First stop: Rosewood Mayakoba, where the arrival experience sets the timeless tone for what’s to come – gliding by electric boat through crystal-clear lagoons.

The 129 suites are a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living, with private plunge pools, expansive terraces and many, their own lagoon-side docks.

Its SENSE Spa is a wellness destination all of its own, complete with eight overnight Wellness Suites and a sensory garden; four refreshing pools and two adults-only and family friendly beach clubs means there’s space for all; while diverse regional cuisines – from the Pacific Coast and Baja California to the vibrant streets of Mexico City and beyond – are all expertly interpreted into innovative cuisine and award-winning cocktails at seven restaurants and bars.

At Fairmont Mayakoba – the largest of the four resorts here – I discovered what might just be Riviera Maya’s most impressive new beach club.

Maykana is a masterpiece of design, with five unique dining experiences and spectacular social spaces. Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes and a choice of meal plans covers all guests’ needs.

Complimentary activities include an array of watersports, fitness and wellbeing programmes, spa treatments and all sorts of brilliant kids’ amenities, including two kids’ clubs.

But it was early morning that was the most magical time for me – strolling through the mangroves to watch the sunrise over the beach followed by a swim in the infinity pool with no-one else around, then breakfast at Brisas… Bliss!

Banyan Tree’s magical Mayakoba outpost, set on a white-sand beach in the heart of the mangroves, has a deep respect for nature, cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability.

The all-villa concept means everyone gets a pool (and lots of privacy), but it was the spa – its treatment rooms facing the peaceful waterways and Thai techniques blended with Mexican healing traditions – that really stole my heart.

Spotting birds, coati, crocs and monkeys on the eco-tour by boat was another standout moment. And, from check-in to check-out, service was superb.

Pulling up to Belmond Maroma feels much like stumbling upon a secret beach house, albeit one with impeccable service and thoughtful details.

With just 70 rooms and suites and two villas, set in delightful gardens, it effortlessly balances intimacy with superlative amenities including four restaurants serving zingingly fresh, mouthwatering cuisine; and pioneering Mayan-infused wellness at the Maroma Spa by Guerlain.

I loved the morning coffee ritual on my terrace, each day featuring different local beans. Watching coatis scamper past as I drank my morning brew, followed by a barefoot walk on the powdery beach, was a sublime moment of tropical tranquillity.

Trading coastal luxury for colonial charm, San Miguel de Allende’s Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada shows a completely different side of Mexico.

Spread across six historic mansions in the heart of this very walkable city, each room tells its own story through antique furnishings and local artwork.

My highlights? Sipping on Tunki rooftop bar’s signature spritzes as the sun set behind the church’s Gothic spires; ambling along the vibrant streets, parks and local markets; and diving into Mexico’s culinary traditions at the Sázon cooking school – ideal for connecting with the country’s rich heritage.

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