Most Romantic Hotels in Mexico

Nearly every detail at One&Only Palmilla is perfect. The ultra-luxurious seaside resort's velvet-gloved treatment includes personal concierges, butlers, and aromatherapy turndown service (the staff-to-guest ratio is six to one, so it's impossible not to feel pampered here). The hotel's best-in-class features include a steak house by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, an elegant spa, two gorgeous pools, and one of the area's only swimmable beaches. The 160 rooms and villas are nothing less than lavish, with contemporary and traditional Mexican accents and high-tech amenities. All have terraces, many with direct ocean views, and some include private pools.

Banyan Tree Cabo Marques is a five-pearl resort located in Acapulco’s fashionable Diamente neighborhood. The 45 outstanding villas are subtly opulent, beautifully blending the brand’s trademark Asian decor with delicate Mexican accents. Striking ocean views, exceptional restaurants, and a wonderful spa combine to create an experience unparalleled elsewhere in Acapulco. The location is perfect for guests seeking a romantic escape, but those hoping to visit the city’s beaches and attractions or enjoy the nightlife scene may find it isolated -- Playa Revolcadero will take 10 minutes to reach by car.

Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa Del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children's program, the resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 128 suites feature attractive contemporary decor -- picture clean lines, white walls, and rich woods -- as well as high-tech amenities and private outdoor plunge pools. They have an open-air vibe, with many floor-to-ceiling windows, and the overwater lagoon suites have swim-up access. Plus, suites include freebies such as Wi-Fi, fresh fruit, and bottled water. Seaweed debris along the beach keeps the Rosewood from being flawless (although they diligently attempt to keep it clean by sending staffers to rake it away), but otherwise this hotel is top-notch -- for guests willing to pay top dollar.

It doesn't get much better than this. The Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of the most sought after resorts in Playa del Carmen for a romantic getaway, and for good reason -- the property offers 118 casually stylish villas complete with private pools set in lovely gardens and large, luxurious bathrooms with rainfall showers and outdoor bathtubs There's also an acclaimed spa featuring treatments for couples, a few fantastic restaurants -- one juts out into the lagoon -- and dozens of wonderful activities perfect for couples, such as yoga classes, tennis, snorkeling and eco tours.

This beautiful and luxurious Esperanza is one of Los Cabos' nicest hotels, where pampering services include in-room check-in and personal concierges. The 123 refined casitas and villas start at 925 square feet, and are decorated in traditional Baja style, with authentic artwork and wood detailing. All have decadent, romance-ready bathrooms with side-by-side showers and large soaking tubs and private terraces with hammocks and ocean views; some balconies have plunge pools or hot tubs. If that's not romantic enough, every night 700 lanterns are lit by hand throughout the resort, many on the balconies of the rooms. The beach is secluded and gorgeous and the pools are outstanding (the adult-only one is framed by palm trees, monitored by attentive staff, and has an infinity edge that looks out to the crashing surf). The main restaurant, Cocina del Mar, is an upmarket Mexican spot with multiple terraces built into the hotel's dramatic cliffside setting.

Verana is an adult-only boutique resort nestled in a hillside high atop the bay of Yelapa, a small village on the coast of Mexico that is only reachable by boat. Forty-five minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, Verana offers eight uniquely designed, rustic houses that include completely open-air, gazebo-style rooms perched out over the jungle; some have private pools. While facilities are minimal and not exactly upscale, this secluded jungle experience -- which includes a lovely restaurant, spa and infinity pool -- is popular among couples looking to get away from it all. Due to the isolated location, though, it takes some effort to explore Yelapa beyond the property.

The former estate of an Italian duchess, the ultra-luxurious Esencia oozes Mediterranean elegance and style. With just 29 rooms spread over 50 acres, the property feels intimate and exclusive, and shows a thorough attention to detail in everything from the services to the decor. Upscale, contemporary rooms are housed in two-story buildings set amid lush tropical grounds, and feature lots of high-end amenities, including pre-loaded iPods, Molton Brown toiletries, and in some, even private plunge pools. The gorgeous spa, excellent restaurant, and relaxing pools with ocean views are highlights.

Imanta is a unique, luxury resort experience set on a massive 250-acre property in Punta de Mita where the jungle meets the sea. This stylish Relais & Chateaux property offers 11 rooms with private pools and elegant baths in a lush tropical setting. A stunning private beach, a unique outdoor spa, two upscale restaurants, and a small gym complete the package. While the remote location adds an air of exclusivity (which is backed up by a notable celebrity clientele), guests looking to explore local restaurants or shopping will find it quite out of the way as it is over an hour from the city.

Children under 14 are not allowed here, so couples looking for a secluded, romantic retreat will be sure to find it here. The seriously upscale Viceroy's 41 private, rustic-luxe villas are awash with extravagant touches: enormous partially canopied beds topped in fine Egyptian linen and plush down pillows and private gardens with large kidney-shaped plunge pools, woven Mayan hammocks, and rainfall "moon showers." The Mayordomo (butler) service also provides the villa with such treats as hand-cut artisan soap and super-romantic turndown service on your last night (think rose petals, flickering lanterns, and mood-setting incense). The spa with outdoor treatment rooms and massages for couples; the upscale but casual dining options; and the serene pool overlooking the seven-mile stretch of white-sand beach are also great perks for those looking to spend some quality time together.

The 118-room Resort at Pedregal is so exclusive that reaching it requires driving through a striking private tunnel. Once inside, the interior design is nearly flawless, with Spanish-Colonial-inspired touches such as beautiful dark wood French doors and beamed ceilings. Rustic-yet-refined rooms large flat-screen TVs, fireplaces, and private terraces with hot tubs and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and rocky cliffs (some have private pools and fire pits). Massive bathrooms feature true walk-in showers, antique soaking tubs, iron fixtures, and hand-painted sinks. And as far as on-site amenities go, it's tough to top the Pedregal's impressive list: infinity pools and hot tub overlooking the ocean plus separate adult pool, a tranquil organic spa, and a cliffside restaurant and Champagne bar with killer views.

Every space at this swanky, super-modern boutique resort has an undeniably sexy dash of romance. There are two oceanfront infinity pools, two high-end restaurants, a glass-enclosed cigar and cocktail tasting lounge, and a full-service spa with oceanfront cabanas and hot/cold plunge pools. The 161 meticulously designed rooms feature spacious glass-enclosed bathrooms (copper soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads), ocean-view balconies or terraces, and in-room cocktail bars. Many include private hot tubs and services like butlers and in-villa check-in.

The 412-room Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a romantic, adult-only all-inclusive, set on a private white-sand beach lined with sunbeds, cabanas, and palapas. In addition to the buffet, a wide range of high-quality dining options are available, including Japanese teppanyaki, French cuisine, a wine cellar with over 200 different vintages, and, for an extra charge, romantic dinners for two on the beach. A stunning destination-style spa offers couples' treatments in private outdoor cabanas on the beach. Rooms are large and tasteful, with four-poster canopy beds, separate sitting areas, and private balconies; ground floor rooms are swim-up suites. The hotel is especially popular for honeymoons and destination weddings, though numerous additional fees can make a stay here pricey.

Hotel Encanto is a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel with everything that well-heeled travelers could want in a vacation -- except for beach access. The hotel’s pool is mesmerizing with an infinity ledge that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and has contrasting clear and black-bottom areas which create the perception of two-toned waters. Well-known Mexican chef Mónica Patiño runs Origin, and there's a second restaurant for lighter fare. The spa offers a long, open-air spa tub situated on a wooden terrace, which offers dramatic views of the ocean. There are 44 guest rooms with a striking modern design that includes natural stone furniture. But breakfast isn't included and there's a daily resort fee.

This upscale 65-room boutique between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos has a beautiful setting on a white-sand beach, amid a jungle preserve. Contemporary rooms are equipped with original artwork, furniture from the hotel’s own workshops, king beds, and either a terrace or a balcony. The great amenities on offer, including three pools, upscale dining, a wonderful spa, and a gorgeous beach, make this a solid pick, but prices are quite steep.

This grandiose adult-only resort that opened in late 2014 outside of San Jose del Cabo is practically a destination unto itself. Manicured grounds are sprawling (expect to walk often) and offer great views of the Sea of Cortez, especially from the two pools and golf course. All-inclusive rates are among the highest in the area, even for a luxury hotel, but the six bars and eight restaurants provide guests with plenty of food and drink variety. The 500 suites have modern amenities and playful, romantic touches -- some are swim-out. Though most guests are couples the resort also attracts big and sometimes loud corporate groups who use the conference center.

This 109-room sleek, sexy boutique hotel is a luxurious, adult-only all-inclusive located in the Playa Mujeres region just north of Cancun. It’s on a beautiful long white-sand beach -- which can have some seaweed from time to time -- and has three chic outdoor pools with food and drink service. Rooms are huge (starting at 960 square feet), all-white, and have big whirlpool tubs, as well as private balconies -- many with ocean views and some with plunge pools. The 35,000-square-foot spa is gorgeous, with an impressive hydrotherapy circuit, and the fitness center is extensive. Food at the four restaurants is excellent and a la carte, and reservations are not required; 24-hour room service is also available. Among the area's top all-inclusive resorts, the Beloved stands out as the only true boutique.

This adult-only luxury resort offers a nice all-inclusive experience with tons of variety -- multiple dining options, several beautiful pools, a gorgeous spa, and dozens of wonderful activities. The rooms here are large and contemporary, with large modern bathrooms, Jacuzzis, and high-end amenities such as big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Some have a large rooftop terrace with a private plunge pool with ocean views. However, note that the beach is less attractive than others farther south, and that there are no attractions nearby.

Oasis and haven are a couple of words that come to mind when describing Pepes Hideaway. Located in a private community, the hotel -- with just six bungalows -- is indeed a relaxing, peaceful hideaway. Each bungalow has a gorgeous thatched roof, furnished balconies with hammocks, stocked mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and robes. They lack air-conditioning and mosquitos can be a problem, but fans, bug spray, and citronella candles are provided. It's an all-inclusive, so three delicious meals are prepared each day and beer, wine, and margaritas are available 24/7. There's an on-site pool with adjacent whirlpool, and a private beach is a 10-minute walk away, or staff will drive guests there. There aren't any TVs and kids are rarely present, making it a wonderful retreat for couples.

With only 90 suites, the Zoetry Paraiso offers a romantic, wellness-centric boutique experience in the Mayan Riviera. The unique layouts of the suites offers different experiences to guests, including Terrace Suites with small bath-side indoor gardens, and Plunge Pool Suites with small personal outdoor pools. Even though warm, Mediterranean style is a bit different in each room type, all are spacious with comfortable furnishings and Bulgari toiletries. Some tube TVs are begging for an update, however. The pool area and beach are relaxed with double-wide lounge chairs (perfect for couples), and the on-site dining keeps the resort's wellness theme alive with delicious, healthy meals. Included amenities not standard at most all-inclusive resorts, such as a "welcome" bottle of tequila, daily bottle of champagne, a one-hour Catamaran sunset sail, three-times-daily maid service, and private chauffeured airport transfers, make this resort a standout among Puerto Morelos' finest properties (though expect the price to reflect that).

Marquis Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort & Spa is a sleek and modern all-suite, adult-only property located on a narrow stretch of sandy beach. The expansive all-white lobby features huge archways that look out onto the ocean and mountains. Hacienda-style rooms have colorful artwork with traditional Mexican images, gorgeous bathrooms with giant soaking tubs, and a wet bar that is refilled daily, but older amenities include tube TVs. All suites are ocean-facing and have balconies with generous seating. Amenities were designed for adults looking to relax, including the stunning infinity pool, huge spa, spacious fitness center, six gourmet restaurants, and two bars.