Mexico

Designer Alice Archer shares her favourite places from her trip to Mexico

Vallarta/Nayarit

This area encompasses the city of Puerto Vallarta and Punta de Mita, a beachgoer’s paradise an hour’s drive north.

WHAT TO SEE:

WHERE TO STAY: Imanta Punta de Mita, hands down. I loved the “entrance” — an eight-minute drive through a protected paradise — to this luxe jungle hideaway. At the end, you are greeted with Asian-inspired villas perched on the edge of deep blue water. And the alfresco Observatorio bar offers the most incredible panoramic view in the city.

WHERE TO EAT: Barracuda is a prime spot for lunch in Vallarta, with a beach view in both directions. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the tacos and tostadas are spot-on and some of the best in town. Try Ketsi at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita for high-end Mexican dishes and great sunset watching.

  • Los Cabos

    Separated from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur offers its own mix of colonial towns and cosmopolitan glamour. At the very tip, Los Cabos makes for a dream getaway, boasting a desert landscape and sparkling blue water.

    WHERE TO STAY: Las Ventanas al Paraiso has so many repeat visitors for a reason: The resort lives up to its name, “The Windows to Paradise.” From the amazing resort manager, Daniel Scott, and Chef Fabrice Guisset (who hails from Provence) at the helm of the delicious restaurants, to the personal butlers and transformative spa, this resort represents the best of Cabo.

    WHERE TO EAT: I have a permanent smile on my face from dinner at Edith’s thanks to the convivial atmosphere and, of course, the superfresh seafood and famous tableside Caesar salad. Flora’s Field Kitchen, located on a ten-acre organic farm, goes beyond farm-to-table in a setting that feels like nowhere else you’ve been

    WHAT TO PACK:

    • Beach Days