The Yucatan's Gulf Coast may not have the transparent turquoise waters of the Caribbean, but the calm and warm sea is still very enticing. This is a real nature lover's beach; the dunes are home to a variety of exotic plants that are nurtured by the owners instead of being swept clear to make way for rows of sun loungers.

Look closely at the sand and in places you can see thousands of tiny sea shells ('Xixim' is Mayan for seashell). A stroll along the beach (it extends for miles) reveals more shells of all sizes in beautiful shapes and colors, so many that the hotels' plea for guests not to remove them from the beach seems a little mean until you reflect upon the cumulative effect of years of visitors.

During the months of April to August, sea turtles frequently lay their eggs on this quiet beaches. They hatch around four months later, so visitors in August to December may also be able to observe the baby turtles starting their watery pilgrimage.

Further out to sea, it is possible to glimpse dolphins jumping the waves in addition to the numerous species of sea birds.

If you are planning on a morning or afternoon by the beach, the staff will set up chairs and shade on the sand near to your casita.

There is often a strong breeze, so new arrivals should beware of the sun's strength. The breeze can also deposit seaweed in the shallow water for a part of the day but it rarely lasts for long.

Like the tiny fish swimming beside you in the ocean, it's a reminder that this stretch of coast is - for the moment at least - still just as nature intended it to be.