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Punta Allen is about the most beachcomberish destination imaginable, and this guest house hits the appropriate note, with a stay-as-long-as-you-want feel from owner Serena, a real character. Her two cabins have kitchens and the essential hammocks. She can arrange fishing and diving.

A rustic cabaña -cluster, with a funky and friendly atmosphere kept up by energetic owner Juan Chio, who also cooks up the meals at its rough and ready bar. Cabins vary: some have double or twin beds and share showers; others are little beach houses with bathrooms and kitchenettes.

Cabins are equipped with their trademark “hanging beds” – solid beds on ropes that swing in the breeze. The cabins have an archetypical beach-comber look, but all have neat showers too. Breakfasts and use of an open kitchen are included, and yoga sessions are on offer.

Top of the scale for sheer luxury in Cancún, the Ritz Carlton looks like the biggest Italian Renaissance palace ever built. All 365 rooms have ocean views, balconies, or terraces, and there’s a private beach and five restaurants.

The ultimate in cabaña luxury: palm-roofed beach lodges with traditional Mexican fittings and five-star comforts. The penthouses, in particular, are totally fabulous.

This laid-back hotel on the Riviera has only a few rooms, but they’re all comfortable and full of character. Diving is a big attraction, of course, but it’s ok just to sit on the beach and sample the fine cuisine.

Modest-sized hotel on the western side of Isla’s Laguna Macax, with its own beach and boat landing stage, and superb views across to Cancún. No children under 13 are admitted – honeymoons are a specialty. Each balcony has a Jacuzzi.