(CNN) – Mexico has always offered all the elements of an upscale holiday destination: glittering white Caribbean beaches and wave-flooded Pacific coasts, flourishing cities, pre-Columbian ruins, world-class cuisine and a growing selection of excellent hotels.The opulence isn’t just for visitors, however. Mexico boasts of the 15th-largest economy in the world, with an emerging money class that is the worldwide fourth richest man, Corporate magnate Carlos Slim.Even if you’re not part of Slim’s intimate group, you can go here and stay in Mexico like you’re at least one of his cousins.
1. Acapulco
Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués: Infinity pool with ocean views.
Courtesy Banyan Tree Cabo Marques
The skyscraper-lined beaches and breathtaking villas on the cliffs of Acapulco have long been the stuff of vacation legends. Unfortunately, its star faded in the 1980s and 1990s as younger, better-planned Mexican resorts took center stage.
Like other gracefully aging beauties, Acapulco has had quite a bit done. It’s once again filled with updated attractions, world-class golf courses, and great new hotels. It’s also one of Mexico’s best deals on a five-star vacation – and yes, Acapulco’s famous cliff divers are still an attraction.
Go big: Banyan Tree Cabo Marques
Fantastic views from luxuriously appointed villas scattered along the coast are only part of the charm of this extraordinary hotel.
Boutique go: Casa Yalma Kaan
Nine rustic wooden bungalows will satisfy the most discerning traveler who wants to get lost in a secluded spot on a quiet sandy beach.
Casa Yalma Kaan; Carretera Hacia Barra Vieja, kilometer 29, lot 189, Acapulco, Guerrero; +52 744 444 6389
2. Cabo San Lucas
The Resort at Pedregal: Opulent inside and out.
Courtesy The Resort at Pedregal
On the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo attracts celebrities, wealthy jet-setters, championship golfers, US party boys and girls, families and anyone interested in a luxurious life on the Pacific.
Outdoor attractions include scuba diving, sport fishing, surfing, sailing, and easy beach walks – but Cabo’s fine dining and nightlife will surprise you.
Go big: Esperanza
Cabo has numerous upscale resorts, but this award-winning hotel is loved for its huge rooms, excellent spa, secluded beach, and other extras.
Esperanza; Transpeninsular Highway, Kilometer 7, Block 10, Punta Ballena, Cabo San Lucas; +52 624 145 6400
Boutique go: The resort in Pedregal
By Cabo’s mega-resort standards, 113 opulent rooms – plunge pools, local decor, digital amenities – still count as a boutique hotel. This is in an unforgettably dramatic setting with a gorgeous oceanfront pool.
3. Cancun and the Mayan Riviera
Guests can enjoy a private catamaran at Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya.
Mexico’s most famous vacation destination is Cancun; flawless in design, the site was selected and designed using computer models in the 1970s. Really.
Perfect white beaches, fantastic weather, and cheap airline tickets from the United States have attracted a selection of five-star resorts unparalleled in Latin America.
The entire area is now swimming in great opportunities. Isla Mujeres is a rolling island just off the coast, and the Mayan Riviera is a seemingly endless beach of resorts and hotels that stretches south all the way to Tulúm.
Go big: The Ritz-Carlton Cancun
It’s hard to choose from one of Cancun’s many mega-resorts, but the fine rooms, luxurious spa, and gorgeous beach of this classic beauty stand out from the crowd.
Boutique go: Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya
Nestled in wild animals and wilderness, only 30 kilometers south of Cancun, the pretty beach bungalows and the jungle of this luxury hotel lie in front of an almost undisturbed beach.
4. Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo
Capella Ixtapa: On a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Courtesy Capella Ixtapa
These twin resorts on the central Pacific coast, only recently discovered by the luxury class, couldn’t be more different.
Like Cancun, Ixtapa was planned from the start, its pristine coastline covered with gleaming skyscrapers, golf courses, and shopping. Neighboring Zihuatanejo started out as an authentic Mexican fishing village and still has charm to offer.
The two complement each other well, with glamor and atmosphere.
Go big: Capella Ixtapa
Rustic yet luxurious rooms on the cliffs of the ocean are fully furnished with personal assistants and other extravagant amenities not found anywhere else in the region.
Boutique go: amulet
Upscale travelers have a bohemian outpost in laid-back Zihuatanejo at this luxurious and well-appointed bamboo and thatch hotel.
amulet; Picturesque Street 9, Playa La Ropa, Zuhuatanejo, Guerrero; +52 755 544 6222
5. Mexico City
Hotel Condesa df: If the private terrace is too quiet, there is always the rooftop bar.
Hotel Condesa DF
Mexico’s capital is a metropolis of more than 20 million people, the elite of which is at the center of the country’s economic, political and cultural center.
World-class museums, trendy restaurants, glittering boutiques, bohemian galleries and an artistic undercurrent make Mexico City one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Luxury travelers will feel most at home in Polanco, north of the famous Chapultepec Park. It’s full of designer suits, gourmet meals, and expensive golf courses.
Go big: W Mexico City
Mexico City has five-star business-class hotels to offer, but the cool, club-like atmosphere of the W with neon and elegant design remains a magnet for the stylish crowd.
W Mexico City; Campos Eliseos 252, Chapultepec, Polanco, Mexico City; +52 559 138 1800
Boutique go: Countess df
The star of the trendy bohemian district Condesa is this hip hotel, which is known for its French facades, modern interior and fresh rooftop bar.
Countess df; Veracruz 102, Colonia Condesa, Mexico City; +52 55 5241 2600
6. Oaxaca
Quinta Real Oaxaca: A gracefully restored monastery.
Courtesy Quinta Real Oaxaca
The “culinary capital of Mexico” is much more than just its restaurant scene.
Carved from glistening Cantera stones into a glorious example of harmonious Spanish colonial architecture, it is home to exquisite churches, museums, pre-Columbian ruins, and shops that seriously sell psychedelic handicrafts.
Go big: Quinta Real Oaxaca
The graceful Santa Catalina Convent was built almost 450 years ago and has its courtyards, gardens and rooms renovated by the Mexican luxury chain Camino Real. Classic.
Boutique go: Oaxaca house
This whitewashed gem features seven perfect rooms that surround a sunny courtyard with one of Oaxaca’s finest restaurants; Guests can arrange meals, cooking classes, and market tours.
Oaxaca house; García Vigil 407, Historic Center, Oaxaca; + 52 (951) 514 41 73
7. San Miguel de Allende
Chef Marco Cruz conjures up magic every week for his tasting menu at Nomada in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Created by Black Buddha
The artistic ambience, the refreshing climate and the historic UNESCO area make the magical mountain town of San Miguel de Allende a magnet for adventurous expats and wealthy Mexican families.
In recent years, its “light quality” and quality of life has been improved with renowned art schools, gourmet restaurants, diverse nightlife, fine hotels and real estate agencies (with English-speaking staff) in each block.
Go big: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel’s finest property offers first class accommodations in the heart of the historic center.
Boutique go: Mischa house
Every detail is awaited in this elegant seven-room winner, which offers balcony views over San Miguel’s famous Parroquia.
Mischa house; Chiquitos 15, Centro, San Miguel de Allende; +52 415 152 2021
Editor’s Note: This article was reformatted, updated, and republished in 2017.
