Fairmont Mayakoba

The longest-established hotel in the ultra-luxurious, gated Mayakoba beach complex a few kilometres north of Playa del Carmen, the Fairmont is super-sized, beachside and offers back-to-nature stays with full urban comfort.

Stays are all about secluded setting and upmarket amenities. Rooms and villas are dotted around 45 acres of jungle, lagoon and beach.

Villas come in all shapes and one size – huge; from the super-luxurious (with butlers and a rooftop pool) to jungle villas nestled in the trees. All are well-appointed, decorated in modern creams, offset with blocks of warm Mexican colour and have en-suites with vast mirrors and his-and-hers granite basins.

There’s a PGA Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course, kayak lagoons, a plush spa and a suite of restaurants. It’s nearly two kilometres from the main reception building to the shore, but complimentary golf carts whisk guests everywhere in a wink.

Should you wish to leave, Playa del Carmen’s bars are a ten-minute cab ride.