Escape the Crowds in 2021: 10 Unique Places to Visit in Mexico

If you’d like to stay in an accommodation that encapsulates the history and cultural vibes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we recommend Antigua Trece – a hotel situated in a 19th century mansion. We love that this place fuses contemporary styles and materials with processes from the past; the ceilings are built with ancient tejamanil (shingle) techniques and the beams are made with indigenous wood, yet the décor is also infused with industrial touches of glass, steel and concrete.

For a special treat, request the Master Suite, equipped with a private terrace and whirlpool tub. And if you’d like to have this storied city all to yourself, go up to the rooftop and enjoy a unique panoramic view of the towers and domes.

There’s no stay more exclusive than the Costabaja Resort & Spa hotel located inside the Puerta Cortés tourist complex, on the outskirts of La Paz. Here, you can seclude yourself during the day and enjoy the resort’s many activities such as snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding — without ever leaving the property.

It also has three restaurants with an abundance of menu options, so you need not repeat any meals for the duration of your stay if you please. If you decide to visit the complex’s marina, you’ll find even more meal choices, such as a sushi restaurant and a Spanish tavern.

Costabaja offers six room categories, but we suggest you book the King Deluxe for striking sea views. In terms of cleaning, all rooms are sanitized prior to use, the staff wears protective masks and you’ll find antibacterial gel stations throughout the property.

In order to connect with the island vibe, book a stay at Casa de los Sueños. With only 10 rooms, this is one place to visit in Mexico that will feel like it was created just for you.

This petite hotel is located east of Isla Mujeres and just steps away from the beach, though a good distance from many attractions, such as the Parque Natural Garrafón (Garrafón Natural Park) or the Museo Subacuático (Underwater Museum) — where visitors can practice snorkeling.

One thing we really like about this hotel is that each of its suites has a different décor, giving you the sensation of having your own little house on the beach. Don’t miss the sunset from the terrace, complete with an infinity pool and a direct views to Cancun. From this viewpoint, it seems as though the sun sets directly into the pool.

At meal time, we recommend ordering the shrimp ceviche from the hotel’s restaurant in order to round out your Caribbean escape.

To enjoy the magical town of Mazamitla’s delights and experience its adventurous offerings, we suggest Cabañas San Mateo – a small yet well-equipped lodging with only four cabins. Located inside a gated community, you can take refuge with friends and family and opt to occupy all the property’s cabins for greater comfort and security.

Intimate and modern, each cabin boasts a living room, kitchen and bathroom. What we appreciate most about this spot, however, is that the bedrooms are located in a small loft space on the second floor. Other bonuses that will encourage a longer stay are tableware for four and a jacuzzi for two — unusual in this type of accommodation.

Combine jungle surrounds, exploration and comfort at Akumal Natura Glamping, a serene place to visit in Mexico. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in one of its 20 safari-style tents, equipped with all the creature comforts and enclosed by endemic vegetation. There are two tent styles: one with a king size bed, perfect for a romantic getaway, and the other with two single beds.

If you’re afraid of creepy-crawlies, there’s nothing to worry about here – the beds are equipped with canopies and mosquito nets, and exteriors are protected with palapa roofs and indigenous wood walls.

Although each tent has a private bathroom and shower, nothing compares to taking a dip in one of the three cenotes (sinkholes) accessible to guests on the property. Also, don’t miss the yoga sessions included with your stay.

In beautiful Bacalar, situated in the state of Quintana Roo, you will find lots of options for eco-friendly accommodations and a boho vibe. However, to stay completely away from the crowds, we suggest you book a stay at Lagoon House, a bungalow-style vacation rental house with everything you could ever wish for in a paradise setting.

The house features a bedroom for two guests, a living room and a kitchen equipped with dishes, a microwave and a refrigerator so that you can decide on the menu for each day.

Although its interior spaces are stylish and comfortable, the pier, which sits on the shores of the Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors), is the most unforgettable spot — you won’t want to leave! Under the shelter of a palapa, you can lie on lounge chairs and watch as this body of water changes tones with the passing hours of the day.

Soak up the alternative and natural vibe of San Pancho (a town situated in Nayarit next to the Bay of Banderas) at Aldea Bamboo, a property where guests can relax in the middle of nature.

Nestled in a jungle area a stone’s throw from the sea, we love this hotel for its cabins, built with bamboo and eco architectural techniques that blend harmoniously with the environment. The best feature? The cabins are constructed on high platforms in between the trees, so that you can experience an au naturel fantasy. Each cabin has a queen size bed, an equipped kitchenette, an ecological bathroom and an outdoor shower so you can bathe surrounded by birds and the bucolic jungle.

As an add-on to your stay, you can request a traditional hand healing therapies session which combine ancestral medicinal techniques from both Mexico and China.

Our top spot for experiencing the expressive and lively vibe of Sayulita, an enchanting town in Nayarit, is the Amaia Hotel Boutique. Here, you can choose between eight bright and comfortable rooms, each with a different color scheme and art.

For a more intimate experience, request the KS Studio – an adjoining apartment with a king-size bed, bamboo fiber bedding and an ample bathroom. At this more discreet alternative, you’ll still be able to access the hotel’s gardens, common areas and outdoor pool, which features a mural that fuses Huichol aesthetics with urban art – typical of Sayulita’s hippie-chic style.

Because it’s a city easily accessible by car, Veracruz is practically meant to be enjoyed with the family, which is why the Artisan Family Hotel & Resorts Collection makes a great home base for a getaway with kids in tow. Your little ones (and those not so little ones) will appreciate its location at the foot of the Chachalacas Beach, as well as the free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. It also has an outdoor pool and a fully equipped gym — in case you want to continue your routine should you decide to extend your stay.

Another favorable point for families is that this facility offers ramps adapted for seniors or guests with reduced mobility. Plus, despite being larger than several others on this list, it only has 53 rooms.

In order to enjoy the best of Yucatán, you without a doubt have to sleep in an hacienda – an old-world farm that became grand and wealthy due in large part to the henequen (a regional plant) fiber industry.

Although there are many haciendas converted into hotels in the state, our recommendation is the Hotel Hacienda Mérida for a host of reasons. Its central location in the capital means you won’t have to travel too far out of your way or head into the jungle. It’s also housed in an authentic and completely-renovated 19th century mansion that highlights the elegance of years gone by and includes contemporary comforts.

Featuring only eight air-conditioned rooms (in Mérida, it’s a necessity!) this accommodation offers bathroom amenities made with natural ingredients and an understated yet refined décor. Here, you’ll feel like a 21st century countryman.