Catalonia Yucatán Beach

Catalonia Yucatán Beach is a 4-star all-inclusive on a small, sheltered bay inside Puerto Aventuras, a marina resort about 20 minutes' drive south of Playa del Carmen. Its low buildings with palm-thatched roofs sit among coconut palms and jungle gardens, which gives it a relaxed, village feel.

There are 205 rooms, each with a terrace or balcony. Comfort rooms are the simplest option. Deluxe and newly renovated Premium Deluxe rooms add a more modern look and rain showers, and the Ocean Front Premium rooms have a balcony facing the Caribbean.

There are four pools spread through the gardens, and two of them have a swim-up bar. The El Mercado buffet looks out over the beach and holds a Mexican night and a gala night. You can also eat Italian food at Mamma Mia, Yucatán dishes such as cochinita pibil at Adelita, or burgers at Catalonia Burgers. In the evening, have a drink at the T-Bar or the Sports Bar, or dance at the Piñata Night Club. There's a Kids' Club, and the Alegría Spa (extra cost, over-18s only) has a hydrotherapy circuit.

This stretch of coast is well placed for Akumal, the cenotes and the Tulum ruins.