Elegant Ocean-View Suites Next to Sprawling Nature Park

As a slender mangrove trunk grows out of the side of a riverbank, it often can extend its branches all the way across to the other side of a river, forming a stately arch. Three rivers dotted with these arches slink through dense rainforest near Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa and Nature Park, an eco-conscious beachfront retreat. The regal arches herald more than 326 acres of verdant, almost mystical scenery that makes up Tres Ríos Nature Park, a sprawling preserve steps from the resort that features a botanical garden with 120 species of flora as well as 10 cenotes—natural freshwater springs the Maya believed held spiritual powers. Guided tours lead adventurers through the park's labyrinth of trails, both on land and in water, revealing a diverse community of local wildlife.

Dark Mexican mahogany furniture and glossy marble furnishes the Mangrove junior suite, where a private terrace unveils panoramic vistas of mangrove trees. As part of the all-inclusive package, travelers can indulge in unlimited meals at Hacienda Tres Ríos's nine restaurants and bars. The sunlit eateries present an eclectic spread of international cuisine, ranging from brick-oven pizzas at Il Forno Pizzeria to Asian fusion fare at Kotori. After dark, the resort pulsates with live music and margaritas flow freely.

To immerse oneself in the peaceful surroundings, Hacienda Tres Ríos hosts a rotating roster of daily activities including guided eco tours, swims through the cenotes, and meet-and-greet sessions with palm trees. The Ya’ax Che Spa draws influences from native cultures for its spa treatments, such as the traditional temazcal steam room and body scrubs infused with natural cocoa seeds and honey.

Riviera Maya, Mexico: Zipline Adventures, Ancient Mayan Ruins, and Buzzing Nightclubs

Located at the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, the Riviera Maya’s lush landscape overflows with rich cultural history. Stone ruins and pyramids of the ancient Mayan civilization dot the landscapes of sites such as Tulum, Coba, and the famed Chichen Itza, which was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Deeper into the forest near the storied remains, ziplines zoom through the treetops, and snorkelers can dive below the water's surface to observe the front-yard decorations of exotic wildlife living in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Just 11 kilometers south of the resort, lively Playa del Carmen buzzes with live music and neon-lit nightclubs.