would really appreciate help in selecting a luxury resort for a week long stay in March 2007 to celebrate a special birthday (60)- I am familiar with caribbean and wanted to try something new -about $400-600 a night would be my limit per double occupancy any ideas?

Recommend the Costalegre:
El Careyes Resort has some screaming bargains at www.luxurylink.com
M (SMdA, Gto.)

I have a lot of dream destinations in Mexico:
Maroma
Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
Ritz Carlton Cancun
Le Casa Que Canta
Esperanza, Los Cabos
Four Seasons Punta Mita (this is the only one I've stayed at).

Since you are looking high season, $400 - 600 may not be doable at all these places, but I think it'll get you into the Mayakoba, which I've visited and is absolutely gorgeous and probably the Ritz, which has just reopened and is completely redone.

The unequivocal best luxury hotel in Mexico is Las Alamandas

I think wayfinding is probably correct.
They also have a few deals on www.luxurylink.com auctions mexico.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

wayfinding, have you stayed at Las Alamandas? It looks intriguing.

There is nothing else like it. It is maintained at a level that you won't see anywhere else.
You drive down a long dusty non descript road, when you drive through their gates it turns to technicolor. Perfectly manicured lawns with explosive colors of tropical landscaping. The accomadation is more like a private villa both in privacy and quality of decor.
They don't have a beach they have miles of beaches, and over a thousand acres of pristine land around the hotel.
Excellent food, a wonderful roof top lounge, pampering service. Las Alamandas is in a league of its own.

thanks wayfinding, sounds incredible...maybe someday!

Is it specifically a beach area where you want to be? There are some wonderful luxury properties in many of the inland cities as well. Cuernavaca is famous for its spas, and you could explore the historic city from a luxury hotel where you're pampered with every kind of personal servicing you could imagine. (A couple places that come to mind there include Mision del Sol and Hosteria las Quintas).

There's also some magnificent hacienda properties and historical properties in many of the colonial cities, including Morelia, Guanajuato, and more. Here's a few sites that are good starting points for finding the most distinctive properties in Mexico:

http://www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com/
http://www.slh.com/
http://www.johansens.com/

And if beach is indeed what you want, there are a couple of top-rate luxury resorts in Zihuatenejo that you might want to also consider: Casa Que Canta and Villa del Sol.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com