According to the 2026 Virtuoso
Luxe Report, luxury travel appears to be continuing the resilient streak
it’s been on since the pandemic and next year’s lux travel demand will remain
high.
Comfortable climates, less crowded destinations, wellness
travel, slow travel, multi-generational trips and cultural immersion are all
trending in the New Year. It just so happens that Mexico is a country diverse enough,
that can deliver the goods due to the variety of experiences available to the
traveler that extend beyond more popular destinations such as Cancun and Los
Cabos.
Here are some destinations luring travelers in 2026.
(Courtesy of Baja California Sur)
Loreto
Baja Sur’s hidden gem is becoming less of a secret as more
travelers seek destinations that are more remote, less crowded and offer many
opportunities to connect
with nature.
Loreto’s pristine white sand beaches, scenic vistas, “desert
meets the ocean” surroundings and miles of protected islands and waters draw outdoor
lovers like moths to a flame, and those who need to escape from the daily chaos
of life. This under the radar destination comes highly recommended
by travel advisors for travelers looking for a relatively unexplored
paradise. Those visiting from December to April will be treated to sightings of
majestic gray, humpback and blue whales migrating to the warm waters of the Sea
of Cortez.
Riviera Maya
Situated along the Caribbean coastline in the eastern
portion of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya encompasses an 80-mile
stretch running from Cancun south to the Mayan ruins of Tulum.
The region’s lush tropical jungles, soft white beaches
caressed by tourmaline waters and mystique of its Mayan ruins and magical
cenotes continues to be a siren call to travelers.
All-inclusive
resorts continue to dot the oceanfront landscapes giving visitors a variety
of places that best meet their travel budget. Kristy Mosolino, co-owner of
Wishes Travel said, “The demand for this destination remains high for any type of traveler, from couples and families to multigenerational groups with plenty of
options to choose from.”
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (Photo Credit: Nayarit)
Riviera Nayarit
While Puerto Vallarta remains a popular travel destination,
Riviera Nayarit (formerly known as Nuevo Vallarta), offers a more relaxed,
spacious, and nature-focused experience with over 200 miles of stunning coastline.
This stunning state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast just north of
Puerto Vallarta offers a captivating blend of magnificent beaches, turquoise
waters, vibrant cultural experiences and surrounding small town hidden gems
waiting to be discovered.
The region has continued to grow in infrastructure
and services, investing almost $176 million in Puerto Vallarta
International Airport expansion. New resorts opening in 2025 include Fiesta
Americana Nuevo Vallarta and the luxurious Rosewood
Mandarina.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. (Photo Credit: simonmayer/Adobe)
San Miguel de
Allende
Cobblestone streets wind past pastel-colored buildings that
look like a virtual painting in this central Mexico colonial gem. Known for its
stunning colonial architecture, old-world atmosphere and as a popular arts and
culture hub, San Miguel de Allende offers a slower, more refined pace than big
cities or beach towns, designated as one of the best spring break destinations
to avoid
the crowds. The town was also noted as one of Mexico’s best locations to
celebrate Dia
de los Muertos.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been named the friendliest
city in the world and offers visitors authentic Mexico experiences, a very
walkable historic center, rooftop dining, artisan markets and day trips to hot
springs, vineyards and small pueblos.
La ruta del vino del Valle de Guadalupe, en Baja California, es de los destinos más disfrutables del planeta. (Photo via: T.Tseng/Flickr).
Valle de
Guadalupe
Valle de Guadalupe in sunny Baja, is a premier, somewhat
off-the-beaten-trek wine region producing almost 90 percent of all Mexican
wines. Only a few-hours’ drive from San Diego and 30-plus minutes from the Ensenada
coast, the “Valle” as the locals call the area is one of the fastest growing
wine regions in North America, producing some of the finest award-winning
varietals earning well-deserved international acclaim such as El
Cielo Winery and Resort, Monte Xanic, Casa de Piedra and Adobe Guadalupe.
Mexican artisan and boutique wineries are scattered
throughout this picturesque valley surrounded by boulder-stacked mountains. Add
in a myriad of new creative chef-driven farm-to-table restaurants and
accommodations ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to eco-lofts built into
the sloping hillsides, it’s no surprise that more and more visitors are
discovering the allure of this spectacular wine region.
New wine country resort openings in 2025 include Dream
Valle de Guadalupe and Live Aqua.
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