Travelers come to this small island north of mainland Cuba to bask in the sun, swim in sparkling blue water, and be pampered at an all-inclusive resort. To explore Cuban culture, you’ll need to go farther afield (this is a planned resort development; employees are bused in), but if you’re simply looking for a stress-free tropical break, Cayo Santa Maria might be perfect for you.

Just north of Cancun, this seaside resort community is a far cry from the spring-break crowd. Bordered on one side by the Mexican Caribbean and the other by a wetlands wildlife preserve, the vibe in Playa Mujeres is one of laid-back luxury in a natural, untouched landscape. Unlike many other such tranquil places, Playa Mujeres is not a pain to get to. It's an easy ride from Cancun airport.

Magical, historic, cultural, intimate – these are but a few of the words that best describe the balmy and magical escape that is Manzanillo on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. A lush, tropical environment welcomes travellers – verdant hillsides make way for sandy beaches, a setting that just begs for outdoor adventures and lazy days by the ocean. Visit between December and April and you’re likely to glimpse one of the playful whales swimming in Manzanillo Bay. By night, the village is full of energetic nightlife and restaurants are full to the brim. It’s all the charm of old world Mexico with every 21-century creature comforts you could want. While the crashing Pacific surf is sure to capture your attention for much of your time in Manzanillo, be sure to check out the countless other outdoor pursuits. Take an ATV off-road adventure, go deep-sea or sportfishing, head out hiking on an eco tour or take to the sea by kayak. Go sailing, snorkelling, SCUBA diving and surfing, then head back to shore for some shopping. Lace up your tennies for a volcano or waterfall tour.

Mexico's fastest-growing resort area offers miles of empty desert and deserted beaches. Laid-back nightlife and old-fashioned fun in the sun is the Cabos' lure. Only certain beaches are safe for swimming, however, including Lovers' Beach and the more tempestuous and aptly named Divorce Beach. Whale-watching, hang-gliding, snorkelling, antique-hunting, golf and fishing, Loreto's historic mission, and sport fishing and dining in capital La Paz are other attractions. SuburBaja buses travel the coast.

Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for lots of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbours, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighbourhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the USA. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavour. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science centre. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horse riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.

With the dramatic backdrop of 12,200-foot Mount Teide towering behind the resort, Adeje makes an unforgettable holiday destination. Adeje is less than two miles from the boisterous nightlife of Playa de las Americas, allowing visitors to choose whether to take it easy or to party. Bake in the sun on black volcanic sands before cooling down at a water park, such as popular Siam Park, or out windsurfing. Barranco del Infierno, Hell's Gorge, is a lush oasis, perfect for hiking.