capella ixtapa
Let’s not beat around the bush here: Capella Ixtapa and Ixtapa, the destination itself, are dreamy. That languid fisherman village vibe that emanates throughout Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa’s sister town, is intoxicating. But back to Capella Ixtapa, where your honeymooning clients can spend lots of time snuggling up to each other looking out over the Pacific Ocean. It features five 1-bedroom penthouses and an intimate number of oceanview guestrooms—only 54 (that undoubtedly means more personal attention). Other delights your clients will have access to at this resort, which is part of the Mexico Boutique Hotels portfolio, include a world-class marina; three restaurants, one of which serves Old World Mexico cuisine; a cliff-side spa with an outdoor treatment facility; horseback riding; cooking classes; and village excursions. The resort offers the 3-night Capella Romance package that includes daily American breakfast for two; roundtrip transportation from/to the airport; welcome romantic amenity; dinner for two with a bottle of wine; champagne and strawberries in-suite upon arrival; couple’s massage; and lunch in the spa as well as spa cocktails pre-massage. Rates start at $530 through Sept. 30.
hotelesboutique.com/en/hotel/capella-ixtapa
sandos caracol eco resort, playa del carmen
Mexico offers such lush settings it would be remiss for us not to mention a property surrounded by abundant greenery such as Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Playa del Carmen—there’s a beach, too! Here, newlyweds can bike through the resort’s lush jungle, take a wilderness path that leads through the jungle past a series of cenotes, explore the mangrove forest, or take a tranquil boat ride through a winding river. They can also observe birds, turtles, deer and iguanas, and even plant a tree as part of the destination’s conservation efforts…oh, and they can also frolic in the water park with its 17 slides, splash areas and fountains. The ocean, too, beckons, with snorkeling trips, deep-sea fishing excursions, parasailing, and catamarans. After a day filled with active pursuits, couples will want to hide away in a private retreat at the resort’s Select Club Adults Only section, which is tucked away in a quiet jungle area of the resort and offers an exclusive pool and jacuzzi. The resort’s honeymoon package is complimentary to newlyweds who mention that they are booking the resort for their honeymoon. They’ll receive a bottle of sparkling wine; fruit basket; chocolate-covered strawberries; special decoration in the room; two “Just Married” t-shirts; dinner in a restaurant; and breakfast in bed. Other romantic offerings at the resort include spending the afternoon together in the spa’s hydrotherapy area or the Temazcal; enjoying a nighttime Mayan show; or having a private dinner on the beach in a gazebo or on a deck surrounded by the jungle. sandos.com
le blanc spa resort, cancun
Le Blanc Spa Resort knows how to cater to newlyweds: It’s adults-only, it’s got a Royale Honeymoon Suite with a double whirlpool made for romantic interludes, and it’s got a few honeymoon packages to choose from…oh, and there’s that gorgeous setting on white-sand beaches along the Caribbean Sea. The property, part of the Palace Resorts portfolio, knows how to do all-inclusive, too—there’s a sprinkling of fine dining restaurants; a spa with 19 treatment rooms, including couples’ suites; yoga and Pilates classes; poolside snuggling; and the opportunity to take in the sights while touring the destination. The aforementioned honeymoon suite rates start at $344, and those couples who present proof of marriage within the past year and book a minimum 4-night stay can opt for a complimentary honeymoon package, too, which includes a mini honeymoon cake; bottle of sparkling wine; romantic candlelight dinner; two honeymoon t-shirts; breakfast in bed; guaranteed turndown service; and late check-out until 6 p.m. Of course, newlyweds can up the ante (way up) and go for the Ultra Deluxe package, which includes a Holistic Spa package—25-minute body scrub, 50-minute holistic massage and 25-minute refresher facial; large flower arrangement; king bed guaranteed; chocolate-covered strawberries; keepsake bathrobes and slippers; in-room aromatherapy with fragrance menu; intimate candlelit rose petal bath in jacuzzi; mini honeymoon cake; in-room romantic dinner; and tour. The rate is $850; a couple of other less-expensive options are also available. leblancsparesort.com
royal suites yucatan by palladium
The Yucatan peninsula is one of Mexico’s most captivating destinations—here, ancient cultures mingles with a vast natural playground that showcases both jungles and beaches. Within this tropical destination, the adults-only Royal Suites Yucatan by Palladium—located in an exclusive area within the Grand Palladium Resorts of the Mayan Riviera—offers couples a VIP getaway coupled with unlimited access to its neighboring resorts. With nine thematic restaurants as well as buffet dining options, and 26 bars throughout the resort complex, there’s an array of places to sit down and get a bite to eat or sip on a cocktail, and Royal Suites guests have exclusive access to one buffet-style restaurant, an a la carte restaurant, and two bars. They also have butler service and 24-hour room service. The resort’s Royal Junior Suite, which overlooks the garden and features a 2-person jacuzzi on the balcony, has rates starting at $324 per couple that throws in a complimentary Segway ride. palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/palladium/the-royal-suites or palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/profesionales
casa velas, puerto vallarta
The adults-only Casa Velas, located in Puerto Vallarta, is delightful, and talk about bougainvillea…there’s a profusion of these flowers around every corner in this sprawling resort. There are several room categories, although we love the ones with their own private immersion pool on the terrace. If clients want intimacy with a bit of pampering, recommend the Grand Class Suites, although for pure indulgence, the Governor Suite overlooks the golf course and the pool. The decor is pure Mexican hacienda and the service is top of the line, but what will captivate honeymooners is the hotel’s culinary feast. Puerto Vallarta might have quite a few restaurants that your clients are going to want to try out, but recommend they stay in one night to dine at the four-diamond Emiliano (the shrimp burrito and the fountain of seafood are scrumptious). Although the hotel is not located beachside, clients can take the shuttle to the Ocean Club, where they can hang out by the pool, jacuzzi or on the beach (cabanas are available). Of course, there are also golf privileges at Marina Vallarta Golf Club and an onsite spa. The resort is currently offering a Spa package that includes a private dinner on the beach; a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries in-suite upon arrival; transportation from/to airport; guaranteed upgrade to a Master Suite; and a 50-minute massage pp per stay. Rates through Dec. 22 start at $272 and reservations of more than three nights automatically receive 20 percent off on any spa treatment. hotelcasavelas.com
