During our recent travels in Mexico we've discovered some more wonderful and exotic places to stay. We're busy working to include them in the main site, but they were so good, we just couldn't resist sharing them with you. In the meantime, if you'd like to know more, just click the contact button and we'll be happy to provide more details.
| Aqualuna
Playa del Carmen, Caribbean Coast WE LIKE: Small and intimate property, easy access to beach and town, pretty rooms This small artistically designed hotel is located in the very center of Playa del Carmen; just a few blocks from the beach and a block away from 5th Avenue. There are just 12 imaginatively styled guest rooms which are arranged around pretty courtyard gardens. Its white stucco buildings and terraces adorned with colourful plants are inspired by Greek architecture. Rooms feature plasma TVs, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and mini-bars. They feature artwork from the owner and face the peaceful tropical gardens | ||
| Azul Blue
Tulum, Caribbean Coast WE LIKE: Luxurious rooms, good facilities, close to Tulum ruins This is the first luxury all-inclusive property to be built in the heart of Tulum. The hotel will appeal to couples and families looking for first class service and facilities. It boasts three gourmet a la carte restaurants, four bars, a spa, gymnasium and oceanfront swimming pool. Its 96 suites are arranged through 6 villas; each villa has its own concierge. Beach butlers are on hand to ensure that you receive fresh towels, refreshments and reading material whilst on the beach or at the pool. Rooms are luxuriously appointed and feature plasma TV, iPods and finest quality bed linens. |
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| Casa Las Brisas
Punta Mita, Central Pacific Coast WE LIKE: Intimate and romantic adults only resort, all-inclusive plan This delightful small hotel has just six rooms and two sumptuous penthouse suites. All rooms have a balcony with stunning ocean views, a beautiful tiled bathroom and an impressive range of facilities. These include both air conditioning and a ceiling fan, as well as Aveda toiletries and a dock for your i-pod. The hotel's friendly staff will make you feel instantly at home and are always on hand to offer delicious freshly made snacks and excellent cocktails. Rates here include all food and drinks, with a new lunch and dinner menu created every day using a selection of fresh ingredients. The romantic and secluded nature of this hotel means that it does not accept children under the age of 16.
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| Casa Sol
Punta Mita, Central Pacific Coast WE LIKE: Impressive private villa with ocean views, fully staffed and with concierge facilites, stylish decor and luxury amenites Casa Sol is a luxurious 4 bedroom villa located on the exclusive Lagos del Mar development in Punta Mita, north of Puerto Vallarta. The villa is fully staffed and enjoys wonderful ocean views - during the winter season guests may even be able to witness Humpback whales traversing the bay. Two bedrooms have a king bed and the remaining two each have two double beds, making this property the ideal rental for one or two families. Full concierge services are available.
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| Dolphin Cove Inn
Manzanillo, Central Pacific Coast WE LIKE: Flexible and family-friendly accommodations plus romantic suites, wonderful ocean views This unusual property consists of forty five rooms and suites hugging the hillside of Manzanillo Bay, close to Las Hadas. Each room has a balcony or a terrace with wonderful ocean views plus a kitchen or kitchenette. There are a multitude of different options for families, from studios with an extra bed to two or three bedroom suites and connecting rooms and suites. Within walking distance of your suite are a small grocery store, the swimming pool and beach, tennis courts and a golf course. Note that since the property is located on many levels of the hillside there are lots of steps, and the hotel is not recommended for those with walking difficulties. We recommend the Dolphin Cove in for those looking for an economical and convenient beach vacation and it works especially well for larger families and for groups.
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| Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort
Puerto Vallarta, Central Pacific Coast WE LIKE: Ultra-luxurious all-inclusive resort, families welcomed, magnificent suites The Grand Velas has taken the all-inclusive vacation to a new level of luxury. Couples and families looking for an alternative to the Four Seasons in Punta Mita will find this resort very attractive. The magnificent two and three bedroom suites are some of the finest accommodations around the Bay of Banderas and resort has impressive facilities, including an excellent spa and childrens' activity program. The standards of service are very high, though in our opinion not quite as polished as the Four Seasons (though for many people the convenience of the all-inclusive plan will compensate for this). The Grand Velas also has the advantage of a convenient location, being within easy reach of both the airport and the town, and a lovely long beach.
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| Ex Hacienda la Trinidad
Guanajuato, Central Highlands WE LIKE: Beautiful gardens, quiet and quirky. Great for long stays. The Ex-Hacienda la Trinidad is located just outside the city of Guanajuato in the village of Marfil. A visit here is more like staying in a family home than a hotel, and we particularly recommend the property for longer stays. Guests are housed in fifteen rooms set in several different buildings within the pretty walled gardens. Every room is full of character and many enjoy tranquil views over the estate (you can choose the room you prefer when you arrive). There are no TVs in the rooms - this is a place to escape the modern world and enjoy seclusion and privacy (though internet access is available in the library). The city of Guanajuato can easily be reached by bus or by car.
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| La Via Laktea
Tulum, Caribbean Coast WE LIKE: Quiet location, superb beach, spacious rooms La Via Laktea is a pretty hotel situated in south Tulum, close to the biosphere reserve. It's location means that there are far fewer people passing by on the beach making the hoyel a relaxing and tranquil place to take a vacation. The ocean front rooms are in 3 two storey buildings and are just set a little back from the beach to maintain privacy. They are spacious and have a king bed, table and chairs and a writing desk for those all important postcards. Each room has a large terrace or balcony complete with outdoor table and chairs and a hammock to sleep away the afternoons in. There is no restaurant here which keeps the hotel very quiet but they serve a very simple but excellent continental breakfast on request.
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| Le Reve
Riviera Maya, Caribbean Coast WE LIKE: Stylish rooms; wonderful beachfront location; intimate and romantic Le Reve is an intimate and romantic little hotel located right on Playa Xcalacoco which is approximately 10 minutes drive from Playa del Carmen. The twenty five rooms are simple but chic with white minimal interiors which are accented by brightly colored accessories and traditional hand-made tiles from Merida. Almost all of the rooms have ocean views while the Beach Front Bungalows have prime positions right on the edge of the beach. The resort has a beautiful freeform swimming pool facing the ocean, a small spa area and beachfront bar. There is an excellent restaurant with a further bar which has a great ambiance at night. |
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| Mayaland
Chichen Itza, Yucatan and Campeche WE LIKE: Good facilities, located direclty next to the archaeological site The Hotel Mayaland is located just by the main entrance gates to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. The hotel is set in over one hundred acres of tropical forest. Pretty thatched roof bungalows are dotted through the grounds. Rooms although like traditional Mayan Houses have many modern amenities including air-conditioning, satellite TV and mini bars. Other rooms are arranged through the original hotel building which was the first hotel constructed at Chichen Itza in 1923. All rooms feature beautiful mahogany woodwork, hand-carved furniture and beautiful stained glass windows.
The hotel has several restaurants, three swimming pools, tennis courts and hiking trails. |
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| Hotel Morales Historical and Colonial
Guadalajara, Central Highlands WE LIKE: Central location, colonial character Steeped in history, this charming property offers comfortable, affordable accommodation right in the heart of Guadalajara. The hotel's spacious suites and junior suites are furnished with one queen or two double beds, while the lavish imperial suites offer a king bed and jacuzzi bath. A restaurant and cozy bar are set just off the hotel's stunning lobby; and with meeting facilities and free high-speed Internet access throughout, the Morales provides the perfect base for leisure and business travelers alike.
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| Mosquito Beach
Playa del Carmen, Caribbean Coast WE LIKE: Stylish, beachfront location, modern design Mosquito Beach has just recently opened and continues the style and originality started by sister hotel Mosquito Blue. There are just 33 rooms which are imaginatively designed and decorated. All rooms have plasma TVs, air-conditioning, mini bar, safety deposit boxes and hairdryers. The hotel is located right on the beach and has a stylish beach club with distinctive black sun beds and deck chairs. There is also a bar and restaurant. Guests can also use the facilities at Mosquito Blue including the spa and restaurant. It is very centrally located and great for those looking to make the most of Playa's eclectic night scene.
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| Om Tulum Hotel Cabanas and Beach Club
Tulum, Caribbean Coast WE LIKE: Relaxing atmosphere; stylish rooms; beach lounge The nine cabanas at Om Tulum offer a rustic yet stylish retreat from the rush of everyday life. Furnished in a minimal style, the rooms offer the basic essentials for an uncomplicated beach vacation. Each room has a balcony or terrace from where you can enjoy views of the hotel's lush tropical gardens or even the Caribbean Sea. Electricity is available from 8:30am to 1:00am daily and there are electrical outlets in the rooms for guests use. Om Tulum is situated on a fine white sand beach that stretches for miles into the local biosphere reserve yet only a short distance from the history of Tulum ruins. |
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| Shambala Petit Hotel
Tulum, Caribbean Coast WE LIKE: Fabulous beach; simple but stylish accommodation; great place to chill out 10 beautifully stylish cabanas arranged on a wonderful stretch of white powdery sand. A fabulous place to get away from it all and relax. Sofas shaded by palapas and comfy matresses line the beach, perfect for long lazy days in the sunshine. Rooms are rustic but chic in their furnishing and decor. Lighting is available throughout the night. Guests can select from Thai and Swedish massages and also participate in yoga lessons. The resort can also arrange snorkeling, diving and sight seeing tours. |
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| Verana
Puerto Vallarta, Central Pacific Coast WE LIKE: Remote and private, rustic but very chic Spectacular vistas and wonderfully quirky accommodations await those who make the half-mile trek up the hillside to Verana. This exotic retreat lies on the Bay of Banderas, south of Puerto Vallarta, and you'll leave the crowds far behind as you journey by boat and on foot to reach the hotel. Your luggage will be transported by mule, but a basic level of fitness and a sense of adventure is required to enjoy this incredible location. The eight casitas range from the fabulously open Tea House and Palapa to the more conventional Stone House and Casa Chica (the latter two houses can even have air-conditioning). This is a place to totally relax and enjoy natural spa treatments, yoga, delicious fresh cuisine and great hospitality. Verana is open only from November 1 to June 5.
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