Honeymoon Hidden Gems in Mexico

Thinking of traveling to Mexico for your honeymoon? Consider these off the beaten path hidden gem locations.

Bacalar Lagoon

Bacalar Lagoon (or Laguna Bacalar) is just a 2-hour drive from touristy Tulum, but it cannot be more different. This sleepy town tends to draw curious travelers seeking less conventional places. Officially named a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) in 2006, Bacalar is the gateway to one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Mexico.

If you’re looking to go off the beaten path in Mexico, Bacalar is perfect for you!

Things to do

Go Sailing on Bacalar Lagoon

Bacalar lagoon is the perfect place for a sailing adventure! You can rent a sailboat or catamaran from one of the many companies in town. Once you’re out on the water, you can relax and enjoy the stunning views.

Enjoy the Cenotes Cocalitos

Cenote Cocalitos is a popular tourist spot in Bacalar. Visitors can take a dip in the refreshing water or explore the cave system. There are also some small shops and restaurants near the cenote, so you can grab a bite to eat after your swim.

Visit Calakmul

Calakmul is a large Maya archaeological site in the Mexican state of Campeche. The site is located in the jungles of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and is home to a huge number of ancient ruins. Calakmul was once one of the most powerful cities in the Maya civilization, and its pyramids are some of the largest and most impressive in all of Mesoamerica.

Best Resorts

Naya Bacalar

This 4-star adult-only Bacalar hotel has been sympathetically built into its natural surroundings. It is perfect for travelers who like to be immersed in nature. This hotel is one of the best choices for privacy seeking couples.

The hotel has a tour desk, a concierge service, luggage storage and daily housekeeping. There is a communal lounge area, plus a yoga hut. Massages are available on request.

Xpu-Ha Palace

The Xpu-Ha Palace is an all-inclusive luxury resort on 18 acres of land overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The resort features four restaurants, 5 bars, two pools, a spa, and various activities, such as snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing.

Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa

Mia is one of the best Bacalar Mexico resorts for couples seeking romantic accommodation for a wellness retreat! This property is one of the Bacalar lagoon hotels, situated on the banks of the Bacalar lake, an 8-minute drive north of the centre. There are a few restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.  

Las Gutas Tolantongo

Grutas Tolantongo is this magical, natural paradise tucked away in the mountains of Hidalgo. Las Grutas de Tolantongo consists of a system of caves and grottoes. The water from the main grotto flows into the Tolantongo river, running through hot springs that operate as natural swimming pools. This is definitely one of the best off the beaten path destinations for couples looking to getaway in Mexico.

Things to do

There is more to do in Las Grutas Tolantongo than just the hot springs. Take a look at some of my recommendations below.

Tolantongo hot springs pools

The most popular and renowned attraction of the resort and definitely the most scenic.

Visit the Cave, waterfalls and tunnel

On the farther end of the resort, after a 30-minute nice walk across the hills there is a cave with tunnels and a waterfall. This makes for some stunning photos and scenery.

The Tolantongo River

The river is spectacular! You can actually swim or take a bath in the natural pools that are formed by the rock formations within the river.

Best Resorts

Note: For those who like to plan their trips, know that Tolantongo doesn’t have advance bookings at their Mexico resorts — only onsite, in person rentals.

Hotel Paraiso Escondido

Paraíso Escondido means “hidden paradise,” so if you want privacy, this is the best hotel in Tolantongo for you. It is a favorite among visitors seeking a peaceful environment surrounded by beautiful views and lush nature.

If you need extra space, opt for the cabins — which are the largest hotel rooms at Tolantongo. Like all the other options, Hotel Paraíso Escondido is cozy but very comfy. All rooms here have private bathrooms with showers.

Paraiso Hotel Tolantongo

This is the newest hotel on the property, and arguably the most luxurious of the Las Grutas Tolantongo hotels. It is located on prime real estate, right next to the Tolantongo pools you’ve likely seen in social media photos. Paraíso Hotel is situated at the highest point of any of the Tolantongo hotels, so you have great views from here. For this reason, definitely opt for a balcony room if they have them available.

La Gloria Hotel Tolantongo

La Gloria Tolantongo is a separate section of Tolantongo, which has nice waterfalls and several natural pools.

They have cabins and camping, but the perk of staying here is that it will be far less crowded than Tolantongo.

Sayulita Mexico

Sayulita, on Mexico’s Riveria Nayarit, is known for being a quaint bohemian surfing town. Located just 45 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport, this place feels worlds away from a typical tourist destination. It is well known for it’s expat and international community, strong surf, stunning sunsets, yoga and colorful little streets.

Things to do

Visit a yoga retreat or join a class

The chill, laid-back atmosphere of Sayulita makes the area a great place for a yoga retreat. Check out Paraiso yoga, which offers between one and four classes per day in all different yoga styles.

Go Surfing

Sayulita is a surfer’s paradise and is great for beginners. Try taking surfing lessons with one of the many reputable surfing companies.

Islas Marietas Tour

The Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas) are small, uninhabited islands off the coast of Nayarit, the state of which Sayulita is a part. You can take a tour of the islands where you can explore clear waters, great beaches, and coves.

Best Resorts

Siete Lunas

Ideal for romantic getaways, Siete Lunas’ rooms are perched on a lush, jungle hill overlooking Sayulita Beach, offering sweeping views of the ocean and village below. This secluded boutique stay offers seven rooms, all of which feature a floor-to-ceiling wall of windows that opens up fully to a private balcony. The intimate property boasts a sea-facing pool, cocktail bar, and breakfast included in the room rate.

Villa Amor

This boutique resort houses eclectic villas in a range of sizes from cozy studios to palatial five-bedroom units. All rooms boast a kitchenette and an outdoor shower, many with private plunge pools; personal chefs can be arranged. Décor is eclectic, featuring vintage Indian and Moroccan furnishings alongside modern Mexican comforts. Villa Amor shares its pool and restaurant with its sister property Amor Boutique Hotel. Overlooking Sayulita Beach, this stunning hotel is less than ten minutes on foot to downtown.

Casablanca

Casablanca is the only beachfront hotel in Sayulita. This sunny boutique hotel has a heated, free-form pool, plus a palapa roof terrace just the right size for a small party, with its own Jacuzzi and barbeque. This amazing little property is right next door to the Sayulita Turtle Camp, where newly hatched sea turtles are released at sunset year round. Located in the North End, Casablanca is only five minutes away from several restaurants and bars.