There’s going off-grid and then there’s staying in Yelapa.
Nestled in a natural cove on the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta, this
place is breathtakingly beautiful – if tricky to get to. In fact,
the only mode of transport or means of arrival is via water taxi –
which puts a whole new spin on the daily commute. While the main
attraction is the unspoilt coastline (offering some of the
country’s best surf conditions), staying inland gets our vote.
After logging off for the day, take the 5km hike to Yelapa
waterfall, then reward yourself by diving into its crystal-clear
plunge pool.

Where to stay: Verana
Yelapa

Okay, Oaxaca is far from lesser-trodden, but there’s a reason
that savvy travellers have for some time been putting the city at
the top of their travel list. With a contagious charm, it offers
trendy places to dine, drink and dance at every turn. We suggest
making this your base for at least two weeks, giving you time to
discover its hidden gems alongside enjoying a restful recharge. Our
favourite spots? Criollo, for its farm-to-fork menu, Sabina
Sabe, for its jukebox and chilli-laced cocktails and Museo de Arte
Contemporáneo, for an art-fuelled afternoon.

Where to stay: Escondido Oaxaca

One of Mexico’s designated “pueblos mágicos” (magical towns),
Todos Santos is a free-spirited spot in the foothills of the Sierra
de la Laguna mountains. The destination attracts a laid-back crowd,
thanks to its palm-fringed streets filled by independent galleries
and organic restaurants and sparkling coastline, dotted with boho
beach shacks. Days are best spent lounging poolside (and clearing
your inbox to zero, obviously), before joining locals for an
evening surf session at La Pastora, but be warned: post-action
scoffing is mandatory. Find a true taste of the Mexican good life
at The
Green Room, which serves up dishes as spectacular as its sunset
views.

Where to stay: Hotel San
Cristóbal

Throughout the past decade, influencers have claimed the term
“self-discovery” and turned it into a cringe-worthy fad, but the
off-the-tourist-trail town of Mahahual is set to strip it back to
its original meaning. Offering a tranquil landscape, this is the
kind of place that forces you to pause and reconsider your
lifestyle choices – for better or for worse. Everyone knows
everyone in this tiny place, so expect to sit nattering to
strangers-turned-family until sunrise. For a sea-facing stay, bed
down at the beachfront Luna de
Plata. Each room comes with its own shaded balcony, making for
the perfect Zoom backdrop.

Where to stay: Luna de
Plata

If you’ve ever wondered where hip history buffs holiday, this is
it. Located in the north-west of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida sits
just 35km off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, its centuries-old
architecture speaking of its rich heritage. Today, some refer to
Mérida as “the White City”, for its limestone buildings, though
many of their facades are painted in arresting shades of marigold,
fuchsia and cobalt. Smash through your deadlines before snagging a
chair at Pizzeria Raffaello, where plates come piled high with
sublime slices cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Where to stay: Casa Puuc

To understand what a good work-life balance actually looks like,
get yourself to the go-slow surf city of Zihuatanejo. Backed by
palm trees, steep cliffs and tangled subtropical vines, Zihua (as
it’s known locally) is an oasis of calm during daytime hours – make
the most of it with a lunchtime dip at La Ropa. Come 5pm, however,
things get a lot livelier, with the cobblestoned streets flooded by
cheerful locals catching up over a bottle of tequila, market
chatter turning to a roar and restaurant fronts becoming obscured
by snake-like queues. Visit with your gang and make the seven-room,
five-floor Casa del Cielo your crib for the week. This airy space
flaunts private terraces, outdoor showers and a rooftop pool.

Where to stay: Casa del Cielo

The city of Guanajuato was declared a Unesco World Heritage site
in 1998, thanks to its historic city centre. Despite its industrial
roots (it was once a mining town), this place is bursting with
creative flair. Surrounded by rugged mountains, its streetscape is
characterised by rust-coloured roofs, shooting church spires,
tree-lined avenues and leafy plazas. For a rooftop set-up, grab
your gadgets and pitch up at Coastal
Cultura Cafetera for the day. Insider tip: this place is
magical at any time of the year, but try and time your visit to be
in town in October, when the city’s International Cervantino
Festival takes place – a three-week celebration of music, theatre,
art and gastronomy.

Where to stay: Edelmira Hotel
Boutique