GETTING THERE Several airlines fly direct from major U.S. cities to Cancún International Airport. During high season, expect to see round-trip airfares of $500 and up. American Airlines (800-433-7300, www.aa.com) flies round-trip from Chicago for $499 and from Los Angeles for $740.
PRIME TIME High season in the Yucatán runs from mid-December through mid-April. For the best hotel rates, plan your trip during shoulder season, late November–early December or late April–May.
GETTING AROUND Hotels often offer minivan shuttle service to and from the Cancún airport, and Greyhound-style buses operate between Cancún and Chetumal. But the best way to explore the Yucatán is by car. Rentals at the airport can run as low as $25 per day, or $150 per week; SUVs go for about $50 per day.
WHERE TO STAY & THINGS TO DO
Puerto Morelos // Paraíso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso: Just south of the airport, on its own private beach, is the ultimate hideaway, with 88 suites surrounded by 14 acres of gardens and a 24,000-square-foot spa. Suites, $595; 011-52-998-872-8300, www.paraisodelabonita.com
Fairmont Mayakoba: The first of four luxury hotels to anchor this new 590-acre golf megaresort 40 miles south of Cancún, the Fairmont opened in May with 397 rooms and six restaurants. Doubles, $289; 800-441-1414, www.mayakoba.com
Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya: This 36-acre property with 128 villas, just north of Mayakoba, is set to open in spring 2007. Doubles from $600; 212-207-8880, www.mandarinoriental.com
Playa del Carmen // Hotel Básico: BYO supermodel. Doubles from $168; 011-52-984-879-4448, www.hotelbasico.com
Hotel Deseo: Your room could open onto the coolest bar in Playa. Doubles from $168; 011-52-984-879-3620, www.hoteldeseo.com
Hotel Mosquito Blue: A boutique hotel featuring a billiards table and the Glass Bar, Playa's hip noshery. Doubles from $273; 011-52-984-873-1335, www.mosquitoblue.com
+Alltournative offers half-day, full-day, and custom-designed expeditions, including Yucatán cenotes, zip lines, sea kayaking, and authentic Maya ceremonies. 011-52-984-873-2036, www.alltournative.com.
For an over-the-top indulgence, check out the new Vida Real Spa, at Hacienda Vista Real, in Playacar. 011-52-984-873-4200, www.vidarealspa.com
Akumal // Las Villas Akumal: In this quiet community, known for its family-friendly vibe, Las Villas Akumal, with 18 spacious units facing a pool, is a short walk down Jade Beach from the center. One-to-three-bedroom villas, $245; 011-52-984-875-7050, www.lasvillasakumal.com
+All-day, two-tank dive trip to Cozumel with Akumal Dive Center, $120; 011-52-984-875-9025, www.akumaldivecenter.com. Hidden Worlds Cenotes, about seven miles south, offers cave diving in an underground river; two-tank dive, $90; 011-52-984-877-8535, www.hiddenworlds.com.
Tulum // Amansala: This bohemian-chic resort features prime beachfront cabanas and tasty grilled pescado. Six-night Bikini Boot Camp program, $1,542; individual stays from $145; www.amansala.com
Casa Magna: Pablo's villa is just down the beach from Amansala. Doubles, $185
Las Ranitas: A whimsical mix of adobe walls, Mexican tile, and thatched roofs on a spectacular stretch of beach, this 21-room hotel is an oasis of calm and style. Doubles from $150; 011-52-984-877-8554, www.lasranitas.com
Zamas: The most happening spot on the beachfront road, with a consistently packed outdoor restaurant, live bands, and rustic bungalows. Doubles from $110; 415-387-9806, www.zamas.com
+Don't miss the Maya ruins at Tulum, Cobá (a 35-minute drive), and Chichén Itzá (a two-to-three-hour drive).
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve // CESiaK: Centro Ecológico Sian Ka'an, an education and research center in the biosphere reserve, offers private tent cabins. Rent a sea kayak ($20 for three hours) to paddle around the lagoon or float a mangrove-shaded river on an all-day boat trip. Doubles from $100; 011-52-984-871-2499, www.cesiak.org
+For more information, contact conservation group Amigos de Sian Ka'an, 011-52-998-892-2958, www.amigosdesiankaan.org
Boca Paila Fishing Lodge: Small outpost for serious bonefishing offers weeklong stays. $2,560 per person per week; 011-52-998-892-1200, www.bocapaila.com
Majahual // KaiLuum Cito: The classic beachfront bungalow resort, where they still catch dinner with a speargun. Doubles from $100; 303-674-9615, www.kailuum.com
Xcalak // Sin Duda Villas: A guesthouse with six rooms and apartments on the playa. Doubles from $75; www.sindudavillas.com
+XTC Dive Center runs fishing and diving day trips to the Chinchorro Banks and Belize's Ambergris Caye. www.xtcdivecenter.com
