Fusion chic in
MEXICO
Perched on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya boasts ivory beaches, see-through waters and a coastline fringed with Mayan temples, mangrove jungles and an abundance of wildlife. Dive or snorkel on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the world’s second largest coral reef), where you can swim with whale sharks.
THE PLACE TO SPA Banyan Tree Resorts are renowned for their world-class spas and the Mayakoba doesn’t disappoint. Its Rainforest Experience offers a hydrothermal circuit, ice showers, aroma steam rooms and a colour therapy thalassotherapy pool. Treatment suites sit on stilts above the lagoon and offer therapies using Banyan Tree’s organic products.
THE TREATMENTS Honey oil from Melipona honey bees (an ancient Mayan remedy for the skin) is used. The spa’s signature treatment, Rainforest Indulgence, is a holistic journey of hydrotherapy and includes a rain walk through aromatic tropical rainbow showers, a chakrabalancing massage with aromatherapy oils and stretching techniques to open energy channels plus a deep eucalyptus inhalation. Bliss!
THE RESORT Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of the most prestigious retreats on Riviera Maya. Uber-luxe Asian-inspired private pool villas and high-end eateries scatter the sprawling resort. Guests are transported in boats down canals that run from the hub, through the lush mangroves to a pristine white sand beach.
EAT Whatever you fancy from a dozen options including Mexican, Thai, seafood, steaks…
PACKK Keep it light: kaftans and bikinis for lazy days, shorts and hats for exploring, maxidresses and cool linens for cocktails and dinner.
THE LOWDOWN Seven nights start from £ 2,085 per person (based on two adults sharing a Bliss Pool Villa on a B&B basis). Includes return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic. holidayplace.co.uk