Royal Hideaway: Mayan Riviera's Finest

Luxury Resorts: The Royal Hideaway Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort located on Mexico's Mayan Riviera. This most-inviting destination is south of Cancun and a short distance from Playa del Carmen. The pedigree of this lavishly lush hotspot is unparalleled. It is on Condé Nast Traveler's 2007 Gold List, and was voted one of the top two resorts in Mexico in the 2006 Top 100 Best in the World. Additionally, the Royal Hideaway is a member of the distinguished Leading Hotels of the World, a recipient of AAA's Five-Star Diamond Award, and a member of Virtuoso Preferred.

The Mexican Caribbean resort is situated on a 13-acre vista of prime property that leads directly to the white-sand beach of the Yucatan Peninsula. There are spacious presidential suites, junior-level suites, luxury suites with ocean views, and standard luxury suites. All accommodations feature wireless Internet, satellite TV with a DVD player, a stereo system, marble baths with hydro-massage tubs, a king-size bed or two queen-size models, and deluxe toiletries. Concierges are on duty to assist guests around the clock.

There are various scheduled events for guests from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Vigorous physical activities include tennis instructions, Yoga, Pilates, Tai-Chi exercises, aqua gym, scuba lessons, ping pong, and dance lessons. More sedate or cerebral to-dos include cooking and pastry lessons, mixing martinis, and learning about tequila. Fortunately, learning about tequila and mixing martinis are offered on different days.

The resort has six large swimming pools and numerous water-sports options, including deep-sea fishing, sailing, and kayaking. There is a fitness center and a full-service spa that offers facials, massage therapies, and body treatments. Guests also have access to a nearby golf course. Additional day or evening activities can be coordinated with the assistance of the resort's knowledgeable concierges.

Las Ventanas by Sergi Arola is the signature restaurant of the Royal Hideaway. Along with a scrumptious continental menu, it also presents an impressive assortment of wines. Other onsite restaurants have Japanese, Italian, Caribbean, and Mexican cuisines.

Along with Cancun and Playa del Carmen, other sites around the Yucatan Peninsula include Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Akumal, and Tulum.

For LxM James Rothaar