Luxurious Stay at the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques in Acapulco, Mexico

The resort is located a 20-30 minute drive northwest of Acapulco's airport. They offer free parking if you're renting a car, but the hotel also offered to coordinate car transfers on our behalf. The decision on which you should do entirely depends on the stay you want to have. The resort is remote & isolated on the tip of Punta Diamante with no other resorts around. If you want to sightsee, go eat at nearby restaurants, or go to the beach (which the resort does not have), these should be taken into consideration. But if all you want to do is stay at the resort and soak up all of its amenities, a transfer from or to the airport is recommended!

This Asian-inspired cliffside resort was built in 2010 and is home to only 45 villas. Each villa also has their own private pool, in addition to the resort's larger pool. They offer 8 types of rooms: Hillside Pool Villas with a King bed or 2 Twin bed configuration, Bay View Pool Villa also with a King or 2 Twin bed configuration, Ocean View Pool Villa only with a King bed, Oceanfront Pool Villa also only with a King bed, Ocean View Two-Bedroom Pool Villa perfect for families with a King bed & 2 Twin beds and an Oceanfront Spa Pool Villa with a King bed & private outdoor massage pavilion. The property also has a 24/7 gym, as well as an award-winning spa (which I was sadly not able to experience this trip, but something to look forward to for next time!). They also have access to the nearby 18-hole Tres Vidas golf course.

There are also 4 restaurants and bars on property. Saffron is their signature modern Thai restaurant with beautiful ocean & Acapulco bay views (only open for dinner). La Nao is their international fusion and casual/main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (this is located next to the pool and they also offer snacks & light meals to guests at the pool). Las Rocas Grill & Bar is open for lunch and features local Guerrero cuisine, with a focus on seafood and grilled meats (this is also located down near the Puerto Marques Bay, with crashing waves against the rocky shore). There is also the Las Vistas Bar & Lounge, open in the evening for drinks and tapas with stunning views of the ocean.

In addition to these restaurants, they also offer both in-villa dining as well as an in-villa BBQ experience. The latter allows you to dine under the stars in your own villa with a personal chef that cooks your meal right in front of you. There are also 2 'Destination Dining' experiences: "Sea and Stars" at Las Rocas which is a dinner experience at Las Rocas as the sun sets, where you're sitting in a lantern adorned tent as the sun sets in the distance. There is also "Candle and Romance" by the pool, with a panoramic ocean view, soft music, candlelight and a special menu. They also offer a tequila & mezcal tasting at Las Vistas, cooking classes with their chefs, as well as "Sun Salutation" yoga sessions (either outdoors or in their indoor studio).

What also makes the Banyan Tree brand so special is their commitment to sustainability. From certifications (e.g.: EarthCheck GOLD), to environment-resource conservation efforts, an academic support program for at-risk youth, local community cleaning activities and more.

I would recommend the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques to every client looking to be taken care of by incredible staff, looking for a luxurious and romantic escape or looking to feel like you're halfway around the world without the 10+ hour flight. Acapulco is such a hidden gem in Mexico and this resort just amplified the feeling of resting and relaxing - what a proper vacation should feel like. Reach out and let's plan your perfect Mexico vacation together!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Leslie Overton’s guide, A Long Weekend in Mexico City.