­Someone always has to be first and in the world of luxury nature retreats Chan Chich Lodge was way out in front. Opened in 1988, this cluster of 12 bungalows and one villa deep in an enormous swath of privately owned jungle continues to get rave reviews more than 20 years later. Chan Chich was named Andrew Harper’s Lodge of the Year in 2007 and in 2010 the lodge earned a Condé Nast Johansens Award as the Most Excellent Lodge in Mexico and Central America.

The big draw at Chan Chich isn't the luxury, though there's plenty of that. The thatch-roof mahogany accommodations were largely hand-made using a combination of Maya and modern techniques and tools. Each accommodation is simply (no A/C and no TV) but comfortably appointed with ample porches furnished with tables...