Mexico's Pacific Playground  |  The Chic Mexican Caribbean  |  Beach Hopping in Central America

Hollywood's love affair with Mexico's picturesque Pacific shores started early and continues today. So grab a cold cerveza and relax for a kaleidoscope sunset. You'll quickly learn why these idyllic beaches make everyone feel like a star.

Mention Los Cabos and most travelers envision the often-photographed arch, arguably the area's most famous landmark. This natural wonder forms the backdrop for Lover's Beach—a rather special little gathering of sand considered the southern end of the hundreds-of-mileslong California coastline. Lover's Beach is accessible by a quick water taxi from Playa Medano, a good beach for swimming and water play that fronts the town of Cabo San Lucas. Los Cabos boasts seven other main beaches along its south-facing coastline, plus other more secluded sandy spots along the shore. Swimmers and snorkelers will enjoy Chileno Bay, while surfers head toward Costa Azul near the historic hamlet of San Jose del Cabo. Offshore, fishing and scuba diving top the activities list, with spectacular dive spots such as Pelican Rock, The Point, Neptune's Finger and the mesmerizing North Wall. Anglers can charter a vessel at the Cabo San Lucas harbor and vie for striped marlin or yellowfin tuna. Back on land, ATV and Hummer tours offer a peek into Los Cabos' wellpreserved desert ecosystem. Miles of trail crisscross over rivers, past waterfalls and along small canyons, offering stunning views of the Sea of Cortez beyond. To learn more about Los Cabos, contact the Los Cabos Tourism Board at 866-LOS-CABOS or www.visitloscabos.org

East of Los Cabos, on Mexico's mainland coast, is Mazatlan, a commercial port and thriving city whose beautiful beaches are home to world-class resorts. This is the place to be on Fat Tuesday, as Mazatlan hosts one of the largest celebrations of Carnival anywhere. Relaxation of course can also be found, such as at the state-of-the-art new spa at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. This grand facility - featuring a memorable water-circuit with luxuriant baths, aromatherapy showers and reflexology paths – is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Mexico's best spas. The resort offers quality fitness classes for active types, while romantics can enjoy their spa treatments in private beachfront cabanas. Pueblo Bonito also boasts award-winning spa resorts in the Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta areas. 800-990-8250 or www.pueblobonitoemeraldbay.com

Though perhaps best known for its entertaining walkway, "The Malecon," along the city's downtown seashore, Puerto Vallarta is home to dozens of gorgeous beaches, including several (like Playa Las Animas, Playa Las Caletas, and Playa Quimixto) that are accessible only by boat. Divers and snorkelers rave about the Los Arcos Marine Natural Area, while fishermen head offshore to tangle with big game. In October 2008, Puerto Vallarta will welcome its newest resort, the Riu Palace Pacifico. A family-owned company begun over 50 years ago on the Spanish isle of Mallorca, Riu now has full-service all-inclusive resorts in Mexico's best destinations including Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya. In 2009, Riu will open its first resort in Costa Rica. 888-666-8816 or www.riu.com

Of course Mexico's Pacific shore does hold many islands, including Isla Ixtapa-a small, undeveloped island with barefoot bars, shack-style seafood restaurants, and a dive shop. Isla Ixtapa is just offshore from the resort haven of Ixtapa, often coupled with the nearby city and referenced as "Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo." Dozens of gorgeous beaches dot the coastline throughout this area, beckoning visitors to enjoy lazy days of reprieve. Recognizing the natural curative effects of the surrounding ocean, Loma Del Mar—a luxurious boutique resort of just 16 suites tucked into the forested hill above Ixtapa - recently opened its Thalasso-Wellness Center, the only such center on Mexico's Pacific coast. 866-496-1082 or lomadelmar.com

Perhaps the only thing better than stressfree days at a beach resort are stress-free days at a new beach resort. For all of you sand-seeking early-adopters, December 2008 promises to make wishes come true! Dreams Resorts & Spas, a leading portfolio of all-inclusive beachfront resorts, will open three new luxury properties in some of Mexico's most breathtaking locations, including Nuevo Vallarta and Huatulco on the Pacific coast and Puerto Aventuras along the Caribbean shore. Specializing in couples and couples with children, Dreams Resorts & Spas feature spacious rooms and suites, gourmet dining and an enthralling Explorers Club for the kids. December 2008 - make a note in your iPhone now. 1-866-2DREAMS or www.dreamsresorts.com

A rich Maya heritage defines the Mexican Caribbean, located on the eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula. Cancún, Isla Cozumel, Riviera Maya and Costa Maya comprise the region, well known for its magnificent ruins in addition to powder-soft sand and turquoise waters. Although Cancun remains a popular spring-break retreat for exuberant students, the rest of the year this Mexican jewel draws a more sophisticated audience. Most visitors head to the Hotel Zone, a narrow island of luxurious resorts, hotels and clubs nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. With its tranquil waters and fourteen miles of beach, this area attracts sun worshippers and water-sports enthusiasts alike. Travelers should have no trouble finding an outfitter for parasailing, deep-sea fishing or PWC cruising. Just be sure to verify sea conditions near your resort beforehand, as some areas can have undertows at various times of the year. Of course, a little excitement is what Cancun is all about, which is why it's the perfect location for the new Temptation Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive adults-only resort that exudes a hip vibe with features like themed swimming pools (one is topless optional), stylish restaurants and bars, chic furnishings and 24-hour meal service. 877-485-8367 or www.temptationresorts.com

For extra elbow room away from other travelers, head south to the sleepy little fishing village of Puerto Morelos, where beaches such as that fronting the Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort offer solitude plus offshore snorkeling, diving and windsurfing. A member of Preferred Boutique hotels, this little resort gem prides itself on providing a quiet, peaceful refuge where guests can easily recharge and rejuvenate— and with the current "Rest and Relax 4th Night Free" promotion, taking it easy also refers to your pocketbook. 877-545-6221 or www.ceibadelmar.com

Also in the Puerto Morelos area, the Paradisus Riviera Cancún Resort offers a unique Family Concierge program with family suites, private check-in lounge, and personal concierge to coordinate family activities. Children also receive special amenities like child-sized bathrobes, milk and cookies at turndown, and PlayStations inroom. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Paradisus also offers the program at its resorts in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. 888-33-MELIA or www.solmelia.com

Isla Cozumel has long been hailed as one of the world's finest dive and snorkel spots, and for good reason. Its colorful reef system supports more than 500 species of fish. Other area highlights include beaches at Chankanaab National Park and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve—home to Punta Celarian's historical lighthouse and the Colombia Lagoon, nesting grounds for endemic marine turtles. Sheltered by the Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel's western beaches bear gentle surf and soft sand, while its eastern shores boast impressive waves and a rocky limestone coastline. Head east for better visibility underwater and more coral growth, but always observe posted swimming conditions because currents and undertows can be strong on the windward side of the island. For sandy adventures of another kind, Cozumel boasts championship golf crafted by the Nicklaus Design Group as an environmental showcase course. With four sets of tee boxes and lessons available from a PGA pro, the course is ideal for hackers and low-handicappers alike. Guests staying at the El Cozumeleno Beach Resort receive 30 percent discounts on golf; that is, if they can pull themselves away from the resort's tranquil beach and full-service scuba diving center. 800-437-3923 www.elcozumeleno.com

The Maya believed the Yucatán was chosen by the gods to be their homeland, and it's hard not to feel a higher presence when visiting the paradisiacal Riviera Maya region. Beaches here are calm, the sand is fine and the surrounding scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Divers can navigate subterranean rivers and explore cenotes. Tour the ruins at Tulúm, then walk down the wooden steps to the beach below for an other worldly experience. Head to the main town of Playa del Carmen for restaurants, art galleries, watersport vendors, and perhaps see a topless Euro sunbather or two along its famous beach. The Maya royalty had it right when they built their palaces on the Yucatan peninsula, and though those timeworn pyramids aren't occupied anymore, a new kind of palace is now commonplace: private rental villas, like Villa Picon and Villa Zacil Na in the Riviera Maya—both offered by elite villa broker Luxury Retreats and AA Villa Escapes—make living like ancient kings and queens easy. With modern luxuries woven into the traditional fabric of Mexican style, all palapa roofs and punchy throw pillows, they're perfect for entire days spent barefoot—after all, that's what the Maya preferred too. 877-993-0100 or www.luxuryretreats.com or www.mexicovillas.com; or 800-958-0674 aaa.com/villaescapes

Making guests feel like monarchs is also the cornerstone of the The Royal Suites—an adults-only collection of 130 exclusive suites within the Grand Palladium Mayan Riviera Resort & Sp a complex, which fronts the fine sugar-like beach of Kantenah Bay. With private lobby, swimming pool, restaurant and bars serving unlimited premium food and drinks, this "resort within a resort" provides a unique experience of pampering and romance. fiestahotelgroup.com or 888-237-1226

For its idyllic main beach, Akumal is another jewel in the Riviera Maya region. The Akumal Bays are a series of six fish-filled inlets ideal for snorkeling and diving. What better way to recharge after a day of snorkeling than a Turkish bath and pampering body treatment at the expansive new spa (opening November 2008) at the Grand Sirenis Resort Riviera Maya. Featuring an innovative ice fountain, complete hydrotherapy circuit and traditional Temazcal steam ritual, the spa promises to take lazy days on Akumal beach to a whole new level of relaxation. 800-715-2115 or sirenishotels.com

Researchers note that the Maya enjoyed swimming in the cenotes (freshwater underground rivers exposed by a sinkhole) found throughout this region. Today these natural wonders have become part of ecological parks in the area, such as Tres Rios, which features 10 cenotes plus mangrove forest, coastal dunes and the three crystalline rivers for which the park is named. Opening in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Rios is a luxury destination resort nestled within the ecological park. Both the park and resort are setting new environmental standards and have been recognized as a model for sustainable tourism practices in Mexico. haciendatresrios.com

In the southernmost Yucatan, just north of Belize, the Costa Maya is one of Mexico's newest developing areas and a leading cruise-ship port. Visitors enjoy interacting with indigenous Maya people and exploring lush tropical jungles, unspoiled beaches and vibrant diving and snorkeling sites. The quaint fishing village of Mahahual will once again charm cruise passengers along its palm-fringed beach. A brand-new boardwalk, the result of a $15 million government investment following Hurricane Dean, was unveiled in July 2008. Lined with charming beach houses and a selection of small hotels and restaurants, the boardwalk makes the perfect platform for shopping artisan boutiques and exploring the area's beautiful coastline. Adventurous souls should check out the BioMaya Bacalar, a thrilling zip line through the jungle that often includes sightings of exotic wildlife like parrots and monkeys. Following the tour, guests are invited to cool off and relax in the turquoise waters of Laguna de Siete Colores (Seven-Color Lagoon), also known by locals as the "Birthplace of the Rainbow." As one of the Western Caribbean's top ports of call, the Port of Costa Maya has championed sustainable eco-friendly development, observing the national port system it helped develop in 2005 that encourages responsible economic and social growth. costamaya-mexico.com

Whether you're seeking adventure or solitude, the beach destinations and offshore islands of Costa Rica, Belize and Honduras should be high on everyone's travel wish list. Laid-back travelers looking to trade in their watches and cell phones for sunglasses and a cerveza will fall in love with the Bay Islands of Honduras. Made up of three main islands—Roatán, Útila and Guanaja—this welcoming archipelago is surrounded by white sand and coral reefs teeming with life. Roatán, the largest of the group, attracts the most visitors, but remains largely covered with lush greenery. West Bay Beach and Half Moon Bay both offer good snorkeling. Aspiring scuba divers know Útila for its inexpensive dive certification, and flock to this flat, bicycle-friendly island. Most activity centers around East Harbor, on the island's southeast shore. As for Guanaja—this laid-back isle surprises many with its pine-forested mountains and miles of empty beaches, some of which are arguably the most picturesque in the entire Caribbean region. Taking shape on Roatán is Keyhole Bay, an upscale resort-living community centered around the private Keyhole beach. The development includes a clubhouse with restaurant, bar, swimming pool and meeting facilities overlooking the beach. Nearby will be Keyhole Village, a retail and professional center with spa and grocery plus medical and banking facilities. Though "barefoot luxury" is often an oxymoron, for Keyhole Bay it may just be the most accurate description of life. Thanks to Honduras' agreeable regulations, owning a piece of this paradise is relatively simple and very safe. (228) 533-2001 or keyholebay.com

Any dive enthusiast who has seen a photo of Belize's famous Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef yearns to witness this aquatic marvel in person. With more than 200 cayes (islands) off its coast and proximity to a giant barrier reef, English-speaking Belize remains one of Central America's hot spots for swimming, snorkeling, scuba and fishing. Ambergris Caye, a popular hiding place for 17th-century pirates, today is a melting pot of English and Caribbean cultures. Visitors walk or drive golf carts through the sandy streets of San Pedro, the island's largest town, in search of Belikan Beer and fresh tacos sold street side. Caye Caulker, second in size to Ambergris, caters more to the budget traveler, with economy lodges and bed-andbreakfasts along with typical water activities. The Half Moon Caye National Monument reserve protects a number of endangered bird species, including the rare booby. For a more off-the-beaten-path island experience, take a boat out to Glover's Reef, a marine reserve consisting mainly of pearly whitesand beaches. For more information about Belize, contact the Belize Tourism Board at 800-624-0686 or travelbelize.org

Quickly gaining popularity as one of the world's top eco-tourism destinations, Costa Rica is a beach lover's Eden. With two shores to choose from and more than 800 miles of coastline, there's almost always an empty stretch of sand to claim for an afternoon of relaxation. Costa Rica's Caribbean side has a distinct personality. Here, heavy rainfall and wide lowlands provide a rich habitat for a vast variety of plants and animals. Visitors to this wildlife haven can glimpse monkeys, parrots, toucans, jabiru storks, sloths and (with a guide) nesting loggerhead, hawksbill and green sea turtles. On the northern tip, the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge is a prime sport-fishing area for tarpon. Gentle currents and an offshore reef attract snorkelers and divers to the southern area of the Caribbean coast. Here the sand changes color from midnight black to ivory as you move from cove to cove. Don't miss Limon's happening, surf-centric Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, or the black-sand beach town of Cahuita. By contrast, the black- and white-sand beaches on the Pacific side offer sunset viewswe and big waves—ideal for surfers and kiteboarders—while howler monkeys, iguanas and toucans look on from the dense forest nearby. Along Costa's Rica northern Pacific shore, Playa Tamarindo is a favorite among the wave-riding sect, while the adjacent Playa Grande is a protected national park for nesting leatherback turtles. Down the coast is the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, which shelters the foremost Pacific nesting site of the endangered olive ridley sea turtle. Just above Ostional are Playa Azul and The Sanctuary Resort. Bordered by beach and forest and spread across 80 acres, the resort features private seaside cottages, a full-service spa, exceptional meals and the best wine list in the region—because even us two-legged hominids need sanctuary once in a while. 877-992-6782 or thesanctuaryresort.com