This is the desert island beach of everyone's dreams - white sands and crystal clear sea backed by swaying palms.

We've seldom found the Pacific more alluring than in this pretty cove. The sandy shore shelves gradually into the ocean, making the beach safe for children.

Choose your spot on the sands and you'll be provided with beach chairs and a sun canopy.

The service is just perfect too; staff are always lurking in the background, but without being intimidating, and will wander past and ask if you're in need of a cold drink every so often (Robinson Crusoe would have killed for this luxury!)

Of course, there are more energetic ways to enjoy the natural attractions. Snorkeling in the area is excellent (equipment is available at the hotel at no extra cost) and divers flock to the dramatic Majahuitas trench just offshore.

For a few hours in the middle of the day the snorkeling trips from town may anchor in the bay, with passengers swimming to the beach, but for the rest of the day the beach is gloriously empty.

Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's kayaks and children's inflatables to cool off in the usually placid waters. This is also one resort where you don't have to be first up in the morning to enjoy a quiet swim.