Esencia, Mexico

The 29 rooms, 17 of which are suites, are simple, elegant and airy, with spacious bathrooms, native hardwood furnishings and large windows framing wonderful views over the lush tropical garden or the ocean. One or two-floor cottages and garden suites, each with full or plunge pools, are configured to suit guests with children of all ages, whilst there are a further nine spectacular ocean view rooms, each with sun terrace, in the main house. A private chef and butler service is available to all rooms at all times.

The signature Sal Y Fuego Restaurant serves rustic specialities prepared from fresh local ingredients using ethnic, Meso-American cooking methods, whilst breakfast is served al fresco at the Poolside Pavilion. Discreetly housed in a spacious and womb-like enclosure, the Aroma Spa opens out onto gardens filled with lemons, aloe vera and fragrant herbs. It offers a rich menu of health and beauty treatments, specialising in phytotherapy (the use of plants for their healing properties).

A variety of amenities and activities include a swimming pool overlooking the beach, which is equipped with sheltering thatched cabanas, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing, one-to-one cooking classes, private wine and food tasting with the chef and daily yoga. Nearby are golf, tennis, the lively resort of Playa del Carmen, and the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza.