Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico

A total of 128 state-of-the-art villas, some with private pools and some adjacent to the spa for the complete holistic experience, boast rainforest showers, outdoor stone bathtubs and white courtyards to blend with the natural environment, while bamboo flooring and a spacious openplan design have been inspired by the Mandarin Oriental's Asian origins. Mexican artists have been commissioned to furnish each of the villas with locally inspired pieces, while seamless technology and superior entertainment systems provide a cutting contemporary edge.

Water is a key feature here, and an intricate web of streams and lagoons has been designed to radiate from a spectacular central 'cenote', a deep freshwater lake created by the slow erosion of soft limestone soil that was sacred to the ancient Mayan.

Facilities are all one would anticipate from a Mandarin Oriental resort with a Wellness Spa offering a seductive range of Mayan and Ayurvedic therapies, a choice of individually themed restaurants and bars, and a well-equipped fitness and watersports centre. Clear waters and abundant coral reefs offer perfect conditions for snorkelling and diving, there are two 18-hole championship golf courses within easy reach, and the resort is also an excellent base for exploring the Yucatan's rich Mayan culture.