7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico’s All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos
7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Las Ventanas Secret Resort in Huatulco With Direct Beach Access and 5 Designer Pools
Las Ventanas Secret Resort in Huatulco appears to be a solid choice if you are looking for a direct beach access with five upscale pools. This all-inclusive is for adults only, and apparently it can be an affordable place, especially when using points through the Hyatt program, where it's possible to find a night for as little as 17,000 points. Forget wearing wristbands to get your all-inclusive package; here, they don't do that. They seem to provide several options for dining, too – with seven a-la-carte restaurants, plus a buffet for more casual meals. They also got a decent rating for their level of luxury and their personalized atmosphere. It sounds like there is more to do, including fishing or snorkeling, if you get bored from too much lounging around.
Las Ventanas in Huatulco isn't just another resort; its architecture subtly uses local materials, seemingly growing out of the land itself, rather than imposing upon it. The five pools here aren't identical rectangles; each is designed with a distinct vibe and even temperature, catering to different preferences; from energetic splashes to tranquil unwinding. The direct beach access isn't just for sunbathing; the waters of Huatulco are alive with diverse marine life, offering opportunities to observe fish and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Huatulco benefits from a stable microclimate, offering consistently warm conditions throughout the year, a dependable option for sun-seekers not wanting to gamble on the weather. The cuisine doesn’t stick to generic resort menus; expect local markets' fresh finds prepared in traditional ways, offering an authentic experience. And if beach lounging feels mundane, Huatulco's numerous bays and beaches present opportunities for water activities, from snorkeling to diving, without the bustle found elsewhere. Geologically, this area offers a distinctive landscape, shaped by ancient volcanic events, yielding striking cliffs and hidden coves – a feast for the eyes. The fitness aspect here isn't neglected either, featuring a modern gym and a spa integrating regional traditions. Moreover, its strategic location provides easy access to ancient archeological sites for anyone keen on exploration. Importantly, improved air travel from major US hubs to Huatulco makes this destination more attainable for those seeking less-traveled paths.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Las Ventanas Secret Resort in Huatulco With Direct Beach Access and 5 Designer Pools
- 7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - The Intimate 30-room Hotel Boutique Pescador in Puerto Escondido
- 7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Hacienda Encantada Mountain Resort in Monterrey With Indoor Waterpark
- 7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Casa Malca Art Hotel Tulum Complete With Andy Warhol Collection
- 7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Andaz Mayakoba Private Island Resort Near Playa Del Carmen
- 7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Hotel Playa Viva Solar Powered Treehouse Resort in Zihuatanejo
- 7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - El Careyes Club and Residences With Private Movie Theater in Costa Careyes
7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - The Intimate 30-room Hotel Boutique Pescador in Puerto Escondido
Hotel Boutique Pescador, an intimate 30-room hotel nestled in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, embodies a laidback charm that attracts travelers seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist hotspots. With its well-designed rooms that fuse modern comforts with local aesthetics, guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the region. The hotel’s location allows easy access to nearby beaches and local points of interest, making it a great base for exploring Puerto Escondido. This boutique hotel is part of a larger trend of smaller, personalized accommodations popping up across Mexico, offering an authentic, less crowded travel experience. Other such places in the area include beachside boutique stays and neighborhood spots that range from budget to luxury, with a focus on providing a unique and more personal experience.
The 30-room Hotel Boutique Pescador in Puerto Escondido presents a smaller scale alternative, designed to provide a different kind of stay. Its architecture incorporates local materials such as bamboo and adobe, seemingly reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems; each of the thirty rooms is distinctly designed to make use of the limited space available. The restaurant focuses on sourcing its ingredients from the local area which, in theory, promotes sustainability and freshness in the meals.
Puerto Escondido's airport has improved its links to major US cities recently which, makes this location more accessible for travelers and perhaps with lower fares. The area benefits from a proximity to natural features like Playa Zicatela, a known spot for surfing, allowing for a balance of relaxation and activities. The hotel arranges for trips to local workshops to foster cultural exchange. It seems the area also is of interest for those interested in bird migration paths.
While it doesn’t shout about its sustainability claims as loudly as some other eco-lodges, its size does suggest a less resource-intensive operation; compared to those big resorts with their sprawling infrastructure. This could result in a less intrusive tourism model, hopefully reducing waste production. This region isn’t just about beaches, the area comes alive with yearly festivals; for example the turtle festival, if your dates align.
7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Hacienda Encantada Mountain Resort in Monterrey With Indoor Waterpark
Hacienda Encantada Mountain Resort in Monterrey presents a noteworthy departure from typical Mexican beach resorts. Its standout feature is an indoor waterpark, adding a layer of fun that might be welcomed by families or anyone looking for a change from sun and sand. Situated in a mountain setting near Monterrey, it pairs upscale lodging with various activities designed to keep guests engaged. The all-inclusive nature means that things like meals and drinks are taken care of, theoretically offering a streamlined vacation experience. While a distance from the coast, this resort's setting and its diverse options may be an intriguing alternative for those wanting to avoid the usual tourist throngs. The resort offers some unique possibilities that promise both a laid back as well as a dynamic stay.
Hacienda Encantada Mountain Resort in Monterrey features an indoor waterpark, spanning over 40,000 sq ft, a notable draw especially during Monterrey’s inconsistent weather patterns, which eliminates the dependence on ideal outdoor conditions for water recreation. The resort's location near the Sierra Madre Oriental positions it well for access to outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, opportunities to learn more about local geomorphology shaped by past geological activities.
The accessibility of Monterrey has improved, with budget airlines increasing their flight routes, potentially allowing for travel without heavy expenditures, but without impacting quality of accommodations. The resort’s waterpark employs up-to-date water filtration, as well as heating, offering a reliable experience while aiming to adhere to modern safety requirements.
Food options at Hacienda Encantada highlight local ingredients; cooking sessions seem to focus on traditional Mexican cuisine, potentially helping visitors to better understand food preparation techniques. The resort's construction utilizes local stone, seemingly blending with the surrounding landscape.
Hacienda Encantada is just 30 minutes from the city, a fact that may allow for forays to cultural landmarks like museums or historic locations, seemingly mixing relaxation with urban opportunities. The waterpark itself offers various slides and zones, engineered with consideration to safety using materials that need less maintenance, something that should provide a suitable space for families to engage with the space.
The resort provides guided tours to archaeological locations, seemingly blending recreation with historical exploration. Monterrey appears to be more readily reachable, with direct flights from major US hubs, thereby enhancing possibilities for international travellers and potentially benefiting the local economy.
7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Casa Malca Art Hotel Tulum Complete With Andy Warhol Collection
Casa Malca Art Hotel in Tulum distinguishes itself as a luxury hotel focused on the display of art, combined with the relaxation of a beach resort. It was once a private residence, before being turned into a boutique hotel by art collector Lio Malca. The property offers 71 individual suites, each designed with contemporary and antique elements and showcases pieces of art, including works by Andy Warhol. Besides the art, Casa Malca offers gourmet dining, an underground pool, and wellness activities such as yoga on the roof at sunset. Privacy and comfort are key, making it a good choice for those looking for both culture and relaxation in the Riviera Maya. For those looking for hidden gems beyond the popular tourist spots, Casa Malca is an option that mixes luxury and art within an attractive natural environment.
Casa Malca in Tulum, once a hideaway, intrigues with its transformation into an art-centric hotel featuring a notable Andy Warhol collection. This architectural metamorphosis blends modern design with the original structure of the mansion, showing the potential of adaptive reuse while trying to honor its past. The hotel showcases not only Warhol but also other artists’ works, transforming it into an ongoing exhibit which, in theory, offers guests something beyond the usual museum experience.
Situated on Tulum’s coastline, Casa Malca is in proximity to a major section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The location is attractive to snorkelers and divers interested in marine life, especially if the current is favourable. Chefs are apparently sourcing their ingredients locally; attempting to provide an authentic taste experience, with an emphasis on regional ingredients and cooking techniques.
The hotel's proximity to sites such as the Tulum ruins caters to travelers who want some history and culture with their vacation. Technological advancements are reflected in their mobile keyless entry system, a detail that aims for convenience. They also feature a wellness program that promotes yoga and regional treatments, responding to increasing health consciousness in travel.
Increased flights from US hubs to Tulum, as routes increase, could make a trip to Casa Malca more financially achievable, which may attract some luxury travellers. Casa Malca aims to host exclusive art events and exhibitions, moving beyond standard tourist activities into the art scene, which may attract an affluent clientèle.
7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Andaz Mayakoba Private Island Resort Near Playa Del Carmen
Nestled within the private Mayakoba complex near Playa del Carmen, Andaz Mayakoba Private Island Resort offers a serene beachfront escape that prioritizes luxury and sustainability. With 214 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, the resort beautifully marries modern Mexican aesthetics with natural surroundings, providing guests with an immersive experience. Recognized as the number one resort in Mexico by a major travel publication, it features a wealth of amenities, including multiple dining options, pools, a spa, and direct access to pristine beaches. Surrounded by lush vegetation and tranquil lagoons, Andaz Mayakoba is not just a getaway but a destination that invites exploration of its natural beauty while ensuring a peaceful and luxurious stay. Despite its elegance, travelers should weigh the exclusivity against the potential for a more personalized experience found in smaller, lesser-known resorts throughout Mexico.
The Andaz Mayakoba Private Island Resort, near Playa del Carmen, demonstrates an architectural approach that attempts a subtle integration into the mangrove landscape. The design, from what can be seen, seems to utilize construction methods that maintain structural integrity while minimizing disturbance to the natural environment. The resort's dining goes beyond standard buffet fare with a local-ingredient focus. They seem to put an emphasis on regional cooking, creating a potential experience for those genuinely seeking Mexican tastes.
Water activities here appear not to be just about lounging around, with routes designed for paddleboarding and kayaking throughout the resort’s canal network. This setup potentially balances relaxation with a taste of adventure by using the local waterways. Andaz Mayakoba seems to be becoming a venue for corporate events, which, in theory, takes advantage of the property's quiet environment to provide more constructive business meeting possibilities.
Positioned within a complex of multiple other high-end hotels, the resort allows for some access to shared amenities, while aiming to maintain an exclusive atmosphere which may be an interesting aspect for some travellers. Cancun’s airport is in proximity, with a possible increase in flight routes that may provide budget-friendly options. This may influence travel to this high-end resort, though it’s not clear yet how that’s going to play out.
The resort also contains a modern spa that integrates wellness traditions from several cultures. Its approach to wellness is wide ranging, from traditional treatments from the area to more current therapeutic methods, aiming to attract a wide spectrum of customers focused on health. The construction methods used by Andaz Mayakoba appear to make an effort to increase energy conservation, an example of a current trend of hospitality towards greener building concepts without reducing any of the comfort.
Its location benefits from its proximity to ancient Mayan sites such as Tulum and Coba. These locations, accessible from the resort, may potentially mix in some historical exploration with high-end vacation relaxation. For those seeking an enhanced educational approach to cuisine, the Andaz Mayakoba's cooking classes might help. These classes aim to teach techniques from local chefs, allowing a hands-on introduction to regional food preparation methods.
7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - Hotel Playa Viva Solar Powered Treehouse Resort in Zihuatanejo
Hotel Playa Viva, situated near Zihuatanejo in Juluchuca, is a solar-powered resort, notable for its emphasis on sustainable practices and eco-friendly design. It offers 19 distinct rooms, eight of which are unique treehouse structures suspended above ground, providing unobstructed ocean views. The property stretches over 200 acres, with most of it designated as a private nature reserve with a turtle sanctuary and working permaculture farm, an indication of the resort's focus on environmental responsibility. Playa Viva's offerings include organic, locally sourced dining options and activities such as yoga, underlining the link between guest wellness and environmental awareness. Located approximately 30 minutes from the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport, this option might appeal to those who seek a more secluded and eco-conscious retreat compared to mass tourism.
Hotel Playa Viva in Zihuatanejo is an interesting case study in eco-tourism, highlighted by its solar-powered treehouse structures. These aren’t merely elevated rooms; they are designed on stilts, seemingly floating above the landscape. This elevated approach provides unobstructed views, not only towards the ocean, but also into the surrounding jungle without causing disturbance to the ground below, while promoting more natural light and ventilation.
The architectural choices seemingly align with biophilic design, focusing on integrating the structures seamlessly with the natural setting. The extensive use of glass and open layouts allows natural light to flood the space while, hopefully, creating an enhanced feeling of tranquility that can positively influence mental and physical well being.
Culinary offerings at Playa Viva appear to focus on using locally sourced ingredients from nearby markets, presenting guests with authentic regional tastes rather than standardized resort fare. The benefit of Zihuatanejo’s climate, with an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, creates a location that avoids the uncertainty of other climates during different times of year. This makes it attractive for travelers desiring a dependable escape from harsher seasons.
The resort also appears to offer cultural workshops, where guests can participate in traditional Mexican crafts, offering visitors insight into local arts and a different way to engage with Mexican culture beyond typical vacation activities. Playa Viva uses rainwater collection and greywater recycling systems for irrigation, reducing the draw on outside water and apparently making for efficient use of water.
The location around Playa Viva is seemingly rich in biodiversity, with options to view birds and other animals, allowing travelers to see more than the resort facilities alone. Travel to Zihuatanejo has seemingly improved recently, with airlines adding more direct routes from key US cities, which could make fares more competitive.
The design approach of the treehouses seems to embrace minimalist design aesthetics, focusing on high-quality, durable materials and not excessive or superfluous details, appealing to travellers who may prefer simplicity alongside luxury. Playa Viva promotes wellness via its program which includes yoga and meditation classes, which may attract visitors looking to relax and possibly enhance their well being during their time there.
7 Hidden Gems Among Mexico's All-Inclusive Resorts Beyond Cancun and Los Cabos - El Careyes Club and Residences With Private Movie Theater in Costa Careyes
El Careyes Club and Residences, found on the Jalisco coast of Mexico, is a luxury property boasting a private cinema, something quite unusual for a resort. Accommodation choices range from smaller suites to very large penthouses, all carefully designed by noted Mexican architects. The resort provides direct access to its private beach, enhancing its appeal as a secluded destination. The focus here is on a home-like setting, differentiating it from the mass-tourism approach found in some resorts. As people look for experiences beyond the more common vacation spots, El Careyes appears to be an alternative for those eager to discover lesser-known, more individual destinations among Mexico's all-inclusive options.
El Careyes Club and Residences, situated in Costa Careyes, Jalisco, presents itself as a distinctive location. It boasts a private movie theater, offering what appears to be a luxurious viewing experience far removed from conventional resort entertainment. This space incorporates modern audiovisual equipment with comfortable seating, aiming to provide an exclusive cinematic experience.
The building itself seems to utilize materials sourced locally, such as clay and stone. This design element aims to connect structures to their environment, attempting to create architectural harmony. El Careyes provides access to a secluded beach area. This location, less dense compared to more common tourist hubs, seems to promise a tranquil setting for beach activities, which could provide a welcome respite for travelers aiming for a quiet escape.
Culinary services apparently highlight regional Mexican food. Chefs often source ingredients from the area markets. If this works as intended, it provides for dishes with local flavours that go beyond typical resort menus. There appear to be opportunities for guests to get involved with local arts and culinary skills, offering cultural exchanges that are both immersive and instructional rather than passive observations.
The nearby Manzanillo airport has recently seen improved airline connectivity. Increased routes could be a factor for lower fares, increasing the appeal for travel to El Careyes. In this area, you can get involved with water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. This aspect could mix relaxation and recreation.
Additionally, there are wellness activities such as yoga and spa services. These programs are likely designed to meet the preferences of travelers who prioritize health and relaxation. The rooms are built for comfort, with open spaces and personal outdoor spaces which gives more exclusivity to residents.
The region around El Careyes has history with film production and celebrity events, a fact that might interest people with an appreciation for cinematic settings.