Lexus's hybrid five-seater could afford to be softer in the panels and price. It's been a busy 12 months at the pointy end of the SUV market. Audi has launched a new Q7, Mercedes-Benz has renamed and tweaked its GLE (previously the ML) and Volvo has a new XC90. But a new arrival stands out from the crowd. The Europeans may favour classic proportions and understated designs but the Lexus RX is anything but conservative — it also differs in having the petrol-electric 450h. Rivals favour diesels. Design The RX belongs to the "every panel must have a crease" school. There isn't a soft edge in sight and the front grille is about as in-your-face as it gets. Inside, it's a completely different story. Gone are the gaudy woodgrain finishes, awkward angles and faux-metal accents of Lexuses past. In their place is a well finished, understated cabin that mixes soft-touch leather with hi-tech instrumentation. The heated and ventilated leather seats are comfortable and supportive and the head-up display and digital instrument panel keep the vital information in your field of vision. The 450h is in its element on the daily commute. That's handy because navigating your way around the centre screen using the "mouse and cursor" style controller is incredibly frustrating and distracting. You need the dexterity of a surgeon to land the cursor on the right spot first time. It's a shame because the graphics and layout of the screen display are excellent, as are the rest of the cabin ergonomics. Rear leg room is generous enough but taller occupants will feel the world closing in a little, thanks to the tapered roofline, which also compromises luggage space. The RX is smaller than rivals and feels it. About town The 450h is in its element on the daily commute, where its fuel efficiency advantage over diesel rivals is most noticeable. We comfortably returned about 8.5L/100km in heavy traffic averaging 25km/h. We've driven city runabouts that use more. The stop-start is also far less intrusive than most, while noise suppression is excellent. When the car is in electric-only mode, you can hear the outside traffic more than the RX's workings. Kick the petrol engine into life and it gets off the mark impressively, assisted by the electric motor's instant torque. Combined power output of the hybrid setup is a healthy 230kW. Performance is dulled a little by the added weight of the electric motor and battery, which add more than 100kg over the petrol-only RX 350. The seats are well designed for long- distance touring and the RX is quiet and refined at the speed limit. Lexus has upped the ante on satnav turn directions, displaying virtual images of coming intersections that make it easier to take the correct lane. Other city-friendly tech includes a big, clear rear-view camera, mirrors that fold down to help you line up the kerb when reverse parking, and cross traffic alert when reversing out of a driveway or parking spot. On the road Lexus has made a conscious effort to breathe a little more driving excitement into the RX range. The 450h now comes with modes that allow the driver to choose sportier settings. Lexus says its adaptive suspension is more supple over rough surfaces and stiffens up for faster, flatter cornering in Sports or Sports + mode. There's little doubt the RX is more capable than before through the corners. It is more stable, leans less and doesn't dive as much under brakes. That said, you can still sense the weight shift as it changes direction. The steering feel, while improved, doesn't match that of a BMW X5 or Q7. Where it is superior to rivals is cruising on the freeway. The seats are well designed for long- distance touring and the RX is quiet and refined at the speed limit — add the punchy Mark Levinson audio and the hours pass pretty pleasantly. There's also an impressive safety arsenal, including lane departure warning with steering input, drowsy driver detection, blind spot monitor and adaptive cruise control to keep a safe distance from the car in front. Verdict Beneath its polarising exterior, the RX450h is an attractive proposition in many respects. The cabin is impeccably finished and the hybrid setup delivers impressive performance, refinement and fuel efficiency. Yet it is simply not worth the $8000 premium over the standard petrol model. Rivals sell equally powerful and efficient diesels with much smaller premiums if any. The RX has only five seats and is noticeably smaller than rivals. Sharpen the pencil, Lexus. What it's got Adaptive suspension, head-up display, adaptive high beam, heated and cooled seats, blind spot monitor, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control. What it hasn't A third row of seats, capped-price servicing, full-size spare, self-parking. Ownership Lexus has resisted the trend to capped price servicing, although it does a complimentary first service at 15,000km. There is a longer than normal four-year warranty but distance is still capped at 100,000km. The brand tops reliability and quality surveys and has roadside assistance and service loan cars. Also consider Audi Q7 3.0 TDI - $103,900 - Not as much standard gear but can tow much more, is bigger inside, has punchier performance yet similar thirst. Volvo XC90 2.0 Inscription - $96,950 - Can't match the refinement of the Lexus but has a well thought-out and spacious cabin. The price is sharper too. BMW X5 30d - $102,900 - Quicker and more entertaining to drive but cabin not as well finished and quiet as the Lexus.

een manufacturers making hatchbacks and then sub-4m sedans around them. However of late, the trend seems to have changed. It started with Tata Motors first offering the Zest sedan and then the Bolt hatchback. Now Ford has followed it up with the Figo Aspire and now the Figo hatch. While we were pretty impressed with the sedan and it even won our compact sedan comparo, will the hatchback be equally impressive given that it is identical save for a couple of litres of boot volume less? We find out.

Looks

2015 Ford Figo (1)

Remember the Hyundai Grand i10 and the Xcent? While both look nearly the same from the front, the differences are apparent once you move to the side. However, in the case of the Figo hatchback, it loses a little of the aggressive character of the Aspire sedan. It is still a handsome car but then the Aston Martin-like grille looks better on the Aspire. There are those big angular headlamps which look just right on this car. In fact, from the front three quarters, the car bears a resemblance to the Fiat Punto. The diesel variants run 14-inch Apollo Amazer 3G Maxx tyres and the alloys available from the Trend trim and above look good. The petrol AT variant runs MRF ZVTS tyres. The rear end is typical of European cars, stubby and with wraparound lamps.

Interior

2015 Ford Figo (10)



If you have been in the Ford Figo Aspire, then you will immediately feel at home in the Figo. However while the Aspire gets a beige option, the Figo makes do with all-black upholstery. The small steering wheel with audio and telephony controls mounted on it feels delightful to hold. The instrument console is dominated largely by the speedo and is flanked on the left by a tacho and on the right by a fuel gauge. This is the second Ford after the Aspire to have its lighting system controls on the right stalk and wiper controls on the left. This was primarily because it has been designed for right-hand drive countries.
Ford has added Sync and other features from the Aspire. While that’s great for the technology junkies, it really boils down to if you really will use these features in real life. For example, I have used the Grand i10 and Xcent on multiple occasions, however, I have never used the 1GB onboard music storage. Similarly, I might never use the Sync or emergency assistance (useful) features. Amongst the most practical features, there are power adjustable mirrors, auto locking doors when in motion, various cubby holes in the cabin and the electric boot release and keyless entry.

2015 Ford Figo (11)



In terms of space, the new Figo hatch loses out a little. The trunk space has been reduced from the outgoing model’s by 30 litres. But the rear seats will feel a little cramped for three grown ups.

2015 Ford Figo (3)



The music system is quite decent and better than the competition. The air conditioning as advertised by Ford is very powerful and cools the cabin well. Features that are missing include reverse parking sensors, reverse camera, an unlock sensor for the boot. Yes, Hyundai has indeed spoilt us!

But there is a strange inconsistency in the way Ford have spread the features across the variants. For example, the diesel Titanium+ variant misses out on the MyFord dock feature, but the petrol with automatic gets it. Again, the interior of the petrol automatic is very different – it doesn’t get the Sync feature, the infotainment screen is smaller and there are only two airbags (as opposed to the six airbags that are otherwise standard on the Titanium+ trim). But what it gets is traction control, hill hold assist, ESP and gear indicator.

2015 Ford Figo (13)



Engine, power and performance



Having a similar crop of engines for the Figo hatch and Aspire allows Ford to cut down on manufacturing costs. The petrol and diesel engines are even offered in the same state of tune as the sedan. There is an 88PS/112Nm Ti-VCT petrol that’s mated to a 5-speed manual and is claimed to have a fuel efficiency of 18.16kmpl. Unfortunately, Ford didn’t have a car ready for us at the time of the review. The second petrol engine will be available only in the Titanium trim which lends it an exclusivity and therefore, lesser sales. It is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated motor that puts out a class leading 112PS/136Nm and a fuel efficiency of 17kmpl. The novelty is the PowerShift dual clutch transmission. In D mode, it is a bit sluggish but the car comes into its element in the Sport mode where the shifts are quick and the revs are held right until the redline before it shifts to a higher gear. Similar to how the dual clutch equipped Volkswagen Polo TSI moves.

Figo Manual Geabox

Ford Figo NEW

However, the variant which should be much sought after for its driveability and fuel efficiency will be the updated 1.5-litre diesel motor. In its 100PS/215Nm tune, this motor is a gem as far as driveability is concerned. It is not so quick revving though and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It is quiet at low speeds, however, when given the beans, it does make some noise. Hot hatch? Not so much to me. The 1.5-litre petrol engine has potential to be one – I think Ford should consider offering it with a manual transmission. I can imagine that making the car sprightlier and more fun to drive, right from the word go.

Ride and handling

2015 Ford Figo (8)

An all-new B562 platform forms the underpinnings of the Figo and Figo Aspire. Ford have increased the ground clearance of this car from the outgoing version to now 174mm. The car rides well over bigger bumps, however, the smaller ones do unsettle the vehicle a bit. The handling is typical Ford. Precise. The steering is light but weighs up decently at high speeds. The car holds its line well during hard cornering while the brakes themselves are sharp and shed speed rapidly without much fade. Stability on the Yamuna expressway where I drove the car was also impressive.

Verdict

2015 Ford Figo (4)



The Figo Aspire and the hatchback don’t have much to tell them apart, except for the boot. There is a difference of almost Rs 60,000 between the Aspire and Figo, when you compare the base trims – the price difference increases as you go up the variants. The new Ford Figo hatchback is a well rounded package and I believe it’s going to find takers among the younger car buyers in the age group of 22-28 and for even mature buyers between 40-50. It has Sync and a good music system to keep them entertained while the Ford MyKey and other features will appeal to those who have youngsters who are learning to drive. The MyKey will be a good start for youngsters who’re only just developing a driving sense – there are several restrictions which can be imposed on them including the use of seat belts as the music system would not work without it.

Images by Bertrand D’souza

More from OVERDRIVE on the 2015 Ford Figo hatchback:

2015 Ford Figo hatchback launched in India at Rs 4.29 lakh

Spec comparo: Ford Figo vs Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Hyundai Grand i10 vs Tata Bolt

Nagao is a designer with Harley-Davidson. Of Japanese origin, he’s been in the US for 20 years and as we spoke to him over the day of the ride, it quickly became clear that he draws a lot of inspiration from the urban custom movements and the new Iron 883 shows off a lot of those cues. Nagao spoke of urban bobbers being pared down, spartan-ised motorcycles that appealed with their directness and simplicity. Blacks, greys and the other colours of that dark palette are the colours of urbana and it’s always been one of the reasons why the Iron 883 looked so correct in that matte black shade. Nagao worked on the 2016 models to expand the palette and flavour. He says the bike was designed to look a little rough around the edges and the colours – a lovely green and an even neater grey – were selected because they allow urban dirt and long stints between washes to make the bike look even better. He goes so far as to say that as urban motorcycles pick up nicks, scuffs and other signs of use, the new paints absorb these and make them part of the appeal and story of the motorcycle.

2016 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 (1)

Under that paint is the same motorcycle more or less as the 2015 Iron. That’s not a bad thing. The old Iron was a lovely Sportster and so is this one. On our Tokyo ride, it was the hardest motorcycle to swap with the other journalists. Between the light clutch and the swift torque delivery, it isn’t hard to see why.

Also see:



Dark Custom from Harley-Davidson

Image gallery: 2016 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

2016 Harley-Davidson Street 750 first ride review

Harley-Davidson launches 2016 Dark Custom lineup in India starting at Rs 4.52 lakh

we drove the top luxury cars in India and came to the conclusion that the S-Class is indeed the benchmark. Mercedes-Benz calls it the Best Car in the World and you can’t deny that. It’s the car that maps out the route that the auto industry as a whole gets inspired by. It normally takes a few years for competition to catch up with this Mercedes, but it seems like that’s going to be pushed back a few more. Why, you ask? That’s because the German carmaker has decided to make the S-Class even more exclusive by introducing the Mercedes-Maybach S 600.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 (13)

Honestly, I didn’t expect to see the Maybach make it to India this early. In fact, only recently did Daimler confirm that the brand would make a comeback and become Mercedes’ sub brand. The production car was only unveiled in Geneva this year but within a few months has officially been launched in the country.

Design and styling

The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 is based on the S-Class and is the reason it looks like one too, especially when viewed head-on. Apart from a slightly revised bumper and grille, there isn’t much to distinguish the two. It’s the same story at the back too – the only difference being the inclusion of Maybach badging. Move to the sides though and the similarities come to an end. Mercedes strengthened and lengthened the S-Class’ body. The car is longer than the long wheelbase S-Class by 207mm. The increased wheelbase adds to the length and as a result, the rear passenger gets more space. Special 19-inch wheels feature a very elegant design and if needed, one can also get optional 20-inch rims too.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 (12)

It is a very long car but interestingly is still shorter in length compared to the older Maybach 62. Look at the C-pillar and you’ll see a small fixed window – this helps differentiate styling from the S but more importantly pushes the rear passenger further back for greater privacy. Unlike the predecessor, this car doesn’t get the iconic Manufaktur emblem on the hood but on the pillar. This doesn’t make sense to me. I would have liked it if the emblem was up front instead of the Mercedes star logo.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 (11)
The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 is longer than the long wheelbase S-Class by 207mm

Interior and space

Step inside and one is pampered with an S-Class like interior and because the wheelbase is increased by 200mm, the additional room is immediately felt when one’s seated in the back. The interior combines sumptuous materials including Nappa leather, metal and wood for an unforgettable luxury experience – it can’t get more upscale than this. The separated rear seats are like first-class airline seats and to make it even more comfortable, the extended leg support gets an additional cushion.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 (4)
Rear seats recline up to 43 degrees. Note additional cushions for leg support and foldable tables

The seats also offer cooling and heating. Then there are the various massage functions that are now available on all seats (the driver’s seat included). I ended up using the hot stone massage more than once, as it was a cold and tiring day when we tested the car. There is also a thermo cup holder that changes colour from red to blue while heating and cooling. Missing, however, is a refrigerated compartment and champagne flutes, both features are available as an option though.

If you need some shuteye, then the seat behind the co-driver gets almost 80mm of additional legroom. In this mode the seat is almost fully flat. There’s also support for the calf and heel and extra cushions for the headrests. Ambient lighting is probably the best we’ve seen in any luxury car and this adds to the experience. The car also features a panoramic sunroof that gets Magic Sky control. This feature turns the roof from transparent to tinted at just the touch of a button. The system electrically aligns tiny particles in a thin film within the glass, so you can choose between keeping your cabin cool or create an open-air feeling.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 (6)
Panoramic roof can turn from tinted to transparent at the touch of a button



Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 (7)
And voila!

The Mercedes-Maybach is also a very quiet car to be driven around in. The carmaker claims that the cabin is the quietest of any production sedan in the world thanks to the use of special seals and acoustic deadening behind the rear seats to name a few. Wind noise at high speeds is like a whisper and on the move, one can barely hear the motor.

Engine and performance

The saloon gets the flagship 6.0-litre V12. This is the first S-Class in India to get this engine and it makes sense to debut one of the world’s top V12s in the Maybach. The biturbo petrol produces 530PS from 4,900rpm to 5,300rpm while peak torque is a colossal 830Nm that’s available at 1,900rpm. On the road, the V12’s acceleration is effortless and smooth. The car cruises at triple digit speeds with the tacho only reading a little more than 1,000rpm! Hold steady throttle and there’s constant surge of torque being sent out. Even a slight tap on the throttle is enough to make quick overtakes. The proven 7-speed automatic isn’t a very quick shifting box but offers smooth gear changes.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 (8)
V12 biturbo puts out 530PS and 830Nm. Boot offers a not so impressive 500 litres

Step on the throttle and the 2.3-tonne car actually catapults ahead. While most owners will be chauffeur driven, one has to experience the sheer power of the V12 behind the wheel. The motor comes to life when given the beans and does get slightly audible, despite the acoustics we just talked about. Speeds rise in no time and before you know it, the car crosses 200kmph. Mercedes claims that the car reaches 100kmph in 5 seconds. In real world conditions though, the S-Class Maybach managed to hit the ton in 5.9s. This is still a very impressive figure considering the car’s weight. Powering twelve cylinders does require a lot of fuel. In the fuel tests, the car managed to return 4kmpl in town and 7kmpl on the highway, translating to an overall figure of 4.75kmpl.

Ride and handling

The ride on the Maybach is, quite simply, great. The 19-inch wheels and the air suspension make sure the ride is plush even over bad roads. The thuds can be felt but over broken surfaces, undulations and small bumps, the car simply glides, no matter what the speed.

The good news is that the Magic Body Control finally makes it to India. The system uses cameras that read the road ahead and alters the suspension characteristics. The ride is better than the standard S-Class but it isn’t a huge step up. The air suspension offers two modes as standard − Comfort and Sport. In Comfort, the Maybach feels relaxed and is best experienced at slow speeds. However, this mode displays quite a bit of body roll.

The Sport mode firms up the ride, and interestingly, it also alters how the steering feels and reacts. The whole setup feels a lot firmer and though driver involvement still remains low because of the lack of feedback coming through either the steering or the chassis, it felt a lot more comfortable than before. The long wheelbase does affect handling but it still is very predictable and never a concern. Also one should remember that the Maybach is a car not meant for tackling corners and twisties. But it feels absolutely brilliant in a straight line, even when driven flat out.

Safety and features

As expected from a flagship model, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 offers just about every comfort and safety feature as standard. The Burmester stereo offers one of the best audio experiences in a car and it only gets better in the Maybach. In terms of safety, the S-Class is the first car in India to offer 12 airbags. This includes the rear-seat beltbag, an inflatable seat-belt strap that reduces the load on the passenger’s ribcage in the event of an impact. The car also gets night vision with pedestrian detection.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 is on sale now and it’s priced at Rs 2.6 crore, ex-Pune. This makes it nearly twice as expensive as the regular S-Class. However, with this car, Mercedes actually has what it takes to compete with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The car offers a lot more features, a beautiful V12 motor, path-breaking technology and equipment at a lower price point. Maybach has made a great comeback and in the process, made the S-Class better than ever before.

University of North Alabama (UNA) was founded in 1830, is one of the oldest public universities of America, The school is located in Florence, which was recognized as one of the leading safe areas of the US by the FBI. The school was voted as the “Best Buy print Higher Education” with a reputation for high quality and with the facilities and impeccable service in the US by USNews & World Report in the book named “America’s Best Colleges”. Schools are rated at the top 100 universities in over 4,000 US Universities, The University offers over 100 choices of different disciplines for undergraduate and postgraduate to help students equip themselves best background for getting a good job with high salary after graduation. All programs and their expertises are highly appreciated and fully recognized. Degree are completely recognized with international level for some professions such as business, engineering, education, healthcare and the arts. ABOUT FLORENCE Florence is located in the north of the Tennessee River and the largest city of 4 cities, including Tuscumbia, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals, The population in Florence is approximately 140,000 people, The climate here is excellent with four distinctive seasons. Situated on the shores of the beautiful Tennessee River, Florence has rich historical traditions, Annually, it often organizes festivals and events: Contest trophy NCAA Division II football.

Type 2 diabetes can have a slow onset, and early symptoms can be confused with signs of stress, being overweight, or a poor diet. But the arsenal of tools to combat diabetes grows every year. diabetes-exercise-tip 15 Exercise Tips for People With Type 2 Diabetes 10 Weight-Loss Tips for People With Type 2 Diabetes Build Your 5-Day Diabetes Meal Plan TYPE 2 DIABETES JOURNEY Not Just Living With, but Living Well With, Type 2 Diabetes Here's a shocker: About a quarter of the 24 million Americans who have diabetes don't know it yet. Whether you're a newbie or a veteran, there is much more than medicine involved in the treatment of this disease. Go Type 2 Diabetes News Timing Your Blood Pressure Meds Right Might Prevent Diabetes In surprising new research, experts report that the timing of taking your blood pressure medicine could have a big impact on whether or not you develop type 2 diabetes. Adult Obesity Rate Tops 30 Percent in Half of States By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Sept. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Obesity still plagues millions of Americans, as rates remain high in most states, a new report finds. The South and Midwest have the highest adult obesity rates, making up 23 of the 25 states with rates now topping 30 percent. In 42 states, blacks have obesity [...] Smoking Linked to Greater Risk for Type 2 Diabetes FRIDAY, Sept. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Smokers have a much greater risk for type 2 diabetes than those who never smoked, and the same is true for those routinely exposed to secondhand smoke, a new study suggests. But the Harvard researchers said this increased risk gradually drops over time once smokers kick the habit. “Cigarette smoking [...] Diabetes Should Be a Factor in Weight-Loss Surgery Decision: Study By Kathleen DohenyHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Sept. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Obese patients with type 2 diabetes might reap greater health-care savings after weight-loss surgery than obese patients without diabetes, researchers say. Most health-care systems use a high body mass index (BMI) to prioritize patients for weight-loss (“bariatric”) surgery. BMI is a measure of body fat based [...] Artificial Pancreas Works Well in Home Trial By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Sept. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The latest trial of an artificial pancreas system offers good news for people with type 1 diabetes — the system lowered blood sugar levels without increasing the risk of dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), a new British study says. The testing, done at home [...] More Type 2 Diabetes News Type 2 Diabetes: Real People, Real Stories

Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites, Cancún On the surface, this mid-size hotel in Cancún’s hotel zone is pretty unremarkable. The tile-floored rooms are big and clean, with terraces or balconies – though they’re not notably stylish. The restaurant is good, not gourmet. The pool is a sensible size. But set this against its glitzy, high-rise neighbours and check the rates, which are often lower than similarly appointed hotels on the mainland, 30 minutes from the water – and Beachscape starts looking pretty good. Then walk out on to the palm-shaded beach, one of the prettiest stretches in the hotel zone, and the place becomes a minor miracle. • Doubles from $109, +52 998 891 5427, beachscape.com.mx Travel In’, Mahahual Travel In’. Usually, a full beach-bum escape means limiting your diet to coconut drinks and fish dinners. But at this Dutch-run restaurant and guesthouse, four miles down the coast from Mahahual town, you can also enjoy an ever-changing menu that ranges from curry to baked aubergine. There are only two rooms. The big suite has a well-stocked library and large French doors through which you can see the water (the beach here is shaded by both palms and pines). A smaller, rustic cabin has screens on all four sides and a separate cold-water shower nearby. • Doubles from $43, +52 983 110 9496, travel-in.com.mx Vistalmar, Isla Mujeres The beach at Isla de Mujeres. Facebook Twitter Pinterest The beach at Isla de Mujeres. Photograph: Alamy At this blocky old hotel in Isla’s main town, a few blocks from the Cancún ferry terminal, the rooms are standard Mexican budget-style: scuffed but clean tiled floors, lemon-yellow walls and bathrooms done in delectable mint-green tiles – floor, walls and all. There are screens on the windows, the ceiling fans work and the price hasn’t changed in almost a decade. What more could a budget traveller ask for? Oh, yes, the name lives up to its promise: from the wide front veranda, there is indeed a view of the pale-blue sea, glinting through palm trees. You need only cross the road to get to the white-sand beach and wade right into the water. • Doubles from $20 (aircon about $2.50 extra), +52 998 877 0209, no website Nueva Vida de Ramiro, Tulum Nueva Vida de Ramiro, Tulum Facebook Twitter Pinterest The few remaining bare-bones cabañas that made Tulum famous on the backpacker trail are now unreasonably expensive – for sand floors and shared showers. Better to pay a bit more and get some comfort for your money. Nueva Vida de Ramiro, near the southern end of Tulum’s long, flawless, white-sand beach, is notable for its lush, forest-like setting. Its 32 rooms – some sturdy cement-walled buildings and some wooden cabins – are tucked into dense greenery, for privacy. You get a ceiling fan, a proper tiled floor and even a private bathroom – with an outdoor shower, to conjure the wild-beach days past. • Doubles from $100 B&B, +52 984 877 8512, tulumnv.com Posada el Moro, Puerto Morelos Posada El Moro, Puerto Morelos Facebook Twitter Pinterest Probably the most overlooked town on the Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos lives in the shadow of Cancún, 20 minutes north. PoMo, as repeat visitors call the town, has low buildings, a wide, quiet beach lined with fishing boats and a handful of hotels, all inexpensive. Though it’s a few minutes’ walk from the water, Posada el Moro is the best option, with shady, well cared-for rooms with ceiling fans and optional aircon, plus a small pool in the garden. The continental breakfast isn’t much better than a hostel’s, but no matter – another feature of PoMo is its excellent budget restaurants. • Doubles from $57 B&B, +52 998 871 0159, posadaelmoro.com Ventanas al Mar, Cozumel Ventanas Al Mar Facebook Twitter Pinterest While the rest of the island of Cozumel is cushy all-inclusive resorts, Ventanas al Mar stands alone on the east side of the island, facing the open Caribbean – an ideal perch for anyone in search of solitude. This is the windward coast, so the water is seldom calm enough for swimming, but just north of the hotel lies a small, empty beach dotted with shells. Plus, that wind comes in handy – it provides all the power for the hotel. At night, the skies are utterly dark, and you’ll be lulled to sleep by the waves crashing against the rocks below. • Doubles from $113 B&B, no phone, ventanasalmarcozumel.com Fusion, Playa del Carmen Fusion. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Years ago, most of Playa’s hippie beach bars and hostels converted to slicker, louder operations. But for both sleeping and nightlife, Fusion conjures the feel of Playa the way old-timers remember it – with just a bit more polish. The bar has low tables and chairs in the sand, lit by hurricane lamps, and mellow live music and fire-spinning most nights. The rooms are simple, with stone floors, heavy local wood furniture and colourful bedspreads, but they do have aircon and TV. Forgo the pricey sea views – you’ll be glad of the quieter, cheaper rooms in the back when you turn in from the beach party. • Doubles from $75 B&B, +52 984 873 0374, fusionhotelmexico.com Paamul, Playa del Carmen Paamul beach, Playa del Carmen. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Don’t write this place off when you hear it’s a trailer park – the people who live on this small, private bay, in crafty homes built around their camper vans, keep the area tidy. Short-term guests have the choice of rooms in a small hotel block or (cheaper) wood cabañas with palm-thatch roofs (screened in, so the bits don’t fall on you). All have private facilities and are steps from the beach. Past the rocky point at the bay’s south side, the empty beach stretches for more than a mile, the longest stretch of undeveloped land in the Riviera Maya. • Doubles from $80 B&B, +52 984 875 1053, paamul.com Tribu, Isla Holbox Tribu, Isla Holbox. Facebook Twitter Pinterest On a lightly developed island in the Gulf of Mexico, this is the kind of place that restores faith in hostels. Almost entirely hand-built, it looks quirky but is smartly designed for good ventilation in all the cheerfully painted dorms and private rooms. Guests can cook in the huge communal kitchen, kick back in the groovy bar tucked up in the trees and, on rainy days, chill out in the movie room. The beach is half a block a way, and you even get a cute, hand-drawn map to guide you around the sand-street town. • Dorm beds from $10, private doubles from $32, +52 984 875 2507, tribuhostel.com Hotel María del Carmen, Celestún Hotel María del Carmen, Celestún Facebook Twitter Pinterest To get to this classic old Mexican beach hotel, you basically go straight: straight west on the highway from Mérida, then straight through town. Check in to your tiled room with its hard-working ceiling fan (aircon is optional), then walk straight again, into the milky-green water of the Gulf of Mexico. The place is busy during Mexican holidays (July and August, Easter week, Christmas), but at other times, you’ll only share the place with the handful of tourists who come to see the flamingoes in the nearby lagoon. Put up a hammock on your tree-shaded balcony and enjoy the solitude.