Our team has travelled extensively around Mexico and from our experience, Mexico is one of the top vacation destinations in the world. This vast nation, home to some of the most divine sandy beaches, has a stunning climate and a colorful personality, and let's not forget the food! Luxuriating in one of our Mexico villas with a personal chef, taking in the views across the Pacific Ocean or the Caribbean Sea, you will quickly understand why this historic nation has wooed and welcomed the discerning traveler for generations. Our skilled concierge team have endless local connections to maximize your Mexican vacation. We provide a host of experiences to curate your dream itinerary.
Our clients love that a long list of celebrities have established luxurious homes along the 6,000 miles of stunning coastline. But you don't need to have an Oscar, or a Grammy tucked away to indulge in the lifestyle. With the help of our talented sales team, you can choose one of our glorious villas in Mexico and establish the perfect base for a deep dive into this laid-back and welcoming country's history, oceans, and culture. Our villa experts are familiar with every luxurious property in our portfolio.
"This is the third consecutive year that Exceptional Villas has taken care of our vacation needs. Their service and excellent communication are outstanding. I will be amiss if I fail to mention Paul and Julie with whom it is a pleasure to deal. Efficient, courteous and genuinely ready to see that all our needs are met. Impeccable!"
Paul & Julie USA via Trustpilot
"The staff at Exceptional Villas was terrific, especially Paul! They answered all our questions, arranged a beautiful villa for us, and arranged a number of fabulous excursions. I highly recommend them."
Lisa USA via Trustpilot
"Noreen and her team have been extraordinarily helpful in booking Villa Mirasol in Playa Del Carmen. She is extremely responsive, and made the whole process a breeze!"
Matthew USA via Trustpilot
Our team of experts understand that Mexico is best known for the easy combination of spectacular beach vacations and a laid-back, welcoming vibe. The weather certainly lends a hand; you can enjoy great weather for daytime activities or evening strolls through some of the loveliest resort towns. Added to all of this, you'll love the food that our global concierge team can arrange for you. Fresh seafood is a crucial feature of menus on both coastlines. Delicious fruits and vegetables produced locally add to the mix. But it doesn't have to be all heat and fire; many dishes suit a more conservative palate.
Our trustworthy Villa Experts have put together some helpful Mexico planning tips to assist you.
Tap water in Mexico isn't safe. Our team recommends using filtered water for cooking, drinking, and brushing your teeth. Boiling water before use makes it safe but if in doubt, use bottled water.
It's a good idea to hold onto your US dollars if a merchant's exchange rate is 21 pesos or fewer to the dollar. Use ATMs to withdraw local currency, as some family-run restaurants or shops won't accept credit cards. Our expert advice recommends to have Pesos available for tipping.
Although tipping isn't mandatory in Mexico, it is customary. For example, a rate of around 15% in restaurants is usual. It is also common practice to tip taxi drivers, bellhops, and parking lot guardians in supermarkets.
Check your roaming charges with your mobile service provider before you travel. If you are using landlines in a Resort Hotel, check the phone rates for calls to the US or Europe, as the tariffs can be high.
English is the most used language in Mexico after Spanish and its other indigenous languages, however, if you want to be considered courteous, you might learn some basic Spanish terms, e.g., how to say hello and to express please and thank you. Once you get away from the main resort towns, many Mexicans do not speak or understand English. Google Translate, the Say Hi app, or a simple phrasebook will help you get by.
If you travel from the US, you won't need an adaptor in Mexico because the electrical outlets and voltage are similar. However, if you travel from Europe, you need to bring an adaptor, and we recommend voltage converters for expensive electronic equipment like phones, laptops, and tablets.
Our team has a deep understanding of all the best places in Mexico. The nicest part of Mexico to visit will be dependent on what type of vacation you want. For instance, if you want lively nightlife coupled with glamour, Cabo will tick many of your boxes. On the other hand, one of the Mexico luxury villas around Puerta Vallarta or Punta Mita might be ideal for fun family vacations.
Finally, for day trips that include some of the most famous Mayan sites and casual chic nightlife, the Riviera Maya could be the perfect place to establish your base of operations. All of these locations have one thing in common: beaches. Long sweeps of sandy perfection stretched out against aquamarine waters.
There are also plenty of Mexcian Cities to Visit.
The safest place to vacation in Mexico is in major tourist centers or their environs. You can still enjoy the space and privacy of one of the beautiful Mexican villas without sacrificing a sense of safety. The basic rules of travel to any vacation destination apply. Use regulated taxi services, don't walk alone at night, and stay on the beaten track.
Based on our 30 years of experience in the villa rental business, the best places to visit in Mexico include Cancun, Cabo, Tulum, and Punta Mita. However, for travelers interested in dialing back the party vibe, you can travel south of Cancun to explore the majestic Riviera Maya.
This region comprises some of the prettiest beaches, villages, and towns that sweep along the Caribbean coastline, and our Riviera Maya Villas are amongst the best in the world. This stretch of bliss starts 20 miles south of Cancun at Puerto Morelos and includes Playa del Carmen, Soliman Bay, and Tulum ending at Punta Allen. It covers about 80 miles.
Mexico is also one of our best January Vacation Spots.
CABO
The term Cabo includes a vacation to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and the Corridor that runs between them. Both are on the Baja California peninsula but have different personalities. Cabo San Lucas is located at the southern tip of the Peninsula, while San Jose Del Cabo is in the northeast.
Some of the Cabo villas beach resort properties are in either location or spread across the Corridor – the stretch of highway – that links the two centers. So, if you were wondering which of the Cabo villas will suit you best, it's good to know the personalities of both locations.
Cabo San Lucas is a bustling cruise port with restaurants. In addition, there are many clubs and nightspots and a stunning marina. For celebrities who like to maintain a presence on social media, this is where you'll find Cabo villas beach resort & spa properties that will appeal to you.
By contrast, San Jose del Cabo is a smaller and more traditional Mexican town with a historical past. You will enjoy the lovely ancient architecture and the famous Thursday Art Walk. These are just some of the aspects of this Town that attract visitors who like to stroll and enjoy a quieter pace. Check out some of our villas del Cabo, for a gentler vacation.
Some of our favorite Cabo Villas include La Datcha Villa Cabo, Esperanza and Casa Edwards Two.
Villas to rent in Puerto Vallarta are a firm favorite with families as this destination was one of the first towns that attracted travelers to Mexico. Nestled in the more serene Banderas Bay, the town is well-established, and guests can enjoy a variety of restaurants and shopping or take a stroll through the Zona Romantica.
For something a little different, if you stay in one of the Puerto Vallarta villas from June to September, you can experience a Turtle Release. But you won't need to book a formal tour. For instance, Playa Holi does many such releases so you can witness a unique natural phenomenon as these tiny little creatures instinctively race to the ocean to begin their aquatic lives.
Some of our favorite villas in Puerto Vallarta include Villa Bahia, Villa Kismet and Casa Yvonekka.
Just north of Puerto Vallarta is another gorgeous destination on Mexico's Pacific coastline. Gorgeous high-end resorts like the Punta Mita villas Four Seasons have exclusive access to two beautiful beaches. Fine dining is a crucial feature of life when you stay at any of the villas in Punta Mita.
However, although the prices might seem a little steep by comparison with some of the other restaurant offerings outside of Punta Mita, the rates are still well below what you might expect to pay in Los Angeles or London.
Another enjoyable aspect of staying at any of the Four Seasons Punta Mita villas is the access to world-class golf. The Tail of the Whale links course is a bucket-list course for any keen golfer. You will also be delighted to find spa service, tennis, pools, and amenities for kids within this gorgeous resort.
Some of our favorite villas in Punta Mita include Cas Tau, Palmasola, and Casa Koko.
The majestic beach Playa Delfines has become the epicenter for a vacation in Cancun. The shallow waters lapping the white sands of this beach are home to some of the most beautiful luxury villas in Cancun Mexico, as well as resorts and hotels. So, if you are keen on a lively beach vacation with pulsating party nightlife, Cancun will delight you.
Some of our favorite Villas in Cancun include Villa Sha, Villa Punta Sam and Casa Marazul.
Located close to the starting point of the mesmerizing Riviera Maya, this is a resort town that has some of the loveliest luxury villas Mexico has to offer. Self-contained properties overlooking pristine beaches are all part of the offering of a vacation here.
At the most southerly tip of the famed Riviera Maya is Tulum. This small Town, on the Caribbean coast, has evolved from a sleepy fishing village and is the destination of choice for travelers who want a chic vacation without any of the glitz of Cabo. Luxury villas in Tulum Mexico are fast becoming the go-to for wellness enthusiasts who want to experience the unspoiled face of Mexico.
Mexico is famous for its white sand beaches. Classic examples are Playa Paraiso which is home to some of the luxury villas in Tulum Mexico. Parque Fundadores in Playa del Carmen. Conchas Chinas Beach in Puerto Vallarta. Medano Beach or Lovers Beach in Cabo.
The Four Seasons villas Punta Mita have the beaches of Cuevas and Manzanilla on their doorstep. Separately, El Anclote Beach is another Punta Mita favorite. You will find over 500 beaches spread across four bodies of water: the Pacific, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Sea of Cortez.
With over 500 beaches to choose from, you can find idyllic coves sprinkled with swaying palms. Interest rock formations can add another dimension to a beach too. Of course, it's impossible to quantify what makes a beach pretty, but if you've chosen one of the Mexican beach villas that open out onto a peaceful stretch of heaven, you'll think you've answered this question perfectly.
You'll have plenty to choose from if you are looking for the clearest water in Mexico. The Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea have some of the best diving and snorkeling. A vacation in any luxury villas in Mexico can include some aquatic adventures.
Some beautiful properties around Punta Mita and Tulum have beach toys like paddleboards, snorkels, and canoes to allow guests to explore the coastline.
If you are keen on something more organized, many reputable dive tours depart Puerta Vallarta, located in the calm Banderas Bay, taking in the splendor of the nearby Marietas Islands. If you are staying at one of our villas for rent in Puerto Vallarta, let EV concierge arrange a day trip for you.
Cabo San Lucas's Marine Park is famous for its water quality. A dive tour here or along the famous Corridor with its 300ft wall drop is noteworthy. Humpbacked whales migrate along the Pacific coastline, so if you time your visit, you can see these magnificent mammals in all their glory.
American Airlines, United, Aeromexico, Qatar Airways, Delta, Alaska Airlines, Volaris, Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Garuda Indonesia, El Al Israel, TUI, Nordic, and Iberia. US carriers like Dynamic Airways, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit, Sun Country, and VivaAerobus, and Aeromar offer services too.
The main airports for vacation destinations in Mexico are San Jose del Cabo, Puerta Vallarta International Airport, and Cancun International Airport. In addition, a new airport is under construction in Tulum, scheduled to open in 2023. There are many flight connections via Mexico City as well.
Yes, you can fly direct from the UK to Mexico with British Airways offering a non-stop service from Gatwick to Cancun.
The non-stop service from Gatwick to Cancun takes 11 hours.
August, September, and October are the months you might wish to avoid Mexico as this is hurricane season and the rainfall increases.
May to September is considered the rainy season. The showers arrive in the afternoon and are quick and soon forgotten. Official hurricane season in Mexico runs from August to October and is when travel rates decrease considerably.
Visit Tulum between late October to mid-December if you want idyllic weather without the full-on vacation crowds. Christmas through to March is another excellent period to visit Tulum, as any hurricane activity will have passed but the resort towns will get busier.
Likewise, Puerta Vallarta, Punta Mita, and Cabo along the Pacific coast are a firm favorite for travelers from late October through to June. Book early to secure any luxury villas in Mexico most appealing to you.
The best currency to use in Mexico is the Mexican Peso. You can pick this up at any of the ATMs. Both US and Canadian Dollars are generally accepted, as are major credit cards at major hotels.
As a quick and rough conversion guide, USD$5 is the equivalent of 100 Mexican pesos.
Yes. You will find both US and Canadian Dollars accepted in many of the Resort towns.
If you are staying in one of the luxury villas in Mexico outside any of the main resort towns, renting a car in Mexico is a good idea. You'll find a 4x4 vehicle will allow you to explore the region as well as complete practical tasks like going grocery shopping.
For dining out, booking a trusted taxi service can make sense. Let our Concierge Team recommend a local service that operates to any luxury Mexico villas you might choose. This way, you can enjoy a relaxing dinner and drinks, knowing that your driver will safely transfers you and your family to and from your home.
It is safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico. However, we recommend using common sense as you navigate around this country. Stick to the main thoroughfares. Understand the local laws around speed limits, drink-driving rules, and general traffic etiquette. Plan your car trips well, take plenty of water, and don't overestimate your ability to cover long distances.
Will you need a car in Mexico depends on your vacation location. If you are staying at some of the luxurious Mexican villas for rent within large private resorts, you might have everything you want within a very short distance.
Using regulated taxis or even walking might be the easiest solution. On the other hand, if you are in a Mexican luxury villa outside the main resort towns, using a 4x4 vehicle will allow you to explore the region, do some sightseeing, and visit beaches other than the one immediately outside your door. The EV sales team will give you the best guidance on whether a car will enhance your memorable Mexico getaway.
Mexico is big. It's the fifth largest country in the Americas and 14th worldwide.
At almost 760,000 sqm or almost 2m sq km, it's big.
The documents you will need to travel to Mexico are a valid passport, proof of a return ticket, and an FMM Tourist Card. To obtain the FMM, you should fill in the FMM form online, print it, and present it for stamping on arrival in Mexico. Retain your FMM throughout your vacation, as you will need to present it on departure.
Up to 70 countries do not require formal visas to enter Mexico. However, we recommend you check whether you are exempt.
For more information on Places to Visit without a Passport, click here.
What is interesting about Mexico is that it is home to the largest pyramid in the world.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is almost twice the size of the Great Pyramid in Egypt. That's impressive. If you are staying along the Riviera Maya, you can visit Chichen Itza or Coba for equally dramatic archaeological sites.
Another interesting fact is that Spanish is only one of 69 languages spoken in Mexico.
Mexico got its name from the Aztecs. It combines three words and loosely translates as The Place in the Center of the Moon.
There is much that is unique about Mexico. This ancient country evolved from its pre-Columbian roots, through the Spanish influences, into modern-day Mexico. Altogether, it is unforgettable.
Food - Authentic Mexican cuisine is a world away from the watered-down versions we enjoy back home. It is a blend of spice and heat. As well, you will find locally produced chocolate blended into some delicious savory dishes.
Drink - Tequila, beer, and coffee are some beverages you can enjoy during your visit. There are many varieties of tequila to sample and a holiday to Mexico just wouldn’t be complete without the ubiquitous Margarita cocktail.
Swimming in a cenote or giant limestone sinkholes is another one of those unique Mexican experiences. Located close to some of the divine Tulum Mexico villas are the beautiful El Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera, which are worth a visit.
The things to do in Mexico begin and end with a gorgeous beach. Miles of white sands, waters teaming with diverse marine life, whale watching, surfing, swimming, and all things aquatic are vital to a memorable Mexican vacation.
On those days when you want to come ashore, the historical sites of Chichen Itza and Coba are mind-boggling. Mayan pyramids, ancient monuments steeped in a secret history that we are still only unlocking, are fantastic day trips for all ages.
Experience the fun of a fiesta. If your visit corresponds with some of the biggest days in the Mexican calendar, you will enjoy getting swept up in the traditions of this unique nation.
A vacation in Mexico is unforgettable. The sublime beaches, the extraordinary history, the food, and the culture combine to create an experience like no other. The expert knowledge of Exceptional Villas will allow us to guide you to the perfect location within this vast country. Not only can EV simplify your decision about where to stay, but we can highlight the stunning villas that will perfectly suit your vacation experience.
So, whether you are a family, a young couple, honeymooners, babymoons, or a group looking for a party, we can place you in a dream property where your magical Mexican vacation will unfold.
Paul is our villa expert for Mexico, and he is also responsible for all our Italian Villas. Aoife works alongside Paul and has been to all our properties in Mexico. Aoife is very familiar with many of our properties, including our Villas in Turks and Caicos, Barbados Villas and our Hawaii Villas.
Our expert Concierge Team's local knowledge is another reason booking your beautiful villa with EV makes sense. So, if you want to encapsulate Mexico's genuinely laid-back vibe, let us do all of the pre-planning so you can arrive and unwind.