In the know

Our favourite rooms: Every villa has a private plunge pool and outdoor terrace with daybeds and hammocks, sisal rugs, canopy beds with Egyptian cotton bedlinen, louvred mahogany shutters and indoor and outdoor showers; the Presidential villa is suitably sumptuous and impressive, with onyx fountain taps and a terrace on the second floor (reached by spiral staircase) for moonlit cocktails.
Packing tips: Swimwear for sun, sea and spa activities; practical shoes for exploring the Mayan ruins.
Also: Mobile phones are prohibited on hotel premises to ensure guests get peace and quiet.

Current offers

Smith card offer: Tequila tasting for two

More photos

The Tides Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya, Mexico[view map]

Style: Pristine Mayan beach chic
Setting: Exotic Riviera jungle

On Mexico's tropical Caribbean coastline, tucked away from the buzz of Playa del Carmen, sexy boutique beach retreat The Tides Riviera Maya blends relaxed shore life and holistic spa treats with top-flight service and a wonderfully unfussy, intimate ambience. Private plunge pools set amid jungle foliage, rolltop baths, big canopied beds and hammocks swinging lazily on terraces demand that you spend as much time as possible doing as little as possible.

Need to know

Rooms: 30 villas, including Presidential villa.
Rates: $585–$2,500, including breakfasts, excluding tax and service charge.
Check-out: Midday.
Facilities: In-room DVD/CD players, satellite/cable TV, hairdryers, snorkels. Library, spa, Hatha yoga, temazcal rituals, gym. Scuba diving, sailing, golf and horse-riding can also be arranged; there are bike, hiking and nature trails nearby.
Poolside: There's a pristine white-sand beach with cabanas, sunbeds and a 200-foot pier for deep-sea swimming and calm seas perfect for snorkelling; swimming pool; loaner sombreros.
Hotel closed: Never.
Also: Small pets are welcome, and are offered gourmet food. Smoking is permitted.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: The Tides' gourmet La Marea restaurant is right by the sea, and serves international and Yucatecan cuisine. The Grill at the Pool serves a more relaxed menu of ceviche and grills. The cellar stores 500 bottles, including Chateau Lafite and the like.
Dress code: Beach chic.
Top table: You can arrange to eat and drink wherever takes your fancy – in your villa, beside the pool, on the beach or aboard the resort's charter boat. The outdoor Mayan kitchen serves as a private-dining venue, and hosts Mayan cooking demonstrations.
Last orders: 11pm in the bar and restaurant.
Room service: 6am–11pm.
Hotel bar: Lounge at La Marea, the ocean-view bar, is a great place to watch the sun set or enjoy a post-prandial cigar.

Also worth knowing

Children: This hotel is better suited to couples - leave the children at home!

Smith Members offer

Tequila tasting for two

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member

Smith travel team

If you'd prefer to talk to someone, or don't want to book online, call our travel team on 1 866 610 3867. We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.