SPOTLIGHT ON: MEXICO’S HIDDEN HERITAGE
October 8, 2025
Mexico is inviting travelers to rediscover its roots through the timeless beauty of its colonial cities—destinations where cobblestone streets, centuries-old cathedrals, and colorful plazas reveal the country’s soul. From Guanajuato’s silver-mining past to the artistic pulse of San Miguel de Allende, these cities offer experiences rich in architecture, gastronomy, and living tradition. As Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora notes, “Each one offers a window into the past, a celebration of the present, and a warm invitation to experience the soul of Mexico.”
Several of these cities—Puebla, Oaxaca, Morelia, Querétaro, and Zacatecas among them—are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their architectural and cultural significance. Visitors can explore ornate churches and grand colonial mansions, savor regional cuisine like Oaxaca’s tlayudas or Puebla’s mole poblano, and immerse themselves in the vibrant rhythm of festivals such as Día de los Muertos in Morelia or Semana Santa in San Luis Potosí.
Compact, walkable, and surrounded by striking natural landscapes, Mexico’s colonial cities are ideal for slow, sustainable travel. Many are also part of national initiatives promoting community-based tourism, empowering local artisans, and preserving traditional crafts. These destinations offer authentic experiences—a blend of cultural depth, local connection, and heritage that continues to define Mexico as one of the world’s most inspiring incentive and leisure destinations.
Two of Hilton’s luxury Riviera Maya resorts are adding new all-inclusive experiences, bringing greater flexibility and personalized stays to the Mexican Caribbean.
New seasonal flights from Canada and the United States will make it easier for international travelers to reach Tulum during the 2026–27 winter season.
Hyatt is entering the final months of 2026 with a growing collection of luxury properties across some of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations. From the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur to the Caribbean shoreline of the Riviera Maya and the cultural heart of Mexico City, the company is expanding its portfolio with distinctive properties designed around their individual settings and guest experiences. The Park Hyatt brand is at the center of this growth. Following the opening of Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol in December 2025, Park Hyatt Riviera Maya is expected to open by the end of 2026 as the brand’s first all-inclusive property worldwide. Park Hyatt Mexico City Polanco, a 155-room hotel overlooking Chapultepec Park, is expected to welcome guests in spring 2027. Together, the three properties offer very different ways to experience Mexico, from coastal escapes to an urban cultural stay. Hyatt’s expansion also includes Alila Mayakoba, which opened earlier this year within the Mayakoba complex. Set across 60 acres of beach, lagoon, and jungle, the resort combines wellness, locally inspired design, and a strong connection to the Yucatán Peninsula. Meanwhile, three new Grand Hyatt resorts—Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman, Grand Hyatt Cancun, and Grand Hyatt Los Cabos—are scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, with Cancún and Los Cabos introducing all-inclusive experiences to the Grand Hyatt portfolio. For planners, this growing portfolio creates even more possibilities for designing programs around different sides of Mexico. Whether a group is looking for a sophisticated urban experience, a secluded Caribbean setting, or the landscapes and culture of Baja, Destination Mexico can help bring these new properties together with the authentic experiences, local connections, and seamless logistics that make a program truly memorable
This beautifully restored 1920s mansion brings intimate luxury, local character, and a taste of contemporary Roma Norte to Mexico City. DMC Destination Mexico
After 38 years of dedication, passion, and tireless work, Lourdes Crossley, our Managing Director and co-founder of Destination Mexico, retired at the end of July, bringing to a close an extraordinary chapter in the history of our company.
The opening of Amanvari marks a new chapter for Los Cabos, showcasing the growing appeal of Baja's East Cape as one of Mexico's most exclusive luxury destinations.
Hilton and Fuerte Group Hotels are introducing the Amàre brand to Mexico, bringing a new Mediterranean-inspired luxury experience to Cancún in 2026.
Kimpton El Castelar Polanco blends historic architecture with contemporary luxury, adding a distinctive new stay to one of Mexico City's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Mexico strengthens its position as one of the Americas' leading destinations for international meetings and conventions, reflecting the country's growing...
