What to expect: Frette, Riedel, Bulgari, and Dom Perignon—discriminating guests at Paraiso de la Bonita expect the best. Although there is a tennis court on site and exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling are just a 10-minute boat ride offshore, rest, rejuvenation, and spiritual refreshment are the themes here. Children under 16 are not allowed; there are no organized activities. Fountains and waterfalls run gently.

Amenity highlights: Every facility, every service, every space indoors and outdoors constitutes a highlight at Paraiso de la Bonita. For maximum seclusion, the resort's property includes approximately one km (.5 mile) mile of deserted beach the consistency of sugar and nearly as white—and miles more of wild beach in either direction. Thatched-roof palapas provide shade. One contains a double hammock for snoozing. A large pool includes a spa and is surrounded by a sundeck furnished with wrought-iron lounge chairs wide as twin beds with plush cushions.

The 22,000-square-foot spa was the first certified Thalasso Center in North America. Based on practices of the ancient Greeks and Romans, modern Thalassotherapy was developed in France and centers on salt-water and the sea's natural elements such as sand and algae. Among the spa's many body, facial, and massage treatments is hydrotherapy in a jetted outdoor saltwater pool. The spa contains a couples massage room and an ocean-view fitness center with a sauna, a steam room, a spa tub, and adjacent plunge pool, a self-service juice-and-fruit bar, and a beauty salon.

Insider tip: Useful during daylight for open-air massage and contemplative observance of the sea's colors and rhythms, a palapa at the end of the resort's dock can also be reserved for romantic private dinners.