Casa Clara is ideal for groups of friends and families with varied interests. That has much to do with its location inside the Playacar Phase 1 enclave. As well as being only a few steps from this gated neighbourhood’s white-sand beach, you’re only a saunter from tennis courts, a Robert Von Hagge-designed golf course and Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen’s shop and bar-lined main artery. Ferries connect to Isla Cozumel’s scuba-diving, while Riviera Maya offers heaps more distraction (deep breath): swimmable subterranean caves, Mayan pyramids, paddleboarding, a Frida Kahlo museum, crocodile-watching cruises, deep-sea fishing charters…

For all that, you might just choose to stay put. Flanked by tropical gardens, Clara’s pool receives the sun for many hours. It also offers dreamy, breeze-rippled views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, as do lounge and dining areas on the roof terrace – magical come sunset, and even better when accompanied by a margarita.

Translating as ‘clear house’, Casa Clara’s name has a double meaning: it refers not only to the unobstructed ocean views offered by that terrace, but also to the interiors’ minimal feel. Space abounds, accentuated by pastel shades and floor-to-ceiling windows. Modern, sea-themed artworks line bright white walls, and clean marble countertops embellish a chef-level kitchen. Some sleeping quarters have pairs of double beds; the opulent master suite, meanwhile, opens onto its own terrace containing a sea-facing infinity pool.