To reach the Fairmont Mayakoba, part of a 240-acre gated community, we drive through a lush "jungle" landscape of canals and lagoons lined with coconut palms, bamboo and mangrove thickets. That's because the design of the Mayakoba development, home to several other resorts, fosters the preservation of the Riviera Maya's indigenous natural habitats.

Instead of permanently cutting away the dense foliage to position the hotel seaside, the Mayakoba's main building sits well back from the ocean, encircled by a wide ribbon of trees, bushes and mangroves. From the lobby, situated on a rise, we look out onto the patchwork of greenery laced by the lagoons and canals that wind near the resort's 90 casitas. Only nine rooms are oceanfront. The remainder of the resort's 401 units is either in the hotel building near the main lobby or clustered throughout the grounds.

This is a different feel for a beach resort and, we confess, one that takes us awhile to enjoy. After all, like so many who come to the Riviera Maya, we crave the beach. Given a few days, however, we come to appreciate the sense of place that the resort delivers. The Riviera Maya is known for its mix of jungle and water -- sea, cenotes (underground rivers) and canals.

Because the property spreads out, we arrive at our room via golf cart. Cars aren't permitted on the grounds, a nice touch that makes bicycling and strolling particularly nice for families. But this is not a resort for those who mind walking or waiting for the frequent shuttles. My family and I, however, enjoy walking so footing it to the beach, a half-mile or more from the main pool area, proves not to be a problem.

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