Xpu-Ha is probably the best beach on the Riviera Maya – the stretch of beautiful coastline from Puerto Morelos (38 kms south of Cancun) to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (74 kms south of Tulum ). Being protected by the MesoAmerican reef,  expect calm seas and fantastic snorkelling, and if you stay in the boutique Hotel Esencia below, you've got it just a few steps from your bed.

Where to stay:

Overlooking Xpu-ha is the gorgeous Hotel Esencia  - 29 suites and villas in the former home of an Italian duchess, now fresh from a major refurb (think lots of white, splashes of colour and Picassos on the walls).

Hotel Esencia, Xpu-Ha, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, +52 984 873 4830. Doubles from £450, B&B, including mini-bar: