Small salty vessels come from all over the Yucatan Peninsula in search of the world’s largest fish. Swimming with whale sharks had long been on the top of my ever growing bucket list, and finding myself in the water with these majestic giants certainly didn’t disappoint. Known as ‘dominoes’ for their skin’s distinctive spotted pattern, these leviathans are one of the most ethereal sights I've been lucky enough to witness. For five dream-like minutes I swam next to the shark, in awe of its size, transfixed by the roll and swell of its huge gills and honoured that it tolerated my goggle-eyed presence.

Speeding back to shore after an unforgettable morning we quiz our captain and guide, William, about the golden beached islands we see strewn across Mexico's Caribbean coast. Pointing to Isla Mujeres he tells us ‘it is said that many pirates buried their treasure here after plundering gold from the mainland. They kept their booty here, and their women! That’s why it’s called 'Isla Mujeres’: ‘Island of Women’’. After later exploration, it seems the name has more to do with the Mayan ruins of the island, depicting ‘Ixchel’, the goddess of fertility – but I still like the story about the pirates.

Nowadays, Isla Mujeres is a mere 25 minute ferry from boisterous Cancun, a worthwhile day trip for the laid-back seafront bars and postcard perfect beaches. 

William flashes a conspiratorial grin as he admits ‘the locals’ secret beach is not so secret, but I’m still not going to tell you where it is’..

For me, Mexico has been a country full of secrets. Myriad hidden treasures await discovery by anyone bold enough to venture further than the sun loungers. And oh, it’s hard to tear yourself away from the azure sea and the next rum-laden cocktail, but the sights, quite aptly, are worth their weight in gold. The towering pyramids of Chichen Itza hide astrological mastery, visual trickery and sacrificial narratives. The ancient ruins of Tulum sit and stare out smugly to the turquoise sea, conjuring daydreams of strange civilizations, travelling and trading.

Before I’m met with derisive snorts and a chorus of ’Chichen Itza and Tulum are hardly Mexico’s best kept secrets’, it’s worth noting that the majority of Mexico’s Mayan ruins are still buried  underground, unexcavated. Just a daytrip from the Mayan Riviera’s pristine coast and luxury hotels are a number of smaller, more recently discovered ruins that needn’t be shared with anyone else, and it’s not just ancient cities that lie beneath your feet; the Yucatan Peninsula is peppered with wondrous cenotes – huge cavern complexes with crystalline pools and huge tree roots reaching down from their roofs, often totally hidden from above save for a small hole in the earth. These beautiful swimming spots make a welcome retreat from the fierce Caribbean sun.

Mexican food is one of only two national cuisines to be UNESCO Heritage listed (the other is French). Ok, it’s not a secret, but it’s pretty impressive. And when you’re sitting on the beach at sunset, watching the fisherman come in to weigh their barracudas and snappers, a shrimp and pineapple taco in your hand, you’ll probably see why. A visit to the Riviera Maya will undoubtedly be an unforgettable trip, whether it’s the luxury spa you go for, or just to feel like Indiana Jones for the day, you’ll definitely come back with more than just a tan.

For inspiration on where to go, what to see and what to do in this wonderful country, take a look at our Mexico Holidays pages.