By Isoul Harris
Mexico City
The capital city of Mexico is a global cultural hub. Museo Jumex houses the largest private contemporary art collection in Latin America—from Orozco to Warhol—and the $70 million Museo Soumaya features a top floor full of Auguste Rodin sculptures. Gabriela Camara and Pablo Bueno present unique Baja California-inspired surf and turf small plates at MeroToro in the fashionable Colonia Condesa nabe and famed chef Enrique Olvera’s Pujol, is not only widely considered the country’s best restaurant, with Olvera’s unique spin on traditional Mexican fare, but since its inception in 2000, it has maintained a top-20 status on just about every notable world food list. Also upending the unexpected: the St. Regis Hotel Mexico City with its contemporary art and high-end, modern decor. The impeccable condo-sized suites discourage venturing outside into the D.F. (Distrito Federal, as the city is also known), and the premium seafood and sirloin at Michelin starred chef Jean-Georges’s J&G Grill, one of the hotel’s three restos, is on par with any other eatery in this city of boundless culinary choices.
Huatulco
Seasoned travelers refer to Huatulco as Mexico’s hidden gem. This laidback beach town sits at the merging point of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, with 36 beautiful beaches (including El Organo, recognized as one of the world’s cleanest) that favor the jet-set. On one of those beaches, La Bocana, sits Villa Escondida a breathtaking four suite, mini-manse with views of the ocean and mountains. Guests enjoy a full kitchen and massive living room, luxury amenities (including a private chef, housekeeper and butler), a rooftop hot tub and infinity pool overlooking the ocean. There is also the private Bar Escondida, tucked under the home, with easy beach access, perfect for hosting a group for pre-drinks before dinner or a party. The concierge service can arrange a private yacht tour along the coast of Huatulco, water sport activities, dinner at one of the town restaurants and even a private bonfire on the beach. Huatulco may be paradise, but Villa Escondida is heaven.
Puerto Escondido
Hospitality group Grupo Habita is known for bringing sexy boutique hotels to Mexico— including Mexico City properties Distrito Capital, Condesa DF and Downtown. But with the minimalist beauty of Hotel Escondido, the company has ventured outside of their urban cosmopolitan zone. Located on a stretch of virgin coastline in the surf town of Puerto Escondido, the compound consists of only 16 cabanas—each with private plunge pools and beach access—a spa, an ocean parallel pool (replete with hammocks waiting to support afternoon naps), restaurant and study area. Hotel Escondido boasts that its property is “where time hides,” so don’t venture here if you want a jam-packed itinerary. Arrive and unplug in Federico Rivera Río’s luxuriously designed village. But be forewarned: you may not want to plug back in.