Mexico
by Ben Poole
Mexico is a country rich in ancient history and cultures with fabulous coastlines that border both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Whilst it is a land that requires substantial exploration I offer a luxury snapshot of some of the more popular areas to visit.
After a balmy, late night arrival I am welcomed to my suite with soothing cold towels and a tequila at the Paraiso de la Bonita on the Riviera Maya. Tired from my journey there is no need for a nightcap and the next waking sensation is of tropical sunrays squeezing through my bedroom curtains. On opening the shutters I confront….paradise.
Imagine….my huge private ground floor terrace overlooks the gardens and beach, it even has a private plunge pool. Daunted by such excess I retreat indoors to discover an enormous bathroom with sunken bath and a separate walk-in shower. Am I the guest of honour? Sadly, everyone is the guest of honour at this all-suite masterpiece.
If such extravagance needs variation then two other properties deserve mention, the highly romantic Maroma which fronts the most sublime beach and Tides, a resort comprising 29 individual villas all with private plunge pools and plasma televisions.
So, these are the lures of the Caribbean coast, could the west coast possibly compare…
My first observation is that the climate on this coastline is a very dry heat accompanied with a constant breeze hence the rugged desert landscape. This truly is a chalk and cheese like comparison with the lush tropical surroundings of the Riviera Maya.
My instant feel for this destination is exclusivity, from the private jet terminal at the airport to the resort transfer vehicles, I am made to feel like a celebrity! On arrival at the Esperanza Hotel I am chaperoned to my room where I indulge the hammock that awaits on the terrace and the fresh chilled homemade lemonade that has been left as a welcome gesture. This property is divine. The style is modern and contemporary and the Baja lime lotions supplied in the bathroom are to die for.
For the ultimate step up in style one hotel has top billing. The haunt of the Hollywood glitterati, Las Ventanas offers true sanctuary to overworked thespians. There is a ratio of six staff to every guest….the delivery is nothing short of Oscar winning.
I also visited the One & Only Palmilla, another icon of modern, luxury accommodation which comes highly recommended. This hotel would be particularly suited to golfers, honeymooners and families.
Mexico City is one of the world’s greatest urban sprawls. It is a modern city built over a lattice of canals that made up the avenues of the ancient metropolis of Tenochtitlan.
You would be very fortunate to stay at the glamorous Four Seasons hotel. This property has the most beautiful and tranquil central courtyard, which provides an elegant and peaceful suntrap for those wishing to escape the incessant hustle and bustle.
For those that prefer contemporary chic then Mexico City has several new and exciting properties, most notably Habita and W.