This huge hotel is pulled up to a stretch of soft white sand. It comes with a great pool scene and an 18-hole golf course*.

The Iberostar Waves Paraiso del Mar is set among tropical greenery in a super-sized complex, with its sister hotel next door. Shared access means there’s a mammoth collection of restaurants, bars and pools to dip into. From tacos on the beach to teppanyaki show-cooking, you’ll be hard pressed to go hungry here.

The setting of this place is spot on if you just want to hit the beach – there’s one with icing sugar-style sand right on your doorstep. But it’s also ideal if you want to get out and about, as it’s set halfway between the bustling resorts of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.