Whether you’re planning to splurge or save, an ultimate tropical holiday is yours to have and to hold at Mexico’s dream beach retreats.
By: Karen GardinerBaja California
The long peninsula of Baja California stretches from Tijuana to Los Cabos, and northern Baja has some of Mexico’s most spectacular untamed scenery.
Splurge:
Where to Stay: With 83 casitas set amidst 3,000 acres of verdant gardens beneath sacred Mt. Kuchumaa, Rancho La Puerta is one of the world’s top-rated destination spas where days are filled with hikes, classes and unwinding in luxury. All-inclusive rates start at $3,400 per person per week.
Photo Credit: Wendy Mansfield
Photo courtesy of Rancho La Puerta
What to Do: Activities at Rancho La Puerta include everything from yoga to concerts to art. Take a cooking class at the resort’s La Cocina Que Canta with top U.S. and international chefs and cookbook authors (classes start at $90).
Where to Eat: All meals and snacks are included at Rancho La Puerta, and ingredients come from the property’s own six-acre organic farm.
Save:
Where to Stay: Set high on a hill overlooking vineyards and lavender fields, La Villa del Valle has six rustic but well-appointed rooms; half have balconies and all have sweeping valley views. Room rates start at $225 a night.
Photo Credit: Doug Gould
What to Do: Nicknamed the Napa of Mexico, Valle de Guadeloupe has excellent wines, food and vistas to rival its Californian counterpart. Tour the wineries along the “Ruta del Vino,” from the oldest, Santo Tomas, established in 1888, to relative newcomers, such as Paralelo.
Where to Eat: Corazon de Tierra at La Villa del Valle is considered one of the best restaurants in Latin America. The inspired menu, created by young chef Diego Hernandez, heavily features fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in the inn’s gardens.
