Hannah Breckner

Embarking on your first Mexican adventure? Juggling vast distances and diverse regions can feel like a daunting and overwhelming task. Seeking the perfect mix of city, culture and beach but don’t know where to start? With extensive first-hand experience living, working and exploring the country, I can help.

Teaming up with Journey Mexico, we go beyond the basics, providing top-notch guides, seamless transportation and unique excursions. I've crafted an ideal 10-14-day route in Central and Western Mexico with the perfect balance of everything Mexico has to offer.

Ready to start planning? Reach out to your go-to Mexico travel agent (that's me!) and let's start crafting your perfect Mexican getaway. From hidden gems to must-try local treats, I can elevate your trip with unique, insider experiences and expert local knowledge.

If you’ve ever tried to plan a family trip to Mexico and fallen down a rabbit hole of “best resorts” lists, you’ll know they all start to sound the same pretty quickly. As a Mexico luxury travel specialist, this is one of the questions I get asked most: where should we go that actually works for everyone? Not just a beautiful hotel, but somewhere that keeps the kids happy, gives parents a break, and still feels like a holiday you’ve been looking forward to. And the truth is, there isn’t one answer. Some families want non-stop activities and kids’ clubs. Others want space, privacy and somewhere a bit more low-key. Some want everything taken care of, others want something that feels less like a resort altogether. So this is the list I come back to again and again. The places I actually recommend and book for clients who want five-star luxury, but don’t want to spend the whole trip managing logistics or compromising on the experience. At all of these, I can add VIP perks to your stay and handle everything behind the scenes, from room requests to logistics, so you can just turn up and enjoy it.

When I toured the new Rosewood Mandarina just after its May 2025 opening, I already knew it was going to be very special. I’ve lived in Mexico for nearly 19 years, and this stretch of coastline in Nayarit (a 3-hour drive from where I live) is honestly one of the most spectacular places in the country: jungle-covered cliffs tumbling toward a wild, empty Pacific coastline and beaches that still feel like Mexico’s best-kept secret.

I recently spent a rare child-free weekend in Todos Santos with my husband—a much-needed mix of relaxation and adventure. We were craving slow mornings, a bit of exploring (we’re both restless travelers at heart), and, most of all, sleep—catching up on lots of it, thanks to our one-year-old. I’d had my eye on Todos Santos for a while and did a deep dive into the area’s luxury hotels to find the right fit. Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa, which opened in 2024, turned out to be exactly what we needed. Still flying under the radar, it felt like a well-kept secret. I genuinely couldn’t fault it and would recommend it to anyone looking for an adults-only getaway in Mexico that’s off the beaten path—away from the crowds and glitz of Cabo—and full of quiet magic. We left feeling recharged and refreshed, and already planning when we can come back to this beautiful corner of Mexico.

After veering off the main road and following a winding path, you'll gradually feel your shoulders start to relax as you detach from civilization and venture deeper into the heart of the Mexican jungle. After about 20 minutes of driving (just when you start to feel like there’s no end in sight), the most magnificent entrance appears before you, perched high up on a cliff. A friendly member of the Guest Experience team will guide you straight over to admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the bay and beach that stretches out before you. The new Four Seasons Tamarindo, Mexico is a truly special place that I was fortunate to spend four days at recently.

Punta Mita is known for its luxury hotels, dreamy beaches, delicious eats, tropical laid-back jungle vibes, world-class golf and of course, the best tequila and mezcal selection right from the source! Just an easy hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, this area has become the latest hotspot in the luxury travel world thanks to all its recent and future resort openings and the enormous investment going into the area.

Unsure of where to stay? Or what to do/eat while there? I can help! I am fortunate to live close to the region and have spent a lot of time visiting the hotels to find out what makes each one unique. As a huge foodie, I have tried pretty much every new restaurant that’s opened up in the area in recent years, so I also share all my favorite spots in the area. Read on for my roundup of the top hotels and restaurants in the area, as well as some off-the-beaten-track ideas of what to do while you are there.

It's no surprise that Guadalajara has become a digital nomad and foodie hotspot in recent years thanks to its vibey art, culture and food scene. Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city and compared to its much larger counterpart, Mexico City, it is way more affordable, easier to navigate and has one of the best all-year-round sunny climates in Mexico. Guadalajara is a city of fascinating contrasts: it's the birthplace of mariachi and tequila and has a rich and traditional folkloric culture with impressive colonial architecture; but this is all juxtaposed with cosmopolitan, ultra modern high rises, a cool tech startup scene and trendy and upmarket shopping malls, not forgetting some of the best restaurants and chefs in Mexico. Take a day trip through the blue agave fields to the distilleries of the nearby town of Tequila or combine your city break with a short trip to the surfer beach towns on the Pacific coast like Sayulita or San Pancho.

Guadalajara is not only known for its rich history and cultural heritage, but also for being the birthplace of some of the world's most beloved spirits: tequila, mezcal and pulque. Surrounded by an abundance of agave fields, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the many bars and cantinas of Guadalajara to sample the true essence of these iconic beverages. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner in a traditional cantina to sip on your mezcal or a lively bar to dance the night away, there is something for all tastes and budgets.