Zamas

Rustic chic cabanas and great food on an unspoilt beach by the Caribbean sea, near Tulum's Mayan ruins

Zamas - meaning 'new beginnings' - is the creation of 2 escapees from San Francisco, and the product of years of beach-time dreaming. Like hundreds of other people who come to Mexico on holiday every year and fall in love with it, the owners discovered Tulum on their honeymoon and decided to make it their paradise home.

Nestled in a cove on the 'Mayan Riviera', where sardines are pursued by pelicans and fishermen drop by to sell their daily catch, are the rustic cabanas of Zamas. Most have immediate access to the spotless, white-sand beach and the peaceful, bath-tub warm water of the Caribbean sea that makes Tulum so enchanting.

The fact that it's unpretentious and miles away from the package tourists of Cancun and the property giants of Playa del Carmen, explains why so many people come here to get away from it all. And Tulum, although busier by the year, still retains its lovely, laid-back backpack-ery vibe - as well as arguably the best beach in the Yucatan.

Highs

• Peaceful, tranquil and friendly atmosphere
• Beautiful beachside location, a footfall from the Caribbean sea, yet well placed to explore Tulum's ruins by foot or bicycle
• Eco-conscious cabanas with Caribbean feel
• Falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach
• Consistently delicious food - a top local restaurant, with live flamenco or blues performed most nights

Lows

• Some Garden Rooms and all Top Floor Ocean View rooms are separated from the beach by a road
• The beach is small and shoreline is rocky in parts, so it's not great for swiming
• Wind-generated electricity gives power for lights but not for any 'plug ins' like hairdryers, though you can charge phones and camera batteries at reception
• No TVs and no A/C so rooms can get hot in summer (there are ceiling fans)
• Communication with this hotel can be difficult: their US number takes you to an annoying answer phone message