From the jungles of Tulum to the historical town of Merida and the desert beachscape of Los Cabos, new resorts and hotels are making waves -- or will be before too long -- in some of the country's hottest destinations.
Formerly known as Rancho Pescadero, the Kimpton Mas Olas in Todos Santos has re-emerged under a new name and a fresh perspective about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Baja peninsula. Situated on 30 oceanfront acres, this revitalized retreat is dedicated to wellness and gourmet experiences. The property has nine gardens that provide ingredients for its wellness and culinary programs as well as a spa with its own apothecary.
Trobbu Tulum will have 10 luxury villas tucked within the jungles of Tulum. Photo Credit: Bernardo Flores, Viva Photography
Mas Olas offers beautiful villas complete with hidden outdoor showers and plunge pools. Foodies will love the on-site dining options, including Kahal, which specializes in seafood with an ocean view. Activities are designed to connect guests with the landscape, from herb foraging and custom lotion-making to grounding earthing meditations and garden-to-table workshops.
The Trobbu Boutique Collection is stepping into the spotlight with its first property, the Trobbu Tulum, set to open in January. The all-inclusive, luxury villa resort will be located in the Tulum jungle, featuring 10 villas each spanning 2,745 square feet.
Each villa can host up to eight guests and includes three bedrooms, three-and-a half baths, an infinity pool, a decked terrace with sun loungers, a bar and grill area and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests can enjoy a spa and fitness center; a menu that includes Mexican, Italian and Lebanese dishes as well as fresh seafood and pizza; and even themed culinary nights. Activities include everything from wine tasting and cooking classes to cenote visits and yacht rentals.
Scheduled to launch this year, the Hotel Sevilla by Grupo Habita will include a transformation of a 16th-century colonial villa in the heart of Merida. The Hotel Sevilla retains the raw structures of the original building while incorporating modern design elements. The property features 22 rooms and suites, each with tall ceilings and modern interiors. The suites are arranged around two expansive patios. Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy shaded terraces and visit the spa, restaurant and bar. Additionally, street-level spaces will house a collection of chic shops.
The Fragata Beach Club is a new adults-only spot in Playa del Carmen. Photo Credit: Fragata Beach Club
For clients who want a fusion of adventure and luxury, the Viatura Hacienda Xtojil is a new glamping experience in the Yucatan jungle that launched earlier this year. The 15 upscale tents are equipped with plush bedding, private bathrooms, air conditioning and private terraces. Guests can enjoy activities like nature walks, stargazing sessions, Mayan cooking classes and sound healing. The glamping resort has a pool and a Nomad Center, which is essentially a business center but one geared toward the digital nomad and remote-worker lifestyle.
The St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira will open in early 2025 within the Quivira Los Cabos community, with 120 guestrooms and 60 residences against a 2.5-mile stretch of beach. Guests can expect oceanview rooms with St. Regis Butler Service; three signature dining venues -- a specialty restaurant, a beachfront grill and an al fresco, poolside restaurant; plus a host of recreational facilities. These include a fitness and wellness center, swimming pools, a saltwater lagoon, luxury cabanas and a destination spa.
A bit further in the future, Belmond plans to make a grand entrance into the Yucatan Peninsula with its acquisition and transformation of the Hacienda Katanchel, not far from Merida. Belmond plans to turn the historical estate, dating back to the 17th century, into one of Mexico's most beautiful hacienda hotels by 2027. The
hacienda's name, Katanchel, translates to "where one asks for the arch
of heaven" in the Mayan language, hinting at its past as an astronomical
observatory.
Spanning more than 500 acres, the Hacienda Katanchel is more than just a
historical site. It features a cenote, a sacred well, lush tropical
landscaping, even the remnants of an ancient Mayan pyramid. The
culturally rich property will be restored to create 35 independent
suites.
Also new on the scene is the Fragata Beach Club in Playa Del Carmen, an adults-only oasis accessible for a $50 day pass to guests staying at the adults-only, all-inclusive Reef 28 resort. Menu items include pool snacks like tuna tostadas, burgers and nachos. In the evening, the club's restaurant is open to the public and serves dishes like grilled octopus, seafood barbecue and steaks in addition to the fresh catch of the day.
Clarification: This story was updated on Oct. 3 to add that the Fragata Beach Club is only open to guests staying at the Reef 28 resort, not to the general public. Its restaurant, however, is open to the public for dinner in the evening.