10 dazzling destinations

MEXICO -- Mexico is blessed with fabulous beaches on both coasts. One of my favourite Mexican hideaways is the one-time sleepy fishing village of Zihuatanejo (just south of the modern, hip resort town of Ixtapa).

If you want a relaxing, seaside Mexican experience on the west coast and would rather stay at fab digs such as the Casa Qui Canta (the House That Sings) than at an all-inclusive five-star mega-resort, this is the place to chill out.

But if you are looking for a superb beaching and water-sports shangri-la, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera should be at the top of your list as a Mexican sun spot.

The 130-km stretch known as the Riviera Maya begins 18 km south of Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos and extends to Tulum, one of Mexico's most important archeological sites.