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

A seductive beach village just north of Playa del Carmen. It combines the palapa idea (a palm-roofed hut-type building) with luxurious fittings. Each unit is different, and the suites are especially attractive. There’s a pretty beach bar and pool, and many water sports are available.

A little island of mellow comfort just behind Isla’s Playa Norte, with the most popular bar on the beach, Buho’s, attached. There’s a main building with rooms or cabaña- bungalows; some are on the small side, but they’re all attractive. Health treatments and massages are a specialty.

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.

Right on the beach at the end of the dirt road out to Punta Bete are these lovely cabañas built by an American couple. Decorated with Mexican textiles, all have kitchenettes and beach terraces, and are exceptional value. There’s also a little bar-restaurant alongside.

Spacious beach rooms amid a camp site; some are in a modern building, others in palm-roofed huts. There’s an enjoyable bar-restaurant (see Cabañas Paamul), and the uncrowded beach is exquisite.

The plushest of the Tulum cabañas , colorfully decorated in traditional Mexican style but with hotel comforts.

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.

A small place, where the cabins all have bathrooms. It’s often booked up by fishing groups, so check ahead. The catch of the day can be enjoyed in its sand-floored restaurant.

This remarkable “eco-retreat” stands in total isolation between coconut groves and a remote beach north of Celestún and is best accessed by 4-wheel drive. The cabins are comfortable and have lovely beach terraces, and there’s a good restaurant. Nature and archeological tours are a specialty.