Retreating to the jungles of Tulum

TULUM, Mexico — The Mayan Riviera along the Yucatán Peninsula is renowned for its spectacular beaches, stretching from the increasingly Las Vegas-like Cancun to solitary stretches of white and turquoise to the south.

But in the beach town of Tulum, about two hours south of Cancun, a new kind of tourism is emerging: the jungle vacation. A growing number of developers and hoteliers are beginning to market the allure of the area's thick jungle, home to Mayan villagers, mysterious underground pools and the occasional jaguar.

Lots of sunny fun on Mexican coast

CHECKING into Riu Yucatan in the resort of Playacar, Mexico, I had little idea just how special a place it would be.

Set right on the white sands of the Caribbean — the hotel pool area had steps leading down to the beach — the all-inclusive five-star hotel offered luxuriously spacious rooms, two pools complete with pool bars, regular bars, a shop, theatre and three speciality restaurants to die for.

I travelled with my best friend Suzy, whose birthday we'd planned the two-week holiday to celebrate. While we took full advantage of the beach and pool, we were spoiled for choice by the range of activities and trips on offer from Thomson, our tour operator.