Hotel Ixtapan Spa and Golf Resort (Ixtapan; tel. 800/638-7950 in the U.S.): In operation since 1939, this resort is a classic, traditional spa with consistently upgraded amenities and services. It's also close to the region's renowned thermal baths.
El Santuario Resort Spa (Valle de Bravo; tel. 726/262-9104 in the U.S.): The suites at this newest offering in the region of spa resorts overlook a vast lake and are built into the foot of a quartz mountain. A 1,858 sq. m (20,000 sq.-ft.) spa offers a wealth of therapies, plus yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and meditation classes.
Misión Del Sol Resort & Spa (Cuernavaca; tel. 777/321-0999 in the U.S.): Mexico's finest spa resort, with every architectural and functional detail designed to soothe body and soul -- from meditation rooms to reflexology showers to magnets under your mattress. The sumptuous, full-service spa and fitness center and delicious vegetarian cuisine make this a heavenly base for personal renewal.
Paradise Village (Nuevo Vallarta; tel. 800/995-5714): Excellent fitness facilities combined with pampering yet affordable spa services make this one of the best all-around spas in Mexico. It actively promotes the beneficial properties of indigenous Mexican spa therapies and natural treatments.
Le Méridien Cancún Resort & Spa (Cancún; tel. 800/543-4300 in the U.S.): The Spa del Mar is a state-of-the-art, 1,400 sq. m (15,069-sq.-ft.) facility bordering the brilliant Caribbean. It boasts the most complete spa in the area, with inhalation rooms, saunas, steam, Jacuzzis, cold plunges, Swiss showers, a cascading waterfall whirlpool, and 14 treatment rooms.
The Tides Riviera Maya (tel. 800/578-0281 in the U.S. and Canada); Maroma (tel. 866/454-9351 in the U.S.); and Paraíso de la Bonita (tel. 866/751-9175 in the U.S.): The area north of Playa del Carmen, around Puerto Morelos, is a hotbed of spa-resort luxury. These three establishments, in lovely settings, offer guests an impressive range of pampering treatments.
ME (Cancún; tel. 866/436-3542 in the U.S.): The ultrachic Yhi Spa of Cancún's new ME hotel overlooks the ocean and offers body glows and exfoliations, aromatherapy massages, body masks, and wraps -- this is a place to indulge yourself until you're convinced that you've landed in heaven.
Casa de los Sueños Resort & Spa Zenter (Isla Mujeres; tel. 998/877-0651). This luxury B&B has a small but well-appointed spa and "Zenter," which is also accessible to nonguests. Highlights include yoga classes, massages, and holistic spa treatments, which take place either indoors or out, in one of the most tranquil places you'll find.
One&Only Palmilla (Los Cabos; tel. 800/637-2226 in the U.S.): Home to Mexico's most extravagant spa, 13 private treatment rooms set among gardens offer the most pampering array of services, complemented by a yoga garden, fitness center, and menu of classes for getting in touch with -- or indulging -- your inner self.
Rancho La Puerta (Baja Norte; tel. 800/443-7565 in the U.S.): One of Mexico's best-known spas, Rancho La Puerta is a spa-vacation pioneer, having opened its doors -- at the time, tent flaps -- in 1940. A steady stream of guests returns to this pristine countryside for the constantly expanding facilities, spa services, and outdoor opportunities.