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Thinking of heading south of the border? Three couples share their Mexican honeymoon memories.

For generations, Mexico has offered visitors its endless beaches, old-world charm and spicy food. Now, honeymooners head south of the border in search of luxurious resorts, exciting activities and unbeatable cuisine. And since it is relatively easy to get to (most major airports have daily direct service), newlyweds are spending less time on the plane and more time enjoying the fine amenities. Here, three couples share the stories of their special Mexican honeymoons.

Cabo San Lucas: Ashley and Kevin Wyatt

Ashley and Kevin Wyatt

Los Angeles couple Ashley and Kevin Wyatt, both 33, knew exactly what they wanted for their October 2007 honeymoon: a luxe beach resort experience. Convenience was also important for this hardworking couple. “We wanted to get to our destination quickly, so we could unwind from our weekend-long wedding celebration,” said Ashley, a vice president at a corporate gifts company. The couple worked with a travel agent who focused on different five-star options. “With the time and money we were going to save on the quick flight from Los Angeles down to Mexico’s west coast, we were able to add some extra days to our trip,” explained Kevin, a director of business and sales development for a division of The New York Times. The couple booked a special seven-night package at One & Only Palmilla—a luxury resort located on the tip of the Baja peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet.

This breathtaking property consists of a series of whitewashed buildings that face the ocean. Built in 1956 as a getaway for the country’s president, the resort has maintained much of its charming Mexican flair by highlighting details like heavy wooden doors, wrought-iron accents and delicate lace linens. All of the 172 guest rooms have large, shaded verandas with private telescopes for whale watching during the day and stargazing at night, plus built-for-two day beds overlooking the water. Standard amenities at this hideaway, which has been hosting Hollywood A-listers (like Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Jennifer Aniston and Orlando Bloom) for decades, include personal butler service, daily room delivery of fresh fruit and snacks, as well as a pillow menu and an extensive aromatherapy turndown selection. In addition to two picturesque infinity pools, the property offers complimentary on-site tennis, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, offshore snorkeling and one of the area’s only swimmable beaches. (The ocean currents, tides and waves can be powerful here, and most of the coastline is quite rocky.)

“Most of our days were spent at the resort,” said Ashley. Added Kevin, “We were pretty unabashed in our lack of ambition.” Among their favorite spots was a private beach cabana tucked within one of the famous rock formations. “We visited this special spot a few times—once for nearly the entire day,” said Ashley. The couple sipped chilled white wine, leafed through books and just zoned out to the lull of waves. “The beachside service was attentive without being intrusive, the weather was perfect and we were in heaven,” recalled Ashley.

The panoramic beauty of Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas

The couple did venture off the resort on a few occasions. One day they explored San Jose del Cabo, the lesser-known sister town that sits on the “corridor” —the local moniker for this area of the Baja peninsula. “It’s a sleepier town, perfect for an afternoon stroll,” said Kevin. They poked around in artisan shops, admired the adobe architecture and sipped strong Mexican coffee in the plaza. Another off-property event was dinner at the famed Edith’s, which, according to Ashley, “is the first restaurant in Cabo anyone is likely to recommend.” Visitors flock to the palapa-roofed open-air eatery for an expertly crafted menu that celebrates the region’s rich history. Mesquite-smoked meats and fresh grilled seafood dominate the menu, which is rounded out with locally made cheeses, spicy dry-roasted guajillo peppers and fresh mango. Ashley and Kevin made a late reservation so they could savor the meal—and their time together—without feeling rushed. They shared the signature Caesar salad, which is prepared tableside. For entrées, Ashley chose the lobster, while Kevin savored the flank steak with rice and beans. “It was—as billed—amazing,” he said.

After that, the couple spent another four nights at the 56-room Esperanza, a new multitiered property, which sits on a cliff overlooking the restless ocean. Even though it doesn’t have a swimmable beach, the resort was of interest to the couple because of its specialized tequila bar and dedicated tequilero. “I’m a big tequila aficionado, so that was important for me on this trip,” explained Kevin. And he got his wish: The restaurant here has a menu of more than a hundred premium brands of the agave-based spirit; some feature the juice of fruits like bitter orange and watermelon, others have a spicy kick, thanks to a mix of peppers. The tequilero “really knew his stuff,” Kevin said, “and he presented me with several varieties that I had never heard of.”

It wasn’t just the tequila—the couple also went gaga over their room. “From the enormous bathtub overlooking the sparkling ocean to the fresh tropical flowers adorning every corner, it was what you’ve always fantasized a honeymoon suite should be,” said Ashley (oneandonlyresorts.com; esperanzaresort.com).

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