Beachfront Villa in Tankah Bay

Tankah Bay is a quieter curve of coast just north of Tulum, a stretch of soft sand and shallow reef where the palms come almost to the waterline. The villa sits among them, low and set back, facing one of the loveliest beaches in the bay. Casa Cenote, a freshwater cenote that runs out to meet the sea, is a short walk from the door.

Days here move between the water and the house. Kayaks, paddle boards and snorkel gear are included, and the reef in the bay is close enough to reach on your own. A chef is on staff from 8am to 8pm and handles every meal, so there's no reason to plan around the kitchen. A concierge meets you at the property on arrival and can help shape the rest of the stay, from excursions to dinner reservations in town.

The house sleeps eight comfortably across four bedrooms, with a sofa bed in the fourth that fits two more children, for a maximum of ten. Every room has air conditioning and ceiling fans, and each bedroom has its own safe. Pets are welcome with the owner's approval, and beds for them can be set up ahead of time.

The villa sits within a gated community with round-the-clock security, 13 kilometers (about ten minutes) north of Tulum. That distance is the point. The beaches are calmer, the town is close enough for a night out, and the stay costs noticeably less than a comparable house in the hotel zone.