Rejuvenating spa treatments, opulent accommodations, attentive service—here are 5 Top picks for clients looking for luxury hotels (with spas) in Mexico.
#1. rosewood san miguel de allende
At the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, it’s truly the complete package that sets it apart from the rest: Its location in San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site; a rooftop lounge perfect for getting a bird’s-eye view of the colonial town; opulent guestrooms with wood-beamed ceilings and handcrafted furnishings; and Sense, A Rosewood Spa, offering a wide variety of treatments, massages and facials in eight treatment rooms, with separate sauna and steam rooms for men and women.
The spa “is a stunning and serene oasis in the heart of downtown San Miguel de Allende. It provides guests with an unparalleled level of service as well as a wide array of spa treatments, ranging from soothing massages to adventurous therapies that incorporate indigenous ingredients and customs,” says Paulina Mercader, the hotel’s spa director.
While in San Miguel de Allende, guests are encouraged to explore the town’s colonial streets and quaint side streets decked out with bougainvillea; marvel at the Iglesia de la Concepcion, which was completed in 1891, and its two-story dome; and visit the town’s artisans market where numerous stands showcase local handicrafts from blown glass and jewelry to pottery and antiques.
Recommend the One-Bedroom Colonial Suite with a large furnished terrace, covered and open areas for dining and relaxing, furnished with hand-carved furniture and local art, with 700 sq. ft. of living space, and a separate master bedroom with choice of a king or two queen beds. General starting rates are $405 a night.
#2. esperanza, an auberge resort, los cabos
“With so many travelers planning rejuvenating trips, and with the trend of wellness travel, Esperanza provides an exceptional spa experience, helping guests relax and recharge with new spa programming, healthy culinary experiences such as complimentary vegetarian cooking classes, and fitness classes led by visiting specialized instructors from across the U.S.,” says Marc Rodriguez, general manager.
But it’s not only the award-winning Spa at Esperanza, the resort’s spacious and luxe suites, or the complimentary poolside hand and foot massages guests experience at Esperanza that make it a top choice—the resort also offers custom pet beds with Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens and pet room service, too. Now that’s sleeping in elegance—for Fido, of course.
Situated on Baja’s Sea of Cortez, Esperanza, a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection, boasts 57 casitas and suites, along with private villas and residences. To accompany the complimentary massages by the pool, guests also enjoy complimentary yoga classes and breakfast daily; resort events like tequila tastings with The Blue Agave Society (an exclusive club created by the resort’s master tequilero) and Mexican wine tastings; Spanish, painting, and salsa classes; and activities like sportfishing in Los Cabos and horseback riding in Baja’s desert setting or along the beach. Room rates start at $695. Note: The resort closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Odile, but will reopen Nov. 15. 
#3. banyan tree mayakoba, riviera maya
At first glance, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, in Riviera Maya, looks like a resort set in Asia, not Mexico, and, in fact, the resort is truly a fabulous fusion of Asian and Mexican architectural influences.
“Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers a ‘sanctuary for the senses,’ with great detail paid to ensuring an authentic Mexican atmosphere combined with the ultra-luxurious Banyan Tree Spa experience—from our locally sourced ingredients to our Banyan Tree Academy-trained therapists,” says Carlos Abaunza, general manager.
For the best of both worlds in luxury and spa accommodations, the property’s eight Spa Pool Villas (starting at $629 a night) is the ideal choice, especially for couples. Split over two levels, guests can indulge in a spa treatment in their personal outdoor massage area, equipped with massage beds, lounge chairs, a dining area, and two outdoor showers.
The Oriental Essence treatment, a 180-minute session at $600 per couple, starts with a Green Tea Scrub, followed by an Oriental Massage where the therapist applies a strong massage to the body without using oils before ending with a Chinese Foot Massage. When it comes to dining, onsite restaurants range from a buffet breakfast spread at Oriente to Thai cuisine at Saffron, as well as Sands, serving signature Mexican dishes.
#4. capella ixtapa resort & spa
With only 59 guestrooms and suites situated cliffside, Capella Ixtapa Resort & Spa is ideal for guests looking for a bit of privacy and seclusion. “It is the ambiance, the setting, the authentic Mexican architecture, combined with genuine personal service that creates a magical sense of place where you really feel that you belong,” says general manager, Eliezer Quinones. The personal service comes from the always-on-call Capella Personal Assistants.
Capella Ixtapa is located in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, along the Pacific Ocean. Guestrooms and suites feature a private outdoor terrace with swinging hammocks and a plunge pool, positioned out of sight from other suites for that extra level of privacy. Dining venues include Las Rocas Restaurant for breakfast and lunch; A Mares Restaurant serving fresh local produce and seafood; and for
cocktails under the stars or tequila tastings, there is the 3-level Terrace Bar.
The 6,000-sq.-ft. Capella Spa overlooks the ocean and features an outdoor treatment space as well as six indoor treatment rooms. Upon entering the spa, each guest is treated to a foot cleanse and massage before his or her treatment. The Lemongrass & Toronjil Wrap (50 minutes, $160) is one of the resort’s signature treatments used to detox and activate circulation in the skin. Rates range from $400 to $1,400 (depending on room category and season).
#5. le blanc spa resort, cancun
If your clients want to be pampered while on vacation, they’ll find the deluxe treatment—and then some—at Le Blanc Spa Resort. This adults-only, all-inclusive spa resort, part of the Palace Resorts brand, is located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, and features stylish accommodations in a minimalist design; Bulgari bath amenities; butler service from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; three pools; and fine dining restaurants serving French, Italian and Asian cuisine.
“Le Blanc Spa Resort provides the ultimate level of luxury, consistency and service,” says Andreas Schmidt, general manager. “The quality and attention to detail in everything we offer, from cuisine and beachside service to in-room amenities, personal butler service, and spa offerings are unrivaled.”
Le Blanc Spa features multiple treatment spaces, from master suites with hydro-tubs to three indoor couples’ suites; for couples interested in a private spa experience, Le Blanc offers its 800-sq.-ft. Blanc D’Or Golden VIP Suite with a private sauna and steam room, shower, double whirlpool, and treatment tables. There’s also a hydrotherapy ritual that leads guests through an H2O-infused treatment of showers, as well as detoxing in the sauna and steam rooms, and access to cool and warm pools, not to mention custom-made massages and facials. Room rates start at $308. λ
what travel agents are saying
On the subject of the ever-changing luxury client, Terry Denton, president, Travel Leaders/Main Street Travel, based in Texas, says, “Luxury clients are now looking for personal enrichment.
It’s not just about indulgence anymore. They want their horizons expanded and knowledge broadened—that’s what they are looking for, to relive, over and over, a truly wonderful vacation experience.”
Of the five properties we highlight in this story, Denton definitely dotes on the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. “I have been going to Mexico for the past 28 years, and one of my favorite places is San Miguel de Allende. The Rosewood property is a jewel perfectly set in a town that is quintessential Mexico, with superb hospitality and charm. It’s a beautiful hotel with great amenities and fantastic service.”
contact information
Banyan Tree Mayakoba: (800) 591-0439; banyantree.com
Capella Ixtapa: (404) 842-7280; capellaixtapa.com
Esperanza, An Auberge Resort: (877) 686-5251; esperanzaresort.com
Le Blanc Spa Resort: (888) 327-0653; leblancsparesort.com or palaceproagents.com
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende: (888) ROSEWOOD; rosewoodhotels.com
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