On September 12, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the first One, Two, and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Mexico. Earning One Key (63 properties) or Two Keys (21 properties) is difficult enough, but only three hotels in the country received Three Keys. Each of these hotels is set on the beach, representing the very best of both the country’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
These spectacular places represent the pinnacle of the five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. You can learn all about those particular benchmarks, here. But in this series, we thought it fitting to focus on the most photogenic of the five – architecture and interior design.
Below, a look at the breathtaking interiors and exteriors of each of our Three Key hotels in Mexico.
One&Only Mandarina
Lo de Marcos, MexicoThe sleek treehouses and lodges of the One&Only Mandarina burst from the canopy of coastal rainforest, resplendent with luxury inlays and blending seamlessly into their surroundings. The natural environment of this 80-acre property, located about an hour’s drive north of crowded Puerto Vallarta, dictated its form, with architects carefully wending each footprint of the hotel around the ancient trees and pre-Hispanic artifacts already on site.
Interiors are stylish and breezy, outfitted with furnishings sourced from the finest artisans across the country. Patterned textiles from Oaxaca and light-catching gilded entry pieces from Mexico City add rich touches to the natural color scheme of glistening ocean blues and lush foliage.
Hotel Esencia
Playa del Carmen, MexicoAlong the stretch of white sand beaches that runs from Cancun to Tulum, Hotel Esencia is a singular oasis. Carved into the jungle along the exclusive Xpu Há bay, the property is set among one of the last untouched reserves on this internationally adored coastline. The main building, a white concrete and plaster masterpiece, was originally the home of an Italian duchess. Today, it provides an elegant living space lined with large terraces facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Each suite and villa feels regal: with plunge pools, hammocks, and mid-century modern furniture that provides pops of color and pattern. It all adds up to a proper reminder for guests: in this part of the country, celebration and fun are a central part of the experience.
Book Hotel Esencia with The MICHELIN Guide →
Xinalani
Puerto Vallarta, MexicoMost rooms at Xinalani are built high into the mountains that rise over this expanse of Mexico’s Pacific coastline, offering crisp breezes and spectacular ocean views. Better yet, most rooms rely on just three walls and a palm-thatched roof, removing the threshold between nature and the built environment. It’s a serene setting that befits a resort known as a top-class yoga retreat, although it provides the same peace of mind for guests seeking no more than to stretch out on a quarter mile of private beach.
Located 12 miles outside of Puerto Vallarta, the retreat is accessible only by boat, creating a respite a world away from the resort town din, while in living spaces the aesthetic is bohemian and minimalist, with natural finishings and cozy textiles that emphasize the essential value of simplicity. Expect large, open-air showers and sophisticated tatami-style chairs.
Hero Image: Xinalani
