Amenity highlights: Once a coconut plantation and the estate of a local architect, Maroma features hand-made accents, hand-painted bath tiles, hand-woven rugs and bedding, and original art. Guests can experience a traditional Mayan steam bath or can get a workout in the modern exercise room overlooking one of the three pools. Each evening, the staff lights dozens of tiki torches along outside walkways and more than 1,000 candles throughout the interior public areas, giving the whole property a romantic glow.

Insider tip: Each morning, near sunrise, a local expert leads a nature tour through the jungle, introducing guests to native plants and animals and even gives samples of “nature’s chewing gum” – chicle – from the native sapodilla tree.