Tides Riviera Maya

NEED TO KNOW

Unique individual villas all have private pools

Tides is an informal and serene refuge in the ancient coastal jungle and beach setting of the Riviera Maya

Dining options include La Marea, specialising in Mediterranean, Mexican and Mayan cuisines, and Antojería, which offers traditional Mexican 'street food' in an authentic market setting

The circular Maya Spa is a delight, offering treatments drawing on the forest's native herbs and natural curatives

A large free-form pool is just a few steps from the clear blue waters of the Caribbean

Other facilities include a fabulous indoor/outdoor lounge, a wine cellar and poolside bar, 'Anytime, Anywhere Dining', yoga in the forest, cooking lessons in an outdoor ancient-Maya kitchen, horse riding, diving and water sports, tours and excursions, and much, much more

THE HOTEL
Lovingly constructed from local wood and stone, this small hotel accentuates the pristine qualities of its surroundings and provides a rare escape from modern day - you'll find no cars or mobile phones on the property, the star-lit sky is undimmed by artificial lighting and you'll never be asked to sign restaurant bills.

The villas blend seamlessly into the tropical foliage, and are wonderful spaces - both indoors and out. Each offers over 1000 square feet of secluded space, including an outdoor terrace replete with chaise lounge, dining table, handmade crochet hammock and outdoor shower.

Inside they are gloriously stripped back, to create a rather wonderful 'rustic minimalism' based on polished floors, louvered sliding doors in bare wood and elegant furniture in wicker and one-colour fabrics. There's no skimping on comfort though. The furniture is seriously luxurious, as are the beds, which all feature Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet covers, and glorious down pillows.

We loved the spa's special Tamascal ritual, which is inspired by ancient Maya traditions to deliver a unique wellness experience.