Less than an hour's drive from the Mexico-Belize border, the carefree city of Bacalar is famed for its 50km-long Lake Bacalar - also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours thanks to its arresting shades of blue. Anchored just a short walk from the shores of the lake is Casa Hormiga, a minimalist sanctuary that embodies the beauty of its surroundings. Thoughtfully designed following the traditional Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi (which maintains that beauty is to be found in nature's imperfections), open-plan living spaces feature high ceilings, bamboo furnishings, wooden detailing and handcrafted elements. Guests are invited to enjoy the spa, library, restaurant and pool, while a roster of activities will keep outdoor enthusiasts entertained - we're talking guided hikes and plenty of thrilling water-based adventures.

Arriving at this 18th-century mansion set amid knotted palm trees and overgrown flora, you'd never believe that you were in the heart of the vibrant city of San Miguel de Allende. Six guest rooms, each carefully decorated to respect the history of the property while weaving contemporary touches throughout, feature time-worn stone walls, original fireplaces and cobblestone courtyards decorated with linen curtains, Persian rugs and high-backed armchairs. Make the Ambu room your sanctuary for its private courtyard and an airy bathroom that houses an enormous rainforest shower.

Grupo Habita has put the sleepy surf town of La Paz on the map, with its design-driven renovation of Baja Club - a 19th-century former villa. Once a hub for harvesting oyster pearls, the 32-bedroom boutique stay has been transformed by Mexico City-based architect Max von Werz to respect the character and history of the neighbourhood. Standout elements include handcrafted furnishings, original walls and delicate ceramics, and, outside, the blanket of greenery that envelops the property. Foodies will appreciate the in-house restaurant, whose daily-changing menu draws upon locally sourced ingredients. We strongly suggest dining on the open-air rooftop terrace for the ultimate sundowner feast.

Rooted deep within the remote village of Coba, this five-bedroom hideout is modelled on historical Mayan ruins. Husband-and-wife duo Francesa Bonato and Nicholas Malleville opened the hotel in 2003, having transformed the property's crumbling stone walls into a stylish residence. Inside, luxurious guest rooms are home to braided hammocks and enormous stone bathtubs. Throughout the rest of the property, an earth-tone palette is used to reflect the surrounding jungle, complemented by details such as abstract artworks and delicate handwoven materials. Kick-start your day with a plunge in the outdoor pool, before tucking into regional fare at the breakfast banquet - most of which has been freshly plucked from the surrounding farmland.

If we had to design a tropical playground for creative types, it would look something like this - a marvellous blend of local culture, sustainability, nature and relaxation. Rooms, which are better described as design-led cabins, come armed with rooftop pools and private sandy terraces, while a treehouse is on hand for adventurous types. The circular suite, which stands on wooden stilts, has cut-out holes that allow branches to erupt into the indoor space, making for a seriously off-grid stay. The beauty of Papaya Playa Project is that there are meditation sessions and a sublime spa space in which to spend chilled-out days, but also an open-air nightclub that throws parties from dusk until dawn and has resident DJ nights.

If you thought staying in a treehouse meant giving up any opportunity for fine dining, think again. The Acre experience combines sleeping high above the ground in a completely private and beautifully designed thatched treehouse with a sensational farm-to-table restaurant. All dishes (and drinks) are prepared with ingredients sourced from the property's own grounds. Dinner looks like crab-stuffed tacos and creamy shrimp ragu, while a lunch menu offers chopped salads and wood-fired pizzas. Feasting aside, this is a space that allows guests to reconnect and properly recharge through sunrise yoga sessions, craft workshops and relaxing poolside areas. There is also an animal sanctuary that rescues and nurtures stray dogs before finding them a new home, and at which guests are invited to volunteer.

One for surfer types, or anyone who wants to spend a week surrounded by nothing but white-capped waves and cacti, Hotel Escondido is far removed from the tourist trails. Spend days flitting from beachside lounging to paddling in your own private pool. With just 16 cabanas, you could easily spend an entire week without crossing paths with another guest - which, in our opinion, is absolutely not a bad thing. In the mood to be among the hustle and bustle? Head to nearby Bikini Bar, where bar-facing swings draw flocks of laid-back locals and an impressive cocktail menu awaits.

An hour's drive from the vibrant crowds and colourful markets of Oaxaca City, this six-bedroom eco-retreat sits in the heart of the Valle del Silencio. Dreamed up by Fausto Zapata, Casa Silencio's two-floor guest rooms feature reclaimed wood, distressed leather detailing and velvet upholstery, while bathrooms flaunt enormous walk-in showers, rugged stone sinks and walls crafted entirely from recycled El Silencio bottles. There is also an on-site distillery, which invites guests to join in the daily mezcal production, picking agave plants that are then transported to be roasted. Thirsty? Skip the hard bit and make a beeline for the tasting room, where you'll be invited to sample a fresh spirit (or three).

This 32-room property from the forward-thinking Bunkhouse Group set a new standard for stylish beachfront luxury when it opened in 2017. With brightly coloured woven blankets, handmade tiles and copal incense accessorising the dreamy location, this barefoot bohemian idyll makes for a memorable stay. Be sure to visit nearby The Green Room restaurant, which is known as the best spot in town for both its shipwreck tacos and sunset-facing vistas.

"Azúcar" means "sugar" in Spanish, and this chic hotel composed of 20 whitewashed bungalows is as sweet as its name. Its recipe for beachside luxury involves minimalist decor with giant pink bean bags providing the only pop of colour, outdoor showers for washing off after jaunts to the white-sand beach, a superb spa and restaurant on standby for a fix of local flavours before a late-afternoon siesta - hammock-style, of course.

If total immersion in nature is what you're after, one of Azulik's treetop wooden villas has your name scribbled all over it. Ensconced in jungle foliage, each abode sees natural materials embody the very essence of Tulum's landscape, with rope swings, netting and nests that overlook the ocean. Art lovers will feel at home here, with a gallery that has two exhibition spaces and hosts regular artist residencies. Guests are encouraged to browse pop-up collections and try their hand at various workshops.