Key Takeaways
- The Luxe by ALG Vacations® collection includes only the absolute most luxurious properties within the operator’s selections, with stringent criteria to qualify.
- This year, for 2026, four properties in Mexico have risen to the top of the region’s list as the best of the collection.
- La Casa de la Playa, Nobu Los Cabos, Impression Moxché by Secrets, and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit represent these elevated standards at their best.
The word “luxury” is used quite a bit in the travel space – so much so that for many, it’s become the standard. Today’s traveler, exposed as they are to the wealth of service and world of amenities via real-life experience and social media, have come to expect excellence as the norm. And in high-tourism countries like Mexico, where hotel and resort brands compete to outshine one another, it can be challenging to gauge where the pinnacle of luxury truly lies.
That’s where Luxe by ALG Vacations® comes in handy. We’ve gone to great lengths to analyze what properties across our portfolio meet and, in most cases, exceed what’s typical in world whose standards have been so highly elevated. Our criteria – like the expectations of luxury travelers – is discerning.
The result is a pretty significant list that spans the globe, in destinations from Argentina to Croatia, Indonesia to Japan, and the Seychelles to Thailand. But for those who are seeking the crème de la crème a bit closer to home, in easily accessible Mexico or within the Caribbean, these are the four resorts that have risen to top of mind from the collection this year … and their special exclusive Luxe perks, available only with travel advisors who book them with ALGV.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta
This all-suites resort on Mexico’s West Coast was already one of the gems of the region, but after a recent renovation, this AAA Five Diamond resort is sparkling like never before. Oceanfront luxury now comes with private terraces, Balinese teak furniture, goose-down duvets, Molton Brown toiletries, a bottle of wine or artisanal mezcal, and – as a special Luxe perk for those who book with ALGV advisors – a room upgrade upon arrival if possible, a welcome amenity, personalized letter, and early check-in/check-out when available. Plus, all guests receive a five-minute neck massage when checking in – a much-needed service after airplane travel!
This warm welcome extends to the next generation of travelers to this family-friendly property as well. Velas Vallarta stands out for its services for kids. The kids club has an extended schedule that keeps them entertained until 11 PM if you so desire, after a full day of nature-inspired activities, creative art sessions, cooking classes, treasure hunts, and sports. Young guests are able to have lunch with their new friends at Azul, and relaxing afternoons may include a cozy movie with popcorn and snacks.
Teens are also able to stay out until 11, in a sleek, high-tech space equipped with the latest video games, a dance floor, billiards, and café-style appetizers. The gaming nooks are incredible and immersive, built into the walls, and air hockey and foosball present opportunities to make new friends. Lounge space and a “bar” let them relax with those new friends.
Meanwhile, the Baby Concierge goes above and beyond for new parents. This newer program is complimentary, providing access to baby bathtubs, hammocks, cribs, bottle warmers, strollers, baby carriers, rockers, illuminated mobiles, and even bottle sterilizing service. Additionally, guests are gifted a rattle, teether, bottle, and pacifier to take home with them to remember baby’s first Luxe vacation.
STAY: in the three-bedroom Presidential Suite, if anything for the included 50-minute Grand Velas massage for one. The Forbes five-star spa is well worth the time and solitude, as there are plenty of spaces to enjoy quality time in the nearly 3,900-square-foot suite itself, which is ideal for up to six guests. A generous terrace with bay views or a plunge pool amps up the relaxation factor even more, as does a private bar stocked with wines and liquors. To fully unplug, choose the complimentary Digital Detox program.
La Casa de la Playa, Riviera Maya
One of the most highly awarded newcomers to the Riviera Maya, this ultra-luxury boutique resort is favorite among those in the know. It’s earned Five Diamond status with AAA and five stars by Forbes Travel Guide, and was recently named the #1 resort in Mexico by the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, among a long list of honors from within the industry and travelers.
Owned by the same group who dreamed up Hoteles Xcaret Mexico and Xcaret Arte as well as all of the parks in the region with that signature X in the name (e.g. Xoximilco, Xenses, etc.), La Casa de la Playa is the crown jewel of the collection. It’s set apart by its Exclusively Your Way philosophy, which includes haute cuisine and access to all of the restaurants in the resort collection and all of the parks’ private airport transfers; the Muluk Spa hydrotherapy ritual; and special tailor-made experiences at the hotel and parks. For instance, guests here are welcome to take a backstage tour before dinner at the Gran Tlachco dinner, dine at a cenote with live jazz accompaniment, on an islet of a Mayan village, or a classic dinner on the beach. Inside La Casa is a 24/7 chocolateria, library, wine cellar, and bar. And all of that is just the beginning.
STAY: in the Presidential Suite. This oceanfront category can accommodate up to six, and unique amenities include a jellyfish habitat, stunning stone tub, sprawling terrace, kitchen area, one and a half bathrooms, a private pool, and hammock in addition to the usual luxury trappings.
For a detailed overview, check out our feature here.
Nobu Los Cabos, Los Cabos
As one can imagine, unforgettable dining is a key focus at this resort under internationally renowned celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s name. The flagship restaurant is his signature concept – high-end Japanese fusion with Peruvian and Mexican touches in a design-forward immersive setting that puts it miles above any expectation of a hotel restaurant. Open to guests outside of the property, Nobu is a dining destination for visitors from around the world to the Los Cabos area, lured by promises of miso-enhanced black cod, toro tartare with caviar, Chilean sea bass with yuzu kosho, A5 wagyu from Kyushu by the ounce or in gyoza, and more.
Of course, that’s only one of the restaurant options on this serene but spectacular property. A wood-fired steakhouse, contemporary Mexican restaurant, Mediterranean-Mexican Pacific-themed spot, and several bars and cafés continue to make eating there a pleasure.
A remarkable spa is another destination feature of this resort, designed with the same attention to detail and soothing Japanese aesthetic principles that define the brand. Use your $100 resort credit (an exclusive Luxe amenity) toward a day at the enormous Escencia Wellness Spa. It has 13 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy, steamroom, sauna, experiential water features, and a scale that will take your breath away even as it gives it back to you better. Expect personalized service there and throughout the property, as defined by the principle of omotenashi hospitality, which emphasizes anticipatory care, including a special welcome amenity for Luxe advisor bookings. No wonder, then, that Nobu Los Cabos is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
STAY: in the Nobu Suite Oceanfront, which boasts dramatic 15-foot ceilings, an open chef’s kitchen, separate living area, full dining area, game area, wet bar, and a private terrace that overlooks the grounds, main pool, and the Pacific Ocean. Details like a spa bathroom with dark wood, river-rock walls, handcrafted décor from local artisans, Onsen teak soaking bathtubs, and open rainfall showers make each one a peaceful retreat. Connect this with a Junior Suite or a Deluxe Room with two double beds for even more space, or just book a multi-bedroom Residence, some of which can accommodate as many as 14. The over 2,000-square-foot Asahi is a favorite, accented with millwork details, handcrafted curniture, local artwork, and an indoor-outdoor floorplan with two bedrooms and two bathrooms that lead into a private terrace with a barbecue, a full kitchen, dining room, living room, and views of Japanese gardens, Baja California landscape, or the golf course.
Impression Moxché by Secrets, Riviera Maya
The first of its brand, Impression by Secrets, this awe-inspiring AAA Five Diamond award-winning resort has actively elevated any expectation of a large-scale all-inclusive resort. It offers access to adjoining Secrets® Moxché Playa del Carmen – a showstopper in and of itself – for a total of 14 unique dining venues, including its own exclusive beach club, rooftop, and author’s signature restaurants. The latter, Teodoro, is a world-class evening, with a rotating menu that allows chefs to create ever-changing experiences. For example, the Tamal de Lluvia in the fall, allows rain to take center stage by featuring mushrooms, escamoles, and other special seasonal ingredients. Best yet, those who stay in Master Suites or above for five nights or more are able to dine here complimentarily.
Back on the roof, El Cielo offers full 360-degree views of Cancun and the Caribbean Sea, from two pools as well as the bar and restaurant. The infinity pool is a particular favorite with fully unobstructed views. The beach club offers yet another pool and restaurant, as well as premier beach access.
But let’s not forget awards aren’t won by amenities alone. This resort aces service, from thrice daily maid service, twice daily refreshed in-suite mini-bar, complimentary laundry service, check-in and check-out times at guest convenience, 24-hour in-suite dining, a complimentary 20-minute wellness experience, and butler service by professionals who have been extensively trained in their art.
STAY: in the Two-Story Penthouse Suite Oceanfront category, which has a lavish two-story living room, kitchenette, furnished terrace with plunge pool, bathroom with both a rain shower and soaking tub, and of course, ocean views. If nothing but the best will do, splurge on the 6,000-square-foot Presidential Villa Beachfront, which is furnished with two king-sized beds, desks, walk-in closets, a large living room with a 70-inch Smart TV, dining room for eight, full refrigerator replenished daily with beverages, and direct pool access for ground floor units. It’s absolutely incredible with its indoor-outdoor format, organic building materials, and spacious seating.
