What are your ultimate must-haves for an unforgettable getaway? Do your honeymoon criteria include a luxe spa or the most authentic cuisine? Or are you more about the party scene? However you envision your tropical honeymoon in paradise, it’s sure to include a cool pool or two, those refreshing spots that are synonymous with the word “vacation.” And no matter your wish list, whether a picturesque infinity pool, a raucous swim-up bar or a chic rooftop location, we’ve rounded up the very best. Dive in!
Infinity Pools
Photo courtesy of One & Only Palmilla
One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos
Known for its secluded sands, “floating beds” (overwater suspended loungers), oversize accommodations with authentic decor, and celebrity clientele, One & Only Palmilla is the epitome of a starry, luxury experience. at this Los Cabos retreat, three infinity-edge pools are staggered throughout the property. The main, adults-only vista pool is enhanced by complimentary foot massages, neck and leg pillows and chairside “Do not Disturb” signs. the pool itself is surrounded by local stones and rocks for a more natural setting. and thatch-roof palapas offer a million-dollar view of the Sea of Cortez (room rates start at $765 a night; oneandonlyresorts.com).
Viceroy Zihuatanejo in iXtapa
Paradise is found at Viceroy Zihuatanejo, a boutique, oceanfront resort in Mexico’s sleepy pacific coast region of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. The rustic-luxe hideaway brims with traditional textiles, design patterns and tile work, and has loads of quiet spots for lounging. The main pool has an infinity edge that perfectly aligns with the pristine beach, making you feel as if you’re right on the shore. From this perch, you’ll get a sweeping view of the coastline complete with thatch-roof palapas and swaying palms. It’s also the best seat in the house for taking in the magic hour with a sundowner toast (room rates start at $342 a night); viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.
Matlali in Riviera Nayarit
Tucked deep within the lush tropical vegetation of Riviera Nayarit on the west coast, Matlali is an upscale hideaway with only 40 suites and villas. Thanks to such a limited number of accommodations, service is ultra-personalized, but the real perk is the hotel’s infinity pool, which is built into the hillside and flaunts uninterrupted views of the sublime coast. and don’t get us started on the stargazing from this vantage on a clear night — it’s the ultimate definition of romantic (room rates start at $220 a night; matlali.com)
Swim-Up Bars
Photo courtesy of Le Blanc Spa Resort
Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun
Le Blanc Spa Resort is often touted as the most romantic, adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Cancun and with good reason. Despite having 260 rooms, the property has a blissfully secluded vibe. Guests feel as if they are all alone thanks to the resort’s endless intimate spots sprinkled throughout, especially at the beach and three outdoor pools. two of the pools sport swim-up bars stocked with premium libations. And unlike other resorts in the area’s hotel zone, there are only a handful of submerged stools, which keeps the area quietly crowd-free (room rates start at $308 per person, per night and are all inclusive; leblancsparesort.com).
Nizuc Resort & Spa in Cancun
Cancun’s most prized resort opening in recent years, the 274-room Nizuc Resort & Spa boasts a private golden beach, myriad room categories (from villas to suites with private plunge pools) and six high-end restaurants. The resort’s spectacular infinity pool is large and refreshing and features a terrific swim-up bar serving frozen fruity treats, Mexican beers and craft cocktails. Sip your drink at the bar or on the edge of the infinity pool for some seriously impressive views of the sand and sky (room rates start at $345 a night; nizuc.com).
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos
All 71 suites at this elite resort enclave are tastefully appointed and many face the Sea of Cortez. The gorgeous property’s newer beachfront villas are epic and there’s an elevated level of service that effortlessly goes with the picturesque setting. Therefore, it’s not surprising to find A-list celebrities knocking back expertly crafted cocktails at the festive swim-up bar, a lively hub where guests are quick to greet and mingle over sips of hard-to-find specialty Mexican tequila (room rates start at $1,035 a night; rosewoodhotels.com).
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Next: In-Room Pools, Rooftop Pools, and Spa Pools >>
In-Room Pools
Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa Del Carmen
Rosewood Mayakoba is known to brim at full occupancy almost every day of the year thanks to its posh digs, stellar service and award-winning, landscape-celebrating design. Each of the 130 chic suites (located beachfront or on the mangrove lagoon) boasts personal heated pools in a magical outdoor setting. If you choose to leave your sanctuary, there’s an award-winning restaurant, postcard-perfect stretch of beach and a cenote (limestone sinkhole) on property, in addition to water sports, a spa and fitness center (room rates start at $515 a night; rosewoodhotels.com).
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
Viceroy Riviera Maya in Riviera Maya
Straddling the jungle and the shore, the Viceroy Riviera Maya is an intimate, five-star eco-retreat set in a tropical sanctuary. Forty-one villas are scattered throughout the property; many equipped with private plunge pools. Stay in one of the five newer Signature Villas: they are a whopping 1,400 square feet-plus and encompass private pools set on oversize sun decks surrounded by rich vegetation. Kick back and listen to the true soundtrack of nature (indigenous birds and spider monkey calls) while a villa butler sets the scene with candlelight and mood music (room rates start at $605 a night; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com).
Photo courtesy of The Viceroy Riviera Maya
El Dorado Casitas Royale in Riviera Maya
This flashy adults-only, all-inclusive resort features 205 suites set along a secluded stretch of stunning white sand. While a lagoon-style pool tempts with its beachfront location, the real splash is checking into one of the 32 thatch-roof suites with private infinity pools. These pretty pools with a view ensure you’ll never really have to leave the romantic cocoon of your suite (room rates start at $596 per person, per night and are all inclusive; karismahotels.com).
Photo courtesy of El Dorado Casitas Royale
Rooftop Pools
Hotel El Ganzo in Los Cabos
Unique for Los Cabos’s resort landscape, Hotel El Ganzo is a 72-room boutique hotel with an edgy design, rotating modern art and even a music studio that’s been graced by top artists like Damien Rice. Stylish guests make a beeline to the rooftop infinity pool that harbors panoramic views of the sea. The area is equipped with sunbeds, a stage for live entertainment and a fresh sushi bar, though the real highlight is the one-of-a kind, all-glass-enclosed hot tub (room rates start at $380 a night; elganzo.com).
Photo courtesy of Hotel El Ganzo
Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta
Considered one of Puerto Vallarta’s most romantic hideaways, Hacienda San Angel is an intimate 10-room boutique hotel set within an 18th-century hillside building. Positioned on a residential cobblestone street, the hotel is unassuming yet delightful with its fairy-tale appeal of pretty courtyards and lush gardens. The main pool is located on the property’s highest level and offers unbeatable city and beach views (room rates start at $395 a night; haciendasanangel.com).
Hotel Cacao in Playa Del Carmen
This new-to-the-scene, trendy downtown boutique hotel is located right on buzzing 5th Avenue in the heart of Playa Del Carmen. There are 60 modern rooms, bold architectural elements and a restaurant run by one of Mexico’s most famous chefs, Enrique Olvera (of Mexico City’s Pujol). Spend sunny days on the rooftop of this stylish escape. There’s a sexy infinity pool with fabulous views of the city and beyond (room rates start at $208 a night; hotelcacao.com.mx).
Spa Pools
Zoëtry Paraíso de la Bonita in Riviera Maya
At this intimate collection of 90 oceanfront suites, every guest enjoys the perks of an all-inclusive vacation in the tranquil setting of an elite resort. Accommodations are individually appointed, the prized restaurants are breezy and à la carte and there’s even a private catamaran for gratis sunset cruises. The standout of this retreat, however, is the large spa, which boasts one of the only Thalassotherapy pools in North America. The jetted saltwater pool sits on a lush lawn overlooking the sparkling Caribbean and is open to all resort guests (room rates start at $350 per person, per night and are all inclusive; zoetryresorts.com).
Photo courtesy of Zöetry Paraíso de la Bonita