Harmony Glamping Tulum

This is a top spot for a Mexican getaway, particularly if ancient civilisations appeal. Harmony Glamping is 20 minutes’ drive from the Tulum ruins (the remains of the only Mayan city built on a coast); 45 minutes from the highest Mayan pyramid on the Yucatán – Nohoch Mul at Coba – and a little under two hours from Ek Balam site and the pyramids, ball court, temple and observatory of Chichén Itzá. It’s easier than one might expect to get a feel for the Mayans too. Within 50 minutes, at Xcaret theme park, there are rodeos, Mayan warrior displays, Mayan ball games and a show that tells the entire history of the Mayan people – and there are exotic animals to meet, an underground river to swim, a village to explore and a Mexican cemetery to walk around in to boot. Once Mayan desires are fulfilled, taking some time to make the most of the Riviera’s many stunning cenotes and biospheres comes highly recommended: plunge into the Gran Cenote 10 minutes from base, swim with turtles at the turtle bay of Akumal within about half an hour, and explore the Sian Ka’an reserve and its intensely blue waters 45 minutes away. If an adrenaline boost would be welcome at this point, head to Xplor adventure park (45 minutes) for ziplines through the trees – but be sure to prepare for the splash ending… Prefer a city day? Cancún and Valladolid are both within two hours of base.