Why you should go on an adults-only all-inclusive holiday to Mexico this winter – with flights under £400

I load the bubbles into the hot tub on the balcony and lie back, margarita in hand, to watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.

Welcome to UNICO 20°87° on Mexico’s Riviera Maya – an all-inclusive, adults-only paradise that promises an authentic taste of the Yucatan region.

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Whether you’re enjoying sunrise yoga by the main pool, indulging in a pampering session at the spa or a tequila tasting at the bar, your only problem will be fitting in all the activities and still having time to relax in that fabulous balcony tub.

Despite having 448 rooms, UNICO has a boutique feel with beautiful details at every turn.

From the grand main pool with surrounding swim rooms and floating daybeds to the towering lobby architecture and fine dining, the lavish paradise has it all.

In addition to the bathtub on the balcony, my room in particular has a more relaxed luxury chic – from the four-poster bed and walk-in rain shower to the fully stocked custom minibar and local artwork.

Refined food

It’s easy to be tempted though – there are three pools to lounge by, the vast La Unica for social fun; DJ sets and a pool bar at 20°87° and for refreshing beats and vast and comfortable sunbeds, the relaxed La Escondida.

Follow the wooden boardwalk through the dunes and you’ll emerge on the beach’s soft white sands, where you can relax on luxurious sunbeds or take a dip in the warm waters.

The food and drink options are equally indulgent.

In addition to 24-hour room service, there are luxurious buffet options from breakfast to dinner at casual beach restaurant 20.87.

They cover various cuisines, including Mexican specialties at Cueva Siete, Japanese and Asian dishes at Mura House, and fine Italian food with a coastal twist at Mi Carisa.

There’s also the chance to recreate some of Mexico’s favorite foods and drinks in cooking and mixology classes.

I tried my hand at perfecting a traditional guacamole with a surprising twist – a garnish of dried crickets.

And I learned Mayan secrets with a slow-cooked pork wrapped in banana leaves that bakes for 14 hours in an underground oven.

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My cocktail skills were also put to the test, learning how to make margaritas as well as the Mexican twist on traditional cocktails, including, my favorite, espresso martinis.

The hotel’s spa has a Moroccan-style garden, as well as the chance to create your own lotions.

While UNICO offers the perfect all-inclusive stay for those looking to relax in a tranquil setting, just ten minutes down the coast you can party at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

The adults-only Heaven section of the hotel is separate from the family-friendly Hacienda, but you have the chance to enjoy the facilities of both.

The hotel’s 23-slide water park offers hours of thrills, and the fun continues after dark at the nightclub with a pool and hot tubs in the middle of the dance floor.

Relax like a rockstar

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My room was also an aquatic paradise – one of the hotel’s new swimming rooms, with a private terrace, two sun loungers and steps down to my semi-private pool.

Inside, there’s a rock and roll vibe that only the Hard Rock can achieve.

Everything from the art on the walls to the lamp shades and the aptly-branded “potential song lyrics” notepad on the nightstand is a nod to the hotel’s roots.

It has over 3,000 pieces of music memorabilia from the world’s biggest stars – including Elvis, Cher, Elton John and Madonna.

Unusually for most hotels on the Riviera Maya, the Hard Rock does not have a long beach, but rather several private enclaves built into the rocky coastline, adding an element of privacy.

If you want to immerse yourself in the party vibes, the new Oasis pool is a must.

The swim-up bar features a DJ and live performers throughout the day, as well as a stylish Moët pop-up bar.

If you really want to party like a rock star, I suggest renting one of the super cabanas with lounge chairs, indoor sofas and TV, your own server and a bottle of premium spirits.

Or for a cool sunrise or sunset, check out the elevated Jacuzzi overlooking the coast at the edge of the Hacienda area.

There are nine restaurants and six bars to feed and water you, but if you want to push the boat out, book an Awaken Your Senses dinner.

The seven-course meal combines storytelling and fine dining through music and interactive technology.

Both hotels also offer a wide range of excursions to explore the local area.

We signed up for the full day Cancun Adventures tour which visits the Mayan temple ruins of nearby Tulum.

Hidden in the rock, wooden steps lead down to a hidden beach.

The trip also included the chance to snorkel in a cenote – a natural sinkhole created from the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing clear pools of sparkling green water.

But the highlight was undoubtedly the chance to drive through the treetops of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tackle seven thrilling threads with the option to sail above the treetops head-on, head-down or in a seated position.

My attempts were pretty much a combination of all three, but the adrenaline rush of going from tree to tree was addictive.

I may have enjoyed the ultimate in adults-only luxury at two Mexican resorts, but the kid in me could scream my heart out through the rainforest!

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