By Claire Gilbertsen

It's hard to believe that only fifteen minutes away from the chaos of Cancun is an otherworldly resort experience. Part of the initial appeal of NIZUC Resort and Spa is that it's an effortless-yet-extravagant vacation destination with an incredible variety of amenities available—from truly mindblowing spa treatments to a diverse and excellent restaurant selection.

NIZUC Resort, on 29 idyllic private acres, has exclusive access to two gorgeous white sand beaches on the Yucatán Peninsula. Guests can enjoy the privacy provided by roped-off areas at each beach, while also being served beverages by the extremely courteous staff for a personalized, pampered Caribbean experience. Relaxing in one of the five heavenly infinity pools on the property, it's easy to let all cares drift away.

The zen-like décor allows the splendor of the natural surroundings to shine through. The serene reception area opens into a stunning oceanview vista. And while the resort has over 250 suites and villas, the impeccably maintained grounds remain peaceful and pristine, and the experience is individualized to each and every guest. The design of the rooms seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor space so that guests can enjoy the incredible natural settings around them. Most of the rooms include private plunge pools and balconies, and every bathroom is spacious, with the feel of a personal mini spa. The turn-down service provides different delectable chocolates every evening—the perfect way to end a blissful, beach-filled day.

It would be difficult to tire of the restaurants at NIZUC, since their six world-class restaurants were spearheaded and developed by a team of international culinary stars. Ni offers Peruvian cuisine, La Punta specializes in seafood, and Asian fusion can be found at Indochine. For an authentic experience in both traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, Ramona uses all local ingredients, recipes, and produce. Finally, Terra Nostra is a cozy restaurant serving delectable Mediterranean fare, homemade pasta, and real wood-oven pizza. For the true foodie, NIZUC offers the Chef's Table experience, which starts with a tour of the kitchens followed by a multi-course tasting menu unlike anything else.

The gorgeous spa—30,000 square-feet of pure relaxation—is upscale and maintains a distinctly cultural look; from the subtle, Mexican-inspired décor in the massage rooms to treatments that are influenced by Mayan culture, it embodies the essence of the region. The cacao massage is the ultimate in bliss, ending with an oil drip on one's forehead to complete the feeling of total immersion in a vat of smooth chocolate. The spa also houses an aromatic steam room, a solarium, thermal loungers, and a refreshing ice fountain with a cool mist shower, in addition to fresh fruit and tea. The other healing treatments available feature all ESPA products, a natural luxury skin care line from the United Kingdom. Pampering is their specialty.

NIZUC has nearly every activity imaginable—but don't miss snorkeling in these serene, turquoise waters. It's easy and fun—they provide the snorkels and fins—and snorkelers get to see the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. To explore underwater while staying dry, guests can easily also go to the world's first Underwater Art Museum, which is not far from the resort.

With the calm energy, bespoke beach experiences, and beautifully attentive staff, it's impossible not to immediately feel relaxed and peaceful at NIZUC. Expect to be treated like royalty at this sublime resort and spa, and expect to already be planning your return upon your departure. When a gem like NIZUC is discovered, you won't even think of staying anywhere else.

For more information: nizuc.com