Mexico City: Best Activities, Dining Hotspots, and Accommodations

Recently, Kate had the pleasure of exploring Mexico City, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and of course, how big it is. But don’t worry we’re here to help you navigate it.

When it comes to staying in Mexico City, the options are as diverse as the city itself. We split our stay between Casa Polanco and the Four Seasons Mexico City. While these two options are among the best in the city, they are very different. Casa Polanco which opened in May 2022 was a quiet retreat in the lively Polanco area, offering a sleek design with 19 rooms and top-notch service. One of the place's highlights was their complimentary high tea in the afternoon.

The Four Seasons, with its prime location and lush gardens, delivered luxury at every turn. Their spa offers a unique mix of traditional Mexican healing techniques and modern luxury. With an Instagrammable courtyard and the Fifty Mils bar, recognized as one of the top bars in the world, it's no wonder guests are always impressed. We're also eagerly anticipating the upcoming room renovations!

The buzz is all about the Rosewood Mexico City, which is set to open in 2025 in Polanco. It's set to join the ranks of favorites like The Ritz Carlton, a high-rise luxury building.

Some of our favorite things to do?

Every Saturday in the barrio of San Angel, there's an outdoor artisan market. The market itself is exclusive to Saturdays, but the shops lining the streets leading to the main square, along with the restaurants, are open throughout the week. We dined at Hacienda de San Angel, known for its delicious margaritas! We also tried Lardo, a hip Mexican-European fusion restaurant that we highly recommend. Dining at Pujol is a must, but be sure to make a reservation in advance. Also, don't miss out on eating at Contramar to try the delicious fish dishes.

Shopping was an experience in itself, with Polanco and La Roma offering everything from unique local crafts to designer labels.

The National Museum of Anthropology is a must and the city is also full of family-friendly activities that promise fun for visitors of all ages. Some activities include the zoo and interactive museums like Papalote Museo del Niño. Families can enjoy boat rides on the ancient canals of Xochimilco for a bit of adventure.

In all, Mexico City is a place that offers history and vibrant culture. It promises an experience you won't forget. When you’re ready to plan your luxury trip to Mexico City, you can easily pair it with Cabos San Lucas.

KJ Travel's Spring Break Trips

Several of the KJ Travel advisors took personal family vacations over Spring Break from wine country to Mexico beaches and colonial towns and snow skiing. Here’s where they stayed and what they did! 

Melissa took her family and joined several other friends at Cabo's favorite Chileno Bay. It was the perfect destination resort for families and teens – just big enough for there to be plenty of entertainment onsite, but not a mega-resort by any means.  The Two Bedroom Pool Villas are a fabulous option for a family and the service was impeccable.  The kids loved snorkeling straight from the beach with a Chileno Bay expert who even found the reef sharks, caught them on GoPro, and later found them by the pool to Air Drop the memorable footage.  Phenomenal breakfast, Pickleball games, and Well Spa were also a big hit. A day on the water on a private boat with friends was a win, from amazing Taco Bar, snorkeling, and SUP boards to lots of whale sightings.  Add in just a two-hour flight from Houston, this trip will be on repeat.  

Esperanza, An Auberge Resort in Los Cabos

Madelyn went with kids and grandparents to Cabo and stayed in a lovely villa with a private plunge pool at Esperanza… The kids went to the kids club on Monday and Wednesday - ½ and full days are offered, and they have something for everyone.  The adults enjoyed their time at both the adult pools and the newly renovated spa and gym. Your personal butler can arrange reservations, transportation, and prepare appetizers for when everyone comes back to the hacienda to relax in the afternoon. Don’t miss the KJT included breakfast buffet. For those looking for luxury family resorts in Cabo or luxury villas in Cabo, we love helping clients find the perfect fit. 

Brynne went with family to Oregon’s Willamette Valley for an adult spring break of sorts. They first stayed one night at Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City. Very small, but cozy and modern with an incredible farm-sourced restaurant. This hotel would be a great fit for a foodie couple exploring the Pacific Northwest. Next, they traveled to McMinnville and stayed at a small boutique hotel, The Atticus Hotel. McMinnville is a quirky town that has lots of small but quality restaurants and is surrounded by wineries and farmland. Wineries in Oregon are known for Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, but there were some features of bubbles and Rose as well. What Brynne likes most about the Willamette Valley is the collaborative and casual atmosphere, as the wineries are small, collaborative, and intimate. Definitely go in the later off-season, as there was never another person in the tasting rooms and the weather was gorgeous!

Willamette Valley, Oregon Wine Country

Lenni took off to the mountains with family in a multi-bedroom residence in Beaver Creek. They spent time on and off the slopes. Her nieces and nephews participated in ski school, adults got to enjoy adult time skiing and everyone loved the Apres Ski cookies at the mountain base that Beaver Creek is known for. When off the slopes, there is plenty to do in Beaver Creek Village such as ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, winter hiking and snowmobiling. Nearby, families can go to Lionshead Village and Vail Village for more entertainment options. Families also love Decabol, a bowling alley that provides fun for all ages, exploring the charming shops and dining at local eateries. There’s still time to hit the slopes this season or start planning for a mountain holiday or ski trip MLK or Pres Day 2025! 

Kate and her family did a multi-stop vacation on the Yucatan Peninsula with a visit to one of the newest luxury resorts in Riviera Maya, St. Regis Kanai. Just 40 minutes south of Cancun and just north of the popular Mayakoba development, Kanai is a new property that includes Auberge Etereo, St. Regis, and the newest opening, The Edition. They filled their days playing in the calm sea waters, going on beach walks searching for shells, enjoying multiple pools and the kids loved the daily activities offered in the kid’s club. St. Regis Kanai offers daily activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, Mexican coffee tasting, beachfront cocktail classes, and traditional crafts. Their favorite restaurant on-site is Toro but guests can also take a short golf cart ride to dine at nearby Etereo or The Riviera Maya Edition. 

From there, they had a wonderful driver take them across the Yucatan Peninsula (3.5 hour drive) to Merida. (Insider tip: you can make a stop along the way at the archaeological site, Chichen Itza!) They arrived at the next stop: Chable Yucatan, a boutique retreat consistently rated as one of the best hotels in Mexico. Situated in a lush jungle, this spot is a dream for anyone looking to unwind and dive deep into wellness vibes. With 38 casitas and 2 villas (each with its pool!) that blend modern luxury with Mayan traditions, it's an immersive experience. The word that comes to mind most with this property is “magical.” 

Deer are roaming the grounds, hundreds of years of history that you can see throughout the property, an abundance of helpful and friendly staff that know your name and preferences after Day 1. It was super relaxing and we had ample quality time together – from afternoons at the pool, biking around the property, seeing fireflies in the firefly garden, and participating in the ancient cacao to chocolate transformation. There is an amazing complimentary Kids Club that was super hands-on and the kids loved it! The property is also great for a group adults getaway or spa retreat with an afternoon happy hour ritual, a beautiful cigar lounge, one of the largest Tequila collections in the area, Mezcal tastings, and extensive spa offerings. With easy/ direct flights from much of Texas, New York, and California, it's an easy weekend getaway! 

If you can believe it, we already have requests for Spring Break 2025! If you want your pick of top suites or villas or are wanting to do a bucket list trip next March (safaris and New Zealand are fun options!), let’s start planning! 

Our Favorite Luxury Hotels from 2023

2023 was all about exploring new hotels and finding those dreamy destinations. Here at KJ Travel, we've had the pleasure of experiencing some of these remarkable properties firsthand, and we're excited to share our top picks from France to Mexico, and beyond.

FRANCE

Carlton Cannes

Following a two-year renovation, the Carlon Cannes transformed into a new modern design that still maintains the original Belle époque beauty of its predecessor, the InterContinental Carlton. The $500 million investment includes 37 new residences, a pool, a bar, and terraces for the first-floor rooms. Located on the prestigious Boulevard de la Croisette, Carlton Cannes also boasts a private beach and a terrace with expansive sea views. Kate has fond memories of a stay here years ago, watching the Bastille Day fireworks show over the sea. She loved getting to revisit and see the renovated property in 2023! 

La Fantaisie

Located on Rue Cadet, La Fantaisie offers the perfect mix of whimsical charm and comfort with 73 rooms, including 10 suites. Plus, if you're into seafood, their restaurant serves up delicious pescatarian dishes. With options for connecting and adjoining rooms, it's great for families and groups. The big windows let in tons of natural light and we recommend the 5th floor, where Juliet balconies offer a charming glimpse of Parisian life. Don’t miss their rooftop, open from 5 PM to 12 AM!

ITALY

Furore Grand Hotel

With stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Furore Grand Hotel opened for business in June 2023 and is located between Positano and Amalfi. Each of its 37 rooms faces the sea and offers either private balconies or terraces for magnificent views. The Amalfi Coast was one of the most popular destinations for KJT travelers in 2023, so we are delighted to see a new luxury property on the scene!

Six Sense Rome

Six Senses made its Italian debut earlier last year, introducing an urban sanctuary with 95 rooms and suites located on the Via del Corso pedestrian shopping promenade, just blocks from the ancient Pantheon and Fontana di Trevi. Guests can enjoy the spa hotel, restaurants, an outdoor courtyard garden, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Rome. The opening of this hotel is incredibly exciting because it’s the first Six Senses in Italy!

Hotel La Palma

If you're looking for the newest luxury hotel in Capri, La Palma has been transformed into a 5-star elegant Oetker Collection hotel. It’s right in the heart of Capri, just steps away from the Piazzetta. Hotel La Palma has 50 rooms and suites, a rooftop restaurant and bar, an exclusive beach club, and a new pool deck. After a long-awaited reopening, travelers began checking in last summer! The only thing you'll have to worry about is choosing your outfit, but don't worry – we've got you covered with our essentials from our Amazon storefront.

TURKEY & GREECE

THE PENINSULA ISTANBUL

The Peninsula Istanbul is a gorgeous waterfront hotel that opened in early 2023, right on the Bosphorus River. It is the centerpiece of the new Galataport district along with new museums, art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. There are 177 rooms, many of which have unobstructed river views, several swimming pools, and a luxurious spa.

One&Only, Aesthesis

The newest addition to the Athenian Riviera, One&Only Aesthesis, is a short boat ride away from Kea Island and about 30 minutes from the center of Athens. This is the perfect option for guests looking for a blend of relaxing beach vibes and the excitement of the city. They welcomed their first guests at the beginning of November of 2023. We've had the pleasure of staying at one of the most luxurious hotels in Greece. 

MEXICO

Belmond Maroma

Reopened the main part of the hotel in Aug 2023 in the Riviera Maya, with the Guerlain spa and multi-bedroom suites opening later in the year. Our own Kate Johnson got a tour just weeks after the opening and loved the intimate size of the property, thoughtful Mexican artisan interior decor, prime location along Maroma Beach, and turtle release program. This renovation has benefited from Belmond’s acquisition by LVMH so no expense was spared in making this the luxury Mexico resort worthy of Belmond. We are a Belmond Bellini preferred partner which means when you book with KJT, our clients get the top priority for upgrades and VIP treatment plus daily breakfast, resort credits, and more!

St. Regis Kanai

Located in Riviera Maya, offering a stunning setting along the coastline, St. Regis Kanai is a blend of luxury and natural beauty. With its recent opening, the resort has a total of 143 rooms including suites providing guests with many options for accommodations, great beach access, and family programming, making it one of the best family-friendly resorts in Mexico. Right next to St. Regis Kanai is its sister hotel, The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai, which also had a recent debut. Offering 143 rooms, tasty dining options, and prime beach access, these chic newcomers are perfect for travelers seeking a getaway. 

UNITED STATES

1Hotel Hanalei Bay

Midway through 2023, 1Hotel Hanalei Bay—a renovated version of the previous Princeville Resort—rose to popularity as Kauai's ideal of sustainability. They have breathtaking views from every corner, farm-to-table dining experiences, 2 pools, and a Bamford Spa (with medi-spa services). If you're planning a luxury family getaway, don't forget to check out our ultimate family vacation packing list for tips on what to bring for every member of the family.

Kona Village Resort

As a member of the Rosewood Hotels, The Kona Village Resort started welcoming guests to the Big Island last summer. Located 30 minutes north of Kona on the island of Hawai’i, this 81-acre resort will truly give you a sense of place featuring 150 stand-alone hales, farm-to-table dining, Sense Spa, and much more.

Reflecting on the past year, we look forward to continued adventures and discoveries that await us in 2024. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic getaway, a beach retreat, or a memorable holiday with your kids, let's make this year one to remember, one unforgettable hotel stay at a time. Reach out to us today to book your next getaway! Happy travels!

KJ Travel Featured in USA Today

We’re so excited to share that KJ Travel was featured in this weekend’s USA Today discussing travel planning for 2022. 

The article, titled “Can travel make you happy? Many Americans plan to find out as they plan trips for 2022,” includes travel trends for 2022 and the keys to a happier vacation next year.

One insider tip? Hiring a vetted travel pro :) to help you decode travel regulations, get the most out of your vacation time and travel funds, help with any issues that may arise and take the stress out of planning. 

In addition to booking sooner rather than later and the increase in more “off the beaten path” destinations, we weighed in with the below trend:

Stay a little longer. "Longer stays and vetted home rentals will be popular for 2022," says Kate Johnson, owner of KJ Travel. She has several monthslong domestic and European itineraries already on the books. This allows for deeper immersion in a language and culture, and it might give you a perspective on the last two years."

Those interested in traveling in 2022 can really benefit from advanced planning with flexible booking policies and lower rates before inventory books up and rates increase. 

We’re here to help with your next European family vacation, Mediterranean cruise, anniversary trip or exotic honeymoon!