While NIZUC may be Mexico’s highest-profile resort newcomer this season, it’s hardly alone. Across the nation, a trio of additional exclusive — and exotic — properties are now wooing stylish sybarites.
Hotel Escondido
Set directly on the beach in the Oaxacan surf town of Porto Escondido, Hotel Escondido is the latest retreat from Grupo Habita — the team behind West Chelsea’s stylish Hotel Americano. The property may house only 16 palapa-style bungalows, but each is smack in the surf and includes its own pool. There’s a bijoux spa, 50-meter swimming pool, simple seafood-focused restaurant and even a secluded, underground after-hours lounge.
Imanta resort
Just 40 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport, Imanta Resort in Punta de Mita is a world away from the area’s notorious cruise-ship crowds. This stunning cliffside retreat — a Relais & Châteaux property and favorite of press-shy celebs — features 12 sprawling casas accented by private gardens and secluded plunge pools and fortress-like architecture. Built almost entirely of native boulders and local Parota and Cumaru hardwoods , it’s all set on a serene slice of beach shared with little more than passing whales.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso
This long-time Hollywood favorite ups the über-luxury quotient with the spring debut of its massive 22,000-square-foot Master Villa. Along with its impeccably designed living quarters and splendid private gardens, the villa — which runs a cool $30,000 per night — features its own 80-foot infinity-edge swimming pool, which is larger than its counterpart at the resort itself. Also included: a custom-designed fireworks display and an in-suite live band. Want something more modest? Las Ventanas has also debuted 12 new 4,500-square-foot villas with equally panoramic Sea of Cortez views.