A Mexico Honeymoon For Every Type of Couple
A Mexico honeymoon means beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and unparalleled five-star luxury resorts, making it one of the best honeymoon locations in the world. It's an ideal spot for couples looking to start a marriage on a fun note (imagine chilling on white-sand beaches with a margarita in hand). Plus, newlyweds will be treated to first-class concierge service at luxury resorts, enjoy gorgeous beach destinations and dance the night away at famed clubs.
Mexico is a relatively short trip from the US, as certain spots are about a four to five-hour flight from New York or Los Angeles. People living in Southern states, like Texas, can get there in about two hours. When the time arrives, a Mexico honeymoon is one you'll remember for years to come. Here's how to have a world-class romantic getaway.
Mexico Honeymoon Tips in this Article:
- Best Time to Visit Mexico
- Mexico Honeymoon Planning Tips
- Best Mexico Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
- Things to Do in Mexico for Couples
- What to Pack for a Mexico Honeymoon
Best Time to Visit Mexico
Mexico's diverse geography means you can find pleasant weather somewhere in the country throughout the year. If you're planning a honeymoon in Mexico City or the Mexican highlands, you can enjoy mild temperatures and the least rainfall from March to May. For Southern Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula, the best time to visit is from November to February.
Each region has its own ideal climate window for visiting, so planning according to your destination and desired activities is key.
Best weather: November to February for the beach, March to May for the highlands.
Festival highlights: Dia de Muertos is an iconic celebration in early November, where families honor deceased loved ones; The Guelaguetza Festival celebrates Oaxacan culture with traditional dance, music and food in July; Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, with parades and is particularly vibrant in Puebla City.
Mexico Honeymoon Planning Tips
When planning your Mexico honeymoon, make sure you choose the right region. Mexico offers diverse destinations, from beach resorts in Cancun to cultural experiences in Oaxaca and Mexico City. Consider what type of honeymoon experience you'd prefer before buying plane tickets.
You'll also want to book in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during peak seasons or want to stay in popular honeymoon resorts. These resorts often involve opportunities to relax in cabanas or palapas, while receiving concierge bar service menus ranging from margaritas to fast-casual tacos. Guests can usually sign up for experiences arranged by their resort, like snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm Pacific or Caribbean waters.
Keep an eye out for honeymoon packages and deals while you book—you can often find cheaper rates when you book ahead.
Entry requirements: A valid US passport.
Language: While indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country, Spanish is the most widely used. In tourist areas and major cities, English is commonly spoken.
Location: Mexico is located in the southern part of North America, bordered to the north by the US. To the south you'll find Guatemala, Belize and the Caribbean Sea.
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN).
Flight time to Destination: From Los Angeles, flights to Mexico City can be as short as 3.5 hours.
Getting around: Domestic flights, rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing apps, buses.
Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. You can check out travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Mexico honeymoon expertise.
Best Mexico Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
Whether you decide to stay at a luxurious honeymoon resort or opt for a Mexican Airbnb, you've got plenty of options when it comes of places to stay on a Mexico honeymoon. Here are our top picks.
Rosewood Mayakoba
White-sand beaches and a lush jungle surround this five-star Riviera Maya resort. Rosewood Mayakoba's resort spa is actually on its own island and seeks to have people find harmony using Mayan philosophies. The 150-minute Cenote Temazcal Purification treatment, which includes a steam bath in herbal-infused water, is Exhibit A. Outside of the spa, Rosewood Mayakoba offers destination experiences to places like Chichen Itza and an array of dining options.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
W Punta de Mita
An edgy and eclectic beach resort, the lauded W Punta de Mita offers plenty of sun, surf, sand, ceviche and a spa. During the day, active couples may want to explore one of the country's best surf breaks (the resort is located right on it) or enjoy a seafood-themed cooking class. After a day of fun, they can head to the spa to unwind and round out the evening with a world-class meal. While in the area, they may spot a celebrity as Punta de Mita is a favorite destination in Mexico among the stars.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Cuixmala
Cuixmala is a resort offering a unique boutique hotel-style experience in Puerto Vallarta. It's a pristine paradise set on more than 30,000 acres of nature reserve and along the Pacific Ocean coastline. Protected wildlife, like zebras and nearly 300 species of birds, roam free. Guests have access to three private wild beaches, three restaurants and comfortable accommodations.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Desert meets sea at the Grand Velas Los Cabos. The all-inclusive resort has a little bit of everything—infinity pools, eight dining options ranging from relaxed to posh, a spa and waterfront rooms.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Las Ventanas al Paraíso
Celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio have retreated to Las Ventanas al Paraíso. Step one foot on the gorgeous grounds and you'll see why. There's a tequila bar, four restaurants, including spots for seafood, Asian fusion cuisine and private dining options. The refined suites include infinity pools and stunning views.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is situated on a gorgeous beach. This Cancun resort is home to a mini-golf course, tennis courts and archery. When it's time to refuel, meals are included at this all-inclusive resort. Dolphin Discovery Playa del Carmen Maroma, an opportunity to swim with dolphins, is a popular day trip about four miles away.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Mexico City, Marriott's accommodations are plush and posh. It's near two handfuls worth of museums and Chapultepec Park. If you are not eating out on the town, the hotel has an upscale steakhouse and authentic Mexican restaurant to check out.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Conrad Punta de Mita
Located less than an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Conrad Punta de Mita offers honeymooners a happy marriage of rich culture and luxurious amenities. Whether you want to sip on a cocktail from the swim-up bar at the property's adults-only pool or relax in a private plunge pool from the comfort of a suite patio overlooking the ocean, water is just a step away no matter where you turn.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Pro tip: For even more all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, check out our recommendations. They're perfect for couples looking for a romantic honeymoon stay.
Things to Do in Mexico for Couples
Mexico boasts plenty of opportunities to relax by the water and explore the land. Snorkeling and scuba diving adventures are available through many of the all-inclusive resorts.
There's also world-class cuisine, if a foodie honeymoon is something you've always dreamt of. Keep in mind, Mexico is a huge country, and each area has its own character and attractions with plenty of things to do.
Relax in Cancun
A hot spot for Spring Break, Cancun is also a favorite honeymoon destination. The Mexican city, located on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, boasts enough activity to keep you busy all week along with plenty of room to relax.
The MUSA Underwater Museum takes you on a scuba diving adventure featuring beautiful sculptures beneath sea level. And there are more than a dozen beaches, including Playa Delfines, where you can sit back and sip a margarita.
Explore the Riviera Maya from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Situated on the Yucatán Peninsula south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya is generally considered the stretch from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Playa del Carmen is a sophisticated seaside getaway known for its white-sand beaches.
Guests can sail the turquoise waters on a luxury catamaran or stay land-locked by playing a round of golf at Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club, a championship-level course. At night, Coco Bongo is famous for bringing a Vegas-style atmosphere south of the border. Tulum, meanwhile, is home to some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins on earth. Explore them while rarely losing sight of the blue-green waters of the Caribbean.
Enjoy the Nightlife in Los Cabos
This city is full of honeymoon resorts and ocean views. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos includes two towns: Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is for the party people. Cabo Wabo Cantina, the site of MTV's first-ever Spring Break, is a famous option to consider, if you're into that sort of thing.
San Jose del Cabo is the quieter, oft-overlooked Los Cabos town, but it's a place to get a more authentic Mexican experience. There, you'll find mom-and-pop shops and restaurants serving traditional Mexican cuisine.
Take in Cultural Sites in Mexico City
The capital of Mexico may not have the same luxe reputation as some of the country's resort cities. But it's a perfect romantic getaway for couples who are craving culture along with "obligatory" beach days. Museo Jumex is a hub of top contemporary art, and Teotihuacan is home to the world's third-largest pyramid, the Pyramid of the Sun.
Shop in Puerto Vallarta
Located on Mexico's Pacific coast, visitors love Puerto Vallarta for its natural beauty and nightlife. Dive in and discover colorful reefs and diverse marine life on underwater adventures. Open-air shops, live performances and sculptures make the Malecon Boardwalk a vibrant place to explore by day.
Olas Altas is a favorite area in Puerto Vallarta for LGBTQ+ couples. It boasts trendy restaurants and hopping clubs where newlyweds can dance all night.
Swim With Dolphins in Playa Mujeres
Playa Mujeres is ideal for laid-back couples looking for an upscale but peaceful getaway. It doesn't have the same party scene as Los Cabos or Cancun. Instead, it feels like an untouched paradise. Guests can spend a day at sea swimming with dolphins or cruising in a yacht. A visit to the Rafael Nadal Tennis Centre is a must for tennis fans.
Pro tip: Add Mexico honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so that loved ones can give you one of these memorable couples activities. Don't forget to post honeymoon photos to your wedding website and social feed for your guests to see.
What to Pack for a Mexico Honeymoon
Beaches, pools and water sports dominate Mexican honeymoon itineraries, so you'll want to bring a couple of swimsuits and at least one towel in your honeymoon luggage. Sunscreen is also a must, so make sure to add that to your packing checklist too.
Since the luxury resorts have an array of dining options, you'll want to pack some casual and fancier outfits for your time on land. (We suggest packing shorts, T-shirts, dress slacks and stylish frocks.) The latter will also come in handy if you plan to enjoy the nightlife scene.
If you plan to explore historical sites, like the Mayan ruins, pack comfortable walking shoes. An umbrella and raincoat are always a good idea.
Brittany Barber contributed to this article.