Villa at Cuixmala travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Modern-day fairy tales do not come much better than this. Cuixmala is a hot resort where luxurious villas are tucked away in a vast 25,000-acre (10,117-ha) ecological reserve fringed by golden beaches. This is a private sanctuary in more ways than one. Come there to rest your head, laze on deserted beaches, and get close nature. Then discover the birds and animals that have made their home in this eco-reserve – from jaguars and sea turtles to exotic zebras and antelopes. Photo by: flickrimagesearch

The top house is Casa La Loma with its distinctive blue and yellow striped dome. It looks like a castle and has a view out across the empty beach of Costa Alegre to the rolling Pacific surf. There are four other villas, fully staffed and decorated in sumptuous Mexican and European designs, as well as nine comfortable casitas (small villas) with a shared pool, clubhouse, and restaurant. Make yourself at home, then explore the organic farm on horseback, past mango and papaya trees, citrus orchards, and all those beaches. Photo by: Max Stuedlein

Some are perfect for kayaking and snorkeling; other have hammocks strung between coconut palms to escape the sun. Enjoy a picnic on a stretch of unspoiled beach, followed by a boat trip across the lagoon where you can watch the sunset as well as spot dolphins and whales. Finish a day with a cold margarita. Photo by: Maddog 2007

Celebrities adore this superb eco retreat. Food served in the gourmet dining room has been grown originally at the ranch of highland farm, and the two-tiered seating in the screening room has Indian pillow-topped settees the size of double beds. Location: Jalisco, Mexico. Photo by: Maddog 2007