom penthouses and an intimate number of oceanview guest rooms — only 54 (that undoubtedly means more personal attention).
Other delights you'll have access to at this resort, which is part of the Mexico Boutique Hotels portfolio, include a world-class marina; three restaurants, one of which serves Old World Mexico cuisine; a cliff-side spa with an outdoor treatment facility; horseback riding; cooking classes and village excursions. The resort offers the three-night Capella Romance package that includes daily American breakfast for two; round-trip transportation from/to the airport; welcome romantic amenity; dinner for two with a bottle of wine; champagne and strawberries in-suite upon arrival; couples massage and lunch in the spa as well as spa cocktails pre-massage. Rates start at $309 a night.
Cruise ships that call on Ixtapa: Silver Whisper, Azamara Quest
For more info: See photos of the venue.
Rosewood Puebla
Puebla, Mexico
10Rosewood Puebla opened its doors in May 2017 in Puebla, an upscale community southeast of Mexico City in the heart of Mexico. Located near the city’s spectacular main square, the 78-room and -suite hotel is housed in a collection of buildings from varying eras, all surrounding a private courtyard. The boutique retreat is home to a rooftop bar and swimming pool that offers views over the neighboring Iglesia de San Francisco as well as Sense, A Rosewood Spa, where couples can opt for a Talavera Massage, a treatment inspired by the city’s traditional handmade pottery that incorporates mineralizing clay and onyx stones.
The Rosewood Suite is an ideal choice for honeymooners — they can have their morning coffee on the 1,215-foot terrace enjoying the sun rising as it makes its way across Puebla’s skyline. Couples who want to celebrate the city’s famed Talavera tradition can opt for the Puebla guest room with Talavera tile flooring and beautiful hand-crafted Talavera details. (And if you haven't yet settled on a wedding spot, the property features a 300-year-old colonial-style chapel that’s just picture-perfect.)
The town of Puebla, by the way, is home to a UNESCO-listed downtown area with more than 2,600 historic sites. Room rates at Rosewood Puebla start at $199 per night.
Cruise ships: There are no cruise ships near Puebla, but you can combine the land portion of your honeymoon with a cruise ship that calls on Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta.
See photos of the venue.
Note: Hotels, resorts and other commercial interests cannot pay to be featured in Cruiseable's editorial sections. Some of this information originally appeared at Recommend magazine.
