There’s no place like Mexico. With its dual coastlines, irresistible food, breathtaking nature and wonderful people, this diverse, incredible country will take hold of your senses and never let go. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than staying right on the beach. Here are our top Mexican destinations complete with the best beachfront villas to stay in.

Riviera Maya

Villa Kin Ich in Riviera Maya has seven bedrooms plus an infinity pool

Located in the state of Quintana Roo, on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya has long been a popular vacation spot, and for good reason. With long stretches of white sand beach, tons of waterfront activities, historic Mayan ruins, world-class cuisine, luxurious spas and a thriving nightlife, this little corner of Mexico can accommodate every type of traveler. A trip to the Mayan Riviera can mean many things: nature lovers can visit the endangered Melipona honey bees; yoga and meditation enthusiasts can take classes in the uber cool town of Tulum while party animals can eat, drink and dance into the wee hours in the bustling city of Cancun.

Where to stay: Casa Ixchel is a beachfront gem between the Caribbean Sea and the lush jungle foliage just outside of Tulum. In keeping with Tulum’s progressive nature, this villa is solar- and wind-powered and has six sprawling bedrooms set in a minimalist, stunningly modern home. With private beach access, swimming pool, hot tub, plenty of open indoor and outdoor living areas and a state of the art kitchen, there’s no reason why you would ever want to leave.
For something a little closer to the action, Villa Kin Ich is only minutes away from the center of Playa del Carmen. With seven bedrooms, infinity pool, private gym rooftop terrace, barbecue and bar, this gorgeous, sprawling villa is so close to the beach, you won’t even need to put on your shoes.   

Cabo San Lucas

The Corridor is a one-bedroom villa at the Rosewood Ventanas resort

This resort city on the tip of Baja Mexico has quickly become a go-to place for those in search of beach and sun, with a healthy dose of nightlife. Once a sleepy fishing village, Cabo is now a favorite vacation spot of tourists and celebrities alike, who all flock to this gorgeous spot for the pristine beaches, dramatic scenery, snorkeling, surf, and of course, parties. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a quieter side to Cabo as well. Have the best of both worlds by spending days on secluded beaches like Divorce Beach and Lover’s Beach, eating incredible food  (Mi Casa, Cafe Santa Fe, or Jean Georges Vongerichten’s Suviche for a treat), and then dance until the wee hours at clubs like Cabo Wabo or El Squid Row.

Where to stay: If you’re looking to be in the center of the action, but want some space, privacy and serious beach time, Villa Andrea is the place for you. On the sought-out Medano beach, this villa, complete with old world Mexican design and timeless features, has all the modern amenities you desire, as well as shared Hacienda Beach Club facilities like a gym, yoga classes, restaurant, and pool. A short walk into Cabo, you can stroll into town for dinner, drinks or dancing, or simply stay in and watch the sunset from your deck.
For the ultimate couple’s getaway or honeymoon, The Corridor, a one-bedroom boho chic Mexican escape in the Rosewood resort Las Ventanas al Paraiso, is private, prestigious and will exceed all your expectations of what it means to have your own sanctuary within a world-class resort.

Riviera Nayarit

Enjoy the architectural details at Son Reve, an 8-bedroom villa in Riviera Nayarit

The Riviera Nayarit is a 200-mile stretch of Pacific coastline just above Puerto Vallarta packed with beaches, off-the-beaten-path surf, a rich cultural history and mouth-watering cuisine. A stretch of primo oceanside property takes you from the cool, low-key, boho surf town of Sayulita to Punta Mita, an old fishing village turned into a sought-after spot for well-heeled vacationers, to San Blas, a picturesque quiet, friendly town full of old-world charm from its early Spanish colonization days. So whether you’re looking for that perfect surf or the best fish taco, exploring nature in La Tovara National Park, going humpback whale watching, or just relaxing on a quiet beach, Riviera Nayarit is the place to be.

Where to stay: For the ultimate beachfront stay, look no further than Son Reve. This private luxury villa has over an acre of land within an exclusive gated community. The ideal place to host a large group or hold a special event, the six bedrooms can accommodate up to 16 guests and the villa has everything you need for a hassle-free Mexican beach break. A short drive from Punta Mita, it will be hard to tear yourself away from the villa’s spectacular beach views, saltwater infinity pool, hot tub or alfresco dining/kitchen/bar area. Paradise? Definitely.

Puerto Vallarta

The super-luxe Casa Papelillos in Puerto Vallarta incorporates live trees into the structural details

On Mexico’s more wild and rugged Pacific coast lies Puerto Vallarta, one of the country’s most sophisticated, well-known destinations. At the center of Mexico’s dramatic Pacific coastline, this town has the crystal clear azure water of the Bay of Flags (Bahía de Banderas) to one side and the Sierra Madre mountain range to the other. With plenty to do both in and out of the ocean, there is something for every traveler in the city the locals call ‘Vallarta’. Take a boat trip to the best diving spots or go for a horseback ride along the beach, explore hidden coves and off the beaten-track beaches, or head to the city center for shops, restaurants and the city’s dynamic nightlife.

Where to Stay: With all the charm of old-world Mexico and all the features of a contemporary home, sit back, relax and let Playasola lull you to your happy place. Located on its own private beach just outside of PV, this secluded location can be accessed by car or boat. With everything you need on site (beach palapas, terraces, tennis court, basketball court, beach volleyball and fitness facility, outdoor cooking area, wet bar, jacuzzi, pool…) this villa is the perfect location for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Or, check out Casa Papelillos‘ three floors of sleek, contemporary style mixed with natural elements (like trees growing through the oceanfront balconies) making the transition from indoors to outdoors at this incredible villa stunning and seamless. Close to restaurants, markets and the town of El Malecon, you also have access to all the El Paredon resort amenities (where this house is located) so everything, including the beach, is at your fingertips.

The post The Best of Mexico: Beachfront Homes for a Winter Getaway appeared first on Luxury Retreats Magazine.