THE FACTS ABOUT BASICO

Mexico

Last July, the tropical beach resort of Playa del Carmen got a second shot of style with the opening of industrial-chic Básico on hopping Avenida Quinta, one block from the beach. Owned by the Habita group, 15-room Básico is the sister property of the serene Deseo Hotel + Lounge, just down the street. The feel here is more playful: rubber-tyre floors, whitewashed cement walls, and rocking beach-chairs are found in the open-air reception area, which doubles as a Mexican juice stand. Guests can order smoothies by day and cocktails by night. Rooms are airy and bright - each has a glass wall - with flat-screen TVs, king-sized beds with pillow-top mattresses, and disco-ball-operated toilets. For your photographic pleasure, Polaroid cameras are attached to the beds by silver chains. There is a second-floor seafood restaurant, but Básico's best space is the Azotea rooftop bar, which has dazzling views of the cerulean sea and Cozumel in the distance. Two clay-red circular swimming pools - made from recycled petroleum tanks - are great for soaking in, and deck chairs and beach beds abound. In the evening, local DJs spin tunes and the bar is loud and full. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and beach bums will love complimentary access to Mamita's, a luxe beach club nearby. WHEN TO GO The dry season is from December to April. ROOM TO BOOK Make sure to ask for a sea-view room. CONTACT Avenida Quinta and Calle 10 Norte, Playa del Carmen; (00 52 984 879 4448; www.hotelbasico.com). COST Doubles from US$166