Why Go? Your dollar will go much further than most other places for fantastic and surprisingly exotic honeymoons, there are a wide variety of things to do and places to go, and it’s basically a skip and a hop from the U.S.
Best Ideas: Take in a mellow beach vacation either on the Caribbean or the Pacific and if you have time, take in urban sophistication Mexican style in the capital.
Good to Know: Oppressive summer heat and the rainy season make timing your visit key.
Some people might write off Mexico — birthplace of chocolate, tequila and, bizarrely, the Caesar salad — as an unimaginative honeymoon destination. The problem is they’ve probably never ventured beyond their hotel pool and seen what this vast (and actually quite romantic) nation really has to offer for love-drunk honeymooners. From tropical jungles and vibrant cities to mountainous pueblos and sandy shorelines, Mexico is one of the most diverse countries in the world and has a honeymoon destination to suit most, regardless of budget.
But if you’re still not sure whether you want to eat your way through the capital’s street food, stretch out on the beaches of the Baja Peninsula or escape to a Caribbean island, here are some essential Mexico honeymoon ideas to keep in mind.
Traveling & Getting Around in Mexico
With direct flights to most major cities — think Mexico City, Cancún, Cabo and Oaxaca — from several U.S. destinations, it’s actually never been easier to head south of the border for a relaxing post-wedding vacation. In order of affordability, some of the best Mexican airlines connecting the two countries are Volaris, Interjet and Aeromexico, while domestic flights once you’re there are pretty reasonable, too.
Stick to the beaches for the best weather if you’re planning a winter honeymoon in Mexico, although remember that this is the country’s high season. If you’re not a sun worshipper, head inland where it’s cooler in the summer months. And don’t underestimate the May-September rainy season. Looking to time your trip with a special event? You can’t go wrong with Day of the Dead, an actually not-at-all-dour, really quite colorful celebration of life in early November.
And if you’re worried about the language barrier, don’t be. Unlike most Americans, you’ll find that many Mexicans are far from monolingual, especially in tourist-heavy beach destinations like Cancún, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. Finally, tip at least 10% everywhere you go.
All that said, though American media accounts of the current state of crime in Mexico can verge on hysterical, there are regions that are unsafer than others, particularly along the border with the U.S. and in areas with heavy activity by drug cartels. Refer to resources like the U.S. State Department Mexico travel advisory before you decide where you go and exercise common sense once you arrive.
Honeymooning in Mexico: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Most places in Mexico are easily accessible via nonstop flights from the U.S.
- Mexico is generally an extremely affordable destination, so splurging on a romantic honeymoon there likely won’t break the bank.
- There’s a honeymoon destination for every taste, whether you like beaches, mountains, cities or a little bit of everything.
- You’ll find English speakers in most popular destinations, so the language barrier isn’t a problem.
Cons
- Coastal destinations can be oppressively hot during the summer.
- There’s also the summer rainy season — with downpours usually hitting in the late afternoon — to think about.
- Some of the top honeymoon destinations — think Cabo and Cancún — are quite touristy.
Mexico Regions
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Baja Peninsula
Baja California Peninsula, MexicoRub shoulders (maybe … OK, probably not) with celebrities in super safe Cabo San Lucas, escape the tourist hordes in artsy San José del Cabo, or fly under the radar in the low-key surfer town of Todos Santos in Baja California Sur. Or, if you’re more into wine than fish tacos, head north to the Valle de Guadalupe for a boozy vineyard-hopping honeymoon. (Photo by @cabo)
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Yucatán Peninsula
Yucatán Peninsula(Photo by @tulum)
One of the safest regions in Mexico, the Yucatán Peninsula encapsulates the beach city of Cancún, party central Playa del Carmen and cultural Mérida, as well as popular Instagrammable hangouts like Tulum and the lesser-known Bacalar Lagoon. If you’re into blue seas and white sand, stick to the Caribbean side of the peninsula.
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Mexico City
Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico(Photo by @luisarizamx)
An inner-city honeymoon option for travelers who aren’t fond of beaches, Mexico City’s cup runneth over with great street eats, plus museums and art galleries galore. Safer than people give it credit for, stick to Roma and Condesa if it’s your first visit to the capital, or escape the tourists (somewhat) in Juárez and Santa María la Ribera.
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Best Attractions and Activities in Mexico
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Playa del Amor
Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico(Photo by @lafolierose)
What’s more romantic than watching a sunset alongside your new partner? Hint: very little, assuming you’ve also got a glass of wine in hand. For some of the best sunset spots in Mexico, look no further than the east and west coasts. In Cabo, head to Playa del Amor (which aptly translates to “Lover’s Beach”) and sprawl on the sand as the sun goes down — maybe skip the nearby Playa del Divorcio, though. Meanwhile, if you’re in the Riviera Maya, you should definitely take time for a sunset cruise. Everyone knows boats are the most romantic mode of transport.
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Roma and Condesa in Mexico City
Roma, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico(Photo by @illeric24)
If Instagrammability is a key factor in your where-to-honeymoon-in-Mexico decision, don’t skip Mexico City. There, street art dominates the walls of Roma, while multicolored facades in Condesa are ideal for a post-wedding photo shoot.
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Tulum and Isla Holbox
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @tulum)
Over on the Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox and Tulum both offer the kind of picturesque beaches you only expect to see in magazine editorials.
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Mercado Benito Juárez in Oaxaca
Mercado Benito Juárez, Las Casas, OAX_RE_BENITO JUAREZ, Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico(Photo by @fezfinds)
Oaxaca is a photographer’s treasure trove of patterns, textures and bustling marketplaces like Mercado Benito Juárez.
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La Gruta Spa in San Miguel de Allende
La Gruta Spa, A Dolores Hidalgo, El Cortijo, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico(Photo by @zecigomez)
Stay inland for a relaxing spa day at one of Mexico ‘s many aguas termales (thermal baths). The most popular is easily Grutas de Tolantongo, but there are for more accessible baths — like La Gruta — in San Miguel de Allende, one of the country’s most important colonial cities.
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Teotihuacán Pyramids and Botanical Gardens
Teotihuacan Pyramids- Botanical Gardens, San Juan Teotihuacán, State of Mexico, Mexico(Photo by @mochileirodebordo)
Alternatively, tackle one of Mexico’s many archaeological ruins — there are plenty to choose between, from the cliffside pyramid in Tulum to imposing Teotihuacán in the State of Mexico, and tucked-in-the-jungle Palenque in Chiapas.
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Cenotes Labnaha Near Tulum
Cenotes Labnaha, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @cenotes_labnaha)
Finally, cool off in the cool waters of the Gran Cenote or Cenotes Labnaha just outside Tulum. If snorkeling in the sea is more your thing, visit the underwater sculpture park off the coast of Cancún or take a boat to Cozumel to experience some of the world’s best coral reefs.
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Best Hotels, Resorts & Airbnbs in Mexico
When it comes to romantic resorts, Mexico has no shortage. In fact, narrowing down your options is probably the toughest part, so here are five unique, luxe, and romantic hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs to get you started.
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Campera Hotel in Valle de Guadalupe
Best Glamping Experience Campera Hotel Bubble, Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico(Photo by @camperahotel)
Vibe: Shack up in a bubble — literally — at the Campera Hotel in Valle de Guadalupe. This 10-room hotel, which offers an intimate glamping experience unique to North America, puts you right at the heart of Mexican wine country, making it perfect for couples who are happy to spend their honeymoon getting day drunk on local wines.
Price: Prices start at just $186 a night.
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Airbnb: Casa Tiny in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Coziest Honeymoon Option La Casa Pequena / Casa Tiny, Villa de Tututepec de Melchor Ocampo, Oaxaca, Mexico(Photo by @hannelhors)
Vibe: Alternatively, if you’d rather spend your honeymoon in a stark and stylish tiny house, head to Casa Tiny in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.
Price: The price for renting this cozy Airbnb starts at just $170 a night, and you’ll have access to a private plot of sand and an in-house pizza oven, ideal for romantic evenings in.
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Airbnb: Casa Caracol, Isla Mujeres
Artsiest Accommodation Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico
(Photo by Airbnb)
Vibe: This artsy two-bedroom villa, known as the Seashell House, was designed by Raquel and Eduardo Ocampo and is an institution on Isla Mujeres. If you’re the kind of couple who wants to get to know real Mexico and stray from the typical tourist route on your honeymoon, this is a perfect option, while keeping you a short ferry ride from all the action in Cancun.
Price: From $255 a night.
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Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Banderas Bay
Worth the Splurge Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit(Photo by @grandvelasnay)
Vibe: If resorts are more your speed, indulge in a wellness honeymoon at the uber-luxe Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Banderas Bay.
Price: These tailored wellness suites, which cost from $587 a night, come with a private roof terrace and Jacuzzi, while the on-site spa offers luxurious couples massage options.
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Excellence Playa Mujeres in Cancun
Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort Excellence Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @excellenceplayamujeres)
Vibe: Lean into the admittedly well-trodden appeal of Cancún at Excellence Playa Mujeres, an all-inclusive adults-only resort that seems tailor-made for honeymooners. Make the most of luxe couples’ spa treatments, sunset cruises, and — most importantly — no screaming children. They also offer honeymoon suite packages.
Price: Rates from $421 a night.
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Casa Lecanda in Mérida
Most Instagrammable Hotel CASA LECANDA, Calle 47, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico(Photo by @casalecanda)
Vibe: For Instagram-loving couples looking for more low-key honeymoon ideas, stay inland at an artsy boutique hotel in Mérida like lovely Casa Lecanda.
Price: Room rates start from around $300 a night.
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Rosas & Xocolate in Mérida
Best Rooftop Bar and Restaurant Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + SPA, Paseo de Montejo, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico(Photo by @rosasyxocolate)
Vibe: Rosas & Xocolate, also in Mérida, is known for its romantic rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar.
Price: Rates there start from roughly $245 a night.
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Mexico Honeymoon Packages
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Sun Palace
Sun Palace® All Inclusive - Couples Only Resort, Boulevard Kukulcan, Hotel Zone, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @skeeryjones)
Sometimes, even a swanky all-inclusive resort doesn’t cut the mustard when it comes to Mexico honeymoon ideas. If you want something even more exclusive still, check out the only couples-only hotel in Cancún, Sun Palace, where prices start from $225 a night. Dive into (or rather, carefully step into) infinity pools, enjoy the swim-up bar, and dine at several on-site restaurants.
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Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancún
Le Blanc Spa Resort, Boulevard Kukulcan, Punta Cancun, Hotel Zone, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @leblancresorts)
Meanwhile, at the adults-only Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancún — there’s one in Cabo, too — you can upgrade to the Royale Honeymoon Oceanfront suite, which comes with a welcome bottle of wine, double Jacuzzi, and premium liquor dispenser.
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Paradisus Cancún Resort
Paradisus Cancun Resort, Boulevard Kukulcan, Hotel Zone, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @paradisuscancun)
Then there’s Paradisus Cancún Resort, which has an in-house Expert Romance Team (yes, really) and themed honeymoon suite packages such as Glow, which comes with sparkling wine and spa discounts; Charm, which includes breakfast in bed, complimentary spa services, and a private under-the-stars evening meal; and Passion, which includes basically all of the above and more.
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Best Restaurants and Bars in Mexico
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María Ciento38
Best Upscale Italian Food María Ciento38, Santa María La Ribera, Santa María la Ribera, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico(Photo by @mariaciento38)
Honestly? Skip expensive Pujol — everyone goes there anyway — and grab a reasonably priced romantic dinner at María Ciento38 if you’re looking for honeymoon ideas in Mexico City. Situated in the Santa María la Ribera neighborhood well off the tourist trail, it lets you enjoy a quiet, romantic Sicilian dinner — the gnocchi is a standout dish — in the softly lit courtyard, accompanied by red wine and complimentary olives.
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Fifty Mils
Most Creative Cocktails Fifty Mils, Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico(Photo by @fiftymils)
Grab a plush table for two and sip award-winning cocktails at Fifty Mils.
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Thai
Worth the Splurge Thai, Boulevard Kukulcan, La Isla, Hotel Zone, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @thaicancun)
If you’re looking for romantic honeymoon restaurants on the Caribbean coast, you really can’t go wrong with splurging at Thai in Cancún. Book in advance to secure one of their coveted over-water tables and time your visit so you can watch the sunset.
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Casitas
Best Upscale Dining By the Beach The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun(Photo by @niubao_yy)
For more upscale dining, the Ritz-Carlton’s beachside Casitas restaurant is also worth checking out.
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Arca
Best Tropical Atmosphere ARCA, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Centro, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @arcatulum)
Meanwhile, farther down the coast in Tulum, dine surrounded by palm fronds and tropical plants at bougie Arca, where you can dig into all manner of inventive dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients.
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Hartwood
Best Place to See or Be Seen Hartwood, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico(Photo by @hartwoodtulum)
Stop for cocktails at the impossibly popular (and equally impressive) Hartwood.
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Lo Que Hay
Best for Vegans and Vegetarians LoQueHay Cafe, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico(Photo by @dmilsi)
Sticking to the Yucatán Peninsula, vegan and vegetarian honeymooners can hole up at Lo Que Hay, a low-key cozy-casual restaurant that offers a daily set menu of simple dishes with eclectic influences from the courtyard of Hotel Medio Mundo. For after-dinner drinks, go for cocktails at the fuchsia pink Rosas & Xocolate boutique hotel bar.
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Flora's Field Kitchen
Best Farm-to-Table Cuisine Flora's Field Kitchen(Photo by @issaplancarte)
Over in Los Cabos, Flora’s Field Kitchen, the secluded, al fresco pioneer of farm-to-table cuisine, is a must for newlyweds in San José del Cabo.
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DOC Wine Bar
Best Wine Bar Doc Wine Bar, Calle Cabo San Lucas, Centro, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico(Photo by @docwinebarloscabosmexico)
Neighboring Cabo San Lucas has one of the region’s most charming wine bars-slash-restaurants, DOC Wine Bar, which has an exclusively Italian and Mexican selection to choose from.
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Bottom Line
Honeymooning in Mexico? There’s nothing unimaginative about it.
