Tucked behind walls, Villa Mirasol is like a secret garden in downtown Playa del Carmen. Minutes from both the famed sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya and the lively restaurants and shops of the resort town, this luxury vacation rental is nevertheless a private retreat, with its own patio and terraces nestled away from the bustling streets. With nine suite-style bedrooms and concierge service from Maya Luxe available, it feels like a hidden gem of a boutique hotel. Open the gates of Villa Mirasol to find yourself in a lush walled garden with a large daybed and row of lounge chairs facing the freeform pool and an al-fresco dining area in a nook off to the side. But that’s not all—climb the steps to the rooftop terrace to discover a shaded sitting area, outdoor kitchen with barbecue and another sunbathing area with lounge chairs. For your convenience, the villa also has an outdoor shower where you can rinse off after returning from the beach. With its open-air staircase and thatched sections of roof, Villa Mirasol has beachy, relaxed appeal—you’ve come for the warm weather, so why not get into the tropical spirit? The comfortable feel continues in the ground-floor great room, where polished stone floors and fresh white walls set off a roomy built-in sectional, a formal dining area with a rich-hued wood table and chairs and a fully equipped kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and a breakfast bar. If you’re visiting with family, there’s plenty of room to spread out in the nine bedrooms; if you’re here on a special occasion, like a honeymoon, escape to one of the three master suites. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and the three master suites have king beds; the other six bedrooms have queen beds. Many of the bedrooms open to the garden or to balconies, and in the bathrooms, you’ll find the same gorgeous polished stone used in the great room. While the villa’s pool is beautiful and private, it wouldn’t be a holiday in the Riviera Maya without a day or two at the region’s exquisite white-sand beaches. Luckily, Villa Mirasol is just a 2-minute walk from the beach and its warm turquoise waters. After a day by the pool or on the sand, head to Quinta Avenida and some of the best dining, shopping and nightlife in Playa del Carmen, just a 3-minute walk away. Plan to spend a day exploring the Tulum ruins, a 45-minute drive from the villa, and ask the concierge if you need help booking a tee time at one of the area’s many world-class golf courses. At the end of your trip, make the 50-minute drive to Cancun International Airport. Copyright © 2016 Luxury Retreats. All rights reserved.