Mexico | Susan's Travel Services https://susanstravelservices.com Where is your travel dream taking you? Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:05:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://susanstravelservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-STS-favicon-32x32.png Mexico | Susan's Travel Services https://susanstravelservices.com 32 32 Etereo by Auberge Playa del Carmen: An Elevated Luxury Experience in Mexico https://susanstravelservices.com/2026/02/etereo-by-auberge-playa-del-carmen-an-elevated-luxury-experience-in-mexico/ Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:04:46 +0000 https://susanstravelservices.com/?p=53730

My mom and I spent two nights at Etereo by Auberge in Playa del Carmen, and it immediately set itself apart as something truly special. Calm, grounding, and deeply restorative, this is a resort designed for travelers who want an elevated Mexico experience rather than a traditional all inclusive stay.

Arrival and First Impressions

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt deeply personal and intentional. Our bags were taken to be delivered directly to our rooms, and instead of being directed to a front desk, we were told that check in would take place privately in our accommodations.

Before heading to our rooms, we were guided through a beautiful indigenous ceremony designed to set an intention for our stay. We were smudged with sage and invited to slow down, ground ourselves, and consciously enter the experience. It was a powerful and unexpected moment, and one that immediately differentiated Etereo from a typical luxury resort arrival.

After the ceremony, we were taken to our rooms, given a thoughtful tour of each space, and completed a few simple forms on an iPad. Within minutes, we were left to truly settle in and enjoy. The entire process felt calm, unrushed, and human. It was a meaningful departure from the standard hotel lobby check in, and it perfectly reflected the resort’s overall philosophy.

Etereo feels removed from the noise and pace that often comes with Riviera Maya resorts, which makes it an ideal place to truly exhale and arrive with intention.

Our Rooms

I stayed in an Ocean Studio with Sky Deck and Plunge Pool, while my mom had a One Bedroom Ocean & Sunset Suite with Plunge Pool. Both spaces were stunning in different ways, but what stood out most was how residential they felt. These were not typical hotel rooms. They were spacious, filled with natural light, and thoughtfully designed to feel like real living spaces rather than temporary accommodations.

The indoor outdoor flow, the views, and the sense of privacy made it easy to settle in immediately. It felt like the kind of place where you slow down without even realizing it.

Pool Time and Dining

We spent time relaxing by the pool with gorgeous ocean views, the kind you do not rush through. Lunch was a standout moment. I had the tacos with a green sauce that was savory, balanced, and completely non spicy. Simple, thoughtful, and incredibly flavorful. Every bite felt intentional, which became a recurring theme throughout the stay.

A Truly Wellness-Forward Spa Experience

The spa experience at Etereo deserves its own moment. We opted for the full journey, starting with the steam room enhanced by aromatherapy, followed by clay body masks and hydrotherapy. The experience concluded with a massage that also included a face mask, tying the entire ritual together.

This was not a quick in and out spa visit. It was immersive, grounding, and clearly designed around holistic wellness. Everything flowed seamlessly, and nothing felt rushed. We left feeling genuinely restored, both physically and mentally.

Elevated Mexico, Redefined

Etereo by Auberge is not an all inclusive resort, and that distinction matters. This is elevated Mexico at its finest. Thoughtful luxury, a deep connection to wellness, refined dining, and an atmosphere that encourages presence rather than over programming.

For travelers seeking a high end resort experience that feels intentional, serene, and rooted in place, Etereo is an exceptional choice. It is ideal for couples, solo travelers, and anyone looking to slow down, reset, and experience Mexico through a more refined lens.

Experiencing properties like this firsthand allows us to confidently guide clients toward resorts that truly align with how they want to travel. Through our Virtuoso affiliation, we are able to add meaningful benefits and preferred access to stays like this, enhancing an already exceptional experience when the fit is right.

Etereo by Auberge is the kind of place that lingers with you long after you leave, and one I enthusiastically recommend for travelers seeking luxury, wellness, and an elevated sense of place in Mexico.

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Luxury Mexico: The Side of Mexico Most Travelers Don’t Know Exists https://susanstravelservices.com/2025/11/luxury-mexico-the-side-of-mexico-most-travelers-dont-know-exists/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:06:27 +0000 https://susanstravelservices.com/?p=53478

When many people picture a Mexico vacation, they imagine all inclusive resorts, buffet lines, and crowded beaches. The truth is completely different. Mexico is home to some of the most refined, serene, and high touch luxury travel experiences in the world. There are lush jungles filled with design driven wellness retreats, cities with world class culinary scenes, and coastal hideaways where every detail is personalized. The luxury side of Mexico is rich, restorative, and unforgettable.

One of the best examples of this elevated style of travel is Rosewood Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya. This private, lagoon filled sanctuary gives travelers a peaceful escape from the typical resort scene. Suites are nestled among waterways and mangroves. Many have private pools, outdoor showers, and direct access to the lagoon. The service feels quietly intuitive. Staff members remember preferences, anticipate needs, and create a feeling of genuine care. It is the kind of place where time slows down and everything feels intentional.

Rosewood Mayakoba also represents a growing trend in Mexico. High end properties across the country have embraced a deeper focus on wellness and holistic restoration. Guests can find slow mornings with guided meditation, deeply personalized spa therapies inspired by Mayan traditions, and menus centered around fresh, local ingredients. Wellness has moved far beyond the typical spa day. It is woven into the design, the rituals, and the overall energy of these properties. When done well, it becomes the highlight of the trip.

Beyond the Riviera Maya, luxury is flourishing in quieter corners of Mexico. San Miguel de Allende blends historic charm with boutique hotels, vineyard estates, and incredible cuisine. Mexico City offers Michelin level dining, art filled neighborhoods, and polished design hotels that make a perfect long weekend. On the coasts, regions like Punta Mita and the more private parts of Los Cabos offer a sophisticated atmosphere with exceptional service, stunning scenery, and spaces that feel exclusive without feeling overly formal.

Clients are often surprised when we show them what Mexico can look like at the luxury level. They discover private villa communities, small resorts with only a handful of suites, and wellness retreats that feel miles away from everyday life. These are places where travelers feel relaxed, cared for, and connected to the culture in meaningful ways.

Working with a boutique agency is one of the best ways to unlock this side of Mexico. Our team builds relationships with these properties and stays educated on what is new, what has been renovated, and what experiences are worth your time. We secure perks such as room upgrades when available, resort credits, early check in, late checkout, and personalized touches that elevate the stay. We also match travelers with the right property for their style, whether they want a quiet wellness escape, a romantic hideaway, or a luxury family vacation.

If you are curious about luxury Mexico or want to explore properties like Rosewood Mayakoba, we would love to guide you. There is so much more available than what people typically see online. Reach out and ask us what is possible. Mexico has a beautiful, elevated side waiting to be experienced.

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