With its colorful culture, tasty cuisine, glittering white sandy beaches, and azure coastline ringed by palm trees and verdant jungle, it’s not exactly shocking that Mexico has become a mecca for Hollywood celebrities. Not to mention, the country boasts some of the most impressive luxury resorts and spas in the world. So, if you’re planning a Mexican getaway, why not make sure that you’ll be sunbathing next to Jennifer Aniston, surfing with Cameron Diaz, or downing margaritas in Jimmy Kimmel’s vicinity? Here are the prime Mexican hotspots where you’re sure to run into a celeb or two:

Los Cabos

When celebrities want to avoid the pesky paparazzi, and soak up the Mexican sun (and top-shelf tequila, no doubt!), Los Cabos is their #1 go-to. It’s not hard to see why: this picturesque stretch of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula is just a two-hour flight from Los Angeles. And yet, it’s a world away – in Los Cabos, the living is easy, the scenery is unbeatable, and the resorts are one-of-a-kind. Home to both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, this area of Mexico is truly hard to beat.

The One & Only Palmilla

So, where’s the Hollywood crowd hanging out? Topping the list is the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo, which offers up classic five-star fare for both adults and kiddos alike. Set on 55 acres of paradise, the One&Only Palmilla has an incredible array of amenities (including a world-class golf course and one of the most well-known spas in Mexico), and is even the only resort in Los Cabos with its own swimmable beach. Tons of celebs are regularly spotted here – including Jennifer Aniston, John Mayer, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore – just to name a few!

Michael Jordan, Adam Sandler, the Kardashians, and others often frequent the Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa, which offers up incredible ocean side pools, delicious dining options, and a variety of therapeutic spa treatments at the resort’s Spa Otomi.

Westin Los Cabos

And finally, the Queen of all things Goop (that’s Gwyneth Paltrow, of course) adores Esperanza, a famed resort & spa that routinely tops various “Best Of” lists. Overlooking the sharp blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, Esperanza is a standout gem; which is really saying something, considering the caliber of most resorts in Los Cabos. Each room at this opulent utopia offers stunning ocean views, and you can even opt to have a private butler, chef, and your own pool – in true Gwyneth style.

As far as beaches go, Playa del Amor (or, Lover’s Beach) is a celeb-studded hot spot. And, don’t miss a chance to dine at Don Manuel’s, the signature restaurant at Capella Pedregal, where you’re sure to nosh on upscale Mexican fare alongside at least one Olsen twin.

Tulum

Tulum, with its hipster-chic vibes and ultra-stylish resorts and beaches, draws the cool kids of the Hollywood crowd. This tiny albeit glamorous small town near the tip of southern Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is routinely compared to New York’s Williamsburg, or LA’s Silverlake. Replete with luxurious hotels, spas, and more yoga-centric resorts than there are actual yoga poses, Tulum is a favorite among many celebs: including Sienna Miller, Demi Moore, Cara Delevingne, and more.

Amansala Resort

In terms of lodging, there’s really one place to stay if you’re itching for your celebrity fix. The breathtaking Amansala Resort is a magnet for the Hollywood A-list – this hip, luxurious hotel boasts classic beachfront views, and signature spa treatment and retreats that range from a “Destination Detox” to “Bikini Bootcamp”. When you’re ready for a bite, the Hartwood Restaurant is Tulum’s premier restaurant of choice. Enjoy your market-fresh fish and slow-cooked pork belly, and keep an eye out for Reese Witherspoon.

Riviera Maya

The Yucatan peninsula in general has become a favorite of the Hollywood elite over the years – and for good reason. With its outstanding snorkeling, fabled Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, and incredible wildlife, there’s no end to this region’s charms and beauty. The Riviera Maya, in particular, attracts celebs in droves – this resort-heavy area on the eastern part of the Yucatan is always buzzing with Tinseltown royalty. And there are a couple specific spots where you’re likely to glimpse celebs.

Hotel Esencia

First up is Hotel Escencia, the former vacation villa of an Italian duchess, which has reportedly drawn the likes of Uma Thurman and Tom Cruise. This idyllic villa has it all: heated pools, sunrise yoga, an awe-inspiring organic spa, and more. You’ll never want to leave Hotel Escencia’s majestic beach, especially when you catch Gwyneth Paltrow (yep, she comes here, too!) frolicking in the surf.

Maroma Resort & Spa

Last but not least, if you’re in the mood for a celebrity sighting, there’s no better place to be than the Maroma Resort & Spa. Over the years, this picture-perfect resort has attracted Sir Elton John, Celine Dion, Sean Penn, and Robert Redford – and, as legend has it, they’ve all asked to stay in the same room: number 23.
Birds of a feather, and all that.

By Justine Harrington