Image courtesy of Hotel Esencia
Earlier this fall, a few members of the Fora community headed south of the border to International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) North America, one of the travel industry’s biggest events. The Fora team soaked up all things travel – including hotel debuts, what’s trending and what’s new – along with plenty of sunshine in Riviera Maya, this year’s ILTM location.
Fresh off one of travel’s biggest trade shows, we’re spotlighting the hotels that caught our team’s eye. Ready on for some of the best – from foodie havens in Spain and Portugal to honeymoon-worthy escapes in Tulum.
Attending industry events is one of the many perks of being a Fora Advisor. Interested in joining us? Become a travel advisor today.
Beach escapes in Riviera Maya
Chablé Maroma
Image courtesy of Chablé Maroma
White-sand beaches, swaying palm trees and a stunning property… we can't get enough of Chablé Maroma.
Why we love it: The wellness offerings are off-the-charts. There is a Mayan-style garden (where herbs are grown and used for treatments) plus hydrotherapy and hot & cold plunge pools.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Viceroy Riviera Maya
Great for couples looking for an ultra-relaxed getaway, the sleek Viceroy Riviera Maya is adults-only, and a plus: all rooms have private plunge pools and hammocks.
Why we love it: Guests enjoy especially inventive cuisine (scallops with white chocolate coconut mole, homemade blue corn bread with sikil pak… the works).
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Habitas Tulum
Image courtesy of Habitas Tulum
With hotels everywhere from Namibia to Saudi Arabia, the Habitas brand is a pro at creating meaningful travel experiences through music, art, food and wellness. (And stay tuned: the brand is opening several more properties across the world.)
Why we love it: At the Tulum-chic retreat, guests enjoy carefully curated spa experiences. Many hotels in the region offer a welcome ceremony, but at Habitas, guests are encouraged to set an intention for their stay.
Fairmont Mayakoba
Set amongst jungle mangroves and boasting numerous luxurious pools, Fairmont Mayakoba is beloved for its impeccable service and oasis-like vibe.
Why we love it: The hotel recently completed a two-year renovation and the results are sublime. As Fora’s Maryana Dudkina says: “I wanted to stow away some of the decor in my luggage.”
Fora Perks:
$50 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Esencia
Image courtesy of Esencia
With a flawless beach and pitch-perfect design, Esencia is one of the most honeymoon-worthy escapes between Cancun and Tulum.
Why we love it: Guests have access to a nearby lagoon where they can snorkel with a family of manatees.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood Mayakoba
It’s impossible to get a bad room at Rosewood Mayakoba. This beachfront resort prides itself on being suite-only, which means every guest has a sublime lagoon or ocean view.
Why we love it: Bicycles are provided to every room, allowing for easy transport around the resort.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Conrad Tulum
Image courtesy of Conrad Tulum
Nestled on a secluded private beach, the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya ups the ante on your typical Tulum travel experience and is a favorite of families and multi-gen groups.
Why we love it: The rooms are alluringly decorated with plenty of wood accents, and are both spacious and comfy.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
NIZUC Resort & Spa
Only 15 minutes from the Cancun airport, Nizuc is a vast property nestled between picture-perfect azure waters and lush jungle.
Why we love it: Not that you’d ever get tired of guacamole and tacos, but there’s a great variety of international cuisine here (Asian, Peruvian and even a Kosher restaurant.)
Fora Perks:
Complimentary roundtrip airport transfer (up to $100)
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Image courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya
With endless activities and eight restaurants, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is what dreams of all-inclusive resorts are made of.
Why we love it: A stay in the Grand Class Suite is accompanied with your very own butler.
Fora Perks:
$50 spa credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Etéreo, Auberge Collection
Image courtesy of Etéreo, Auberge Collection
The name Etéreo translates to ‘ethereal,’ which perfectly describes this luxury hotel.
Why we love it: The variety of experiences on offer. Guests can expect everything from Mesoamerican storytelling sessions to gratitude ceremonies dedicated to the cenotes.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
$35 daily breakfast credit.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotels that piqued our interest around the world
SHA Wellness Clinic
Image courtesy of SHA Wellness Clinic
Located on a mountainous stretch of coastline in Spain, SHA is just as luxurious as it is legit, with medical experts on staff to deliver advanced therapies like regenerative medicine and immunity treatments.
Why we love it: In addition to top-notch spa treatments (like the ‘red carpet facial'), the wellness program also includes nutritional cooking classes in the impressive demo kitchen.
Fora Perks:
$50 wellness credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Curious to learn more about Spain? Also check out our guide to the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers.
Ritz Carlton Nikko
Nestled on Lake Chuzenji with sweeping views of Mount Nantai, the Ritz is a stunning luxury option in the ski haven of Nikko.
Why we love it: There are countless activities available here, from nighttime canoe trips to stargazing, to woodcarving and snow activities galore.
Unico Hotels (particularly Finca Serena Mallorca)
Image courtesy of UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya
The Unico boutique hotels, in both urban centers and countryside Spain, each have a unique structure, aesthetic and vibe.
Why we love it: The emphasis on gastronomy – helmed by famed Spanish chef Óscar Velasco – has made the Mallorca hotel an absolute haven for foodies.
D Maris Bay
Located in a protected reserve on Türkiye’s Datça Peninsula, D Maris Bay is a spectacular option for an off-the-grid beach getaway.
Why we love it: Lovers of adventure will be right at home here – D Maris boasts a certified diving center and sailing school.
Fora Perks:
Complimentary 50 minute massage.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Octant Hotels
The Octant Hotels all have an effortlessly cool vibe and offer unbeatable locations in Portugal.
Why we love it: The hotel is all about connecting guests to local culture, with one-of-a-kind culinary and wellness experiences.
Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Organic Farm
Outside of Salamanca, Spain, the Hacienda Zorita is as charming as it is storied, tracing its roots back to the 14th Century.
Why we love it: Foodies would be remiss not to stay here. All local produce is sourced directly from their farm, and there is both a vineyard and cheese factory on site.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Image courtesy of Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
To feel like a local in Miami Beach, stay at the Carillon, which offers guests the epitome of relaxation.
Why we love it: The resort prides itself on its apartment-style accommodations, many with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surf.
