Above El Castillo pyramid is Chichén Itzá's centrepiece.Below Beach at the Maroma.HACIENDASSHUTTERSTOCK.COMMEXICO.....Tulum.Chichén ItzáBELIZEPuerto MorelosCancúnUxmalYucatán PENINSULAMérida the colonial haciendas Dotted across the landscape hereare a number of large former cattleand sisal producing estates andelegant mansions which oncehoused the aristocracy but whichfell into disrepair. A growingnumber have now been rescuedfrom dilapidation and tastefullytransformed into exclusive hotels. Restoration has been sensitive to the buildings' history, and the original furnishings and colours have been used: you can really feel what it was like to be a wealthy Mexican landowner! They form an ideal countryside base for visiting the Mayan sites or nearby convents, with private guides, or for hiring a car and doing it yourself. You can stay at one or several of the haciendas, depending on convenience of location or your personal preference. The grandest is Temozón, which has a huge pool and tennis courts; San José has a more rustic feel, while Uayamón is handy for a visit to Campeche and Santa Rosa for the Gulf coast and Celestún.Mayan Cities and the Caribbean Coast 10 days, 8 nightsHacienda Temozón near Mérida 3 nights, Chichén Itzá 1n, Maroma resort 4n.Day 1 Fly to Mérida, arriving the same evening. Private transfer to first-class Hacienda Temozón for 3 nights. Day 2 Full day excursion to Uxmal, home of Mexico's most extraordinary Mayan edifice, the pyramid of the Magician, some 30m high. Continue to Mayan Kabah, much of which is still unexplored but notable for the Palace of Masks, with its ghoulish visages. Day 3 At leisure to explore or enjoy the manicured gardens of the hacienda. Day 4 Private transfer to Chichén Itzá, including a guided tour of the site. Overnight at Hacienda Chichén Itzá close to the ruins. Day 5 Continue to Puerto Morelos on the Caribbean coast, and your exclusive hideaway, the luxurious Orient Express Maroma Resort, built on a half-moon bay of silky sands fringing a coconut plantation. Day 6 Full-day excursion to the ruins at cliff-top Tulum (p20) and the world's largest natural aquarium at Xel-ha, with plentiful lagoons, inlets and caves brimming with fish. Days 7&8 At leisure to enjoy the Maroma's facilities - pool, spa, water-sports and fine dining. Day 9 Transfer to Cancún airport for your flight to the UK, arriving day 10. Prices from £926pp (standard); £2,118pp (superior) based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily departures from the UK 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 19MAROMA

The Riviera Maya and Tulum 20 Mexico