Mexican resorts rewrite luxury as they trade imitation for authentic experiences

Mexico’s resorts are changing the way they showcase their destinations. Instead of recreating the comforts of home for American travelers, many now lean into authentic Mexican and Mayan traditions, cuisine and cultural experiences that reflect the country’s history and community.

A shift away from Vegas on the beach

For years, Mexico’s resort industry thrived on selling familiarity. Guests traveling to Cancun, Cabo or Puerto Vallarta could book an all-inclusive and expect cheeseburgers, Tex-Mex tacos and poolside piña coladas. The resorts looked the same, the food tasted the same and the experience was sealed away from the Mexico visitors could experience outside the resorts. The emphasis was often on creating a version of America in Mexico, rather than celebrating the host country’s own