Wedded bliss in heavenly Cancun

You know the moment you and your hubby finally get to relax, just the two of you?

Long gone are the petty arguments over the first dance and the seating plans.

The only decision we wanted to make on our week-long break was whether we ordered champagne at the swim-up pool bar or sipped cocktails on the beach.

That’s why we chose the five-star Excellence in Playa Mujeres, Cancun.

Lapped by the Caribbean Sea, it offers the same calibre of soft white sand beaches and bath-warm blue sea as the Maldives or St Lucia, at a snip of the price.

But that doesn’t mean they scrimp on anything.

Pulling up at the grand gold-gated entrance, just 25 minutes from the airport, we were handed a glass of champagne before being whisked through the sprawling marble lobby, past the other new arrivals to our private check-in.

We’d upgraded to the Excellence Club and there were plenty of perks to follow.

We were spoiled with superior toiletries, a private beach and members-only pools.

With no unsightly wristbands to differentiate between guests, it’s the waiters’ job in these secluded areas to remember you by face, making you feel extra special.

With seven pools, nine restaurants and a two-mile long beach, on our first day we didn’t see another person – except for the waitress refilling our glasses.

Relaxation certainly comes easily here. There are hammocks big enough for two in the pool and double beds that swing gently under palm trees.

Another way to explore the resort is by the lazy river, which winds around the spa, past a juice bar and through secret paradises you might not have found on foot.

Still recovering from the ten-hour flight from London Gatwick, on our first night we ordered room service, popped open the complimentary champagne and climbed into our Jacuzzi. Every room in the hotel has one.

The next day, we headed to the main pool. With a swim-up bar, live Spanish or Jamaican bands and plenty of sun loungers, it had a party atmosphere.

That night, our concierge organised a private dinner for us on the beach. Fairy lights decorated the palm trees and the waves lapped soothingly a few feet in front of us.

There was fat chance of me keeping up the pre-wedding diet, when the food is as delicious as it is at the Excellence.

It’s like travelling round the world in one building with flavours from Italy, Asia, India and the Mediterranean. It’s just a shame we didn’t get to sample all the restaurants in our short stay.

After four nights, we checked into the family-friendly Beloved Hotel next door.

The white reception filled with cream sofas and champagne-coloured cushions was as inviting as a cuddle, with the classiness of a boutique hotel and the cosiness of a family-run business.

The relaxation continued at the Beloved with a visit to the spa. Designed like modern Roman baths, there are towering columns, framing the cloudless sky.

We enjoyed a couple’s back massage, which ended in a milk mousse bubble bath.

During the neck and head massage it was difficult to stay awake. But the sound of a champagne cork popping brought me back to reality. When we opened our eyes, there were chocolate dipped strawberries by our side.

Now our skin was glowing, we decided to have a big night out.

Just a ten-minute taxi ride away from Cancun city, it only cost a few pounds to get to the main strip.

By day, it’s great for shopping and water sports. At night, the bright lights sparkle and the place really comes alive.

We escaped from it all, on board the Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise. Leaflets promised it was the most romantic experience in Cancun – and they didn’t disappoint.

The Spanish galleon set sail as the sun was going down, before a dinner of succulent steak and meaty lobster was served.

Tucking into our final meal at the fine-dining Lupita, one of four restaurants at the Beloved, we managed to agree on something else.

That, like all the lovely couples we’d made friends with during our stay in Cancun, we would go back for our first anniversary, too.

Rachel Williams