You have the coin, you’ve even taken time off. Now the question is where should you go. Well, we have a place for that. If there’s more of a go-to destination than Mexico, no matter where in the world you live, we’re not aware of it. Mexico ticks all the critical boxes that make a good vacation. Lots of sun? Check. Great food? Well, there’s never been a guacamole in a molcajete that didn’t please a crowd. And luxurious places to stay? There is of course a great selection of resorts. But our neighbors to the South have some baller villas. This is the list to put on your radar for your next group trip.
Palmasola, Punta Mita
Palmasola is situated in Punta Mita, a private peninsula about 10 miles from notorious Puerto Vallarta. But with Palmasola, star architect Manolo Mestre (known for clients such as Francis Ford Coppola and the heiress Isabel Goldsmith) has created a truly exclusive experience. The villa spans a whopping 25,000 square feet with eleven structures and nine bedrooms. Accommodations are available for groups of up to 22 people. There’s a 200-foot pool and the beach is just a few steps away. Palmasola has its own executive chef, and there are 15 different dining locations throughout the property. Villa booking rates are $13,000–14,000 dollars a night. In addition, the resort has partnered with the private aviation company XO, in case you feel like being pampered and want to fly in on a private jet. This one is a no brainer.
Tesoro, Punta Mita
Tesoro, also located in Punta Mita, offers up a seven-suite villa that is fully staffed and accommodates eighteen guests. Set on a small hill overlooking the ocean, it boasts a secluded beach, an infinity pool, and a magnificent garden. There’s also an in-house theater, a wine room, a game room, a kids’ room, a yoga studio, and an oceanfront spa. The indoor and outdoor dining options provide an elegant setting for wherever you feel like eating, whether it’s while watching the sunset in an ocean breeze, or having an intimate meal inside. The chef will tailor each meal’s menu to your preferences and dietary needs. Their nightly rate is $12,500 and we can honestly say it is worth it.
La Datcha, Cabo San Lucas
La Datcha is located on the Pacific coast at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Taking inspiration from traditional Mexican haciendas, La Datcha creates an atmosphere that truly immerses you in luxury. This villa accommodates 20 people with space to commingle. Or spend time hidden away with a view all to yourself. La Datcha has its own gym and trainer, in addition to a spa with a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a massage parlor. It even has what is most likely Mexico’s first snow room, always kept at -10 degrees celsius. But it’s the dining table set in the middle of the infinity pool with a centered fireplace that really sells this place. La Datcha is open from October to August with a nightly rate of $30,000–40,000.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Cabo San Lucas
Las Ventanas al Paraíso is a collection of 84 stunning villas and suites also located in Cabo San Lucas. But there is one property here that we are particularly amazed by. The Ty Warner Mansion is a private 28,000-square-foot beachfront property overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Although it is meant to only accommodate up to five people, you can be assured that this means the team there will pay the greatest attention to everyone in your group. The mansion includes artwork, decorations, and textiles all commissioned by Ty Warner himself (the billionaire toy manufacturer). There is an infinity pool, a spa, and huge glass windows that allow indoor and outdoor spaces to overlap. Rates are provided by inquiry only.
Agave Villas
The Agave Villas have multiple locations throughout Mexico, each hand-selected and with an emphasis on superior hospitality. The team believes that its villas are not primarily about privacy, comfort, and personalized service, but more about the memories created. Agave villas can be found in places like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos. and Punta Mita, at rates from $800-18,000 a night. With that kind of range, there are a lot of different options available so it’s up to you to decide what would work best for your group. What we can say is that each of these properties is stunning and worth staying in.
