Casa Chablé
Nr Tulum, Mexico
Just south of Tulum yet a world away, the Unesco World Heritage Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is known for its mangrove-fringed turquoise lagoons, tropical rainforest and Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It’s also the castaway setting for the new Casa Chablé which sits on the site of a former hotel and has an eco-ethos at its core: solar panels provide energy for ten hours a day, electricity is off-grid, water is recycled. There are ten rooms, half in the Casa Principal, which has an open-plan living area and bar; the rest are Robinson Crusoe-style bungalows on the beach. Days are spent spotting frigates from sun loungers, riding fat bikes along the sandy track to the nearest fishing village or out on boat trips to see dolphins and turtles. Deep tissue and relaxing massages happen under a shady palm tree or on your terrace. At open-air restaurant K’uum, chef Williams Saurina uses herbs from the Ka’anche’s (traditional, elevated Mayan gardens) and local fish for family-style suppers with dishes such as blue tuna marinated in kombu and mussels with tomato creole sauce. Afterwards, take turns using the telescope for a closer look at the star-studded, inky sky. A laidback hideaway that puts the planet front and centre.
Book it: Doubles from £592 B&B. Full property buyouts available from approx. £6,616 for up to 22 people. chablehotels.com