With ancient Mayan ruins and many cultural attractions, Mexico has been a popular tourist and vacation destination for decades. However, there is little more beautiful or comforting than the Mexican beaches.
With the distinct advantage of having coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, these warm, sunny vacation spots are perfect for people who love both sand and surf. The calm waters of the Caribbean on the soft sands of the Riviera Maya are ideal for sunbathers and beach volleyball fanatics, while more adventurous fishermen, scuba divers and surfers may appreciate the rocky cliffs overlooking the Pacific on the other side of the peninsula.
In addition, Mexico is a short plane ride from nearly anywhere in the United States, and the many international airports spread throughout the country allows direct flights to paradise. The focus on safety in the country has never been higher, especially for tourists visiting the beaches, and visitors can rest assured that they can relax and enjoy their time in peace and relaxation.
With affordable prices for hotels, villas and restaurants up and down both coasts, the beaches of Mexico remain one of the world’s top vacation destinations. These are a few of the top beach resorts in Mexico:
1. The Resort at Pedregal
Carved into a mountainside cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, The Resort at Pedregal offers residential-style villas with all the bells and whistles. Solmar Beach, Land’s End, and The Arch are within a 10-minute walk. Guests can enjoy rainforest showers and private plunge pools. Also available are body treatments and massages at the on-site spa and trips into the ocean to visit local coral reefs and to watch whales.
2. Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort
Nestled between the Mexican cliffs and the Pacific Ocean lies the Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort. Visitors can view pelicans soaring overhead while getting massages in the white-canvassed cabanas or while using the swim-up dining option of the infinity edge pools. With its attention to detail, the Grand Solmar has repeatedly been rated one of the most luxurious resorts in Mexico.
3. Las Ventanas al Paraiso
The constant innovation of Las Ventanas al Paraiso in San Jose del Cabo has led to its reputation as one of the most beautiful and desirable beach vacation destinations in Mexico. The buildings seem to fit into the natural shapes of the land, echoing the soft calmness of the waves and sand. From the sweeping guest suites and the pampering of the spa to the resort’s 4 restaurants, Las Ventanas was designed with its guests in mind.
4. Hotel Riu Emerald Bay
The golden sandy beaches of Mazatlan are in fine display around Hotel Riu Emerald Bay’s fresh-water swimming pool, solarium terrace and spa wellness center. The all-inclusive nature of this resort allows guests to sample the wide variety of Mesoamerican and European flavors at the differently themed restaurants throughout the resort. Children love the sports and craft activities available to them while their parents dance at the Pacha club, and everyone appreciates the perfect beach climate at this resort.
5. El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
The “Pearl of the Pacific,” Mazatlan resort El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel provides some of the best scenic views and access points to the picturesque turquoise waters. Each guest room offers a private view of the ocean or the resort pool, and the central location of the property to nearby shops, restaurants and nightclubs makes it perfect for adventurous vacationers. Families can enjoy a wide array of water sports, massage options and all-inclusive dining options, proving that there is something for everyone at this resort.
6. Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Surrounded by the shining Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Ziva sits in its own secluded tropical paradise of Las Estacas Beach. Guests hoping for some alone time with family or a significant other can find it at Hyatt Ziva, where each over-sized suite offers spa-style décor and an exceptional view of the water. Families with children are welcome to enjoy the pools and exceptional dining options of the Hyatt Ziva, where activities are available for all ages.
7. Velas Vallarta Suite Resort
With the Sierra Madre Mountains in the distance, Velas Vallarta boasts an all-inclusive resort package with an 18-hole championship golf course. Guests of all ages are invited to stay and enjoy the tropical courtyard garden, cascading pool waterfall and resident iguana. With just a short drive to nearby nightlife options, the Velas Vallarta Suite Resort’s budget-friendly studios and luxurious three-bedroom suites are sure to suit nearly every guest.
8. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Situated on the waters of Banderas Bay in Nuevo Vallarta is Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, an all-inclusive resort that takes relaxation very seriously. With an emphasis on ocean views, gourmet dining and its tranquil spa, this resort exemplifies luxury in everything that it offers. Guests can enjoy relaxing time on the beach, take part in a Mexican fiesta or learn to scuba dive or play golf at this full-service vacation destination.
9. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
With a focus on snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and surfing, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita’s location in a picturesque fishing village is nearly perfect. Surrounded by white-sand beaches this resort offers casitas, one-bedroom suites and multi-bedroom private residence villas. Large windows overlook the turquoise waters, letting the local sunlight pour into these family-friendly accommodations. On-site gourmet dining, spa options and a golf course complete this picture of serenity.
10. Live Aqua Cancun
Touted as a “Be Yourself Hotel,” Live Aqua in Cancun is an adults-only resort that prides itself on creating an atmosphere from the moment a guest arrives on the property. Located on the Caribbean Sea, the varying room packages at Live Aqua provide unique living experiences tailor-made to the guests needs and desires, from aromatherapy menus to the in-room hydrotherapy area. Pools, the beach and dining options featuring in-house executive chefs are all included as part of the all-inclusive package.
11. Iberostar Cancun
This five-star resort is minutes from the airport, and boasts its own eighteen hole golf course. The Iberostar Cancun is all-inclusive resort for everyone, and includes a kids club for ages 4 and up, and a teen club. Certain spa amenities that would cost extra in other places, like beachfront massage, are included.
12. Sun Palace
A couples-only all-inclusive resort on the Caribbean, Sun Palace is all about romance and relaxation. Each room features a private balcony overlooking the sea or the Nichupte Lagoon, as well as a double Jacuzzi. By day, guests can relax on the beach or choose from 3 infinity pools, including one with a swim-up bar. By night, they can take in a show, or sip cocktails at one of the bars.
13. Le Blanc Spa Resort
The Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun describes itself as “the ultimate luxury experience.” This resort is only for adults who want to be pampered through spa treatments, yoga and pilates classes. Instead of a resort credit, golfers can opt for unlimited play at the Moon Spa and Golf Club, a 27-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Diners can pamper themselves with fine dining at one of four restaurants serving various international cuisines. The resort is located on white sand beach and a mile away from shopping.
14. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera
The Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera is another beach resort in Mexico that wins rave reviews from guests as a destination wedding and honeymoon locale. Located on a private white sand beach in Playa Maroma, the resort offers plenty of things for active guests, including kayaking, personal watercraft to ride, snorkeling, tennis, nearby hiking trails and miniature golf. A variety of massages also are offered to work out the kinks from all this activity.
15. Cozumel Palace
Scuba divers will love this resort, located on Cozumel Island near the world’s second largest coral reef. Snorkeling and non-motorized water sports are included in the package price. The Cozumel Palace has 4 pools for those who prefer to stay out of the saltwater. Downtown San Miguel is just a few minutes’ walk away. The family-oriented resort also offers a Kids Club.
16. Royal Resort Playa del Carmen
The Royal Resort Playa del Carmen is a beachfront resort in Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Caribbean side that caters to adults. An innovative feature of this Riviera Maya resort allows guests checking in within 48 hours to choose their suites online from those available. Amenities include wait service on the beach, a pillow menu, and wine and tequila tastings.
17. Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
On the Caribbean Sea sits Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso, providing all-inclusive options for adult guests. Perfect for honeymoons and romantic getaways, this resort mixes architectural styles in its buildings on the white sand beaches. Nearby marine reefs are home to fish, sea turtles and colorful coral that can be seen by adventurous scuba divers, and the restaurants are home to some of the best seafood of any Mexican beach resorts.