Dinogo Readers' Top 25 Resorts in Mexico for 2023

Travelers have an abundance of choices when it comes to Mexico's best resorts, catering to every vacation style and coastal preference. Whether you desire a large resort featuring multiple pools and family-friendly activities, a romantic all-inclusive escape with plenty of cocktails and gourmet dining, or a cozy jungle-and-beach retreat boasting five exceptional dining venues, including one by a renowned chef, this year’s list has it all.

Voting Process Explained

For our annual World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide, providing insights on the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and beyond. In 2023, nearly 165,000 readers participated in the survey, marking a 25 percent rise compared to pre-pandemic figures. Over 685,000 votes were cast across more than 8,500 unique establishments (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and they were evaluated according to the following criteria:

Accommodations and facilities
Setting
Staff service
Culinary options
Overall value

Respondents rated each aspect as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores reflect the average of these ratings.

What Captivated Readers

This year, nine hotels are situated in Baja California Sur. The previous year’s WBA champion, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, dropped to No. 2, yet readers continued to laud the 113-room paradise. Many highlighted the exceptional cliffside restaurant, El Farallon, with one describing it as 'one of the most romantic spots anywhere.' Another guest at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel (No. 8), remarked that 'the craft cocktails and Peruvian ceviche became a cherished daily tradition.'

The Yucatán Peninsula, especially Cancún and the Riviera Maya along the Caribbean coast, also made a strong impact this year, with eight hotels featured. A standout is No. 17 Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, a vibrant 349-room resort that opened in January 2022, providing a refined option in a region where stunning natural beauty and adventurous activities have recently been overshadowed by loud beach clubs and overtourism.

The rise of all-inclusive hotels has made them more popular than ever, showcasing an impressive range of amenities. This trend is reflected in this year’s rankings of Mexico's finest resorts, as determined by T+L readers, with several options situated in Playa del Carmen. Notably, Hotel Xcaret Mexico (No. 11) features 900 suites and grants guests access to eight theme and water parks with every reservation. One voter praised, “Xcaret allows us to unwind effortlessly; we don't have to overthink anything! Whether visiting as a couple or with our teens, our time spent here is just right.” Additional benefits include a complimentary round-trip ferry service to Isla Mujeres, a renowned destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Here is the Complete List

1. Hotel Xcaret Arte: Located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A spa room resembling a cave, featuring stone walls, floors, and ceiling.

Image provided by Hotel Xcaret

This adults-only, all-inclusive resort with 900 suites opened its doors in July 2021, located just south of the bustling Playa del Carmen. Although marketed toward honeymooners, it welcomes guests starting from age 16, making it an excellent option for families with older teens and college students. Similar to its sister hotel (No. 11 Hotel Xcaret Mexico), Xcaret Arte provides unlimited access to a variety of water and theme parks where guests can enjoy zip-lining, snorkeling, white-water rafting, and more. True to its name, the hotel emphasizes art, featuring eight on-site workshops for travelers to explore crafts like textiles and painting. One reader encapsulated the experience as “Amazing.”

Reader Rating: 98.67