I am trying to find a hotel in the Playa del Carmen area of Yucatan. There¹s an abundance of all-inclusive hotels, but the idea of ghastly, organized fun makes my toes curl.

In an ideal world I would like a small luxury hotel, but my boyfriend will only stay somewhere with a gym so he can pump the iron every morning (yawn). Can you suggest anywhere for us? - Kirsty Walker, by email

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds:

In general, hotels at the north of the Mayan Riviera (around Cancun) are large, all inclusive style monoliths. Head south though, and things get a lot smaller and low key, until you get to Tulum, where it is very informal and mainly thatch bungalows.

Playa del Carmen, about half way down, does have some ideal hotels, but while boutique style places often have a spa, you are unlikely to find a proper iron-pumping gym. Dare you suggest the compromise of a daily beach jog and canoe? I guess not, in which case Playa Del Carmen has three gyms, the best of which is The Gym (00 52 984 873 2098, 1st South between Constiuyentes and 16th Street). It opened last year and there is a bike rack outside.

The first choice hotel is the Blue Boutique (001 866 505-9121, www.hotelmagicblue.com), just back from the beach in Playa del Carmen. It is a short stroll from great restaurants and nightlife, has a nice pool, and a relaxed atmosphere. The public areas are wooden, rustic chic in style, while the rooms are smart, bright, and uncluttered ­ all with a terrace or balcony, with modern bathrooms and Bulgari toiletries. Doubles are from £72 a night.

If you do head a little further south to Tulum ­ the site of the iconic beachside Mayan ruins ­ then a step or two up in style is the Ana y Jose Hotel and Spa (00 52 998 880 56 29, www.anayjose.com). It is right on the beach, with just 20 rooms, mostly thatched and detached, and each with a large patio and bold artistic décor. There is an excellent restaurant, with tables and chairs on the sand under a big thatched roof, and a completely chilled out feel. Doubles are from £158 a night, and there are seven night deals from £1,289 (with a hire car). The Muscle Time gym in Tulum centre is about three miles away.

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