Hotel Occidental Grand Playa Turquesa

Managed by Spain's Occidental hotel chain, this all-inclusive opened in 2005 at Playa Yuraguanal, a beautiful swathe of white sand and turquoise reef-protected waters a few miles west of Guardalavaca. Sprawling over 27 acres, it is surrounded on three sides by scrub forest good for birding. Architecturally uninspired – it reminds us a Lego creation – it is also a bit gaudy, with an exterior painted in bright yellow and blues. Still, the landscaping is a major draw, and things also improve in the gracious lobby, with its rich terra-cotta and gold color schemes.

The dominant feature here is a bi-level complex of seven swimming pools, including an upper infinity horizon pool and a circular main pool enhanced by natural limestone landscaping with waterfalls.

Decor in the 531 spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms is charming and enhanced by tropical pastels: cream walls, sponge-washed robin's-eggshell-blue furniture, and blue-and-beige check tile floors.