Casa Ocho

Belmond Maroma, an oasis designed and crafted according to sacred principles and traditions, can be found nestled between lush jungle and the tranquil Caribbean Sea.

Just 30 minutes from Merida and nestled in the Yucutan jungle is Chablé Resort & Spa, a wonderful retreat with a focus on wellness.

Chablé is spread over 300 hectares but the actual resort only covers 30, so there is plenty of open space in which to find your own tranquil corner. There are 38 casitas with private pools as well as two larger villas, perfect for families or groups of friends. The original 19th-century walls form the basis of each casita but inside the decor is contemporary and colourful with local wood and stone used throughout.

At the heart of the resort is a natural cenote, which forms the centre of the spa. Surrounded by the Mayan forest, this is a wonderful place to unwind with a treatment and take advantage of the sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and salt cabin. Take a dip in the infinity pool or get your heart rate up in the gym or on the tennis court.

There are three restaurants at Chablé, all of which use fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from the organic garden. Ixi’im, translates as corn in the Mayan language, and the menu is a innovative blend of regional and local Mexican flavours. Ki’ol, meaning healthy, offers light snacks and ceviche, and the spa restaurant caters for a range of dietry requests with dedicated gluten free, lactose free and vegan menus.

Chablé has one of the country’s largest tequila collections and guests can have great fun discovering this most Mexican of spirits with a tequila and chocolate tasting. There is also the option to take part in a cooking class with local chefs who will help you bring out the true flavours of Mexico.

One of the joys of staying at Chablé is taking the time to fully unwind and recharge. However, should you wish to go exploring then there are bikes to hire and incredible Maya ruins to discover.

Intimate, low key and stylishly simple, this relaxed little boutique hotel also occupies rather an idyllic spot on the island’s pristine North Beach.

White washed walls, palapa-style roofs and sparse decoration throughout does everything to highlight the tropical greens and Caribbean blues around Na Balam, as well as instilling the whole place with an elegant ‘barefoot luxury’ feel. Its spacious rooms and suites are again simply decorated, and all have air conditioning and hand-made organic bath products.

Warm breezes come off the Caribbean to flood the restaurant and terraces of Na Balam, choose from some first-class Mexican and international cuisine in the Restaurant Bar, or simply cool off with a refreshing drink on their sunbeds just metres from the Caribbean Sea.

With a good focus on wellbeing, one of the best ways to start the day off here at Na Balam is to join in with a yoga class in one of the custom-built studios. There’s also the Water Lily Spa for a good dose of pampering.

This top-class resort offers guests an indulgent seaside escape. The facilities are top-class, staff accommodating and the activities and restaurants are excellent. Choose between casitas, suites, villas and haciendas. All accommodation options are sophisticated and airy. Chic decor incorporates soft hues and splashes of ocean-inspired colour.

The resort’s six restaurants provide an array of artfully presented dishes. The executive chef skillfully designs the menus for each of the including the recently revamped Cocina del Mar which sits on a rocky promontory above the crashing waves.

There are a wide variety of activities to fill your days and evening with here. Whether you’re keen on watersports, flexing your culinary muscles or getting active, there’s something for everyone at Esperanza and the area around it.