Mexico holidays: home to sizzlin' sun, epic hotels, non-stop fiestas and bangin' tacos.

Good to know

🤩 Fun fact: Mexico introduced the world to chocolate! The ancient Mayans were the first to turn cacao beans into a drink, calling it the “food of the gods."

🏖️ Best beach: Now this is a hard one. If you’re into laid-back vibes, check out Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres—calm waters and perfect sunsets. For adventure seekers, Akumal Beach offers snorkelling with turtles! And for scenery lovers, Tulum Beach combines jaw-dropping views with Mayan ruins. You’re spoiled for choice!

🍺 Price of a pint: A refreshing cerveza will set you back about 30-50 MXN. Time to say "Salud!" to a cold one!

Destination Highlights

• Beaches that bring the tropical vibes

• Swanky resorts with all the bells and whistles

• Loads of cenotes where you can take a cheeky dip (Google it, and thank us later)

• Home to the second-largest coral reef in the world

• Delish food that'll give your local takeaway a run for its money

🌮Taco 'Bout Useful Phrases🌮 

Hello - Hola 

Good bye - Adiós 

Good morning - Buenos días 

How are you? - ¿Cómo estás? 

I’m good, thank you - Estoy bien, gracias 

Please - Por favor

Thank you - Gracias 

You’re welcome - De nada 

Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you

Do you speak English? - ¿Hablas inglés? 

A beer, please - Una cerveza, por favor 

The bill, please - La cuenta, por favor

Getting around in Mexico

🚌 Buses
Buses are the go-to for exploring Mexico, with long-distance and local routes connecting major cities and small towns. The big plus? They’re super affordable, with many offering air-con, Wi-Fi, and even snacks! For comfy, luxury travel, check out ADO buses—ideal for long trips. Just head to a station, and you can usually grab tickets on the day.

🚐 Colectivos (Minibuses)
These are Mexico's version of shared minibuses, and they’re perfect for short, local trips, especially in touristy areas like Cancun and Tulum. Just hop on and hop off—easy peasy!

🚖 Taxis
Taxis are a quick way to get around cities, and they’re pretty affordable. You can hail them on the street or book in advance through apps. Always ask for the fare beforehand or make sure the meter is running!

Where is the best area to stay in Mexico?

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back family retreat, an epic group adventure, or a romantic escape for two, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. From dreamy beach getaways to lively towns and cities buzzing with culture and nightlife, it’s all here. Here are just a few of our top-pick destinations for your next Mexico holidays:

• Family holidays – Isla Mujeres is perfect for families, with Playa Norte offering soft sand, gentle waves, and crystal-clear shallow waters for the little ones. You’ll find great restaurants along a pedestrian-friendly avenue, and golf carts are the way to explore this chilled-out island.

• Squad goals – Playa del Carmen is your go-to for a mix of beach lounging and exciting nightlife. Think beach bars, nightclubs, and tons of places to catch up with your mates.

• Coupling up – Looking for a romantic getaway? Tulum is where it’s at. Picture romantic dinners by the beach, jungle adventures, and dreamy sunsets over ancient Mayan ruins. Perfect for you and your special someone!

Best Beaches to visit on your Mexico holidays 2025

From the iconic sands of Tulum to the serene shores of Bahía Balandra, Mexico boasts some of the world's most stunning coastal gems. Whether you're after a bustling beach party, a tranquil retreat, or a chance to swim with turtles, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. Here are a few of our faves*:

• Playa Norte: made entirely of crushed coral with shallow, paddle-friendly waters, this place is known for its quieter vibe and scuba sites thanks to its large population of white sharks (don't worry - they're harmless, and chances are you'll only see them if you want to!)

• Playa Paraíso: a top sandy spot in Tulum, serving up gorg views, chilled vibes and a ton of activities - from snorkelling to scuba diving

• Playa del Carmen: a buzzing beach town with soft, white sands like you've seen on Insta, bright blue waters and some top-tier diving sites, if you're into that

• Playa Tortugas: a lively, fam-friendly beach with shallow waters perfect for the youngsters, loads of food and drink venues dotted around, and plenty of fun activities to try your hand at - from watersports and beach volley to an epic bungee-jump off the pier!

• Playa Mujeres: prepare for some serious girl power, because this beach translates to women's beach. Don't worry, it's not a woman-only zone, but it is a long, sandy stretch known for its sunbathing and snorkelling opportunities. Tip: wear comfy footwear - some of the paths are a tad rocky!

• Playa Zicatela: this ones for the thrill-seekers, if you find yourself over in Puerto Escondido on your Mexico holidays and you've got your trusty surfboard in tow, then you're gonna wanna shred your way through these epic pipeline waves, or kick back on the sand and catch the action from there.

• Akumal Beach: known as 'place of the turtles,' this is a must-visit spot for snorkellers if you fancy checking out the colourful coral reefs and saying hey to the adorable sea turtles while you're down there

• Playa Maroma: often considered one of the most beaut beaches in the world (no biggie), this stretch is all about the powder-soft sand and crystal-clear waters that take your casual swim to a whole new level

• Bahia Balandra: think shallow waters that span for miles (perfect for swimming and kayaking), and pristine sands that look like something straight off a postcard

*Okay fine, it was more than a few.

Best Hotels to stay at on your Mexico holidays 2025

Looking for the perfect spot to soak up the sun in Mexico? Whether you're planning a beachside escape in Cancun, a luxury resort in the Riviera Maya, or a boutique stay in Tulum, we’ve got you covered with our top hotel picks:

• Barcelo Maya Grand Resort - located right along the beachfront (just how we like it), this four-star hotel goes above and beyond with 4 buffet restaurants, 15(!!!) bars, an epic pool complex with a waterpark, and a 24-hour all inclusive programme.

• Grand Oasis Cancun - when you've got beach clubs, adults-only bars and a mega pool area to dive into, what more could you want?! That's exactly what this hotel has up its sleeve, plus a relaxing spa centre and a zone especially for the kiddos.

• Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa - right in the Cancun Hotel Zone, this stunner offers a choice of outdoor pools and Jacuzzis, a bunch of restaurants, plus a ton of activities along its own private beach - from movie nights to water sports and an ocean trampoline (can confirm, it's as cool as it sounds)

• Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun luxury never looked so good than at this adults-only hotel, decked out with a gorg infinity pool, a choice of restaurants, plenty of activities (from yoha to cocktail-making), and - get this - an award-winning beach. Doesn't get much better than that!

• Iberostar Selection Cancun - a beachfront beaut with a whopping 10 pools to dunk into, super swanky rooms and suites, food for every mood (including Kentucky-style chicken), and an on-site spa for the perfect pamper sesh

• Bluebay Grand Esmeralda - a five-star boujee, beacy, beauty with a mouth-watering six a la carte dining spots, pools right by the beach with in water sun loungers for a true best of both worlds experience and a gorge spa to relax at when you're needing some TLC

• Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa - nestled on a white-sand beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, this resort is perfect for families and couples. With nine restaurants, a splash park, and a world-class spa, there's no shortage of things to do, including pool parties and beach yoga. Plus, you're just minutes from the Mayan ruins of Tulum!

• Melia Cozumel – located right by the beach, this family-friendly resort has it all. With an adults-only swim-up bar, mini electric car driving lessons for kids, and water sports galore, it’s perfect for everyone. Chill in the hammock lounge or explore nearby Mayan ruins. Three restaurants, loads of activities, and endless fun make it the ultimate getaway on Cozumel island!

• Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Adults Only – Just 200m from the beach, this adults-only escape is all about luxury and laid-back vibes. With nine dining options serving global cuisine, three pools (chill, social, and infinity), and activities like archery, beach volleyball, and yoga, there’s never a dull moment.

Mexico travel guide

🍻 Mexico holidays 2025 - All inclusive

Pack your bags for a proper good, all-inclusive Mexican getaway where it's all scorchin' sun and sandy shores. Jet off to Cancun and sink your toes into the white sands right outside a line-up of swanky all-inclusive hotels. Whether you're in it for the endless party vibes with your mates in the famous Hotel Zone, or looking for some chill time with your partner at a serene spa, Cancun has something for everyone. Fancy a bit of family fun? The resorts are bursting with activities that'll keep the kiddos beaming. Or, if you're after something a bit more laidback, scoot on down to Playa del Carmen along the Riviera Maya. It's just as gorgeous, but with a more chilled-out scene, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Holidays to Mexico

Take the whole gang on a sun-soaked family holiday to Mexico for an unforgettable experience, even if you're desperately trawling through our last minute holidays. Offering beachfront hotels filled with family fun and activities, you can’t go wrong with taking the kiddos to Cancun. Not only will you have the soft sandy beach just a few steps away, but you can make the most of the kids' clubs and entertainment to keep the whole gang smiling. If you’re a family who love days out and adventures together, there’s a bangin' waterpark, an interactive aquarium and even Captain Hook’s pirate ship to discover (we're seriously jel). One thing’s for certain, you won’t be short of awesome activities to try your hand at on your family getaway to Mexico.

❤️ Things to do for couples in Mexico

Mexico is the ultimate romantic escape for a couple's holiday. Walk hand-in-hand along Tulum Beach, enjoying its stunning mix of white sands and Mayan ruins. Indulge in a couples' spa day at one of Riviera Maya’s luxury resorts, followed by a sunset dinner at a seaside restaurant. For adventure, visit Cozumel for scuba diving or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. And don’t miss a stroll through Playa del Carmen, with its chic boutiques, cosy cafés, and buzzing nightlife.

🧗🏼 Things to do for groups in Mexico

Planning a group holiday? Mexico’s got you covered. In Cancun, you can party at lively beach clubs during the day and hit the famous nightlife spots by night. Head to Riviera Maya for an action-packed day of ATV rides, zip-lining, or cenote exploring. If your crew is into culture, take a group tour of the stunning Chichen Itza or Coba ruins. And for water sports enthusiasts, a boat trip to Isla Mujeres or snorkeling at Akumal is a must!

💎 Luxury holidays in Mexico

Bright blue waters, palm-filled sands, lush rainforests - sounds like the perfect backdrop for your next luxury holiday, right? Mexico’s Caribbean coast is dotted with top-tier hotels that put a whole new stamp on 'luxury'. Imagine stepping into a world where beachfront bars, dreamy suites and mahoosive lagoon-style pools give the ocean a run for its money. Check out the Grand Riviera Princess - a real gem with an aquatic sports centre, chilled spa facilities, and - not one, not two, but sixteen whopping pools! It’s the ultimate spot for a luxury holiday that’s both sizzling and serene.

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Other places to visit on your Mexico holidays:

• Riviera Maya

• Cancun