One of the world's hottest honeymoon destinations sizzles with new resort openings, restaurant launches and revamps of classic favorites.
By: Jimmy ImThere’s a reason why the balmy beach towns of Mexico lure honeymooners year after year: the idyllic beaches, the heavenly resorts and unforgettable restaurants are stamped in time, delivering familiar, picture-perfect settings that (thankfully) never seem to change. But several coastal hot spots are flourishing with respective revivals that only make them more alluring — and enhancing visits with new, luxury-drenched options for couples. From riviera Maya’s top tables at new restaurants to Los Cabos’s reimagined hotels, these eternally iconic getaways are making distinctive waves along Mexico’s coast.
New Resorts in Riviera Nayarit
The 200-mile stretch of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast is framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains. Here, honeymooners revel in the pockets of uncrowded beaches and lush jungles along with plenty of privacy. Riviera Nayarit is unabashedly authentic with charming beach towns that now offer some of the best resorts in the country.
Punta Monterrey
For almost a decade, Punta Monterrey was a private resort where you had to be family or friends of the owner to score a room key. It wasn’t until this past spring that the owner decided to open the intimate property to the public, and honeymooners have been swooning in paradise since. The rustic hideaway set in the small town of San Pancho is located almost two miles deep into the jungle and nestled quietly on an ecological reserve and its own secluded golden sand beach. There are 12 unique thatch-roof, stand-alone cabins and bungalows to choose from (many are perched on a hill and offer amazing sunset views). All meals are homemade with ingredients plucked straight from the property’s 12-acre garden. It’s barefoot, bare-boned luxury at its best, with myriad activities available, like spearfishing and yoga (room rates start at $80 per person, per night and are all inclusive; monterreybeach.com).
Photo courtesy of Punta Monterrey
Matlali
Opened last year, Matlali has been wooing romance-seeking couples with its intimate hilltop setting that faunts incredible coastal views. With the feel of a small village that includes 40 suites and villas (many equipped with their own private infnity plunge pool), couples have plenty to explore, including two outdoor pools. The spa is one of the best in the area, equipped with stand-alone villa treatment rooms and an oversized, outdoor hot tub lined with round stones for refexology treatments. The resort’s Eva Mandarina Beach Club, just a minute’s drive from the property, is a sandy sanctuary with private lounge chairs, excellent service and the perfect margaritas (room rates start at $220 a night; matlali.com).
Photo courtesy of Matlali Hotel
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
The favored all-inclusive property’s recent $20-million overhaul makes it feel brand new. Half the 267 suites (all banking in at more than 1,000 square feet) have been modernized with new amenities, furniture and technology. What haven’t changed are the private terraces, white goosedown comforters and the fact that many of the expansive suites have private Jacuzzis. The resort spa also received a major facelift with the addition of a hydrothermal circuit that includes a eucalyptus steam room, peppermint ice fountain and bi-thermal showers. There are still five restaurants for dining, including the French Pilaf (room rates start at $333 per person, per night and are all inclusive; grandvelas.com).
Photo courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
