Romance In Mexico

by Brettani Shannon

Romance In Mexico

Romance in Mexico can be whatever you want. You can find warm beaches all year round, a jungle paradise, or the largest city in the world. You can experience a family vacation paradise, the ultimate romantic escape, or the perfect destination wedding. The objective of your trip can be to indulge yourself in luxury, or to engross yourself in the culture. You can party like you've never partied before, drinking the best cocktails on earth, and having the adventures of a lifetime, or you can go back in history exploring Mayan Ruins. You can stay at hotels, resorts, villas, timeshare homes, or camp sites. Whatever your preference, you'll find it in Mexico. Close your eyes and dream about the perfect tropical or desert weekend, vacation, honeymoon, or wedding and rest assured, you'll find your dream come true in Mexico.

Below, you will find a few of the most beautiful and amazing places in Mexico as well as useful tips for planning your romantic Mexican getaway.

Tips:

You do need a passport to travel back into the US from Mexico now.
The currency exchange is roughly 1USD/10Pesos (USD is worth just a little more than 1o Pesos).
Speaking Spanish is a plus in the more isolated parts of Mexico. No worries though, just plan ahead to find an interpreter or guide when traveling into these areas.
All inclusive resorts have gratuity included in the price of the hotel, but in my experience, the staff does accept and appreciate tipping, especially those for whose services there is an extra charge.
Most resorts and hotels in all of Mexico have filtered water, so do not worry about any tummy bugs or diseases. If you aren't sure whether or not somewhere has properly filtered water, be sure to only drink bottled water. Nothing ruins a romantic holiday like an intestinal issue, or worse, a hospital stay.

Packing Essentials:

Plenty of beach and swimwear, it is sure to be your most worn clothing
Travel sensual products and candles
If you plan on hiking in the jungles, bring hiking boots, light outerwear, and be prepared for warm rain.
Semi-formal wear - most of the ala carte restaurants in resorts don't allow sandals, shorts, or t-shirts

Destinations:
San Jose del Cabo

Like many Mexican towns, San Jose del Cabo is the perfect mix of old world charm with narrow streets and pastel cottages, and the sophistication and luxury of today. Together with Los Cabos and Rio San Jose, San Jose del Cabo has become very popular with the younger crowd because of the wealth of entertainment at any time of day and night. However, San Jose del Cabo is the tamer of the three resort destinations, allowing its visitors to also find quiet and discreet elegance. This city is a gourmet's paradise that showcases the beauty and history of Mexico.
Recommended accommodations:

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort
This resort has a Director of Romance. It is on the beach, perfect for destination weddings and honeymoons. You may even see a celebrity or two vacationing there.

Villa del Faro
Reasonably priced, but you'd never guess! This amazing home is located on a private beach about 45 minutes from San Jose del Cabo. Perfect for a totally private romantic getaway, but more than large enough to accommodate a group or family. Outside and in, every inch of this 5 bedroom home speaks romance. Gourmet chefs serve breakfast daily and are available for dinners. Villa del Faro is nothing short of the perfect romantic retreat, away from the bustle of city life./p>

Cozumel

For those looking for a stress-free romantic getaway, Cozumel is a dream. A water wonderland, this casual and relaxing destination offers the best of island vacationing. Reasonably priced accommodations are the regular here. Cozumel's unsurpassable ambiance is perfect for any couple, any occasion, on any budget.
Recommended accommodations:

Cozumel Palace
Cozumel Palace is the expression of intimacy with its perfect location, infinity pool, all-inclusive service, and waterfront beach terrace. They specialize in honeymoon romance and offer many services specifically to encourage romance and intimacy. Rooms with double hot tubs on ocean view balconies, private dinners for two, and sparkling wine in your room are just a few of the little extras the staff at Cozumel Palace are delighted to prepare for you and your love.

Oaxaca City

For those of you desiring a little cooler temperatures, Oaxaca City is the place to go. The days are warm and the evenings cool, much like spring weather most of the year. Oaxaca City is the capital of the state of Oaxaca, one of the most undiscovered and undeveloped regions of Mexico. Nearby are villages known for their specialty art, archeology sites, and Puerto Escandetos, the 4th ranked surf spot in the world is not far.
Recommended accommodations:

Camino Real - Oaxaca
This amazing hotel used to be a convent. The architecture has been restored to its former elegance, reminiscent of a castle. The gardens and patios add to the tranquil ambiance.

Huatulco

Huatulco is a still relatively undiscovered destination in the state of Oaxaca. It is made up of nine bays, little villages, and a few towns. There are beaches in Huatulco that are bare… no buildings and no people! Many beach merchants offer to take you on scuba diving or fishing tours and they will visit totally private beaches. When my husband and I visited there, we paid a guy who rented out wave runners to take us to an uninhabited island. He left us there all alone for a perfect afternoon. Huatulco is perfect for those who want to relax, although there is some night life. It is not, however, the place to go if you want to experience the Mexican culture (except for Bocana, my favorite place in Huatulco, but hurry, it won't be a small beach village much longer). Visit Huatulco to get away from the rest of the world and relax, relax, relax.
Recommended accommodations:

The Gala
An incredibly clean, beautiful, sprawling, all-inclusive family friendly resort. The staff is wonderful, and it will give you everything you want whenever you want it. They have a fantastic children's program, but it is also great for couples. Most of the guests at the Gala come from other Mexican locations. The ocean is rough most of the time, but still very fun. The all-inclusive price makes this a perfect vacation spot for those on a budget. All the food and drink you want 24 hours a day is included in the price.

Camino Real - Zaashila
Next door to the Gala, is the very original and relaxing Camino Real. This section of Tongalunda Bay is private, on the other side of a stretch of rocks from neighboring resorts. Some of the suites have partially private plunge pools right off the balconies. The resort is the picture of relaxation.

Puerto Vallarta

This beachfront destination is the perfect blend of contemporary and old Spanish Catholicism. All through the year, cultural festivals grace the streets of Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy dance, theatre, music, parades, and great food. The art, celebration, romance, and adventure that is Puerto Vallarta is enough to satisfy anyone's vacation desires.
Recommended accommodations:

Majahuitas
Accessible only by boat, this luxurious, yet comfortable retreat from the world truly offers the dream tropical island experience. Every inch of the island and resort speaks romance, from the décor to the exotic cuisine.

Villa Estrella Mar
This incredible villa has enough space and enough beauty that you may never leave the premises. Maid service, security guards, a butler, and a chef are at your service at Villa Estrella Mar. The villa features nine luxury bedrooms and bathrooms with beach access and a gorgeous pool.

Acapulco

Acapulco is the resort city that never sleeps. The first real famed vacation spot in Mexico, Acapulco locals are professional tourism hosts. Along with the city life and sunny Mexico beaches, Acapulco features historical sites, sky-high cliffs, and tropical forests. The night life is all that you might expect and the daytime fun is full of adventure. You can take your lover on a sexy jungle excursion and then join the locals and tourists alike on the popular beaches and crowded discos.
Recommended accommodations:

Las Brisas
There will be fresh flowers floating in your private pool outside your private casita. This incredible resorts offers romance packages including robes, romantic dinners for two, and champagne in your room. Jeeps are available for use while traveling around the sprawling acreage of this mountainside resort and a private yacht is available at the Las Brisas.

Villa Scala
Home to the world famous singer and romantic icon Enrique Iglesias until 2005, this incredible mansion has been a getaway for celebrities like Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, and Prince Charles. This amazing four bedroom home is the only privately owned villa in Acapulco that sits atop a mountain and boasts a 180 degree view of the city and beaches. There is a private chef, one of the best in Acapulco, a maid, a laundress, a gardener, and a Butler who speaks fluent English. Villa Scala is absolutely one of the most beautiful places in all of Mexico. Of course, the price matches the magnificence, but visiting Villa Scala as a group could make this destination affordable for some.

Tamazunchale

Almost unbelievable because of its beauty, originality, and vastness, this hidden jewel of the world is worth the 3 hour drive it takes to get there (unless you use the traditional method - by canoe). Jungle plants have leaves the size of your car, waterfalls surrounded by meticulous architecture cascade into the soaking pools of the castles at Las Poxas, and hundreds of species of tropical birds call Tamazunchale home. There are Indian villages, orchid forests, and markets unlike any you will find anywhere else in the world. All accommodations are extremely inexpensive and English interpreters and guides are available.
Recommended accommodations:

There are three hotels in Tamazunchale. This site has contact information for all three: Tamazunchale, The Mirador and The Virrey

Additional Resources:

For weather in Mexico, go to Weather Underground
Find more resources for Romance in Mexico at About.com