Image courtesy of Naviva
There’s something special about boutique hotels — their intimacy, their idiosyncrasy, their warm, personalized service. The best boutique hotels have a unique vibe and a distinct personality. And there are few destinations with as impressive a concentration of such under-the-radar gems as Mexico.
From a renovated hacienda in the Yucatán to a Mexico City design hotel, the best boutique hotels in Mexico mirror the rich culture and vibrancy of their surroundings. Throw in an eye for local art, stellar gastronomy and out-of-this-world wellness programs and you’ve got yourself a five-star hotel wrapped in a delightfully eccentric, detail-oriented package. I couldn’t think of a better place to stay.
Read on for some of the best boutique hotels in Mexico. I'm already planning my trip. See you there?
Nômade Holbox
Image courtesy of Nômade Holbox
This eco-friendly wellness getaway on Holbox Island, just off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, is a boutique hotel lover’s dream. The 30 rooms (which include treehouses, no less) were constructed with local, sustainable wood, and the interiors are modern and breezy: think canvas walls, copper tubs, natural linens, outdoor showers (always a plus) and nature-inspired decor.
Dine on regenerative organic cuisine, dance to live music (music is a big part of Nômade’s collection of boutique hotels), take a sunrise boat trip with a bird expert, activate your pineal gland during sunset...the activities encourage guests to connect more deeply with their bodies and spirits. And I can’t get enough. There are ample one-on-one experiences to choose from, too. I'm partial to Nômade’s astral chart readings and personalized acupuncture / bodywork sessions.
And if Tulum is calling your name (when is it not?), complement your wellness getaway with a stay at one of Nômade’s other gorgeous hotels: Nômade Tulum and Be Tulum, both of which also combine nourishing cuisine, sustainable practices and holistic wellness offerings.
Fora Perks:
Food / beverage credit.
Welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Naviva®, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico
Image courtesy of Naviva
Wellness seems to be a theme among Mexico’s best boutique hotels. And Naviva, one of the best hotels in Mexico, does wellness like no other. Although it's a Four Seasons property, it takes a (out-of-this-world) boutique approach. This hideaway consists of 15 luxury tents (the max occupancy of the entire resort is 30 people) spread out among 48 acres of lush jungle overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The private patios are primed for relaxation: each comes equipped with a hammock, plunge pool and outdoor shower.
But no visit to Naviva would be complete without enjoying one of their signature experiences. Choose from a shamanic sound healing session, a traditional temazcal ceremony, a five-hour regenerative spa ritual (really), a stargazing safari and more.
End your day with a meal cooked by open fire at Copal Cocina, Naviva’s signature onsite restaurant. Or, opt for a private beachfront picnic, in-tent dining or an especially romantic meal with a personalized chef-driven menu. You really cant go wrong.
Fora Perks:
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I will be pleased to give you more details.
Chablé Yucatán
Image courtesy of Chablé Yucatán
Imagine starting your day with a cenote-side yoga class followed by fresh-pressed green juice and a breakfast sourced from the organic garden steps away from your table. Sound like a dream? It is. Welcome to Chablé Yucatán, a hacienda-turned-luxury-hotel, about a half an hour outside Mérida, the Yucatán’s capital.
Much of the hacienda’s original architecture remains, and is beautifully incorporated into the property’s sleek, modern design: think steel beams, stone archways, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and colorful tiles. Guests stay in private casitas, each with its own swimming pool, and each decorated with locally sourced materials. (I love the bluetooth speakers and iPad Mini pre-loaded with Spotify, so you can pump any music you please.)
Spa treatments are enjoyed in private cabins that circle the jungly cenote below (Naturopathica facial, anyone?) and begin with a purifying foot ritual accompanied by a traditional cacao drink. In fact, much of the hotel’s activities — cooking classes, cacao workshops, a Melipona bee ceremony led by a shaman — celebrate Mayan culture and heritage. Pro tip: opt for the private tequila tasting. Chablé has one of the world’s most extensive mezcal and tequila collections in the world, after all.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Our Habitas San Miguel
Fora Head of Travel Operations Leslie Overton with Fora Advisors on our Mexico FAM
Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende is luxurious and charming haven in the heart of Mexico. Each room is a work of art, meticulously designed to create an ambiance that's both refined and cozy. I love the plush furnishings, rich fabrics and artisanal decor that reflects the surrounding desert. Whether gazing out at the colorful streets of San Miguel de Allende or taking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside, you're in for a treat.
When it comes to activities, Habitas has you covered. They offer everything from yoga to horseback riding, hot air balloon rides to immersive art workshops. In addition, Habitas takes culinary artistry to a whole new level. The on-site restaurant is a farm-to-table paradise complete with a world-class tequila selection.
But the keen attention to detail sets Our Habitas apart. The warm, hospitable staff are experts at personalization, and make you feel like royalty. In fact, the hotel hosted Fora Advisors and HQ members on a FAM trip earlier this year.
Colima 71
Image courtesy of Colima 71
Colima 71, an art-obsessed getaway in Mexico City’s vibrant Roma neighborhood, opened just this year, and I already can’t get enough. (Check out more Mexico City's hippest neighborhoods.) Mid-century pieces and contemporary art create an atmosphere that is equal parts refined and playful, drawing you in with its effortless style.
The 16 tasteful guest rooms feature sumptuous linens, curated artwork, modern kitchens and luxe bathrooms with rainfall showers. But the common spaces are just as inviting (and chic). Grab a cuppa from the hotel’s coffee bar (or a shot of tequila from the honesty bar) before cozying up with your favorite book in one of the lobby’s reading nooks. Or, lounge by the fire pit in Colima’s courtyard as you marvel at the 40-foot modern art installation.
Plus, Colima’s prime location makes it the perfect home base for exploring. The hotel’s knowledgable, uber-friendly staff has alllll the connections, and can recommend everything from the trendiest spots to sip a cocktail to the best under-the-radar hot spots only the locals know about.
Hotel Esencia
Image courtesy of Hotel Esencia
A list of the best boutique hotels in Mexico would be incomplete without Hotel Esencia, on the Riviera Maya. This special property is housed in the former home of an Italian duchess, blissfully secluded from the more touristy parts of Quintana Roo.
A stay here is entirely customized to each guest, but a few experiential highlights include kayaking in a nearby hidden cove (home to manatees!), exploring the Yucatán by helicopter, experiencing a traditional temazcal ceremony, snorkeling with sea turtles and diving among the world’s second largest coral reef.
The food is meticulously sourced, simply prepared and masterfully executed. The white-sand beach comes straight from a postcard. The organic spa mixes hand-harvested ingredients for the most rejuvenating treatments. The gorgeous rooms — each with a hammock-equipped private terrace — are tastefully designed. If it sounds perfect, that’s because it is.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Condesa DF
Image courtesy of Condesa DF
This boutique hotel, on the border of CDMX's vibrant Condesa and Roma neighborhoods, is housed in a restored early-20th-century building that blends Art Deco architecture with contemporary design. The rooms are sleek, minimalist and spacious, reflecting the stylish vibe of its environs.
Enjoy a cocktail on the lush rooftop terrace, with panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood. Then, head down to the hotel's on-site restaurant for a delectable meal of sushi (with a unique Mexican flair, of course) prepared by Japanese chef Keisuke Harada.
But Condesa DF's prime location is unmatched. Guests are steps away from the city's most stunning architecture, chic galleries, charming boutiques and world-class restaurants. It's a delightful haven in the heat of it all.
Fora Perks:
Welcome note & amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.