CHECKING into Riu Yucatan in the resort of Playacar, Mexico, I had little idea just how special a place it would be.

Set right on the white sands of the Caribbean — the hotel pool area had steps leading down to the beach — the all-inclusive five-star hotel offered luxuriously spacious rooms, two pools complete with pool bars, regular bars, a shop, theatre and three speciality restaurants to die for.

I travelled with my best friend Suzy, whose birthday we'd planned the two-week holiday to celebrate. While we took full advantage of the beach and pool, we were spoiled for choice by the range of activities and trips on offer from Thomson, our tour operator.

More of the trips later, let's talk hotel/resort. From the moment we were welcomed with smiles, refreshing drinks and roses by what must officially be the friendliest staff in the world, the place could not be faulted. Our twin room was comfortable and the balcony overlooked one of the walkways linking the reception area with the pool/entertainment area — great for people-watching.

The accomplished entertainment team hosted a daytime activity programme ranging from salsa to bingo — which became something of an obsession by the end of the holiday— followed by a kids' disco and a show in the evening. These ranged from an Abba show to traditional Mexican dancing, so there was something for everyone.

The Asian, Mexican and Steakhouse restaurants were superb, with no limit on how many times you could book a table, complementing the gourmet buffet available every day without booking.

While it was more than easy to while away some days on the beach and in the stunningly warm and blue Caribbean water, the trips we went on were awesome.

A particular highlight was the speedboat snorkelling, during which we were taken via speedboat from Puerto Aventuras up the coast to two tranquil bays, to check out the fish and sea turtles and eat lunch at a restaurant on the beach at Akumel. A truly relaxing adrenaline surge.

On Suzy's actual birthday, we booked Captain Hook's pirate ship cruise. Guests set sail at sunset from Cancun — an hour's coach trip from the hotel — on one of two pirate ships. On Captain Hook's boat, we were treated to party games, music and a delicious surf 'n' turf buffet, served by our 'pirate' crew.

The highlight was the battle between the two ships, involving sword fights and crew members jumping from ship to ship. Quite a spectacle.

We visited the remains of two Mayan cities — Citchen Itza and Tulum. Citchen Itza included a guided tour of the pyramids and buildings of the ancient civilisation's most famous area, as well as the chance to swim in an underground cavern, or cenote. Looking up from the water to the blue sky far above was an unforgettable experience.

The Tulum trip began with a zip-line and rappel — abseil — in the jungle, and a snorkel through the crystal clear waters of an underground cave, filled with fish. After lunch, we were taken to the ancient cliff-side site for a tour. Culture and adventure in one day. Our day in Xel-ha eco-park provided the chance to snorkel, walk and cycle in the surrounding jungle and take a tube down a lazy river.

We swam with dolphins and tried out the rides during our trip to Wet 'n' Wild water park in Cancun, and we also indulged our girlie shopping needs with trips to the Plaza in Playacar and Play Del Carmen's 5th Avenue, both short walks from the hotel.

The adventures, the relaxation at the hotel, where my cocktail knowledge increased no end, along with near-perfect weather, made this the ultimate holiday.