Continued: ALONG THE RIVIERA MAYA

Just south is Puerto Aventuras, which is short on sand and most of its beaches are manmade.

Two miles south is Xpu-Ha, where the beaches don't get any dreamier. All-inclusive resorts anchor both ends of the beach, but to access the choicest, broadest slice of silica, watch for the sign for Al Cielo restaurant, where the Mediterranean menu is strong on delicious seafood.

Where to stay: One of Mexico's top hotels is the 29-room Escencia, the 50-acre Xpu-Ha estate of Rosa, Italian duchess of Ferrari. The elegant hotel delivers a fabulously intimate experience akin to a big house party, and includes an earthy spa specializing in indigenous treatments. From $459, including breakfast ($545 high season); 1-877-528-3490; hotelesencia.com.
Turtle turf

Located 53 miles south of the airport, Akumal's beaches are not grand, yet it's beloved by snorkelers who are often accompanied by sea turtles that frequent its reefs. In fact, Akumal translates to "place of the turtles," and nighttime nestings and hatchings on the beach are a regular event June through September.

The north end of Akumal is Half Moon Bay, the main turtle nesting area, which is lined with rental condos (many of them owned by American ex-pats). Akumal Bay is a small, sometimes busy beach that fronts the central business area where there are restaurants, bars and watersports options. South of Akumal the shore becomes Jade Beach, with some rockier points of entry into the water, and then improves at South Akumal.

Where to stay: Hotel Akumal Caribe is a 61-room resort with oversized garden bungalows, along with hotel rooms in a three-story building overlooking the sea. All have air conditioning and a mini-fridge, making it a good spot for families. From $89; ($119 high season); (011-52) 984-875-9010 or 1-800-351-1622; hotelakumalcaribe.com.

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