Hotels in Mexico

Cancun holidays offer all the R&R you want from a beach holiday with an unrivalled clubbing scene. A small city on the Caribbean Sea, in the east of Mexico, it's a hub of fiestas, beach parties and swanky bars, but during the day you’ll find plenty of coconut-white beaches to soak up that tropical sunshine. 

You’re also in a great location for booking a day trip to explore the Mayan Ruins. Set within the Quintana Roo region, Cancun has some of the richest ancient sites nearby, from El Rey to Tulum. 

Beaches

Cancun is a vibrant seaside resort surrounded by the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Once a small fishing town along the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the area has now bloomed into a thriving holiday destination. A 22-kilometre stretch of white beaches weave around the Cancun coastline. Soak up the Caribbean sun on the shore, snorkel in the clear shallow waters, or take a trip out to sea on a glass-bottom boat.

Nightlife

After absorbing the local beach life and ancient history, why not try out some of Cancun’s nighttime entertainment. From beach parties to street carnivals and traditional fiestas, Cancun is packed with party-goers and spectacular shows. Expect acrobats, world-famous DJs, and extravagant entertainment at popular clubs and bars. One of our favourite place to visit in Cancun is Coco Bongo. The lively nights stretch into the morning. Head to Senor Frog for pre-drinks before 10pm.

Cultural hotspots

There are so many things to do in Cancun, but if you only go on one trip out, make it Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. You can wander among the ruins or take a guided tour to learn more about the people who built them. The resorts regularly run day trips down to Tulum too; it's brimming with Mayan history and romance, set amidst a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. 

Shopping

While Mexico is famed for its rich history and ancient ruins, downtown Cancun is very much a 21st-century city, bursting with sleek shopping malls. So, if you fancy flexing your bargain-hunting muscles you’ll find plenty of places to go. Mercado 28 is a great spot for unusual crafts, leather goods and souvenirs, all for sale in a vibrant market. 

Places to go

Punta Cancun

The hotel zone, in Punta Cancun, is perched on a spectacular island, separate from the mainland, and connected by two bridges at the North and South. Here you’ll find luxurious hotels and plenty of places to go snorkelling (head south), or spend lazy days on the white sand beaches. It’s less developed than mainland Cancun, so it’s easier to find a quiet spot for yourself. While the South of Punta Cancun can offer a welcomed slice of tranquillity, a vibrant nightlife can be found in the North, with clubs like Coco Bongo, where Spring Breakers come to party. There are also plenty of day trips leaving the hotel zone, so you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.

Downtown Cancun 

Only a taxi ride away from Punta, head to downtown Cancun for a huge variety of food, upscale shopping, historic buildings and a small set of ancient ruins. Known as the gateway to the Mayan world, you’ll find plenty of day trips on offer too, as well as the best Mexican restaurants, bars and clubs. While neither Punta nor downtown Cancun will disappoint when it comes to scenery and beaches, the mainland is busier, louder and more energetic. The nightlife is also famous for a reason. 

Playa Mujeres 

Just north of lively Cancun, the Playa Mujeres peninsula is a tranquil destination full of charm. Close enough to all the action, but also blissfully remote; you can kick back on quiet white sand beaches one day and take a day trip to Mayan ruins the next. There's also nothing quite like Playa Mujeres holidays for exploring Mexico’s rich marine life. It’s a hotspot for reef snorkelling, diving and swimming with whale sharks. For even more tranquillity, hop aboard the ferry to Isla Mujeres, a man-made floating island. 

Isla Mujeres

A trip to Isla Mujeres Mexico is one of the most popular things to do in Cancun. It's a 15-minute ferry ride away and has peaceful nature reserves where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. For something a little different, consider a trip to Musa, an underwater art museum where you can swim among the sculptures.

Playa Del Carmen

South of Cancun, you'll find a good mix of nightlife and cultural sites in Playa del Carmen. Now one of the trendiest spots in Mexico’s Riviera Maya strip thanks to backpackers, you’ll find spotless beaches and a more authentically Mexican vibe. Take a stroll down the cool Quinta Avenida, aka 5th Avenue, where you’ll find plenty of quirky boutiques, craft stalls and art galleries, including the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Unsure of the best time of the year to visit? Check the weather in Cancun to see which month is right for you.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations in Mexico, including Playacar | Playa del Carmen | Playa Mujeres | Puerto Vallarta | Riviera Maya

Playa Del Carmen is situated on the east side of Mexico’s sun soaked Caribbean coastline. Renowned for its chilled out ambience and mellow way of life the town has become popularised by backpackers arriving at its spotless beaches to ride the Caribbean waves. It’s one of the best surf spots south of Cancun and has a vibrant fun-loving personality that appeals to families, couples, singles and group holidaymakers. Its beach location means you can enjoy days on the sun-lounger or in comfort by the pool side whilst planning your trips to the some of Mexico’s most famous cultural hotspots rich with Mayan history and stunning scenic views.

One of the region’s most popular resorts, its tropical climate attracts sun worshippers to the stunning beaches, complete with powdery, white sand and some of the best diving on the Riviera Maya. An ideal holiday if you want a break complete with buzzing nightlife. You’ll find plenty of bars and clubs and, if you prefer things a little more laid back, some great live music venues. For shopping, the cosmopolitan Quinta Avenida is nearby and provides an exciting mix of boutiques, markets and restaurants.

Things to do

Playa del Carmen’s sun-soaked coast is the heart of the resort, where you can choose the perfect spot on a long stretch of silky white sand or plan a diving excursion out to sea. The water sports available are excellent, or you could charter a catamaran for a more relaxed way to experience the coast. Visitors with a sense of adventure can head out into Playa del Carmen’s lush surroundings for tours in the nearby reserves, famously home to rare species of wildlife. After dark, the buzzing Quinta Avenida becomes a nightlife zone, with an exciting choice of restaurants, bars and clubs to spend the warm evenings in.

Pristine White Beaches

The beaches at Playa del Carmen are comprised of long stretches of pristine white sands, beach clubs, hotels and restaurants. It’s a tranquil area and perfect for families to relax on the beach front with the warm Caribbean waves lapping softly against the shores. Snorkelling and swimming are highly recommended and boat trips can take you further afield into the richer dive spots where you can explore the diverse marine life.

5th Avenue

The Mexican version of the stylish New York neighbourhood is in a league of its own with back to back bars, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and hotels and of course Taco vans on street corners. The strip is a true part of the Mexican personality and is one of the most famous attractions in the Playa Del Carmen region. Nearby you can also find the flea market stalls selling artefacts, handcrafts and souvenirs that can be haggled down to a good price.

Cozumel Island

The beautiful island of Cozumel is one of the world’s best diving destinations with underwater caverns and limestone’s caves filled with multi coloured marine life including angel fish, snappers and damsels. It’s no surprise that this popular snorkelling destination is considered one of the jewels of the Caribbean but that’s not all. The town square is a great place to spend an afternoon and discover some of the best kept secrets of Mayan history.

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If you like the idea of being able to bask on beautiful beaches, explore ancient ruins, and dance at some of the best parties in the Caribbean, check out our impressive range of getaways. Holidays to Riviera Maya are popular with both families and couples, offering plenty of things to see and do, but with a definite emphasis on indulgence. Nightlife is an important part of any holidays to Riviera Maya and, if you enjoy bright lights, stunning stage shows and the best beats, you won’t be disappointed by the nightclubs in the area. However, if you want your holiday to be more laid back and relaxed, you’ll find fine-dining restaurants, quiet bars, and sophisticated lounges, where you can chill out with the rich and famous.

Historic attractions

The nearby jungles are littered with the remains of the Mayan culture. So yes, there really are pyramids and temples hidden away in the undergrowth, so it’s time to unleash your inner Indiana Jones or Lara Croft and head into the wilds. Guided tours take you into the heart of the jungle, or you can head to the coast and visit the impressive 13th century Tulum fortress. This magnificent clifftop citadel towered above the coastline as a warning to the local pirates to stay away, but today it’s much more welcoming and a great place to spend a day exploring. The views are amazing, too.

Entertainment

Riviera Maya holidays are all about having fun, and if you love dancing until the sun comes up then you’re in the right place. Serious clubbers flock to the hotspot of Player del Carmen in January, when the annual BPM Festival keeps everyone jumping and pumping to some serious electronic music. Head here in November and you can chill out to the smooth sounds at the annual Jazz Festival, or celebrate Carnival during February. Riviera Maya is a very family-friendly destination, and there’s plenty of kid’s clubs and entertainment for youngsters, including some amazing experiences to be had at the various Eco theme parks. Check out Xcaret, where a day’s excitement includes swimming in lagoons, meeting the local cheeky monkeys, and exploring a network of underground rivers.

Towns and cities

Riviera Maya’s towns and cities are a great chance to pick up some souvenirs, head to some of Mexico’s best upmarket restaurants, or discover the markets that are full of colour and energy. From local art at the Puerto Morelos art market or the spices and noises of the Tulum Bazaar, shopping in Riviera Maya is a wonderfully exciting experience. In cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Playacar you’ll also get the chance to try authentic Mexican cuisine, explore the bars and clubs, and take a wander around museums and art galleries. It’s a great chance to take a break from all that sunbathing on the beach (well, a short break, at least…)

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While Cancun might be famous for its heady nightlife and kicking club scene, holidays to Playa Mujeres offer a stunning, exclusive, and tranquil retreat from the banging beats. Cancun might only be a bay away, but our Playa Mujeres holidays offer beautiful beaches, superb restaurants, plenty of space, and lots of peace and quiet. Unlike many of the resorts in Cancun, this one wasn’t purpose-built. 

Originally, it was a small fishing village, which has since grown and developed to meet the demands of tourism while still retaining much of its unique charm and quirks. Golfers will be able to keep swinging their five-irons at the excellent Playa Mujeres Golf Club, while those who fancy something a little more connected to nature, there’s the opportunity to explore the stunning undersea world of the nearby coral reefs. 

Just north of Cancun, this seaside resort community lets travellers kick back, relax and enjoy luxury accommodation. With breathtaking views across the Mexican Caribbean, you’ll discover spectacular seas filled with beautiful marine wildlife. Easily accessible from Cancun airport, it’s a great base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond.

Beaches and sports

With stunning bleached white sand dominating the nearby coastlines, every view’s a photo opportunity. With its remote location, Playa Mujeres beach is an oasis of calm, with a private members club vibe. You’ll find a 170-slip inland marina just a short walk away, while the Greg Norman designed golf course boasts lagoon and ocean-front holes for a relaxing few games. Snorkelling, diving and swimming with whale sharks are all popular activities off the shores nearby.

History and culture

Playa Mujeres is close to an important Mayan archaeological site, with an iconic stepped pyramid, columns, temples and sculptures so impressive, you could easily spend a whole day exploring. Fascinating and engaging, you’ll be blown away by evidence of a culture that inhabited these lands some 1,000 years ago. Also close by are the ruins of the ancient walled city of Tulum, in a spectacular location right on the beach overlooking the Caribbean. Here you’ll see some important buildings from a time when Tulum was a significant sea port, including the 7.5m tall El Castillo also known as ‘the lighthouse’.

For adventurous families

Playa Mujeres is a tranquil spot, much loved by couples and now becoming increasingly popular with families too. Kids and adults will love the beach, water sports and boat trips across the bay to Isla Mujeres. And with Cancun nearby, city life Mexican-style can be explored with ease. Take a day trip out to catch a film or a showor get those essential souvenirs in one of the many malls and markets. It’s a great location for trips out to historically significant sites and family-friendly theme parks, where mixing and mingling with wildlife is the order of the day.

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Playacar holidays Ideal for couples or families who want to treat their loved ones to peace, tranquillity, and a slice of the high-life. Playacar might only be a five-minute drive from the buzzing centre of Playa del Carmen, but its location means that the parties, clubs, and bars are far enough away that you’d never know they were there. And when it’s time to put on your party shoes, it’s all virtually on your doorstep, giving you the perfect balance of laid-back and buzzing!

The resort has every convenience you could want, all within walking distance, so there’s no need to ever go into Playa del Carmen if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists and locals. If white-sanded beaches, turquoise waters, and splashes of verdant greenery are more your thing, holidays to Playacar could be just what the doctor ordered!

Of course, there’s no reason to stray far from the sugar-soft sands if you don’t want to. There’s no shortage of sunbathing space here and you can try your hand at water sports, too. But if you do feel like exploring further afield, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You could hit the championship golf course, spend the day at a nature park, or take a trip to an idyllic island.

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Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific coast has it all: history, culture, incredible beaches and a vibrant nightlife that is particularly popular with LGBT travellers.
Puerto Vallarta has dozens of nightclubs, hundreds of restaurants and some of Mexico's best beaches. There are also plenty of amazing shopping opportunities, art galleries and activities on both land and water. The El Malecon boardwalk is the hub of the city with street performers and food stalls; you can even hire a bike and take a tour of the area. 

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From its arcs of white sand and turquoise-blue waters to colourful colonial buildings, rugged inland mountains, and offshore coral reefs, it’s easy to see why holidays in Cuba are so popular. A Cuba holiday not only promises live music, salsa dancing, rum tasting and cocktail drinking, but a chance to explore all the rich history and culture the Caribbean island has on offer too. Whether you choose Varadero’s tourist hub, Guardalavaca’s natural beauty or the captivating city of Havana, Cuba holidays cater for all tastes. 

From lazy mornings on picture-perfect beaches to afternoons browsing Havana’s charming streets, there’s no place quite like Cuba. In the evenings, you’ll feast on traditional chicken, rice and beans before dancing the night away at one of the island’s lively salsa clubs, or sipping on rum cocktails at friendly local bars.

Cuba’s main attraction is the beach. As you step onto the palm-lined white sands, you’ll be transported to a true Caribbean paradise. Sit back by the water and relax with a good book as you soak up some sun. Paddle in the sparkling blue sea, snorkel with exotic marine life in a colourful underwater world, or take a boat ride out to the coral reef to really make the most of the warm water with an unforgettable scuba diving trip.

The island’s appeal goes way beyond its gorgeous coastlines though. In the charming towns and cities, you’ll be transported to times gone by as pristine 1950s convertibles drive past. Queue with the locals for sweet treats at the iconic Coppelia ice cream parlours. Chaotic flea markets and enchanting museums all add to the magic of this unique tropical island as you walk along cobbled streets discovering cultural sights, traditional fiestas and local hidden gems.

For the ultimate in relaxation, Cuba is dotted with great spas where you can enjoy massages and beauty treatments, leaving the stresses of everyday life far behind you. With a little help from the strong Cuban coffee, you’ll feel more and more rejuvenated with every passing day. So find a spot on the beach, grab yourself a cocktail and embrace the unique vibes of this beautiful Caribbean island.

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Jamaican holidays are so varied! One day you’ll discover plunging waterfalls and the Martha Brae River, and the next you’ll be snorkelling in a marine park. Immerse yourself in the Caribbean culture and explore the Blue Mountains, vibrant jungles and golden sandy beaches. In the evening‚ wind down by taking in the stunning views of the tropical ocean or stay up late dancing until dawn to Jamaica’s homegrown reggae music. You’ll soon find this island is full of breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering local dishes and the friendliest people.

Things to do

For dreamy Caribbean views and laidback hours stretched out under the tropical sun, you’re onto a winner with Jamaica. Relax on the sands of Seven Mile Beach and sip fresh fruit cocktails under the fronds of a huge palm tree, soaking up the sounds of the waves, sea birds and, above all, Bob Marley.

Or, for a more exciting tropical exploit, set off up Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios. Making your way right through the gushing water, you’ll need your swimming kit and water shoes rather than walking gear! The climb to the top is one of the most memorable things to do in Jamaica, so it’s a real must for both older families seeking a forever experience and couples looking for a romantic adventure.

Refuel with delicious street foods like spicy jerk chicken, curried goat, and peppered shrimp. Think the kids won’t like the local flavours? Your little globetrotters might just surprise you! Look for family-pleasers such as buttery funchi (polenta), the meat-and-veg sancocho stew, and sweet, coconutty cassava cake for an easy-in starting point.

After your lunch has gone down, why not take a boat trip to Lime Cay for some of the best snorkelling in Jamaica? The beaches on this uninhabited coral island are astonishingly lovely, too. It’s hard to believe Kingston, Jamaica’s bustling capital, is just across the water when you’re chilling in a paradise like this! The mood at Lime Cay’s buzzing at weekends, though, with a youthful party vibe - so go with the flow and get ready to let your hair down.

If top-notch golfing holidays are more your thing, book a round or two at the spectacular Runaway Bay Golf Club, just one of the world-class courses you’ll find in Jamaica. Looking for more challenging sports? Join a 12-hour hike up Blue Mountain Peak via the notoriously steep Jacob’s Ladder; go bobsledding, river rafting, horse riding or surfing; or whizz through the treetops on an exhilarating zipline ride - there are several to choose from, so take your pick!

Where to go

There are tons of sights to fill your holiday to Jamaica - it’s an irresistible place to explore. If it’s spectacular scenery you’re after, head west to Mayfield Falls. Immerse yourself in lush greenery and play in the shallow river with its series of small but beautiful cascades. This knockout highlight is just outside Negril, where you’ll find some of Jamaica’s most popular beaches and buzzing West End nightlife, as well as the legendary Rick’s Cafe. Known for cliff-diving and good times, it’s been voted one of the best bars in the world. It probably goes without saying that Negril is holiday central, so you might well find your dream hotel here. How about a luxe hideaway on the clifftops, or a family paradise on the sands?

There are more crowd-pleasers over in Montego Bay (aka Mobay). From gentle adventures like a leisurely ride on a bamboo raft to posing with Usain Bolt’s statue for an Insta-worthy photo opp, you’re sure to find all sorts of things to do in this cultural melting pot of a resort.

Montego Bay is also home to the infamous Rose Hall Great House. This lovingly restored 18th-century beauty may look stunning but its walls could tell some brutal stories. Visit the museum to learn about the harsh lives of the enslaved Africans who worked the sugar cane plantation, and take the guided tour for spooky tales of Annie Palmer - a supposed White Witch and murderer whose ghost is said to haunt the house. There’s even a night-time option… if you dare!

Fancy bobsledding, ziplining or riding a chairlift through the rainforest? Make your way to Mystic Mountain, one of Jamaica’s biggest and best spots for outdoor adventures. It’s just one of many reasons to visit Ocho Rios, on the north coast. Other top attractions in this popular resort include the all-day beach parties at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, mud buggying at Yaaman Adventure Park and, when you’re ready for some quiet time, the much calmer setting of Turtle River Falls & Gardens.

But if this is all sounding a bit action-packed for you, check out Runaway Bay. Peace, quiet, romance… this is one of the most chilled out resorts on the island. It’s perfect for honeymoons, anniversary breaks and laid-back family escapes. When you’re not playing on the white sands or floating around your hotel’s pool, you could be horse riding on the beach, exploring the subterranean Green Grotto Caves or enjoying the low-key nightlife with a rum punch or two.

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We also have travel guides for top destinations in Jamaica including: Montego Bay | Negril | Ocho Rios | Runaway Bay