Mexico has had a run of bad press this past year with the overhyped media coverage of border violence and the unfortunate swine flu outbreak last spring. But the Riviera Maya is a wonderful vacation destination with beautiful beaches, an escape from the crowds in Cancun, and easy direct flights from Newark. Recent record lows in terms of hotel occupancy rates, make this the time to take advantage of some fabulous deals at world-class resorts.

This area, which runs along Mexico’s Gulf Coast from the Cancun airport south to the ancient ruins of Tulum, has frenetically exploded over the past ten years with hundreds of hotels and villas offering any style of accommodation you could search for, perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends.

There are intimate oceanfront boutique hotels, glitzy beach mega-resorts, remote jungle hideaways, and every type of all-inclusive package. Relax on the beach, explore the ancient ruins, rejuvenate with Mayan spa treatments, snorkel or scuba at the world’s second-largest barrier reef, party it up in Cancun, and enjoy some of the best guacamole you’ve ever dipped a chip into.

El dorado maroma

THe TIDES: Thirty jungle hideaways just steps away from the beach.

THe TIDES: The minimalist open-air lobby (above) hints at what’s to come: thirty jungle hideaways (top) just steps away from the beach.

ESENCIA: Relax at a villa on the beach

Banyan Tree Mayakoba: Each villa comes with its own pool and outdoor terrace.

Rosewood Mayakoba: This oceanfront pool couldn’t be more relaxing.

Fairmont mayakoba: This “green” resort is strategically situated along canals, with the beach just a short ferry’s ride away.

Maroma resort and spa: The stucco buildings and thatched roofs are classic architectural features.

Here are some of the area’s most luxurious resorts:
Maroma Resort and Spa is the crème de la crème of the Riviera Maya, and my hands-down favorite. First-class accommodations, a gorgeous beach, an intimate feel, wonderful food, and fabulous service combine to make this former family vacation home not only the area’s finest resort, but also one of the best in the Caribbean—and good enough for Fergie and Josh Duhamel’s honeymoon. Robert Redford, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, and Sean Penn are frequent guests. Here, it’s all about secluded barefoot luxury. And its award-winning Kinan Spa is not to be missed—the architecture alone is enough to transport you to another world. And be sure to pack a book or two since the resort blissfully lacks televisions. Rates start at $395. (866-454- 9351; maromahotel.com)

You’ll feel like you’ve gotten lost in the jungle at the Tides—a five-star luxury jungle, that is. The sounds of the tropical forest create a true sense of serenity, just steps from an award-winning beach. Hide out in one of the 30 jungle villas with your own private plunge pool and outdoor shower, or emerge from the forest paths to the beautiful seaside setting, complete with a white-sand beach, pool, outdoor dining, and a view across the water to the island of Cozumel with its enchanting twinkling lights. There are even cozy “reading rooms” tucked alongside the jungle paths where you can relax in a hammock all day. Rates start at $585. (800-578-0281; tidesrivieramaya.com)

The former beachside retreat of an Italian duchess, Esencia is another first-class luxury resort. You’ll be pampered at what feels like your own private residence. This 50-acre estate with just 29 suites offers a gorgeous beach, two pools, a Mayan spa, gourmet restaurant, and an indulgent atmosphere fitting of royalty. Rates start at $459 per night. (877-528-3490; hotelesencia.com)

Ceiba Del Mar is a hidden gem, nestled just north of the still-authentic Mexican town of Puerto Morelos. With ocean views from every room, there’s truly not a bad spot in the resort. But if you want to splurge, the penthouse suites offer unbelievable panoramic views and top-shelf luxury. There’s also an aromatherapy spa, yoga on the pier, bikes to ride into town, and great food. Even if you are not a huge fan of the all-inclusive, here the quality of food is wonderful and the package only makes sense. Rates start at $324 per couple, including all meals, drinks, and snacks. Now that’s a deal! (877-545-6221;
ceibadelmar.com)

At El Dorado Maroma it’s all about the swim-up suites. This 72-suite adults-only property is smaller and more upscale than its party-hearty sisters in the area’s Karisma Hotel chain. But at the El Dorado Maroma, there’s a sense of calm and luxury. At this gourmet all-inclusive, you can lunch at the beach barbecue or dine at an Italian bistro. However you spend your time, don’t leave without experiencing the Sky Massage, where you’re perched on a pier high above the crashing waves of the world-renowned Maroma beach. It’s pure relaxation. Rates start at $220 per person. (888-280-7558; karismahotels.com)

The area of Mayakoba, just 30 minutes south of Cancun, is the perfect “green” vacation destination—from both an environmental and golf perspective. Three luxury resorts share the grounds of this gated ecological village (with a fourth resort on the way), all connected by freshwater canals that meander through the mangroves. Private casitas overlook lagoons, a spa is nestled among the treetops, and restaurants are secluded within jungle clearings. Thatched-roof ferry boats shuttle guests from private villas to beachfront palapas or over to Greg Norman’s El Camaleón golf course, home to Mexico’s first-ever PGA tour event last winter. Here, everything is inspired by nature.

Opened in 2006, the 401-room Fairmont Mayakoba was one of the first resorts in the world to introduce the concept of “green luxury.” And it continues to be a leader in this hot travel category. This AAA Five-Diamond Award resort offers lagoon and oceanside casitas with contemporary décor, marble floors, and LCD televisions. Nature trails, the Willow Stream Spa (with mineral pools and a unique treetop couple’s suite), electric golf carts, award-winning dining, a secluded beach, and five pools, including a waterslide, children’s play pool, and adults-only infinity edge pool, round out this resort’s offerings. It’s easy to be at one with nature here. Rates start at $319. (800-540-6088; fairmont.com/mayakoba)

The Rosewood Mayakob a is another great choice, offering 128 suites, all with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and rooftop decks or private gardens. Sense, the resort’s spa, is situated on its own island, and offers unique Mayan treatments. Rates start at $475 per night. (888-767-3966; rosewoodmayakoba.com)

The Banyan Tree Mayakoba just opened this past spring, with Asian-inspired villas, each with its own private pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, and meditation space. Rates start at $695. (800-591-0439;
banyantree.com)

Things to do

Relaxing on the beach will most likely be your main pursuit, but the area has many other worthy diversions:

Spas: Most of the spas offer ancient Mayan practices and aromatherapies. A Mayan herbal wrap, Mexican mud massage, or the temazcal ritual (where you sit in a Mexican sweat lodge heated with volcanic rocks) are all highly recommended, as is the relaxing Sky Massage, situated just above the breaking waves.

Golf: Some of the world’s most picturesque golfing can be found in the Riviera Maya. Play alongside the Mayan jungle, mangroves, tropical streams, limestone cenotes, rain forests, or coral marshes.

Snorkeling and diving: The world’s second-largest coral reef is located just off the coast and is home to more than 500 species of fish. And Cozumel, a scuba diver’s paradise, is just a short boat ride away.

The ruins: The archeological sites of Tulum and Chichén Itzá are just a few hours’ drive away. Take a step back in time, and then return to your luxury room on the beach.

Exploring town: Puerto Morelos and Playa Del Carmen are both really fun towns, with authentic Mexican and Mayan cuisine, shopping, and an energetic nightlife.