In the early 1980s, the pure, Caribbean beaches girdled Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is marked by little more than a few fishing villages. There is a hotel in the here and a hammock in there, but not much of an effort to identify their position, not a lot of infrastructure to support them.

But just as it was to Cancun, Mexico’s tourism development agency decided to put a name to this beautiful face, and the Riviera Maya was born. Before long, the road was built parallel to the beach, the beach is connected to the Cancun airport. Romantic marketing ring name, but the Riviera Maya, indeed, an ideal description of the magic carpet unrolls unbroken sand for nearly 81 miles south of Cancun.

Better yet is the extent of choice solely holidays, from the elegant resorts to hiding a wallet-conscious all-inclusives; from the beach bar to live repasts gourmet candles. But since the area was developed in the region has emerged recently as well, you apologize for not knowing the difference between Xpu-Há (shpoo-HA) and Xel-Há (Shel-HA), Maroma and Mayakobá.

In fact, many tourists think of the Riviera Maya this is merely an extension of Cancun. No. With more than 37,000 hotel rooms alone, and nearly 3 million visitors each year, Riviera Maya fierce competitor who is more famous neighbors. However, while Cancún is a busy resort town, visitors were scattered in the southern region far larger and resorts tend to stand alone, often more intimate.

So, pack up your rental car at the airport and head south on Highway 307. This is the lay of the land.

North Star

Riviera Maya began 12 miles south of the airport in Puerto Morelos, one of the last original beach fishing villages. Beach here is not impressive as the deeper into this area. Salt-and-pepper the coastline does not shine as bright enough, and less-than-transparent has sea turtle grass under your feet.

But there are some advantages, based in Puerto Morelos. You transfer the airport nearly 20 minutes, and proximity to Cancún to make the night in the city a realistic option. Nightlife in Puerto Morelos probably relax a little boy messy, but fun for a night or two. Better yet, barrier reef – the second longest in the world – located less than a mile offshore. And Puerto Morelos? Quiet and uncrowded.

Places to stay: The 496-room Paradisus Riviera Cancun is an all-suite, all-inclusive resorts are the most favorable stretch of coast just north of Puerto Morelos. Facilities include 24-hour room service, a AAA four diamond restaurants and adults-only wing with butler service. Doubles from $ 350 ($ 478 high season). Contact: 1-888-741-5600; www.paradisus.com.

Note: Unless otherwise noted all prices are per room, double-occupancy, and do not include food or taxes.

Luxe landing

Ask their favorite local beach, and see their eyes go distant as they say, “Maroma.”

Eighteen miles south of the airport and almost untouched by developers so far, Maroma is a powder-soft sand and calm water meet in what is practically the best in coastal areas. First inhabited by Maroma classy hotel, honeymoon Maya-Moorish oasis. There is no city: Forest on the beach behind the thick, while the sand is a cream alabaster. Your impressions may be the first of the day.

Directly to the south is Mayakobá, a 593 hectare development of three hotels along the stretch of beach embraced milelong. Most of the facility a half mile inland, mangrove lagoons to accommodate the strip behind the beach. With most of the mangrove leaves undeveloped, Mayakobá has violated forest feel, with Cormorants and egrets fishing and preening in the sun. A 7000 yard Greg Norman golf course snakes around the property.

Places to stay: Boasting striking modern architecture, 128 rooms Rosewood Mayakobá makes most front beach bordered by a series of channels etched into the limestone country only, which allows each room to deal with the water line. (Beach number of luxury rooms in price.) Spa overlooking the cenote is first rate. From $ 590 ($ 790 high season). Contact: 1-888-767-3966; www.rosewoodhotels.com.

City beach

De facto center and the Riviera Maya, Mexico’s fastest growing city, Playa del Carmen is not a place for seclusion and quiet, but not the high forest. Often just called Playa, the beach fronting the city is surprisingly spacious and relatively clean, especially in the north Constituyentes main attraction. Resort and the price of food is the most competitive region. Fifth Avenue, one block from the beach, is only a pedestrian street, with restaurants and shops that permeates brightly every night. Although the 150,000-plus population, Playa is ideal for car-free visitors who do not want their vacations to be defined by a swim-up pool bar. Coast city living, especially around Mamita’s, a hip beach club with a white pageant bed, relax and umbrellas for rent, a DJ spinning electronica and hip-hop, spa service and good food.

Within walking distance just south of the Playacar complex, with hundreds of condominiums, golf course and a collection of all-inclusive resorts. Intensive building close to the coastline has been taking casualties on the beach slim here, most hotels have grown sandbags in the water to hold in the sand. While a good hotel deals can be found in Playacar, if you live in another place is not a beach to make a detour for.

Places to stay: Only a few of Playa del Carmen beach hotel. Most sit one or two blocks inland. A timeless favorite is La Tortuga, a 51-room hotel-like twisting channel swimming pool, embraced by lush gardens. From $ 114 ($ 160 high season). Contact: 011-52-984-873-1484; www.hotellatortuga.com.

Secret pieces

Traffic thinned to the south after you pass the Playa, and six miles outside the water park Xcaret (Ish-ka-ret) Xpu-Há is located. Riviera Maya coast have not dreamier than this. Bright white sand and uncrowded. Some all-inclusive resorts anchor each end of the beach. But to access selected, large slices of silica, watch for signs to Al Cielo restaurant, where the strong Mediterranean menu delicious seafood.

Where to stay: One of Mexico’s leading hotel is a 29-room Escencia, 50-acre estate Xpu-Há Rosa, duchess of Italy Ferrari. Hotel is an elegant provide an intimate experience that is similar to home parties and includes a spa that specializes in the treatment of natives. From $ 459, with breakfast ($ 545 high season). Contact: 1-877-528-3490; www.hotelesencia.com.

Turtle peat

Akumal fronting the beach, 53 miles south of the airport, not great, but the favorite for snorkeling, often accompanied by sea turtles that frequent the reef near the coast. In fact, Akumal translates into “where the tortoise,” and the night nestings and hatchings on the beach is a routine activity in June until September.

The north end of town is the Half Moon Bay, the main sea turtle nesting areas. It’s lined with rental condominiums (many owned by American expats). Front Akumal Bay central business area; this small beach can be busy, but there are restaurants, bars and other water sports. South Akumal, beach morphs into Jade Beach, with some rocky points into the water. Then increase the sand in South Akumal. Second row condo rental area.

Places to stay: Hotel Akumal Caribe, a 61-room resort, offers oversized garden bungalows and hotel rooms in a three-story building overlooking the sea. All have air conditioning and minifridges; it a good place for families. From $ 89 ($ 119 high season). Contact: 1-800-351-1622; www.hotelakumalcaribe.com.

Damage to eyes

Tulum, Mexico one of the most important archaeological sites, located 70 miles south of Cancún airport. The only Maya city built right on the sea, Tulum is also home to stunning beaches and a dizzying array of small inn. Despite facing a decade worth of development that are less regulated, Tulum was still boasts off-the-grid that lures chic young and international crowd to the convenience of simple huts blend in with the aesthetics of Buddha Bar.

The destruction itself is on a rocky cliff. Some smooth cove tucked into the rock directly under the El Castillo. Come early or come late, and you may have a small pocket of sand to yourself.

A milelong stretch of beach that extends well south into another series of direct bank in accordance with the city, a mile inland. This stretch is interesting locals, and can be festive atmosphere. Just follow the coastal road outside a popular restaurant Zamas Que Fresco, and then continues unbroken sand and not to be named for miles. Most of the beach access from paved roads and in many areas require walking through one of the many small hotels.

Development over the 1.5-million-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and the national park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the park is focused on forest roads mangrove lagoon and unexcavated ruins, 22-mile Boca Paila Peninsula, fronted by a ribbon of fine white sand that will spoil your most escapist fantasy Robinson Crusoe.

Places to stay: Accommodations in Tulum styles ranging from high roughing the dank hut. Expect much in the way of air conditioning, telephone or TV, and be prepared for occasional invasion of mosquitoes. Piedra Escondida is a charming eight-room two-story inn palapas overlooking the calm bay swept every morning. Hammock swing on the porch, a small restaurant that serves cheap food. From $ 105, including tax and breakfast ($ 165 high season). Contact: 011-52-984-100-1512; piedraescondida.com.