When it comes to a world-class beach location, Mexico is always the obvious choice. Why wouldn’t it be? With close proximity to the U.S. and an abundance of flights to every corner of the country, U.S. travelers are never more than a four-hour flight away from somewhere in Mexico. But proximity is only the tip of the iceberg. Add to that spectacular beaches, dynamic cuisine and some of the best hotels in the world, and it’s no wonder that Mexico is at the top of the travel bucket list.
Related: Book your flight and hotel for Tulum using points and miles
Speaking of those best hotels in the world, Mexico’s beach destinations are a treasure trove of international A-list hotels, as well as glamorous, design-forward boutique properties. From the rugged beaches of Los Cabos to the jungle-shrouded shorelines of Puerto Vallarta and the castaway Caribbean vibes of the Riviera Maya, here are the best beach resorts where you can redeem your hard-earned hotel points for a free stay.
Impression Moxche by Secrets
One of Mexico’s newer adults-only all-inclusive resorts, Impression Moxche by Secrets is one of TPG’s favorite places to earn and burn World of Hyatt points. This resort-within-a-resort is the even more exclusive counterpart to Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen (also a wonderful resort).
The 198 spacious suites feature the likes of plunge pools and balcony hot tubs, and between the property’s private grottos, serene beach and glimmering swimming pools, there’s always a way to cool off. During her stay in 2023, one of our editors was particularly impressed with the resort’s impeccable service as well as the varied (and delicious) dining options.
This is a Category F World of Hyatt property, with rates starting at 42,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
One of the hottest hotels to open in Cancun in the past couple of years is the ultraluxurious Waldorf Astoria Cancun. The 173-key resort debuted in November 2022 as the second Waldorf in Mexico. The art deco-meets-Caribbean classic raised the standard for luxury resorts along this stretch of Mexican coastline, cushioned between lush mangrove forests and white-sand beaches. Every room at this resort features an ocean view and either an outdoor soaking tub or a private plunge pool. A meal at the signature Malpeque restaurant is a must, as is a treatment at the decadent cenote-inspired spa.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a member of Hilton Honors, and you can book a room starting at 105,000 points per night.
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya was a head-turner when it opened in 2023. Tucked up against the 620-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sian Ka’an Reserve, this tranquil resort features 124 mangrove-shrouded rooms and 19 suites. The beauty of this spectacularly designed luxury beach resort is that it seems to blend in with the nature around it, from the clean lines of the architecture to the meandering stretch of undeveloped beachfront. The vibe here is decidedly low-key, with nearly every space opened up to have ocean views.
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Marriott Bonvoy did away with its categories in 2022 and replaced them with a dynamic pricing model, which means the points needed to book can fluctuate based on travel dates.
The St. Regis Kanai is one of Marriott’s elite properties, meaning guests may have to burn through some points to book rooms. Rates begin at 164,000 points per night.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort
As Hilton’s only all-inclusive property in Puerto Vallarta, the Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort has a lovely beachside setting and 444 rooms and suites for guests to enjoy. Two infinity pools overlook the semiprivate beach, with seven restaurants and four bars to choose from, though Sunan, the Asian restaurant, is a clear standout. A Sky Deck on the seventh floor has impressive views and Jacuzzis for a relaxing soak.
Average pricing is around 84,000 Hilton Honors points for one person and 100,000 points for two people. Rooms tend to top out at 143,000 points on peak travel dates like U.S. holidays.
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Tulum continues to be one of the hottest destinations in Mexico, and with the debut of the new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), it shows no signs of slowing down. A favorite points-friendly hotel on the beach here is the glamorous Conrad Tulum. Attracting travelers seeking a stylish but low-key resort on the beach, Conrad Tulum delivers at every turn. It shows off that bohemian jungle aesthetic that has become synonymous with Tulum, alongside elevated touches like onyx-tiled reflective pools, sleek dining spaces and one of the best spas in the area.
Rates start at 90,000 Hilton Honors points in the offseason and can increase considerably during peak season.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Renovated in 2020, the JW Marriott Cancun is one of the top points hotels in the ever-popular Cancun Hotel Zone, especially for those with Marriott Bonvoy points to burn. One of the best Marriott properties in Cancun, the JW resort features three pools and eight food and drink venues, as well as a full-service spa and plenty of activities, including tennis.
We found Marriott Bonvoy rates between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.
Papaya Playa Project, Tulum, a Member of Design Hotels
Located in Mexico’s bohemian hot spot, Tulum, Papaya Playa Project lives up to its designation as a Design Hotel. The aesthetic is a beachside embodiment of shabby chic, with rustic furnishings and thatched-roof bungalows on the beach. The hotel is conscious about its place in the natural environment, too, and espouses a commitment to sustainability in its operation. Guests can expect meals created with local ingredients served up at the property’s beach club, yoga classes, “jam sessions” and more.
Nights can cost between 44,000 and 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort
Situated on a prime stretch of Cancun beach, this InterContinental resort boasts a beach club in addition to several other outposts for eating and drinking. It makes a great home base for families traveling to Mexico as it offers base rooms with two beds.
Rates range from 20,250 points plus $150 per night to 45,250 points. You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® directly to IHG at a 1:1 ratio.
Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cancun
Hyatt’s pair of all-inclusive resorts — Ziva, a family-oriented property and Zilara, an adults-only resort — are fixtures in the Cancun hotel scene. You’ll find multiple pools and Jacuzzis, dedicated children’s areas (at the Ziva hotel), two beaches, a full spa and more than a few outposts for dining and drinking. Of course, as these are all-inclusive properties, most of the eating and drinking you’ll do is included in the nightly rate, which is an attractive amenity in and of itself.
The all-inclusive resorts start at 50,000 points per night for double occupancy. Hyatt is offering up to 60,000 bonus points when you qualify for the World of Hyatt Credit Card. If you need more Hyatt points, know that Chase Ultimate Rewards, earned with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Hyatt.
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is another attractive Hyatt property in the Cancun area; this one is located about an hour’s drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN) in the heart of Playa del Carmen. This large resort offers plenty of options for relaxing with multiple oceanfront pools and, of course, the beach itself. It also offers a Grand Club executive lounge, available for several thousand more World of Hyatt points per night on top of the standard rate.
As a Category 6 World of Hyatt hotel, standard award nights cost 25,000 points apiece, though cash rates are often reasonable.
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
Located about 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport and in between Cancun proper and Playa del Carmen, Andaz Mayakoba lies in the exclusive and serene Mayakoba development, which is home to several other high-end resorts. The resort features beautiful rooms and suites with views of the property’s various lagoons or the ocean itself. The property is spread across many acres, perfect for anyone seeking wide-open spaces in relative isolation from others.
This is a Category 6 World of Hyatt property, meaning standard award nights will cost you 25,000 points apiece.
Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton’s sprawling resort in Playa del Carmen has two huge draws: It’s all-inclusive and reserved for adults only. It features newly renovated guest rooms and suites, a whopping 14 restaurants and bars, a gym and more. Of course, it’s all included in your nightly rate.
Rooms can be had for as few as 73,000 Hilton Honors points per night, though that rate can skyrocket to over 300,000 points, so plan accordingly. If you want to boost your Honors points balance, consider signing up for a Hilton Honors credit card.
Thompson Zihuatanejo
In one of Mexico’s famous fishing towns, this hotel boasts a beautiful setting among a jungle, an unspoiled beach and even ancient ruins nearby. Base-level rooms here (there are only 56 rooms and suites total) are large, and some have private plunge pools. Don’t miss a meal under the expansive palm-thatched palapa with ocean views, either.
This is a Category 6 World of Hyatt property, meaning each standard award night will cost you 25,000 points, though we found deals for suites with plunge pools as low as 12,500 points per night plus $145.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Located in the exclusive enclave of Punta de Mita, about an hour away from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), the recently renovated St. Regis Punta Mita is a refined beach escape perched along a beautifully rugged coastline with stunning rock formations and white-sand beaches. There are three infinity pools, two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, a signature St. Regis Remede spa and more. If you want to leave the resort, you’re close to the charming towns of Riviera Nayarit, like Sayulita, San Pancho, Bucerias and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
This is a top-tier Marriott Bonvoy property, meaning a night can cost more than 300,000 points depending on the date.
Conrad Punta de Mita
About an hour from Puerto Vallarta lies the Conrad Punta de Mita, a luxury resort in the Hilton family. Set on a gorgeous strip of beach, this resort offers plenty of amenities for all types of travelers. Besides a day at the pool or beach, you can try your hand at any one of a number of activities, including zip-lining, hiking, horse riding and golfing.
You can book this Conrad property from 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa
Another luxury Marriott beach resort in Los Cabos, the JW Marriott is a beautiful property offering multiple pools (one with a swim-up bar), a tranquil spa, numerous restaurants and more. The resort is designed to more or less blend with its desert surroundings and features multiple spaces that seamlessly blend the indoors and outdoors.
Nights can be redeemed at this property for 117,000 points.
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel in Cabo San Lucas is one of the area’s hottest hotels. It’s dramatically set above Cabo’s Monuments Beach, and you can see the iconic El Arco rock formation from the property. If you want to stay somewhere that’ll look great on your Instagram grid, look no further. While you’re there, relax in your room’s gorgeous soaking tub and grab a fresh margarita at the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge and take in the vistas of the Sea of Cortez.
The Cape is a Category 6 World of Hyatt property, meaning a standard award night will cost you 25,000 points.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
In 2019, Hilton acquired the well-regarded Resort at Pedregal in Los Cabos and rebranded it as a luxurious Waldorf Astoria property. The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal has just 115 rooms and suites, promising a high-end and relaxed experience for all guests. The resort has three pools: a children’s pool, a saltwater pool and an infinity-edge pool with uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views. In addition, there’s a full-service spa along with multiple dining options, including El Farallon, a seaside restaurant where you can dine with the sound of crashing waves beside you.
You can book this property from 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night, though higher rates are common.
Hotel Terrestre
Rising out of the verdant jungle foliage overlooking a stretch of wind-swept beach along Oaxaca’s coastline, the Brutalist-style Hotel Terrestre provides eco-conscious, luxury-seeking guests with a calming, beautifully designed oasis.
A member of Design Hotels and one of the latest developments in Oaxaca, the property sits about an hour north of the buzzy Puerto Escondido, offering a removed, laid-back vibe among its 14 villas. The entire property is kept local, from the Mexican architect designer to the local materials used to build the entire hotel. What’s more, the resort runs entirely on solar power. The space between indoor and outdoor has been heavily blurred, if not entirely removed, where each villa features wooden doors instead of windows that open up to private terraces.
This dramatic boutique hotel is redeemable for 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Bottom line
Mexico is a country full of opportunities for travelers of all interests. But its beaches are the stuff of legend, and for those with hotel points to burn, there are an overwhelming number of fantastic beachfront resorts where you can stay for relatively few out-of-pocket dollars. Our list is just a sampling of our favorite beachfront points hotels in the country; there are many more incredible resorts along every coastline and within the fabulous and dynamic cities of Mexico.
