Enjoy luxurious surroundings on Mexico's Cozumel Island
When you think of the ultimate getaway where you don't have to lift a finger and can enjoy being pampered all day, Cancun in Mexico may not be the first place to spring to mind, but that doesn't mean it can't offer unrivalled luxury.
In fact, for the ultimate luxury holiday in Cancun, you need to travel away from the mainland to Cozumel Island, which sits around 30 km offshore. This paradise isle really does have it all, from top-class spa facilities and high-end restaurants, to stunning beaches and fantastic hotels.
Here are some of the attractions that make it a great choice if you want to be pampered in style.
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
If you want to spend your days lounging on Cozumel's golden sands within easy reach of a host of amenities, plan a trip to Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. This resort has everything you could want for a relaxing day at the beach, from sun loungers and parasols to restaurants and bars close by.
Should you wish to get active, you can hire a kayak, paddle boat or even a small sailing catamaran to explore the coastline around the beach. Alternatively, you could get involved with one of the organised beach volleyball games.
Spa facilities
There's no better way to really let go of all your worries back at home than with a good massage or indulgent spa treatment. Cozumel Island boasts several world-class spas, so you'll have plenty of choice about where you go to relax and what treatments you receive.
Deep-tissue, hot stone and Thai massages are all on offer, as well as pedicures, manicures and facials that will make you look and feel great. Some centres even offer alternative therapies, like reflexology, reiki and acupuncture, should you wish to try something a little different.
High-class restaurants
One of the great things about going on holiday is that you don't have to worry about cooking or washing up for at least a week, and with so many fantastic restaurants to visit on Cozumel Island, you'll never be short of a new and exciting venue for dinner.
Head to Casa Denis - the island's oldest restaurant - for a taste of traditional food from the Yucatan peninsula, where you'll find a staggering array of tacos on the menu, as well as numerous meat and seafood dishes.
Book a table at Casa Mission, meanwhile, and you'll be surrounded by a gorgeous garden, beautiful fountains and exotic birds as you eat in this colonial ranch that has been transformed into an excellent restaurant. Seafood and Mexican dishes are on offer here, so it's a good choice if you want to try some of the local cuisine.
Lots of activities
Not every luxury holiday has to be about lying back in the sunshine on a golden beach and even though Cozumel has this covered, there are still plenty of opportunities to try something new on a break here.
One of the most popular pastimes on the island is scuba diving, thanks to its proximity to the Mesoamerican reef. Delve beneath the waves and you'll be greeted by colourful corals inhabited by all manner of fascinating sea life. In addition to the angel, butterfly and anemone fish you'll find around the reef are larger creatures in the water, including stingrays, dolphins and turtles.
Back on dry land, you can take advantage of Cozumel's 18-hole golf course, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus. It was created with the environment in mind, so you're likely to spot animals like iguanas, blue crabs and even crocodiles as you're teeing off.
