Mexico

With Cancun acting as a magnet for large crowds of sun-seekers and spring-break revellers, the rest of this beautiful region remains relatively untouched. The Yucatan boasts miles of Caribbean coastline where turquoise ocean laps onto soft, white sand. Exceptional Travel has handpicked a few stunning hotels and private houses that offer exclusive locations away from the crowds with picture-perfect Caribbean views.

Inland, the Yucatan is a treasure trove of ancient Mayan ruins, underground river systems and an impressive diversity of birdlife. While many of the Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal draw hundreds of visitors a day, they are magnificent and, with special permission and the help of local, private guides, they can be accessed early in the morning before official opening times.

There are some charming luxury haciendas from which to explore the area returning each day to stylish, traditional surroundings and delicious food prepared by local chefs. The roads are good and easy to navigate for those who prefer to explore independently.

The Central Highlands are home to beautiful Colonial towns that have been perfectly preserved through time. Pretty cobbled streets lead to leafy plazas and vast, impressive cathedrals that tell so much about the country’s Spanish heritage. Each city is unique and it is worth including two or three in your travels but San Miguel de Allende does stand out.

The town was UNESCO protected in 2008 ensuring that its colourful architecture and beautiful cathedral are preserved. While the town has a fascinating Colonial history, San Miguel is also a thriving and cosmopolitan hub for artists and authors. World-class writers speak at events scheduled throughout the year and there are excellent independent galleries where up-and-coming artists display an eclectic mix of work.

The city is also known for its fantastic cuisine and there are a few excellent cooking schools that can open their doors to one-off lessons with renowned chefs.

Mexico’s pacific coast is known for its wild and rugged coastline where enormous rollers rise out of the ocean and crash onto golden beaches. Exceptional Travel work with some of the most exclusive private houses and boutique properties along this coastline, some of which can only be accessed by private charter planes. Once there, guests can truly relax surrounded by lush gardens and miles of hidden beaches.

For those seeking more life and action, the Pacific is also famed for its golf courses and fashionable towns such as Puerto Vallarta. The Baja peninsula is a whale-watching hot spot (from February to April) with a greater variety of whales and dolphins than almost anywhere else on the planet.