Some trips were planned, some were overdue, and all of them left an impression. This list is based purely on where we've actually been, what we experienced, and what we'd do again.
By Patrick & Tamekia Dolan|Updated December 29, 2025|5 min read
Mexico has quietly become one of our favorite places to travel. Three destinations stand out for very different reasons, and together they show why we keep going back: easy all-inclusive comfort, once-in-a-lifetime luxury, drive-to convenience, and family days we'll never forget.
1
Puerto Vallarta
The one that set the bar
Honeymoon at the W Puerto Vallarta, including the trash-the-dress photos in the water.
Puerto Vallarta was our very first trip to Mexico, years ago, and it set the bar high. That first stay was at an all-inclusive resort: easy, relaxing, great food, no thinking required. It's still one of the simplest ways to do Vallarta if you just want the beach, the pools, and everything handled.
Years later we came back for our honeymoon at the W Puerto Vallarta, and that trip was something else entirely. The resort was stunning, our suite was private and quiet, the balcony overlooked the water, and the whole experience felt intentional. We even did our trash-the-dress photos there, so if you see us standing in the ocean in our wedding clothes, that's Puerto Vallarta.
"Back in the day, 'You're going to Puerto Vallarta!' was the game-show dream prize. We get why."
There's something great about both sides of this destination: the all-inclusive route is easy and repeatable, and the luxury route was unforgettable.
Puerto Vallarta at a glance
Getting thereDirect flights from Phoenix
Two ways to do itAll-inclusive ease or W-level luxury
VerdictHighly recommended
2
Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point)
The Arizona shortcut to the beach
Las Palomas: better than we expected, across the board.
For a long time this one sat on our "we should do that someday" list. In 2025, Tamekia finally said it was time to drive down, and we're glad we listened. We stayed at Las Palomas Resort, and it beat our expectations across the board: the resort was more beautiful than expected, the beach was better than expected, and the drive from Arizona was easier than expected.
That combination matters. So much that we've already been twice and are heading back for a third trip to kick off the new year. Puerto Peñasco feels approachable: international, but not complicated. Relaxed, scenic, and perfect for a shorter getaway when flying feels like too much work.
Clear water and a short drive: hard to beat.
One highlight every single trip is eating well without the Arizona price tag. Garufa Steakhouse is our standout here: high-quality steaks, great service, and a fraction of what we'd pay back home.
Cozumel makes the list on the strength of one unforgettable day. We stopped there on a boat tour and spent the day at an all-inclusive beach resort, and it turned into one of those experiences the entire family still talks about: clear water, a relaxed pace, and everyone actually present and enjoying it.
That said, we haven't explored Cozumel enough to move it higher. It's a place we absolutely want to return to, slow down, and experience beyond a single stop. The potential is obvious.
"Each trip offered something different. Easy comfort, luxury memories, drive-to convenience, and family days we'll never forget."
Patrick & Tamekia
If a Mexico trip is on your someday list, our advice is simple: pick one and put a date on it. Someday lists don't book themselves. Got a favorite spot we should try next? Tell us about it.
