Mexico - What’s not to love?
After attending IMEX Las Vegas, Jen took the opportunity to extend her trip and explore Mexico to see what it has to offer for there Motive clients—and she was truly wowed! Here’s what she discovered:
A Destination Like No Other
Mexico has always been on our ever growing list of destinations to explore. While it hasn’t been a frequent request for incentive trips, it has always looked appealing. But what does it really have to offer?
What Jen found is that Mexico delivers an unparalleled mix of beauty, vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether your group is seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Mexico delivers experiences that will stay with you. Attendees will always remember their time in Mexico!
Mexico City
Highlights
I took a flight with AeroMexico from Las Vegas directly to Mexico City. Motive partnered with the incredibly fabulous Tropical Incentives as our host on the grounds to show me what the country really had to offer. Mexico City pulses with energy, and its people are my highlight. I met so many smiling faces ready to share with me their culture, feeding me their delectable cuisine or explaining the importance of their history. Every neighbourhood has its unique charm - some of my favourites included Polanco, Reforma and Coyoacán. The streets are alive no matter what area you are in and despite its vastness, the city feels welcoming, sensory-rich, and mesmerizing. Leaving you wanting to explore the next corner, street, or suburb.
Hotels
For our Incentive clients, the hotels are plentiful with a myriad of price points, styles, looks and places to choose from.
I got to experience the beautiful new IHG Kimpton Virgilio in Polanco (a beautiful area) full of local restaurants, bars and green parks to wander through. The hotel is new modern and stunningly designed, the rooms are spacious but feel boutique…ideal for a small Incentive buyout or those top sellers
Activities
The activities are endless, and it is hard to choose what to include as MUST see, but for a programme my picks would be:
Xochimilco is a borough of Mexico City centered around famous canals; the last remnants of a vast water transport system built by the Aztecs. Colorful gondola “trajeras” cruise along the water stopping at vendors for food and drinks. Mariachi bands float alongside that can serenade you. The whole experience was so much fun and perfect for an immersive Incentive activity.
Teotihuacan Pyramids are among the most iconic and well-preserved pyramids in Mexico and the world. The site is also known for its beautiful murals, extensive residential complexes, and the Avenue of the Dead, lined with smaller pyramids and platforms. It was honestly my favourite visit, learning the history and culture was incredible. An early morning is key, it’s about 1 hr from town and there are beautiful traditional lunch venues close by. There are 3 arrivals spots depending on the duration and how far you want to walk around the complex.
A MUST experience. • Taco & Mezcal walking tour – what trip to Mexico City without hitting the pavement and heading to taqueria's where the locals eat. It is the best way to get a feeling for the city, culture and more importantly food. We tried traditional, contemporary, Asian fusion, and even a Michelin starred taco! An incredible immersive evening ideal for small groups.
“A quick introduction to Mexico City but one I will remember as a city it has it all, rich history, vibrant culture, world-renowned cuisine, unique shopping, affordable luxury and unmatched hospitality. “
Riviera Maya
My next stop was Riviera Maya, a 2.5-hour flight from Mexico City. We specifically didn't opt for the traditional Cancun trip, but instead chose the newest up-and-comer just south - Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
When researching Mexico as a destination: while Cancun is the famous choice, we were looking for a more diverse offering for our clients searching for adventure, culture and history while also relaxing by the pristine natural beauty of the coastline along the Peninsula. What I found was unique natural wonders, charming colonial towns, rich cultural experiences, and a very relaxed/ off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Highlights
Riviera Maya (known as the Mayan Underworld) is famous for its network of underground caves and cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with freshwater. These caves, often connected by underground rivers, are part of one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, and they hold immense ecological and cultural significance. Rio Secreto is a natural reserve featuring a series of stunningly preserved caves filled with crystal-clear waters, ancient rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites, that are millions of years old.
Guided tours allow visitors to swim, walk, and marvel at these breathtaking underground landscapes, offering a rare glimpse into the beauty and mystery of Mexico’s natural wonders.
Tulum Brewery is Tulum’s first craft brewery, offering unique beers made with local Mexican ingredients like agave and cacao, I feel it is a must-do experience for any event because it combines unique experiences with team-building opportunities in a relaxed, memorable environment.
The highlight was also the crew at the venue/activity as they made the experience very memorable. They have an eco-conscious ethos being the only brewery in the southern hemisphere that uses ocean water to make beer and drinking water!
Tulum Ruins one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico and for good reason: it’s incredible. The ruins sit on seaside cliffs, high above turquoise waters overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The whole morning offered a stunning mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The ruins are the remnants of a Mayan port city that was thriving around the 13th-15th centuries. The structures themselves are modest in comparison to other grand Mayan cities, but Tulum captures your imagination, and I learnt so much more about the intelligence of the Mayan people by the way they used these structures and skills to flourish in the times.
Hotel
The Conrad Hilton was my base for this part of the trip and wow, wow, wow. It is a very popular hotel for the event market as their service and understanding of groups is impeccable. It offers a luxurious experience with its prime location on Tulum's stunning Caribbean coast, blending modern elegance with eco-conscious design. Ideal for high-end events, it features versatile event spaces, world-class dining, a spa, and infinity pools, creating an atmosphere perfect for both corporate gatherings and client rewards. The resort’s sustainable practices and tailored guest experiences—from wellness programs to adventure excursions—add value for eco-minded clients and elevate any event with a unique blend of luxury, nature, and impeccable service. It was simply stunning and a perfect base for any group.
Why Mexico?
Jen returned home thrilled to share this destination with the Motive team and clients. Mexico City and Riviera Maya are the perfect combination for unforgettable corporate events.
Mexico City offers rich history, vibrant arts, world-renowned cuisine, and top-notch venues, making it ideal for conferences and networking.
Riviera Maya provides a relaxing escape, with beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and unique team-building activities like exploring cenotes or Mayan ruins.
Whether you’re planning an executive retreat, product launch, trade show or incentive trip, Mexico delivers the ultimate balance of culture, luxury, and inspiration.
