Hotelito Desconocido is a magical, extraordinary hotel, quite unique within Mexico. It's one of our favorite places for a really relaxing, escape-from-the-rat-race vacation, where even a few days will leave you totally refreshed.

The pleasures are simple but sublime; sipping coffee at sunrise on a terrace overlooking the ocean, showering in the warmth of the sea breezes, dining by candlelight at the waters edge. You can come here for rest, for exercise or for healing (but not, it has to be said, for dieting - the food is delicious, plentiful and far too enticing for those of little will power).

The unconventionality of Hotelito Desconocido means that it is certainly not suited to everyone. To get the most from the hotel you must be adept at jumping in and out of rowing boats, though you don't need to row yourself (this just adds to the entertainment).

The lack of electricity adds a novel touch but creates a few little annoyances - reading in bed is a strain, taking out contact lenses by candlelight is tricky and you might get the occasional cold shower on a cloudy day (though the showers at the spa building promise constant hot water). Of course, there's no television, no phones, and no air-conditioning, so if you can't do without these then think again.

If you're concerned about spending a week without a servibar or hairdryer, then we'd like to remind you of the special delights that you'll rarely find elsewhere - like room service that's summoned by raising a flag, snoozing in a hammock with the lapping of water below, or rowing out on the lagoon at midnight to watch the stars.

Each type of room has its own special features, so take a look at our room guide to plan your vacation. Standard Rooms are in units of two or four and have peaceful views over the lagoons and gardens, while the waterside suites are spacious palafitos (the term is a combination of the Spanish words palapa and fito that translates as a cabin built above water). There are also rooms directly on the pristine beach that lies across the estuary. Every room has an outdoor shower and a supremely comfortable canopied bed furnished with fine cottons.

Our own room recommendations? For nature lovers, the wildly beautiful outlooks of the Standard Rooms and regular Suites. For seaside enthusiasts, the cozy retreats of the Beach Rooms. And for romantics, the indulgent delights of the Master Palafito Suites - huge private terraces just above the water, the sound of the ocean in the distance, and your own rowing boat moored outside.