The “land of the eternal spring,” Mexico’s resort town of Cuernavaca is so named not just for rejuvenating spas and spiritual sites that dot it landscape but also for its year-round spring-like climate. Just 65 miles south of the renowned museums and cultural enclaves comprising Mexico City, the charming colonial city of Cuernavaca has long appealed to great figures of Mexican history. The Aztec ruler Moctezuma and colonial Emperor Maximilian both built private retreats here. Cortez retired here and his estate is available to be toured today. Much of the city’s true architectural treasures are hidden behind tall walls, tucked inside palaces, houses and estates.

They have become the city’s restaurants, museums and spas, each of which seems more splendid than the next. Explore ancient ruins, walk through leafy gardens with towering trees or wander the traditional markets searching for stones from the Tepozteco Mountains. There are endless possibilities in this Mexican holiday resort.