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Those looking for quality, privacy, and style – from newly weds to celebrities – can enjoy an exotic and environmentally friendly stay at this luxurious hotel. Each villa is resplendent in artistic decor, and fastidious attention is paid to the minutest detail.

Medium-sized resort with an exquisite, large pool that snakes almost like a lake beside some of the rooms. Another plus is that it’s only a short walk from Akumal village along the beach, so that those who appreciate the convenience of allinclusives can also wander out of it whenever they wish.

Affiliated to AMAJ, this newish hostel in a pretty, old house has excellent, bright dorm rooms or hammock space in the garden, good shared bathrooms, a lounge and patio area, free coffee, and cheap Internet access.

Three cabaña -style rooms, all with kitchenettes, fridges, and terraces, set around a pool and lovely garden. It’s especially suited to families: breakfasts (included) are served in a garden palapa (palm-roofed gazebo).

Owners Nancy and Tony de Rosa are the foremost cave-diving specialists on the Riviera, and many of their guests dive. The place is also well equipped for families.

In place of the giant scale of most Cancún hotels, the discreet Baccara deliberately goes another way, as a “boutique hotel.” Each of its 34 suites is individually decorated. Built in contemporary Mexican style and with a lovely pool, it’s an unusually intimate place for Cancún.

Another giant, split into two: the Barceló Maya Beach (612 rooms) and the Barceló Maya Garden next door (408 rooms). They share over 2 km (1.5 miles) of beach and offer a lot on-site for the all-inclusive rates. You’re not encouraged to go anywhere else. Highlights include a nightclub under a giant palapa plant and a luxurious beachside buffet.

A remarkable survivor from Playa’s wild hippy days, gripping on to its great beach location in the face of glossier developments. Inside two garden enclosures you have a choice between simple cabañas , with or without showers, or hammock space under a big, mixed-sex palapa.