Fun on the job: Mexico’s newest biz-friendly hotels

The view at sunset from the spa at SecretsHuatulco.

By Mark Chesnut

There’s no reason not to combine business with pleasure when traveling to Mexico. In recent months, several new hotels have opened south of the border that are especially well equipped to serve the needs of business travelers, meetings and incentive trips—as well as people looking for a little R&R. Here are a few to put on your wish list for that next executive getaway.

One of the newest such hotels is Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive property that opened in December 2011 in the Pacific coast resort destination of Huatulco. Perched scenically on the gentle hills overlooking a peaceful bay, Secrets is adults-only, and all rooms have water views. Equally impressive is the Secrets Spa by Pevonia, which sits dramatically on its own hilltop, complete with infinity pool, hydrotherapy services and multiple treatment rooms for a variety of spa indulgences. Extensive meeting and event space, multiple a-la-carte restaurants and lively entertainment round out the offerings here.

Travelers bringing their kids along to Huatulco might prefer the Secrets sister property, the nearby Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort with six swimming pools, an extensive children’s program of activities, multiple restaurants and a 12,900-square-foot spa.

In Cancun, business-minded road warriors looking for proximity to Cancun’s convention center should consider the Riu Palace Peninsula, which opened in May 2012. There is no dedicated meeting space here, but the hotel’s location and many amenities make it a good option for business travelers. This all-inclusive hotel is characterized by eye-catching decor, and its junior suits have Caribbean-view balconies and Jacuzzi bathtubs. The four swimming pools are especially large, making it easy to find a quiet spot in which to relax—and the diverse a-la-carte dining options assure that guests won’t get bored with the cuisine.

Next door is the recently renovated Hotel Riu Caribe, which is especially good for families, thanks to its many kid-friendly activities. With so many fun activities and indulgent amenities in Mexico’s popular beach resorts, the hard part might be remembering that you’ve brought work with you.

Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on travel to Latin America. He spent way too much time at the chocolatefountain at the Riu.

Tagged: Family time, Mexico