Following a comprehensive post-Wilma renovation, Ceiba del Mar Spa Resort reopened in August, better than ever -- fewer guestrooms and accommodations that are much more spacious, as well as a new beachfront restaurant.

Enhanced to a new level of luxury, the beachside resort now has a total of 88 guestrooms including 36 spacious master suites and seven immense penthouse suites with private-elevator access. They all face the Caribbean with breathtaking views the sea, the stars and sunrise.

Located just 20 minutes (25 km/15.5 mi) south of the Cancun airport, Ceiba del Mar sets right on is own privileged talcum-sand beachfront. The setting is especially secluded because unoccupied pristine beach extends beyond both sides of the property. (Not only the suites are larger, the beach itself has expanded -- a result of Hurricane Wilma.)

Beach isolation is indeed an appeal. However the charming little seaport town of Puerto Morelos is just a 20-minute walk (3 km/1.8 mi) south along the beach, or a short ride by bicycle (available to guests at no charge).

The great Maya Reef, second largest in the world and a protected reserve, forms a natural breakwater just a half-kilometer offshore. Teeming with vivid tropical sea life, the reef provides spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving as if it were an additional "private facility" of the hotel itself.

The Ceiba del Mar Spa has separate his and hers sections, both with large cocoa-color marble aqua-massage pools that easily accommodate six people, and an adjacent cold-water plunge. Swiss head-to-toe cold-water showers don't miss a pore, for cooling off after the sauna and steam room. The Spa is known for its revitalizing treatments and signature biotensor aromatherapy, unique in the Riviera Maya.

The resort operates its own tour desk offering private airport transfers and exclusive excursions to Maya archeological sites (from famous ancient cities to recently-excavated "secrets"), as well as to Yucatecan pastel colonial towns and jungle nature sites including amazing cenotes.

Rates range from $370 for a deluxe room during low season, to $1,250 for a penthouse suite during high season (plus tax and service). MAP meal plan is available.