Loved the Hobbitland cottages at Chichen Itsa loved being in Merida at Christmas time loved Campeche and the Edzna ruins loved getting to know all about the Mayan culture and loved the totally glorious beach (though rocky) at Playa del Carmen. As I said, having Davide around was more like having a local chum than a guide. But the Mayan culture is so unknown to me and the ruins so fascinating that it was very illuminating to have a guide to explain things.

Normally I arrange my trips myself, I don' t go through a company and normally I wouldn't use a guide. It was all great - a great combination of fascinating historical sites followed by some glorious days at the beach.

Yes there is a noticeable police presence, in comparison with the UK, but we never felt threatened MC Security is perceived as a problem in Mexico. Most Memorable Experience: The visits to sights and cities open our eyes to a culture that is underrated in Europe. Most memorable experience? “It's impossible to pick any individual aspect but a number of experiences stood out: the visit to the 'voodoo' church at St Juan Chamula (extraordinary and unexpected), the visit to the shrine of the Madonna of Guadalupe on the way to Teotihuacan in Mexico City (similar, and helped understand Mexican history), Palenque (the most beautiful and atmospheric of the pre-hispanic sites), and swimming in the three cenotes at Cuzama near Merida, which we arranged ourselves. The service-oriented Grand Velas Riviera Maya seeks to pamper everyone with its friendly staff and seamless concierge service, who go out of their way to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive and cater to your every need. The property also offers a state-of-the-art spa and comprehensive menu of activities and entertainment. Popular with couples and honeymooners, Grand Velas also offers a genuine holiday for all the family, with state of the art Kids Clubs and an inspired Teens Club (adults only allowed in during certain visiting hours). With eight high-quality restaurants (included in the price and featuring a range of cuisines for every palate) you’ll be spoilt for choice for dinner, and the range of swimming pools and broad areas of beach mean you’re never far away from a refreshing dip. All the spacious suites feature private terraces with views of the ocean or jungle gardens, whirlpool tubs, plasma TVs, wifi and 24-hour room all-inclusive service. Set within 83 hectares of beautiful grounds, the uncrowded property is split between three different environments: Zen Grand (254 suites, set within the jungle and mangroves), Ambassador (195 suites with views of the ocean views) and Grand Class (90 suites also overlooking the sea). Maintaining its Mexican authenticity, sitting astride the powder-white Caribbean beach, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is only a few minutes away from the effervescent, holiday town Playa del Carmen.

We don’t sell many all-inclusive properties, but the luxurious, family-friendly, Grand Velas Riviera Maya o n Mexico's Caribbean coast, is in a class of its own. A luxurious, all-inclusive beach retreat spread over 85 acres and surrounded by the white-sand beaches and lush jungle of the Riviera Maya.

Grand velas riviera maya