Exclusive Escapes, Vibrant Culture, Unmatched Luxury

When Michelin, famed for their iconic Star ratings in the culinary world, announced the Michelin Key for hotels, my wanderlust radar spiked. Imagine my delight when I discovered that Mexico – with its eclectic blend of heritage, jungle sanctuaries, and sun-drenched beaches – joined the elite ranks with some truly standout properties.

These hotels are more than just places to rest; they’re experiences that enchant, soothe, and dazzle in ways that linger long after checkout. From treehouse hideaways that transport you to a childhood dream to wellness retreats where the only rule is deep relaxation, Mexico’s Michelin-Key hotels radiate personality. Here’s a taste of my top picks, spiced up with firsthand thoughts and a few quirks. When you’re ready to pack your bags, I’d be thrilled to help make these dreamy stays yours.

Three-Key Hotels

One&Only Mandarina

Image courtesy of One and Only Mandarina

Oh, One&Only Mandarina – where luxury floats (literally) among the treetops. Staying here is like being let in on a magnificent secret of the jungle. Each treehouse, complete with a private plunge pool, whispers “romantic getaway” with a playful nudge. And if you’re there with friends? Don’t worry, the villas can handle your gang with style.

Food-wise, this isn’t just any tropical fare. Chef Enrique Olvera’s Carao dishes out flavors that have a flair I can only describe as a symphony of local ingredients. Expect notes of agave and hints of “I didn’t know food could do this.” Pair your meal with one of their natural wines, and you’re set.

The real clincher? The extras: rainforest massages, sound therapy on the jaw-dropping Aura Deck, and that magical touch of curandera wisdom that stays with you long after. Plus, the perks when you book through me don’t hurt either.

My perks: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Esencia

Hotel Esencia is where refined meets relaxed in a breezy rendezvous. Once home to an Italian duchess (yes, really), this Tulum gem makes you feel like you stumbled into the perfect intersection of laid-back elegance and playful indulgence. Picture whitewashed rooms splashed with vibrant color and lined with chic wooden furniture. It’s the sort of place where you could casually hum “La Dolce Vita” and not feel out of place.

Oh, and the spa? It’s not just a spa; it’s a sensory pilgrimage. Handcrafted potions, a temazcal experience that might just induce your next great life epiphany, and an ice chamber for those brave enough to really embrace the chill. Trust me, it’s worth it.

My Perks: $100 hotel / resort credit, a bottle of wine, $60 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Xinalani

Nestled in the hills near a charming fishing village with a name that’s as fun to say as it is to visit (Quimixto), Xinalani is where eco-chic and yogic bliss collide. If you’re the kind of traveler who thinks three walls are plenty, you’ll love their open-sided rooms. There's something wildly liberating about a sea breeze as your fourth wall, with a hammock gently swaying in approval.

Expect a buffet that’s as nourishing as a hug from a friend who really gets you, complete with vegan options that don’t taste like cardboard. Activities? Check: kayaking, yoga, sound healing, even ice-bath therapy for those seeking a frostier kind of Zen.

My Perks: $25 bar credit, a two-hour complimentary paddleboard rental, a two-hour complimentary surfboard rental and an upgrade whenever possible.

Two-Key Hotels

Twenty-one hotels were bestowed with two Keys. These properties promise “exceptional stays,” and are well worth any detour.

Chablé Yucatán

Chablé Yucatán is an artful nod to the past with a firm foot in modern-day paradise. Staying here means basking in the architectural beauty of an old hacienda reimagined for the luxe traveler. Outdoor showers, anyone? Yes, please.

The heart of your stay has to be the food. Their gardens supply ingredients fresher than a morning dew, and if tequila is your thing (it should be here), a tasting at Ixi’im is non-negotiable. With sleek beams and walls of glass framing lush grounds, it’s the kind of place where time and stress don’t stand a chance. Chable Maroma, a hotel I love, was awarded one key.

My Perks: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily and an upgrade whenever possible.

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

Belmond’s Maroma could double as an elixir for the soul. Their Guerlain spa is practically a wellness playground where you craft scrubs and balms that’ll make you wish every bathroom you step into came with an apothecary corner. And don’t get me started on breakfast: homemade quesadillas with their iconic coffee – yes, it is as good as it sounds.

The scene at Freddy’s Bar with its sunset soundtrack and fresh-from-the-ocean raw bar is my idea of a happy place. Here, life is measured in laughs and lapping waves.

$90 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily & an upgrade whenever possible.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Oh, Punta Mita – this gem on Mexico’s western coast is where luxury meets laid-back charm, and no one pulls this off better than the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. It’s the kind of place where you can savor everything at your own pace, whether you’re tasting mezcal while listening to stories from local Huichol artisans or watching your kids break into uncontrollable giggles during a private piñata party (yes, that’s a thing here).

The sheer range of dining is noteworthy – think pop-up dinner experiences, the breezy Salad Shack for a guilt-free lunch, and cocktails at sunset that just might make you believe in love at first sight. Activities? More than you could check off in one visit. There’s a golf course that hugs the ocean, boat tours perfect for dolphin-spotting, and adrenaline-packed ATV rides that’ll make you feel like a kid again.

The resort’s location on a private peninsula an hour north of Puerto Vallarta makes it wonderfully accessible yet blissfully exclusive. But fair warning: if you go, Punta Mita’s spell might just pull you back again and again.

Fora Perks: When booking with me, you’ll unlock exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Reach out for all the indulgent details.

One-Key Hotels

With a unique charm and refreshingly personal touches, the 63 one-Key hotels each provide stellar service and tailored experiences, proving you don’t have to splurge on top-tier luxury to have an unforgettable stay. Here are some personal favorites:

La Valise Mexico City

Staying in La Valise is like being in a hidden sanctuary, right in the heart of the city. The French-inspired townhouse holds only eight suites, making it as intimate as it gets. Those who've stayed talk about their heavenly beds (seriously, they're famous). If you’re lucky enough to book the El Patio suite, get ready for pure magic. Morning comes with fresh, warm breakfast from local bakeries that feels like an embrace.

Fora Perks: Welcome amenities, suite upgrades, and extended check-in/out when available.

Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende

This hotel captures the artistic soul of San Miguel de Allende with a sustainable, bohemian-chic flair. Each stand-alone room is a masterpiece, featuring warm colors and expansive desert views. After wandering the town’s cobblestone streets, the spa and a slow, wood-fired meal at Comunidad will call you home.

Fora Perks: $100 spa credit, special welcome amenities, and upgrades as available.

Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort

Tulum’s known for its offbeat vibe, and Be Tulum embodies this spirit effortlessly. It’s a tranquil, eco-conscious paradise with an emphasis on sustainability. Dining on fresh Mexican fare surrounded by greenery and reclaimed wood gives "dining al fresco" a whole new meaning. Spa rituals draw from ancient Mayan techniques, while yoga and meditation make mindfulness the norm, not the exception.

Fora Perks: Daily breakfast, welcome treats, and food and drink perks.

More two-Key hotels to love

I can unlock perks at the majority of these properties. Reach out to learn more.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Casa Chablé
Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende
Casa Polanco
Casa Silencio
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection
Las Alamandas
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
Montage Los Cabos
One&Only Palmilla Resort
Palmaïa-The House of AïA
Playa Viva
Rosewood Mayakoba
Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Zadun, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Additional One-Key Hotels to Savor

Looking for more options that have the Michelin stamp and my seal of approval and special perks? Here’s a taste:

Amomoxtli
Anticavilla Hotel
Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués
Banyan Tree Puebla
BellView Boutique Hotel
Boca de Agua Bacalar
Brick Hotel
Bungalows & Casitas de las Flores in Careyes
Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa
Campos Polanco
Casa 1810 Hotel Boutique
Casa Hormiga
Casa Hoyos - Hotel Boutique
Casa Kimberly
Casona Sforza
Central Hotel Boutique
Chablé Maroma
Colima 71 Art Community Hotel
Decu Downtown
Grana B&B
Hacienda Peña Pobre
Hacienda San Angel
Hotel Bo
Hotel Casa Blanca 7
Hotel Casa Santo Origen
Hotel CIGNO
Hotel Matilda
Hotel San Cristóbal
Hotel San Fernando
Hotel Sureño
Hotel Terrestre
Ignacia Guest House
L'Ôtel - Casa Arca
La Casa que Canta
Las Casas B+B Hotel
Maison Mexique
MILAM
Nima Local House Hotel
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Nomade Holbox
Nueve 25 Hotel Boutique
Octavia Casa
Our Habitas Bacalar
Paradero Todos Santos – Exclusive Experiences
Pug Seal Allan Poe
Pug Seal Anatole France
Pug Seal Oaxaca
Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya
The St. Regis Mexico City
The Wild Oscar
TreeHouse Boutique Hotel
Viceroy Los Cabos
Viceroy Riviera Maya, a Luxury Villa Resort
Villa Santa Cruz
VOLGA
Wakax Hacienda - Cenote & Boutique Hotel
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
Zoa Hotel

No matter your travel style, these hotels are poised to make your Mexican getaway unforgettable. Which one’s calling your name?

My Favorite Michelin Key Hotels in Mexico