Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Departing most mornings for the ruins at Tikal, Yaxhá or Ceibal, guests here treat the hotel as a base camp for the Maya lowlands rather than a destination in itself. Las Lagunas sits on Quexil Lagoon outside Flores, a short drive from the Mundo Maya airport, with 20 suites raised on elevated walkways over the water. Each of the six suite types comes with a private deck and jacuzzi; the largest Waterfront Master Suites run to 81 square metres, the smallest Waterfront Suites to 72. Guided full-day trips run to Tikal's 4,000 structures, to Yaxhá with its boat crossing to the island cemetery of Topoxté, and to Aguateca, reached by lagoon and river through the Petexbatún wetlands. Closer to home, a monkey island tour and the Petencito park, home to animals rescued from poachers, fill shorter afternoons. The Shultun restaurant serves local produce alongside an international menu, with a bar menu of wine and spirits; a pool bar covers lighter meals through the day. A spa, gym and small museum round out the property. Check-in runs from 3pm.