
Mexico honeymoon ideas: 10 of the most romantic places to stay
It's hard to define exactly what's so seductive about Mexico. Is it the cowboys riding along the beach while whales breach on the horizon? The defiant cool of its contemporary creative scene contrasted with indigenous peoples proudly practising pre-Colombian crafts? Whether your post-wedding wish is sun worshipping or high-octane hiking, cultural kicks or historic immersion, Mexico offers it all — and at far more affordable prices than most top honeymoon destinations. I'd be very surprised if you didn't fall head over heels with it too.
This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue
Vast, vibrant and very easy to fall for, the sprawling capital is the place to start any Mexican honeymoon. From classic cantinas to Enrique Olvera and Jorge Vallejo's Michelin-starred restaurants, each neighbourhood has its own culinary identity best discovered on a food tour. It may be tempting to spend the rest of the time browsing Roma Norte's concept stores for treasures for the house, but a balloon ride over the vestiges of Teotihuacan (once one of the largest ancient cities in the Americas) has to be among the most romantic history lessons you'll ever have.
Uma Casa's plant-strewn, limewashed rooms embody the most seductive aspects of contemporary Mexican design, while double-height indoor terraces offer plenty of privacy.
Viator has numerous options for a sunrise balloon ride over Teotihuacan. Most are similar in terms of the experience they offer — and the opportunities for envy-inducing honeymoon photos.
• Discover our full guide to Mexico
Given its location just four hours from Mexico City and its long affiliation with the arts — it was one of the favoured bolt holes of the Beat poets — it's unsurprising that this highland city's cobbled streets are lined with tempting galleries and candlelit bars. Seeing Diego Rivera's murals followed by a dance performance at the Bellas Artes is a low-key date, as is sitting in the Jardin de Allende listening to the mariachi musicians who perform under the spires of the great gothic cathedral that crouches at the heart of the Unesco-listed old town.
Casa No Name is an 18th-century mansion with a folkloric feel and rooftop hot tub, perfect for quaffing sunset cocktails à deux.
G Adventures' nine-day Essential Central Mexico trip includes two nights in San Miguel de Allende as well as the up-and-coming city of Guadalajara.
• Best places to visit in Mexico
The intimate Caribbean island of Cozumel comes into its own in the morning, when the glassy waters of the snorkelling spot known as El Cielo (the sky) are free from day trippers and the best loungers still available at the Cabana Beach club. The west side of the island is home to the lively (read: touristy) city of San Miguel and most of the island's hotels, while the lonely beaches and seafood shacks of the wild east coast are a mere 20 minutes away by car. Broody newlyweds, take note: the ruins of San Gervasio were once part of an important Maya pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility.
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa may not have the catchiest name, but you can't beat stilted cabanas with sunbathing nets over the ocean when it comes to spending quality time together.
Newmarket Holidays' Deep South Rhythms, New Orleans & Caribbean Cruise includes a stop in Cozumel, as well as the Caribbean islands of Jamaica and Grand Cayman.
• More of the best hotels in Mexico
Tequila, mezcal, pulque… when you think of Mexican tipples, wine probably isn't high on the list. However, thanks to a Mediterranean microclimate due to its location in the mountains of the Northern Baja Peninsula, the Valle de Guadalupe enjoys perfect conditions for producing light, characterful reds. A stay here offers the opportunity to explore more than 150 independent wineries, many championing organic and biodynamic techniques, as well as feast at numerous farm-to-table restaurants such as Lunario and Fauna, which has long communal tables that spill out into a cactus-filled garden.
Banyan Tree Veya's 30 romantic villas appear to have sprung organically from the valley's boulders, each with a private plunge pool. You'll wake every morning to panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains beyond.
Baja Winery Tours offers private transportation and itinerary planning around the Valle de Guadalupe, including stops at fine-dining restaurants.bajawinerytours.com
Sandwiched between the skeleton of a Maya citadel and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve — the largest protected area on Mexico's Caribbean coast — Tulum's sublime shoreline contains six miles of beaches with sand the texture of talcum powder and bath-calm water. Throw in countless design-led resorts, spas hidden in the jungle and plenty of opportunities to sip mezcalitos in bars where everyone looks like off-duty models, and you'll begin to understand why Tulum is such a siren for those dreaming of tropical romance.
Papaya Playa Project is a cluster of thatched cabanas and whimsical tree houses with direct access to 900m of deserted Caribbean sands. There's a beach party every Saturday with renowned guest DJs –— a plus or minus depending on your post-wedding energy levels.
Kuoni's tailorable Las Vegas and Mexico trip offers a memorable contrast between the bright lights of Vegas and the Yucatan's most laid-back beaches. kuoni.co.uk
• More of the best hotels in Tulum
Once known for its 19th and 20th-century architecture and old-time feel, the capital of Yucatan is having a moment. Thanks in part to gentrification in Mexico City, a host of cool creatives have relocated here and are now embracing the city's history by converting mansions into boutique hotels and opening shops that act as galleries for indigenous artisans (try Taller Maya). The dense jungle that surrounds the city is scattered with Maya archeological sites including Uxmal (a Unesco world heritage site) and Ake, which lays bare the story of the Spanish conquest.
Casa Olivia is romance embodied thanks to antique loveseats, spiral staircases and bathrooms like indoor jungles lit by chandeliers. Two of the four rooms are honeymoon-worthy suites, but Olivia gets our vote for its direct pool access and very private terrace.
Sunvil's 11-night Yucatan Natural Wonders itinerary includes several nights in Merida, as well as time at Uxmal and Chichen Itza.sunvil.co.uk
• Best all-inclusive hotels in Mexico
A host of ritzy resorts makes this glamorous peninsula an ideal basecamp for exploring the Riviera Nayarit, 200 miles of pristine Pacific coastline and arguably Mexico's most up-and-coming beach destination. Between December and March amorous humpback whales migrate to the waters of the Bahia de Banderas (Mexico's largest bay) to breed, while the gentle waves of Playa Punta Mita are ideal for fledgling surfers. If you can peel yourself off your lounger, a boat trip to the Islas Marietas Unesco biosphere reserve and golden sand of the appropriately named Playa del Amor — which can only be reached by swimming — are well worth the effort.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is a collection of breezy houses and intimate casitas overlooking a private swathe of sand. The spa offers numerous couples treatments, including a signature tequila stone massage.
Cox and Kings offers tailor-made tours to the Pacific coast, including the Riviera Nayarit.coxandkings.co.uk
• Best hotels with swim-up rooms in Mexico
This 31-mile-long Caribbean lagoon is Mexico's answer to the Maldives. Its Mayan name, Siyan Ka'an Bak'halal, translates to 'place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born' and as the sun progresses over the water you'll see it glow numerous shades of blue, from inky indigo to violet and turquoise. Wandering along Chetumal's malecon (pier) and climbing the Coba pyramid to watch the jungle claim the sun are worthwhile outings, but Bacalar is fundamentally a place to indulge in stillness, nature and stylish hotels with a sustainable bent.
Akalki Hotel y Centro Holistico is a collection of Gaudí-esque structures on the water's edge, including a floating yoga pavilion, juice bar and holistic healing centre ideal for those craving a post-wedding health reset.
Today Voyages' ten-day Yucatan Honeymoon combines plenty of beach time with nature excursions and visits to interesting rural villages.
• Best time to visit Mexico: when to go and what to do
Flying under the radar of most international tourists, this rural region in the northern state of San Luis Potosi combines the chance to hike to dozens of gorgeous waterfalls with cultural quirks such as Huapango music and behemothic tamales designed to feed up to 50 people. A stroll around Las Pozas — the whimsical sculpture garden dreamed up over decades by surrealist artist and patron Edward James — is captivating, as is swimming in the crystalline canals that feed the Media Luna Lagoon, a half-moon-shaped lake you can go scuba diving in. The area is popular with day-trippers from Monterrey, so it's best to avoid visiting at weekends if you can. Accommodation tends to be in private cabin rentals or small boutique hotels, bringing a sense of charm to celebratory nature-first getaways.
Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia is typical of the region's hotels: a cosy, colourful nest in which to relax after a day spent in nature. It's also within easy striking distance of the Las Pozas garden and Tamul waterfalls.
Get Your Guide offers a day trip to the Tamul waterfall — the highest in the region — with a boat ride, underground cenote visit and meal at a local restaurant.
This ultra-exclusive enclave's name translates to 'village of water' and it does indeed have a series of cerulean lagoons, as well as Caribbean beaches and deep, mysterious cenotes (sinkholes) where you can float and observe the burning blue of the sky. The most exclusive spot on the Riviera Maya, Mayakoba is essentially a gated community that's home to just a handful of high-end resorts as well as some private properties. It may not be the most culturally stimulating destination but it's hard to beat for a blissful post-wedding slump.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba has an excellent spa, as well as a boat that can be booked for couples dining among the mangroves.
Abercrombie & Kent offers bespoke trips to the Riviera Maya that can include a stay at the magnificent Rosewood property.abercrombiekent.com
• Cancun v Tulum: which is better?• Best hotels in Cancun
Do you have a favourite romantic destination in Mexico? Let us know in the comments

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
11 minutes ago
- The Sun
The quirky UK city named one of the top foodie destinations for 2025 with historic pub crawls and cheap hotels
ONCE known more for its political turmoil than its happy-go-lucky bars and thriving food scene, Belfast is firmly back on the travel map. But the past is still prevalent in the Northern Ireland capital, including at the Titanic museum, which celebrates the history of one of the world's most famous ships, constructed in this very region. 3 3 Here's the lowdown on the city . . . WHY SHOULD I GO? IF Dublin's the posh, polished brother, Belfast's the cooler, quirkier sister, packed with funky cafes, craft breweries and hip hotels that have been popping up on every corner. These new trendy spots sit shoulder to shoulder with the city's history, from its Troubles-era murals on walls to cobbled streets and traditional pubs where folk music spills out of every doorway. It's got all the buzz of a city break without the crazy prices. BEING both compact and flat, Belfast is a walker's dream. You can hit all the big spots in under 20 minutes from the centre. The famous murals on the Falls and Shankill roads are just a short stroll away. Tourists can also mix with locals at a traditional pub, soak up the buzz in the Cathedral Quarter or amble along the River Lagan. For longer distances, there's the public bike-sharing scheme, Belfast Bikes, which gives you 30 minutes of free use each day. Or hop on the Glider, Belfast's sleek purple tram, which zips across the city from east to west. It costs just £4 for unlimited daily travel. ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? NO trip to Belfast is complete without a history lesson from a cabbie. Hop into a traditional black taxi with Belfast Black Cab Tours and get the real story behind the city's religious divide. It's eye-opening and packed with stories and pub recommendations you won't find in any guidebook. For those more thirsty for booze than history, there's Belfast's Oldest Pubs Tour. For £15, you can join the Belfast Pub Crawl, which takes in five taverns full of character. It kicks off at Kelly's Cellars, which has been pouring pints since 1720. Then it's on to White's Tavern for the creamiest Guinness in Belfast, before hitting up Henry's & The Jailhouse, a former prison. After a pit stop at McHugh's, with its creaky wooden floors, the night winds down with live music at The Thirsty Goat. WHERE SHOULD I EAT? BELFAST used to be all about the Ulster fry — bacon, eggs, black pudding, sausages and potato farls. Chuck the lot into a bap and you've got yourself an on-the-go version of the traditional meal. Belfast Baps in St George's Market is the place to grab one. Each is stuffed to bursting and only costs £8, a steal when they're the size of your face. If you're after something a little more formal, Belfast is also packed with top tier restaurants, being named one of the UK's best food cities for 2025 by Time Out. With a place in the Michelin Guide, Yugo is a popular industrial-style spot tucked down a quiet street. It's Asian-fusion menu focuses on small plates created with local ingredients. Be sure to try the crispy chilli pork dumplings and the chef's sushi, made with fish fresh from the nearby lough. I FANCY A DRINK . . . PUBS in Belfast aren't just about the booze, they're the city's living rooms, where music, stories and lots of craic all come together. And with craft breweries, such as Bullhouse East, popping up all over town, there's loads of new spots to try alongside the classics. Despite this, The Sunflower Bar, a local friend told me, is a 'must-visit' for a proper pint with real character. To get in, you have to walk through an old caged door which was used for security purposes in the 1970s. Out back you'll find a big beer garden serving wood-fired pizza, perfect for soaking up those Guinness. For those craving a caffeine hit, Belfast's not short of cool, hip coffee spots. Established Coffee was one of the first to arrive, serving top-notch brews alongside some tasty snacks. Don't miss their lemon sherbet pie if it's on the menu. It tastes even better than it sounds, if that's actually possible. WHERE SHOULD I STAY? FOR a luxury yet affordable stay right in Belfast's heart, Room2 does hit the spot. This 4H 'hometel' on Queen Street is just a stone's throw from shops and bars and a 15-minute bus or taxi ride from Belfast City Airport. With a cute tea room, eclectic lounge area and an art gallery, it feels like a mix of stylish hotel and your mate's fancy city pad. Plus, guests get two free drinks on arrival. And a live singer in the lobby gets the good times started straight away.


The Sun
11 minutes ago
- The Sun
Full list of UK airline hand luggage rules explained
RYANAIR boss Michael O'Leary said this week he was considering bigger bonuses for staff who identify passengers with oversized bags. And earlier this month, a leaked email showed that staff across major airports in the UK would also receive payments for every bag confiscated from easyJet passengers ahead of boarding. So, how much can you really get away with? Sophie Swiethowski shares everything you need to know about hand-luggage restrictions for Brits' favourite airlines. EASYJET Every passenger is entitled to one free, small carry-on bag that must fit under the seat in front of them. The bag cannot exceed 45 x 36 x 20cm, including handles and wheels, and it must weigh no more than 15kg. EasyJet Plus members and those who have booked an Inclusive Plus fare (which also includes a 23kg checked bag) will be able to take a larger hand luggage bag with them, measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm. Anyone else wanting to take a larger carry-on will have to pay £5.99 (or more) in advance of flying. RYANAIR Ryanair has one of the smallest hand luggage allowances on this list. Like easyJet, every passenger is allowed one small, under-the-seat bag for free, measuring no greater than 40 x 20 x 25cm, although there is no specific weight limit. Larger carry-ons, to be stored in overhead lockers, cost from £6 and must not exceed 10kg. The maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20cm. BRITISH AIRWAYS The UK's flag carrier has the most generous allowance of all the airlines listed here. All passengers are entitled to bring a free 'hand bag' to go under the seat. This can measure up to 40 x 30 x 15cm and has a large weight limit of 23kg, the same as checked baggage. Larger carry-ons are also included in the price of your ticket. Overhead bags can measure up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, including wheels and handles, with a weight limit of 23kg. JET2 When it comes to carry-on allowances, Jet2 is undoubtedly the winner of the low-cost airlines. Much like British Airways, customers can bring both a small and large bag on board for free. An under-the-seat bag must not exceed the limit of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, although there are no weight restrictions. Larger bags can measure up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and must weigh no more than 10kg. WIZZ AIR On a par with Ryanair, the maximum dimensions for a free and smaller carry-on bag are 40 x 30 x 20cm and this bag can weigh up to 10kg. Passengers with a larger bag will have to purchase a Wizz Priority ticket if they do not want to incur a charge at the gate. The priority ticket costs from €5 (£4.33) and also includes priority boarding. These overhead-locker bags cannot exceed the weight limit of 10kg and must comply with the maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23cm. 1


Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Europe's best holiday city revealed - with incredible views, £1.30 pizza and cheap flights from the UK
Europe's best holiday city has been revealed, with voters praising the idyllic location for its incredible views, budget-friendly pizza and affordable flights from the UK. In a new survey conducted by luxury magazine Travel + Leisure, readers cast votes for their favourite worldwide city, with the Italian hotspot of Florence taking the crown as Europe's most loved. Frequented by between 10 and 16million holidaymakers each year, sunseekers eagerly flock to the Tuscan city due to its rich Renaissance art and architecture, walkable city center and delicious food. Described by Travel + Leisure as a 'must-see thanks to its 'artistic treasures', 'superlative shopping' and 'wide selection of hotels', Florence, often known simply as 'The Beautiful', gained an overall reader score of 90.08. Taking the top spot in Europe and 11th in the world, Florence even beat the popular European cities of Seville, Spain, Instanbul, Turkey and fellow Italian city of Rome. Once named by SerSace as 'the most beautiful city in the world', travellers seeking a romantic European getaway are in luck due to its historical charm and picturesque scenery. Visitors can gaze at some of the world's most gorgeous architecture, including the Duomo cathedral, which even contains its own piazza. Meanwhile, the Pagliazza Tower, which dates back to the sixth or seventh century, acts as one of Europe's most captivating squares. Florence is frequented by between 10 and 16million holidaymakers each year, with sunseekers eagerly flocking to the Tuscan city due to its rich Renaissance art and architecture, walkable city center and delicious food Once named by SerSace as 'the most beautiful city in the world', travellers seeking a romantic European getaway are in luck due to its historical charm and picturesque scenery For those looking to further indulge themselves in the Tuscan culture, the city is also home to some of the world's most iconic and historic artwork, including pieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. The Galleria dell 'Accademia di Firenze, the location of Michelangelo's David, is a five-metre-high marble sculpture that serves as one the world's most famous artistic masterpieces. From the gallery, it is just a seven minute stroll to the city's 1200's cathedral, a major feature of Florence's skyline. The city's iconic medieval bridge - Ponte Vecchio, is one of Florence's most visited attractions. It was the only bridge in Florence to survive WWII and is famed for the shops that line its sides. Food lovers will also be surprised by how easily tourists can get their hands on a slice of authentic Italian pizza for just £1.50, while pasta dishes can also be bought for a mere £5. Famous for its gelato, signature local deliacies include the negroni cocktail and ribollita soup. Just last week, Florence was named the world's most walkable city due to its compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets. Research undertaken by financial website Insider Monkey saw Florence race to the top spot, surpassing locations such as Madrid, Porto and Hamburg. Food lovers will also be surprised by how easily tourists can get their hands on a slice of authentic Italian pizza for just £1.50, while pasta dishes can also be bought for a mere £5. Flights from the UK run daily and from £44, with a flight time of just two hours With high praise awarded for its 'history and timeless architecture', the city was said to be explorable within just a two-hour window, as its hidden gems are easily accessible by foot. The study also spoke favourably about the city's good air quality and safety levels. Accessing the charming city from the UK could also not be easier, with daily flights from London's Heathrow Airport to Florence-Peretola Airport launching in 2023. With a flight time of just two hours and return fares starting from £44, there are up to 69 flights from the UK running a week, according to Skyscanner. Indeed, for those based outside of the capital, several other UK airports also offer direct routes to the nearby Italian city of Pisa, just an hour's train ride away. It is even possible to get to Florence by train from the UK. Simply hop on the Eurostar to Paris before making a change to Milan and then catching a final train to Florence.