The latest Travel + Leisure magazine trends survey has just been released, and it’s a moment of celebration for Mexico as the country has truly shone on the global stage. Five Mexican cities secured spots on the prestigious Top 25 cities in the world list, with Oaxaca city stealing the spotlight and claiming the coveted No. 1 position. In addition to this incredible feat, Mexico also earned recognition for having eight of the world’s finest hotels and for being crowned the world’s No. 4 spa destination.
Unsurprisingly, Travel + Leisure‘s readers were also unanimous in their choice, declaring Mexico as their “favorite country in the world.” Let’s explore five major wins that led to Mexico’s resounding success in this year’s World’s Best Awards.
1. Oaxaca Named World’s Best City
The survey revealed that travelers are now seeking immersive cultural experiences in large and mid-size cities, making Oaxaca city an obvious contender. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mexico’s cultural hubs, Oaxaca dazzled voters with its rich tapestry of historical monuments, vibrant street markets, stunning churches, contemporary art galleries, captivating street art and charming plazas. Additionally, the city has earned the title of a “foodies’ mecca,” thanks to its award-winning restaurants such as Criollo, helmed by the talented Chef Enrique Olvera, and top-notch accommodations like Escondido Oaxaca and Hotel Sin Nombre.
Surpassing all expectations, Mexico boasted an unprecedented presence on the Top 25 cities list, with five cities making it to the prestigious ranking. Furthermore, two of Mexico’s cities secured spots in the Top 5, while no other country achieved such a remarkable feat. Japan followed with three cities, and Italy, Thailand, and Portugal each claimed two spots. Apart from Oaxaca, other Mexican cities that made the list were San Miguel de Allende (No. 5), Mexico City (No. 6), Mérida (No. 16) and Guadalajara (No. 23).
2. San Miguel de Allende Dominates in Best Mexico Hotels
When it came to Travel + Leisure‘s favorite city hotels, the charming city of San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato stole the limelight, with its Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot. This accolade topped last year’s winner, the hacienda-style Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, which gracefully settled for the No. 2 position this year.
Casa de Sierra Nevada emerged as a clear winner, impressing guests with its exceptional service and immersive local experiences. The colonial property, consisting of four mansions dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is ideally located in San Miguel de Allende’s historic center, offering easy access to the picturesque Jardín Allende and Parque Benito Juárez. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture through activities, like cooking classes, craft workshops with resident artists and horseback rides in the countryside. The hotel’s cocktail bar provides a breathtaking view of the city’s rose-hued rooftops at sunset, and the adjacent Restaurante del Parque offers delightful live music and exquisite dining experiences.
Even though Rosewood San Miguel de Allende slipped in the rankings, it continued to receive rave reviews from readers. Noteworthy features, including the rooftop tapas bar, Luna, with its enchanting sunset views and the renowned Sunday brunch played a key role in maintaining its position in the Top 5.
3. Baja California’s Spa Haven
Amidst a world recovering from a global pandemic, the trend of traveling for self-care has surged. In this context, Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Baja California, garnered significant attention and secured the esteemed No. 4 position as the world’s best spa destination. The personalized wellness experiences offered amidst the mountains of Baja California left visitors feeling rejuvenated and cared for. The range of activities available, such as craft workshops and cooking classes teaching healthy recipes, added to the appeal of this tranquil sanctuary.
4. Mexico’s Unmatched Presence in the World’s 100 Best Hotels
The list of the world’s 100 Best Hotels, spanning over 30 countries and five continents, included a staggering eight hotels from Mexico. This remarkable feat placed Mexico second only to Italy, which claimed nine spots. These distinguished Mexican hotels, offering diverse experiences ranging from city resorts to beachfront retreats, garnered rave reviews from Travel + Leisure‘s discerning readers.
Here are the eight hotels in Mexico that made it to the prestigious list:
- Hotel Xcaret Arte: Playa del Carmen, Yucatán (No. 4)
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur (No. 41)
- Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato (No. 51)
- Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort: San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur (No. 55)
- Grand Velas Riviera Maya: Playa del Carmen, Yucatán (No. 75)
- Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection: Punta Maroma, Quintana Roo (No. 78)
- Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur (No. 83)
- One & Only Palmilla: San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur (No. 91)
Read all about Travel + Leisure‘s annual World’s Best Awards here.
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