For some, the concept of spring break may evoke images of rowdy college students partying all night. But the idea of a spring escape to a beautiful, sun-soaked destination appeals to a much wider variety of travelers — especially in Mexico, where hoteliers are adept at creating environments to please diverse tastes.
This year will likely be a strong year for spring vacation bookings, according to multiple sources. Spring break bookings are already up 7% from last year, according to Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner, as quoted in a recent Forbes interview.
Whether it’s a family vacation or a romantic couples getaway — or even the stereotypical party-filled spring break — Mexico provides lots of possibilities. Here are a few places to celebrate the arrival of spring in Mexico.
Family-Friendly Spring Break Options
Spring break is an ideal time for parents and kids to enjoy quality time in Mexico, and all-inclusive resorts are an especially attractive choice for many families since they provide a convenient way to keep activity agendas and stomachs full — and budgets in check.
Among the newest all-inclusive options on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, a 540-room resort with multiple pools, activity clubs for children and teens and a kids pool, as well as activities including Mayan pottery workshops, merengue dance lessons and (for the grown-ups) mezcal tastings.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, which opened in 2022, is a family-friendly option that features teens’ and kids’ clubs.
Credit: 2024 Hilton Hotels & ResortsJust a few minutes away, meanwhile, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All Inclusive Spa Resort, offers a variety of celebrated dining venues, as well as a Coral Kidz Club that offers an array of children’s activities.
Just south of Cancun is Sensira Resort & Spa, where families can make use of amenities and features such as a tennis court, movie theater, miniature golf course, zipline, rock-climbing wall and three swimming pools (one of which is adults-only).
Farther south, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a top family-friendly luxury choice; it’s home to eight restaurants and bars, as well as a spa for the grown-ups and the Ranger’s Club for children. Nearby is Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, which opened in 2022 and stages activities such as beach movie nights and silent disco parties. There are also teens and kids clubs, and adults can indulge at Conrad Spa.
On the Pacific coast, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is also well-equipped to handle families, with seven swimming pools, a teen center and a Kids for All Seasons program. Also in Los Cabos is Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos, which has eight swimming pools, a kids club and an adults-only rooftop with an infinity pool.
In the Riviera Nayarit, Conrad Punta de Mita satisfies adults and children alike with its four restaurants, 10,000-square-foot spa and activities that include ziplining, sailing and surfing. A bit farther south, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has a kids club for ages 4 to 12, and those staying for four or more nights are eligible to book Family Fun Packages, which include a 25% discount on room rates, daily breakfast for two adults and two children and other amenities. Finally, in the state of Oaxaca, Las Brisas Huatulco stages free nightly entertainment and provides access to four beaches, 11 tennis courts (four of which are lined for pickleball), three squash courts and other features.
Romantic Spring Break Ideas for Couples
The warmer weather also provides fresh opportunities for couples looking to turn up the romance in Mexico.
In the Riviera Maya, for example, couples can check into one of 41 villas at the adults-only Viceroy Riviera Maya and join a Temazcal healing ceremony. Nearby, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers a recently revamped, adults-only section called Heaven, with new swim-up rooms and three new restaurants. Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Kaan also provides an adults-only setting, complete with four pools, a beach club and multiple restaurants and bars.
On the Pacific coast, W Punta de Mita offers romantic experiences such as Mayan cacao ceremonies and tequila tastings, while the adults-only Paradisus Los Cabos, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, offers the brand’s Destination Inclusive program, which provides access to attractions and experiences in the surrounding destination as part of the room rate.
Hard Rock Hotel Eden Pool is part of the hotel’s revamped Heaven section.
Credit: 2024 Hard Rock Hotel Eden PoolSpring Break in the City
Most people associate spring break in Mexico with beaches, but there’s no reason not to consider vacationing in one of the nation’s fascinating cities. In Mexico City, Las Alcobas provides a sumptuous, boutique-style setting for a getaway in the upscale neighborhood of Polanco, while the new Volga, an adults-only member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers a decidedly design-conscious vibe near the legendary Paseo de la Reforma boulevard.
In the city of Puebla, meanwhile, Banyan Tree Puebla offers experiences that work well for couples, with options that range from Mexican wine tasting and chef-led cooking classes to mixology lessons and handcrafted beer tasting.
Spring Break for Partygoers
College-age spring breakers can still find lots to love about spring break in Mexico. They’re more likely to stay at less expensive all-inclusive properties on Mexico’s coasts, and companies such as StudentCity promote spring break packages in destinations including Cancun (where Grand Oasis Cancun is the “headquarters resort,” and other hotel options include two Krystal properties and Aloft Cancun) and Cabo San Lucas (where host hotels include Hotel Riu Santa Fe, Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort & Spa and Tesoro Los Cabos).
