One paradise, two hotels – and six reasons to visit

With its soft beaches and warm surf, Mayan ruins and zingy cuisine, the Yucatán peninsula is Mexico’s holiday trump card. Get the most out of it by choosing a hotel that puts the region’s joys front and centre. With two different experiences – but the same great reasons to book – Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa and TRS Yucatan Hotel are your winners. Check in and here’s what you’ll get…

The beach at Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa, which sits among tropical gardens (also opening image)

Brilliant beaches

Golden sands, turquoise waters, colourful reefs bursting with marine life – no wonder the beaches of the Yucatán peninsula are famous. Take your pick from countless local gems, turtle-spotting at sheltered Akumal or beach-clubbing at trendy Tulum. Or kick back and enjoy perfect sands at your hotel base. Both Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa and TRS Yucatan Hotel are perched on a gorgeous, powdery stretch dotted with palms and beach bars; the latter even has a VIP area with Balinese beds and waiter service. More of a pool person? Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa has six amazing pools to choose from, many of them family friendly. TRS Yucatan Hotel, meanwhile, has three cool dippers perfect for adults, including a sexy saltwater infinity pool.

Rich history and sights

The Yucatán peninsula is so much more than good looks: this region is packed with activities. Explore forest-clad ancient Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá, Coba and Tulum, go swimming in atmospheric blue cenotes (sinkholes) or discover crumbling inland haciendas. When you stay at coastal Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa or TRS Yucatan Hotel, you’re within a coconut’s toss of the peninsula’s most enticing sights, so day trips couldn’t be easier. Prefer marine adventures? The beautiful island of Cozumel, world famous for its diving, is only a boat ride away. You’re also just 90 minutes’ drive from Cancun International Airport and near the buzzing culture and nightlife centre of Playa del Carmen.

Helios beachside restaurant at TRS Yucatan Hotel

A thrilling dining scene

From lime-drenched fish tacos to earthy cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork), Yucatán cuisine is popular for a reason. But there’s more to discover in the food scene here than Mexico’s greatest hits. Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa’s Dine Around programme gives you access to 13 restaurants, nine of which are à la carte and four of which feature show-cooking – providing dinnertime with plenty of entertainment. Meanwhile, TRS Yucatan Hotel comes with sophisticated globe-trotting cuisine that’s perfect for couples, whether you fancy Italian decadence at Tentazione, Provençal-like bites at romantic La Bohème or succulent Argentinian-style grills at El Gaucho. Craving the ultimate Mexican classic drink – a margarita? Take your pick from dozens of different on-site bars, including swim-up spots and sporty drinking holes.

Chic Cabaret & Restaurant at TRS Yucatan Hotel

Unlimited entertainment

Even if you never step foot out of your hotel, it’s impossible to get bored in the Yucatán. At family-friendly Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa, the all-inclusive Infinite Indulgence policy includes loads of activities and facilities; little ones can get stuck into watersports in the morning, then play in the kids’ clubs in the afternoon. Come evening, enjoy all-ages-friendly entertainment, such as live shows by the Raggs characters. Meanwhile, at luxury adults-only TRS Yucatan Hotel, the evening scene is unrivalled. Don’t miss the spectacular dinner show at Chic Cabaret & Restaurant, where 20 artists – from singers to acrobats – sizzle on stage while you feast on a gourmet menu with bottomless premium drinks. The atmosphere is electric, with Moulin Rouge-style drama meeting tropical Yucatán flair.

Proper pampering

You’ve been waiting long enough for a brilliant holiday so, now that it’s here, pull out the stops and get properly pampered. Whether you book into the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa or the TRS Yucatan Hotel, you won’t only get five-star service that makes you feel like royalty. You’ll get one of the most complete pampering centres on the Mayan Riviera – the Zentropia Spa & Wellness centre. Spend an afternoon hopping between Jacuzzis, saunas and aromatic vapour baths, then have tense muscles melted in a stress-busting full body massage (just one of many treatments on tap). Or if you prefer a more active kind of feel-good, you can sweat everything out in the cutting-edge gym. The choice is yours.

Suite with private pool at TRS Yucatan Hotel

Stylish digs for everyone

The right room – with style, personality and the space to spread out – can turn a good holiday into a great one. Bright and airy, dressed in evocative warm colours and the traditional geometric prints of the Yucatán, the rooms at Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa are perfect for families. Many sleep four or more people, and come with lush greenery views and terraces with hammocks. At luxury adults-only TRS Yucatan Hotel, calming sand and sea tones mimic the hues of the sparkling coast just outside your door. For couples travelling with a special occasion in mind, there are plenty of enticing extras, too. Many rooms come with terrace Jacuzzis or private plunge pools, heightening the holiday romance factor.

British Airways Holidays are ATOL-protected, with low deposits and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Book your Cancun holiday at ba.com/grandpalladiumcolonial or ba.com/trsyucatan