Battered by hurricanes in 2005, the stretch of Caribbean coast known as the Mayan Riviera has made a remarkable recovery to become, once again, a delightful area of beautiful white sandy beaches and warm turquoise seas. We aim to avoid the high-rise commercial hub of Cancun and the cruise port island of Cozumel that are favoured by package tourists, preferring more peaceful serene areas for relaxation. We have selected some stunning five-star boutique properties along this coast but also more modest accommodation, especially down towards Tulum with its ancient Mayan ruins and deserted stretches of beach. The Mayan Riviera is the perfect place to relax at the end of a busy itinerary, to snorkel amongst the brightly coloured fish in the beautiful waters, explore the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum, or simply collapse on the beach and enjoy the view. An alternative and increasingly popular option is to take a short boat trip from Cancun across to Isla Mujeres, a beautiful laid-back island, less-developed than the mainland, but with some fantastic hotels in converted villas.