Mexico's best beaches

By Rich Beattie

updated 12:26 p.m. ET April 9, 2007

White sand, glistening water, endless views, lapping surf — you know the drill. The characteristics of a great beach are no secret.

But what’s also important is what’s around the sand; after all, you’re not beach-going in a vacuum. And the best beaches of Mexico offer a real panorama of options. There are stretches of practically virgin beach that cling to a still-wild status in between the untamed jungle and the roiling surf. There are beaches with relics of the Mayan civilization nearby—and how many places can you relax on a beach after climbing around on temples?

Then there are high-end resorts like the Four Seasons and Fairmont that have reserved pristine sand exclusively for their guests. And this has raised issues, since all beaches in Mexico are supposed to be public. But with barriers and guards, some hotels have actively discouraged non-guests from joining the party (an upside, of course, if you happen to be a guest). The practice may not make everyone happy, but it does add to the variety of beach experience for the upscale traveler.

So we consulted our panel of Mexico experts on what they consider to be Mexico’s best beaches. Weighing in were travel agents, writers, and tour operators who know the overrated and overcrowded from the secret stashes of sugary sand.

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Our panelists had plenty of options, of course, since Mexico stretches from the more protected waters of the Caribbean Sea to the wilder Pacific Ocean. But their task becomes more difficult each day. As Mexico grows more popular as a tourist destination, beaches are more in danger of being overrun by a Cancun-like caravan. The beaches of Acapulco will always have their place, but for those in search of solitude, the teeming throngs make it an increasingly tougher task.

Fairmont Hotels In Playa del Carmen, the main beaches are easily accessible and offer fun activities like beach horseback riding. But luxury travel designer Pallavi Shah recommends Mayakoba, and with good reason: This wide, white swatch of sand is set up exclusively for guests of the Fairmont Mayakoba.

Fortunately, Mexico still harbors plenty of options — and not always far from the crowds. South of Cancun, Tulum has plenty of pristine sand. And there's yet more just off the coast on Isla Mujeres. Even in popular Playa del Carmen, travelers don’t have to soak up the sun while sitting sardine-like in the sand.

On the western side of the country, the coast is rockier and the waves stronger, which makes it great for surfers, but not always for swimmers. Still, there are plenty of protected, hidden spots (read on for a couple of them). Cabo san Lucas continues to attract the jet set, but the most glorious beaches in Mexico are north of Cabo, said custom-travel specialist Lisa Lindblad. And further south, Oaxaca offers some lesser-trafficked beaches, according to travel researcher Stan Plog. “Not easy to get to,” he said, “but beautiful scenery and a fabulous, mostly private beach setting.”

So go exploring, but bring this list (and a towel). Whether you choose an untamed beach or a stretch of sand complete with thatched palapa and frozen drinks, you’re sure to find those essential elements that make it a “best” beach: fine sand, azure water, shady palms, and the feeling of utter, complete relaxation.

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