second North American hotel and second in Mexico, the first being the Banyan Tree Mayakoba on the Yucatan peninsula, by all reports one of the best among a cluster of super high-end resorts along the increasingly popular Riviera Maya. (Photo right: a beach-front villa at Mayakoba.)
Acapulco was an important port of call for China in the 19th century and the architecture pays subtle homage to that history with distinctive Asian design elements. Each spacious villa, at least 2,000 square feet, boasts its own private full-size swimming pool and dramatic views of Acapulco Bay. High ceilings and lots of glass heighten the sense of space and frame the lovely views. There are three restaurants, a lovely spa, and a shopping gallery so guests may (and often) decide to simply stay put.
Save up muchos pesos though, these dreamy resort getaways do not come cheap.
Story by Ed Salvato; images courtesy banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts; above a nice spot for breakfast
Singapore-based Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is largely unknown to all but the most sophisticated LGBT U.S. travelers. A rival of the better known luxury hotel groups Four Seasons and Aman Resorts, Banyan is rapidly expanding. Banyan opened its first resort in Phuket, Thailand and now operates 20 hotels and resorts in 23 countries.
Banyan opened the gorgeous, cliff-top Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués in Acapulco this month, creating its second North American hotel and second in Mexico, the first being the Banyan Tree Mayakoba on the Yucatan peninsula, by all reports one of the best among a cluster of super high-end resorts along the increasingly popular Riviera Maya. (Photo right: a beach-front villa at Mayakoba.)
Acapulco was an important port of call for China in the 19th century and the architecture pays subtle homage to that history with distinctive Asian design elements. Each spacious villa, at least 2,000 square feet, boasts its own private full-size swimming pool and dramatic views of Acapulco Bay. High ceilings and lots of glass heighten the sense of space and frame the lovely views. There are three restaurants, a lovely spa, and a shopping gallery so guests may (and often) decide to simply stay put.
Save up muchos pesos though, these dreamy resort getaways do not come cheap.
