Editorial Director Allison Lind gets off her beach bum and finds some excitement in Mexico.

For me, Mexican vacations had been synonymous with lazy days on the beach, envy-worthy golden tans and day-to-night margarita-athons. But after more than a dozen trips of that nature, it was time to see something new — time to try the adventurous side of Mexico.

Where To Go

The Riviera Maya is a stunning white-sand stretch of the Caribbean Sea on the Yucatan Peninsula, just south of Cancun. If you’re used to the tourist traps of Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Cabo, Riviera Maya seems a world away.

Pristine beaches, sparkling turquoise water and seemingly untouched verdant inland surround you. The palm tree-shaded beach bars still abound, but a freshly made margarita tastes that much better when 18-year-old spring breakers aren’t doing the conga-line around your lounge chair.

Where To Stay

Resorts of all shapes and sizes abound along Highway 307, each catering (with the pleasant-as-can-be Mayan hospitality) to specific lifestyles — rest and relaxation, culinary aficionados, fitness junkies, eco-tourists and whatever else your vacation-mode heart desires.

Being an animal and eco advocate, I opted to stay at the all-inclusive Xpu-Ha Palace, one of the famed Palace Resorts‘ many properties. Carefully constructed on an oceanfront ecological park, the profits derived from resort guests are used to rescue and rehabilitate indigenous animals. (They currently have a healthy flock of flamingos that were wounded in hurricane Wilma.) Sticking with that theme, the resort allows guests to bring their own pets (of all walks of life), and the amenities they receive ensure their vacation is just as fabulous as your own.

Of course, it’s not all about the animals — the thatched-roof bungalow rooms come complete with luxury beds, a double Jacuzzi and a large private terrace complete with a hammock. Overall, it’s an experience that stands out from your typical Mexican beachside resort.

What To Do

Riviera Maya (Mayan Riviera) is perhaps best known for its ecological and adventure activities. To get your adrenaline pumping beyond moonlight-skinny-dipping levels, turn to Aventuras Mayas, a well-established company dedicated to sustainable tourism, to customize your perfect expedition package.

Zipline high above the jungle canopy, snorkel through underground rivers and cenotes, repel into dramatic jungle sinkholes or slow your heart rate and absorb some culture at the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum. Aventuras Mayas has a handful of other anything-but-standard activities to keep you busy between your margarita breaks.

In the evening, find your way to the quaint yet bustling town of Playa del Carmen, a short drive north. Get your rocks off (margarita on the rocks, that is) at any of the plein air restaurants along Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), stretching from Calle 1 Norte to Calle 40 — a pedestrian walkway lined with countless shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars located a couple blocks in from the beach.

Whether it’s stocking up on handmade fashions, throwing down on the dance floor or tossing back some Cuervo, this stretch can easily have you entertained until the wee hours. Just be sure to allow yourself ample hangover-healing time before you venture out for some coral-reef snorkeling. (Speaking from experience.)