Top 7 Mexican Beach Resorts

Our list of the best beach resorts in Mexico.

By: Melanie Mize
For anyone with a dream of sun-drenched fun, Mexico's beaches are no longer just for the well-to-do. Today, resorts on the country's Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer something for every taste, and budget. What's more, most Americans can make the trip to Mexico in little more than a two-hour flight. So, before making plans for an adventure south of the border, read on for Travel Channel's list of the best beach resorts in Mexico.
1. Melia Cabo Real Beach & Golf Resort

Photo by: Melia Hotels International

Melia Hotels International

Located in the "corridor" between the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, this resort is the largest beach retreat in Los Cabos, with more than 300 rooms and one of the largest hotel pools in Mexico. However, many travelers are attracted to the Melia's greens, not its deep blue. Nearby, the El Dorado and Cabo Real golf courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, respectively, offer professional-grade links, as well as phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Swimming With Cabo Dolphins
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2. Las Hadas Manzanillo Golf Resort

Photo by: Las Hadas Manzanillo Golf Resort

Las Hadas Manzanillo Golf Resort

Mexico's southwestern coast is home to Las Hadas Manzanillo Golf Resort, whose beach was made famous by Bo Derek in the film 10. Luckily, Hollywood didn't spoil this magical stretch of shore, enabling Las Hadas to retain its romantic, tropical charm. Moorish-style white-stucco architecture and palm-fringed walkways make Las Hadas a tropical paradise, while its private beach and marina add an understated elegance. All the guest rooms have terraces, and each of the 5 suites has a private plunge pool. Most spectacular is the Minaret Suite, which has unmatched views of the Mexican Riviera.

3. Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach

Photo by: Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa

Awarded the AAA's coveted 5-diamond rating 7 years in a row, the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach is tops in terms of service and accommodations. Even though it's just a stroll from the non-stop entertainment along Cancun's strip, the Fiesta Americana offers its own exhaustive roster of activities, including swimming, snorkeling and Jet Skiing. Guests who prefer to take it easy can enjoy ocean views from any of the resort's 602 rooms or savor a gourmet meal at La Joya, the first restaurant in Cancun to score a 5-diamond rating from AAA.

4. Fairmont Acapulco Princess

Photo by: Fairmont Acapulco Princess

Fairmont Acapulco Princess

Acapulco is known for its cliff divers, its swanky high-rises and the Acapulco Princess. This 1,019-room mega-resort, designed to resemble an Aztec temple, lays claim to 7 restaurants, 7 bars, 7 tennis courts, 5 pools, an 18-hole golf course, a shopping arcade and a recently inaugurated fitness center. Despite the grand surroundings, however, guest rooms are intimate. Tropical foliage, cane furniture, tasteful decor in muted tones of green and beige, and private terraces with views of the Sierra Madre mountains or the Pacific Ocean create a peaceful atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of the resort.

5. Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta

Photo by: Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta

Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta

Carved out of a coconut plantation, the Westin Regina Puerto Vallarta is a lush paradise. From the guest rooms, which are decorated in vivid mosaics, to the 600 coconut palms clustered on the resort's 21 acres, the Westin Regina oozes Mexico. Golfing, boating, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving are just a few of the activities available.

6. Casa Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa

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Photo by: Thinkstock

Thinkstock

With only 31 suites and 25 guest rooms, the Casa Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa proves that less is definitely more. Travelers wishing to escape the crowds but still enjoy a tropical-resort atmosphere will revel in the relative calm found in the Casa Del Mar's 6 pools, verdant gardens and first-class beauty salon and spa. And, unlike larger resorts, Casa Del Mar boasts 2 staff members per guest, ensuring that each patron receives superb service. Other luxuries include the Robert Trent Jones golf course, on-site tennis courts and private beach access.

7. Barceló Puerto Vallarta

Photo by: coba, flickr

coba, flickr

Surrounded by the jungle, the mountains and the sea, the Barceló Puerto Vallarta makes the most of its natural environment. Adventurous travelers can take part in the resort's many organized excursions, including mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding and deep-sea fishing. On the premises, guests can take a dip in one of 3 pools, play tennis, shop or relax with a spa treatment. Families are also catered to at Barceló Puerto Vallarta, evident by the myriad activities suitable for kids and adults.

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