Riviera Maya: Ultimate beachfront luxury
The Riviera Maya is home to some of the most stunning resorts in Mexico. If you’re looking for a luxurious hideaway, look no further than Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa. This resort is a standout choice for those seeking an exclusive and intimate vacation with a focus on unique experiences. Enjoy beautiful rooms, vibrant restaurants, and unique couples-tailored packages. The resort’s spa by Guerlain is known for its award-winning treatments inspired by Mayan traditions, using local herbs and healing techniques. And nothing sounds more romantic than a hot shell massage on the beach followed by a special dinner under the stars — yes, that’s real.
Wellness is a vital aspect of the Riviera Maya experience, with many businesses and resorts offering yoga and wellness retreats that are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation with your partner. Try traditional Melipona bee healing, Mayan stargazing, and morning meditation in the ocean waves at Marona. The region’s focus on sustainable tourism allows couples to enjoy an eco-friendly vacation and contribute to the preservation of this beautiful destination.
Adventure-seeking couples will find the region’s numerous cenotes (natural freshwater pools formed from limestone bedrock) enchanting for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, the area’s eco-parks Xcaret and Xel-Há offer thrilling activities like zip-lining and river floating. Here, couples can also engage in interactive cultural exhibits, learn about the area’s Mayan heritage, and end the day with spectacular shows and local cuisine, making these parks an all-in-one experience of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Tulum: Bohemian rhapsody by the sea
For sustainability and wellness-oriented couples, Tulum’s free-spirited energy and stunning beaches make it an idyllic spot. It’s an exceptionally romantic place for a honeymoon, vow renewal, or romantic getaway. Nomade Tulum is a luxury resort that epitomizes the boho-chic aesthetic, with beachfront cabanas, personal plunge pools, unique restaurants, and private clubs that serve stellar cocktails. Nomade offers holistic wellness programming to help reconnect with yourself and your partner — breathing sessions, yoga classes, sound healing, and traditional Mexican ceremonies.
Tulum offers more than just relaxation — it’s an immersive plunge into a laid-back lifestyle, a place that gives the opportunity to get in touch with nature, culture, and love. Outside the bounds of the resort, you’ll find the Tulum ruins, one of the last cities inhabited by the Maya people. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the sea, the ruins are a must-visit. For more nature-bound activities, the Sian Ka’an nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is perfect for eco-tours and wildlife spotting.
For something more hands-on, delicious, and equally romantic, take a Mexican cooking class at Rivera’s Kitchen. Prepare traditional recipes in a cozy, homey environment and learn about local cuisine. After that hearty meal, you can walk it off or ride it out on a bicycle — one of the most scenic and popular ways of exploring Tulum. Rent a bike from your resort or the suppliers on the main road for about $10, and ride along the beach at sunset with your amor.
Cozumel: Underwater adventures
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One Mexican destination is a must-visit for adventurous couples — Cozumel, an island off the Yucatan Peninsula, is renowned for its incredible scuba diving and snorkeling spots. It used to be a Mayan community with over 10,000 residents and sacred to the Mayan Moon Goddess — also a pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility. But today, it’s a stunning destination for couples looking to get away. The luxurious InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa is an oasis. This top-rated resort has the largest private beach on the island, an on-site dive center, an in-house spa, and a private dinner service (enjoy a special menu with wine pairings at any location of your choice!).
The Plancar Reef, located south of Cozumel, is renowned as one of the world’s premier diving destinations. This underwater paradise is home to sea turtles, Cozumel toadfish, fire coral, and many other unique species. Chankanaab, a protected marine park, is another haven for snorkelers and divers. Here, couples can swim alongside tropical fish, explore underwater sculptures, and have close encounters with dolphins.
For hikers, Punta Sur is a sprawling eco-park featuring beautiful lighthouses, pristine beaches, and lush mangroves. It’s an ideal spot for bird watching, kayaking, and enjoying guided tours through its diverse ecosystems. San Miguel, the island’s bustling main town, is an opportunity for you and your partner to immerse yourselves in the local culture, savor authentic Mexican cuisine, and also do some shopping. This charming town is a quintessential stop for couples vacationing in Cozumel.
Puerto Vallarta: Traditional charm with modern luxuries
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Puerto Vallarta is a perfect mix of traditional Mexican charm and modern luxury. Embraced by the Sierra Madre mountains and blissful west-facing sunsets, this is the place to relish in love. Casa Velas, an adults-only, all-inclusive boutique hotel, caters to couples with intimate settings. This elegant hacienda-inspired resort offers five-star amenities: spa, beach club, golf course, and a swimming pool with cabanas. Admire peacocks freely roaming in the gardens from your terrace while sipping on complimentary mezcal.
The cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta, fittingly named Zona Romántica, are the perfect setting for a stroll. With cozy cafés, vibrant art galleries, and an inclusive atmosphere, it really is a zone of romance. Try Mexican food on Restaurant Row, have a coffee on Café Street, and bask in the sun on Los Muertos beach. For even more dining, shopping, and entertainment — with stunning ocean views to boot — go to El Malecón, the beachfront promenade.
The arts are thriving in Puerto Vallarta. If you and your partner have a creative spark, check out the Art Walk. This free weekly cultural event is held from October to June and invites locals and tourists to explore various art galleries in the historic downtown area. The atmosphere is lively and social, with many galleries serving refreshments. This is a delightful way to experience the cultural richness of Puerto Vallarta, engage with the local community, and perhaps find a unique piece of art to take home.
Los Cabos: Where desert meets sea
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Los Cabos, at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, offers a dramatic landscape where the desert meets the sea — jetsetters have been coming to this hotspot for over 70 years. Las Ventanas al Paraíso is the definition of five-star, state-of-the-art luxury. Think exquisite Mexican-Mediterranean design, butler services, tequila study experiences, upscale restaurants, infinity pools, and a spa inspired by ancient Baja healers — but that’s not all; the list of amenities goes on. At one point, it even offered a customizable fireworks display!
Outside the bounds of the resort, which you likely won’t want to leave, are Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, two distinct towns with unique energies. Cabo San Lucas has a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly around the marina area. It’s also famous for deep-sea fishing, with chances to catch marlin and dorado, and seasonal whale-watching tours from December to April. The must-see Arco de San Lucas rock formation is only accessible by boat and an excellent spot for photography. Don’t miss out on Lovers Beach, for obvious reasons.
The nearby town of San José del Cabo offers a more laid-back experience. The historic center, with its colonial architecture and quaint cobblestone streets, would be a delight to explore with your partner. The main square, Plaza Mijares, is surrounded by art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy the quieter, pristine beaches, such as Playa Palmilla and Playa Costa Azul, known for their beauty and excellent spots for swimming and snorkeling.
