Yucatan travel: A peninsula awash with mystery

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The research that has gone into creating the spa experience at the hotel is evident. There is a 10-step hydro ritual which includes an aromatherapy steam- room, a clay steam-room, ice room and rain shower. A member of staff guides each guest around the hydrotherapy area to ensure the optimum benefit from each treatment is received.

Yucatan travelI had one of those massages where you wish there were no guests booked in after you, so you could extend it by another hour. After your treatment you are wrapped in a blanket and a warm-compress is placed on your shoulders while you lie and enjoy the complimentary snacks and refreshments on offer.

The experience was such that we were happy to spend a full evening there and head straight to our rooms to enjoy one of the deepest and most relaxing sleeps that we had in a long-time. We even skipped our nightcap.

A five-minute taxi-drive from the hotel is the Italian restaurant, Limoncello. Situated on a lagoon, it offers a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to dine with a good wine list to accompany your meal. Diners sit on a wooden terrace over the water. I thought the sign warning of crocodiles was a joke, but it’s not. In fact, they happily swim under you while you eat, and staff seem to be a dab hand at attracting their attention, for braver souls who fancy a closer look.

There are many day trips to take from Cancun.

Top of our itinerary was a trip to bohemian Tulum. Previously known as a destination for hippies and backpackers it, has gained huge popularity in recent years among the international jet-set with Cara Delevigne, Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz all holidaying there in recent times.

Accommodation can be slightly on the rustic side, but not necessarily cheap, so for those not willing to scrimp on luxury it can be a smart move to make the two-hour car journey from Cancun as a day-trip.

The vibe is extremely laid back. Yoga is ubiquitous. We took a Yoga class at the 5-Star Azulik resort. Classes take place on an elevated, wooden terrace, overlooking the ocean. At the end of a class as you listen to the sounds of the sea and birds overhead, even the most cynical soul will be convinced that there is a certain kind of magic that emanates from the place.

Evenings in Tulum are primarily spent enjoying good food and good company. Some of the restaurants are of such reputation that there can be up to an hour’s wait for some tables. The two most popular, Hartwood and Casa Banana, are both away from the beach on the main street.

However, for those of you who fancy a more bohemian experience, the beach club at Papya Playa Project has an extremely imaginative menu of Mayan and Mexican fusion, with organic food sourced locally.