- Hotel Four Seasons (Mexico City; tel. 800/332-3442 in the U.S.): The standard of excellence in Mexico, and the most stylish choice in Mexico City, this hotel captures both serenity and elegance in a palace-style building that surrounds a picturesque courtyard. The gracious staff and offerings of unique cultural tours are bonuses.
- W Mexico City (Mexico City; tel. 888/625-5144 in the U.S.): Stylish and high-tech, this dramatic addition to Mexico City hotels has set the city abuzz. With its super-caliente red hues and lively bar scene, the W Mexico City has infused the country's capital with a dose of minimalist urban chic. Luxury extras include expansive bathrooms with circular tubs.
- Hacienda Xcanatun (outskirts of Merida; tel. 888/883-3633 in the U.S.): Large, boldly designed suites built with extravagance in mind, extensive grounds, private spa, excellent restaurant, and ample staff -- this hotel does the difficult trick of being small in size but large in offerings.
- Maroma (north of Playa del Carmen; tel. 866/454-9351 in the U.S.): You can't ask for a better setting for a resort than this beautiful stretch of Caribbean coast with palm trees and manicured gardens. You'll start to relax before you even take the first sip of your welcome cocktail. Service is very attentive, and the rooms are luxurious.
- Villa Monta?a (Morelia; tel. 800/223-6510 in the U.S., or 800/448-8355 in Canada): The Villa Monta?a defines perfection. From the layout of the grounds to the decoration of the rooms, every detail has been skillfully handled. The hotel perches on a ridge overlooking Morelia; from its terraces, guests can survey the city below. The restaurant is one of the city's best.
- Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (north of Puerto Vallarta; tel. 800/332-3442 in the U.S.): This luxury resort offers an unrivaled location (on a remote, pristine stretch of beach) and the stellar service characteristic of the Four Seasons chain. Also on-site are an expansive spa and a private Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.
- El Tamarindo (between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta; tel. 315/351-5032): The most exclusive remote resort in Mexico, this stylish place combines large private casitas facing the Pacific with a stunning private oceanfront golf course. Fellow guests are likely to be Hollywood celebrities and the well-to-do from around the world. It's about 1 hour north of Manzanillo along Costa Alegre.
- Villa del Sol (Zihuatanejo; tel. 888/389-2645 in the U.S.): This stunning hotel sits on one of Mexico's calmest and most beautiful beaches. Modern rooms and suites overlook the bay or a man-made lagoon, and many have private plunge pools. This is a luxurious retreat you won't want to leave.
- Hotel Camino Real (Oaxaca; tel. 800/722-6466 in the U.S.): No other hotel in Mexico captures the sense of antiquity as well as this one. It occupies a 16th-century convent in the middle of the best part of Oaxaca City and has several beautiful, tranquil courtyards where renovation efforts have carefully preserved the marks of time.
- Ritz-Carlton Cancun (Cancun; tel. 800/241-3333 in the U.S.): Thick carpets, sparkling glass and brass, and rich mahogany surround guests at this hotel, for years the standard-bearer of luxury in Cancun. The service is impeccable, leaving guests with an overall sense of pampered relaxation. And, post-Hurricane Wilma, the Ritz received a significant makeover.
- Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa (Cancun; tel. 800/543-4300 in the U.S.): This is the most intimate of the luxury hotels in Cancun, with an understated sense of highly personalized service. Most notable is its 4,570 sq. m (49,190-sq.-ft.) Spa del Mar.
- Las Ventanas al Paraiso (Los Cabos; tel. 888/767-3966 in the U.S.): Stunning in its relaxed elegance, Las Ventanas boasts a deluxe European spa, excellent gourmet restaurant, and elegantly appointed rooms and suites. From fireplaces and telescopes to private pools and rooftop terraces, each suite offers a slice of heaven.
- Esperanza (Los Cabos; tel. 866/311-2226 in the U.S.): This Auburge resort pampers guests in a desert-chic setting, on a bluff overlooking twin coves below. Spacious, sumptuous rooms are enhanced by ample terraces, and the resort's spa and dining services make a stay here even more memorable.
- One&Only Palmilla (Los Cabos; tel. 800/637-2226 in the U.S.): A popular Mexican resort with the Hollywood crowd, the completely renovated Palmilla has regained its spot as the most deluxe hotel in this seaside playground known for sumptuous accommodations and great golf. The exceptional spa, fitness center, and yoga garden, as well as a restaurant under the direction of renowned chef Charlie Trotter, are added bonuses.
