From pristine palm-shaded beaches to heaving city streets; wildlife-rich jungles to pastel-coloured colonial towns – Mexico truly has it all. That makes the decision of choosing where exactly to stay all the more difficult. But fear not – we've pulled together an edit of three stylish design-led hotels that showcase Mexico at its best. Whether you're looking to reconnect with nature or soak up the heady energy of the city, we know just the places...
3 of the best design-led hotels in Mexico
Círculo Mexicano, Mexico City
Situated in Centro Histórico, the buzzy heart of Mexico City, Círculo Mexicano is a cultural haven that captures the essence of its surroundings through design. Drawing inspiration from the Shaker movement, architecture studio Ambrosi Etchegaray transformed a 19th-century townhouse into a minimalist retreat characterised by simple, unfussy interiors. The 18 guest rooms and seven suites are furnished in custom oak pieces by the Mexico City-based furniture design studio La Metropolitana, while Oaxacan textiles and weaved palm feature throughout the property and reference local design heritage.
Papaya Playa Project, Tulum
If you're in need of rejuvenation and inspiration, look no further than Papaya Playa Project, a barefoot luxury camp with an urban spirit that's situated on a pristine 900-metre stretch of the Mayan Riviera. With low-key, beachy interiors characterised by natural wood, stone walls and subtle bursts of colour, the rooms (located in ecologically-built thatch-roofed cabañas) are designed to make you feel at one with your surroundings. Spend your time taking part in beachside yoga sessions, dancing the night away to top DJs at full-moon parties or simply taking in the sounds of the waves crashing as you swing gently in a hammock.
Baja Club, La Paz
Located on a seafront promenade on the coastal boardwalk of the historic centre of La Paz, in Baja California, Baja Club is the perfect base for sun-chasers and adventure-lovers alike. Drawing inspiration from the house of renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragán, architecture firm Max von Werz Arquitectos combined a 1910 mission-style villa with a new five-story extension with a spa and rooftop bar for a colonial-meets-contemporary vibe. The villa’s original high ceilings, wood beams, and chandelier have been maintained and given new life with a fresh colour palette in the same green and red hues common to Mexican earthenware, old metals and woods, and woven materials.
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