Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from celebrities — apart from the benefits of a glam squad — it’s that Mexico is a preferred hot spot for quintessential romantic escapes. In fact, since the days of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, A-listers have regularly ventured south of the border for some serious downtime, holing up at unforgettable five-star resorts while paparazzi and tabloids offer voyeuristic glimpses of their enviable lifestyles. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a reality TV personality or pop star to luxuriate in Mexico’s ultra-posh digs. Live (and honeymoon!) like a jet-setting celebrity at one of these glam hideaways and enjoy a vacation that’s red carpet from start to finish.
Riviera Maya: Rosewood Mayakoba
Emmy-winning actress Sofia Vergara is known to harness her inner beach diva at five-star resorts, though she especially loved her stay at Rosewood Mayakoba, where she celebrated her 40th birthday. The luxury resort — located in the ecofriendly resort development Mayakoba — has a prolific celebrity following, and with good reason. All 128 swanky suites are ultra-private and located either on the beach or mangrove lagoons; many are over water. Local Yucatan limestone and sustainable woods are used in the resort’s commanding design aesthetics to blend with the beautiful natural environment. There are three pools, a beautiful Sense spa on its own island offering Mayan-influenced treatments and gourmet bites at Agave Azul Sushi Bar & Tequila Library — the shitake glazed and miso butter Kobe beef are menu favorites. But it’s rare for guests to actually peel away from their gorgeous suites, since many are equipped with private pools and pretty views (room rates start at $515 a night; rosewoodhotels.com).
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
Los Cabos: Esperanza
Sure, celebrities flock to Los Cabos for quiet getaways, but A-list honeymooners have been known to beeline to Esperanza, an Auberge Resort. This coastal gem served as the romantic sanctuary for Katherine Heigl and musician Josh Kelley, not to mention other notable couples (Beyoncé and Jay Z, Fergie and Josh Duhamel and LeAnne Rimes and Eddie Cibrian). The 57-room resort located on bluffs overlooking two private coves near Cabo San Lucas boasts five-star amenities, impeccable service and gourmet meals. All guests receive personal concierges (who whip up fresh guacamole and margaritas upon arrival). And rooms all tout outdoor Jacuzzis (room rates start at $695 a night; esperanza.aubergeresorts.com).
Photo courtesy of Esperanza, an Auberge Resort
Next: Check out where to stay in Costalegre, Playa del Carmen and more ►
Tomatlan: Hotelito Desconocido
The translation for Hotelito Desconocido is “Little Unknown Hotel,” which is exactly why A-listers like Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and Blake Lively prefer to unwind here. The retreat, about an hour from the Puerto Vallarta airport, is completely off the radar, evident by its gravel road and strategic middle-of-nowhere location inside a UNESCO-protected sanctuary. Set on a 49-mile stretch of pristine beach, the breathtaking property is framed by an unspoiled nature reserve while the smart architecture and design (think crystal chandeliers in the woodcolumned reception area, locally crafted chairs in the candlelit restaurant) are both rustic and modern. None of the 27 thatch-roof palafitos (bungalows) are alike though they all include cozy fourpost beds and large outdoor rain showers. Totally unwind with a beachfront massage complete with the soundtrack of crashing waves and enjoy the myriad outdoor activities, which include horseback riding and row boating (room rates start at $495 and are all inclusive; hotelito.com).
Photos courtesy of Hotelito Desconocido
Costalegre: Las Alamandas
Ever since Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt famously rented out the entire Las Alamandas property for New Year’s Eve 1999, the remote resort has served as a hideaway for elite travelers. A two-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta (with breathtaking coastal views along the way), the 16-suite, boutique resort woos retreatseekers with its sprawling 1,500 private acres that include scenic lookout points, lagoons and white-sand beaches. Considering Las Alamanda’s intimacy and seclusion — not to mention a private landing strip — it’s not surprising the hotel is often completely bought out for weddings and A-list honeymoons. We love the ocean-view suites. Each haciendastyle room is decorated in vibrant, handpainted colors, with shaded terraces sporting outdoor Jacuzzis. The main area features an art gallery, indoor/outdoor restaurant with gourmet Mexican cuisine and outdoor pool (room rates start at about $395 a night; alamandas.com).
Photo courtesy of Las Alamandas
Playa del Carmen: Viceroy Riviera Maya
Molly Sims didn’t waste any time Instagramming photos of her post-baby bikini bod at Viceroy Riviera Maya this past year. Equally eager to check in are fellow actresses including Selma Blair and Rebecca Romjin, who hide away at this five-star, eco-chic retreat that straddles jungle and sea. Forty-one villas are scattered across the tropical property, although the newer Signature Villas are all the rage, thanks to their high palapa roofs, Egyptian cotton sheets and private plunge pools set on sprawling sun decks. At 1,400 square feet, the villas are the most spacious stand-alone accommodations on the Riviera Maya coast, tucked within the lush landscape where indigenous birds flock about and spider monkeys are ubiquitous. All rooms are equipped with butlers, a “soap concierge” that provides freshly cut, organic Mayan soap, romantic plunge pool evening treats (think floating candles and mood music) and loads of privacy (room rates start at $605 a night; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com).
Photo courtesy of Viceroy Resorts
Riviera Nayarit: Four Seasons Punta Mita
Kate Hudson and partner Matthew Bellamy are just two of the bold-faced names that have checked into this five-star property on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Ensconced in a private oceanfront, luxury compound, the 173-room hacienda-style resort boasts the brand’s marquee service. An adult pool zone actually has two separate dipping spots and a cocktail menu of fruity libations. Sprawl out on two beaches, unplug in the terrific spa and dine at Amandas restaurant, which serves Mexican cuisine with Asian influences. A gastronomic adventure awaits at the beachfront Bahia, helmed by celeb chef Richard Sandoval. Most bold-faced names book the one-bedroom garden suite, with living room, dining area, kitchen and outdoor terrace with plunge pool, for more privacy (room rates start at $750 a night; fourseasons.com).
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts