4 Best Hotels in Side Trips from Mexico City, Mexico

This chic, contemporary inn located on the lower slopes of Montetaxco contains nine airy, beautifully appointed rooms with large windows, contemporary artwork, and luxurious bathrooms, all with access to a small pool and lawn with chaise lounges overlooking all of Taxco. Rates include a well-prepared full breakfast in the restaurant and bar, where you can also enjoy lunch and dinner throughout the day with those same dazzling vistas. In-room spa services can be arranged. The drawback to staying here is that you'll either need to take a taxi or the funicular to get back and forth between the inn and town.

A colorful history distinguishes this grand hacienda, built in 1529 under the orders of Cortés, now a magnificent oasis of quiet and lush gardens disturbed only by birdcalls, the splashing of a waterfall, and the ringing of a chapel bell. Antiques fill both the public areas and the spacious, beautifully restored guest rooms, which are located both in the main hacienda and several outbuildings. You can bliss out with a treatment in the well-designed spa, which includes a traditional temazcal. Outstanding Mexican food is prepared in an inviting open kitchen close to the pool. The hacienda is about a 40-minute drive southwest of Cuernavaca and an 50-minute drive from Taxco, making it a good base for exploring either place.

Although just a stone's throw from central Cuernavaca's museums, restaurants, and bars, this tastefully understated but quite cushy compound feels completely relaxing, with a fabulous spa, intimate pool, lush gardens, and a destination-worthy restaurant. The minimalist contemporary rooms are done in gray, black, and white palettes with ultra-plush bedding and well-equipped tile bathrooms. Deluxe rooms have balconies and skylights.

This former country club morphed into the one of the most upscale resorts in Valle. All guest rooms have fireplaces and great views of the pine forest. If the 18-hole, par-72 golf course doesn't tempt you, perhaps a massage, facial, or yoga class at the high-tech spa will. The property is about 10 minutes from Valle de Bravo, so if you didn't come by car you'll need to take taxis into town.