With new direct flights from the UK, Cancun will come into it’s own in 2012.

Massages by the waterfront at the Occidental Grand Hotel

The ancient Mayans were convinced the world would end in 2012.

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But if I can make my own prediction, Mexico will come into its own as a tourist destination this year.

It’s thanks to two things – firstly, the mysterious flying birds that bring in strangers from overseas in their ­thousands and, secondly, the all-inclusive hotel, an idea the Mexicans have taken to a ­pinnacle more elevated than a Mayan pyramid.

From June, instead of having to change planes at Miami, Virgin Atlantic is ­offering passengers civilised 11-hour flights direct from Gatwick.

And frankly Mexico is ready. the ­ancient ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum are testament to the fact Mexico has been a pretty nice hangout for the last 2,000 years.

These days the Mayan Riviera is lined with hotels along a breathtaking ­coastline.

The Occidental Grand is one of those primed for the British market. It’s mid-market and family-orientated, especially as it’s next to the Xcaret adventure park, which mixes rides with snorkelling and caves to explore.

VAST

Arriving late at night, my first impression are that the hotel resort is huge and confusing, with nearly 800 rooms, 11 restaurants and five swimming pools.

But my room is spacious, with a view on to a vast pool from which the sound of music comes echoing across the water (which must mean I’m near the fun pool, I reckon).

There’s a superb ­bathroom with power shower and it’s squeaky clean.

In the morning it’s a while before I find the main breakfast area, despite the map I’ve been given.

I then get thoroughly lost again before discovering the lagoon pool. Purists may sniff that it has a man-made beach but it’s hugely popular and the best sun loungers have ­already been bagged.

I retreat to what becomes my favourite spot, the quiet pool where there are plenty of sun loungers and a nice bar to head to when you fancy a mojito or daiquiri.

Above all the Occidental scores because of its setting and the nature that’s also ­included in the price.

It was this that appealed most to Claire Larholt and Frances Herman-Squance, two British holidaymakers. It’s their first time at an all-inclusive and they’re converts.

Frances says: “I’ve backpacked in South America before and done the cultural side, so I wanted to relax this time. and it’s great, we haven’t been hassled at all.

“we chose this resort because it seemed green and it’s good value when you consider the cost of flights.”

She’s right. the resort is endearingly ­jungly, with walking trails through the forest and butterflies which dart over the swimming pools. You also get to see ancient monuments on your way to the Beach Club (the nicest breakfast restaurant since it’s by the sea).

Overall the food is a bit patchy, with ­breakfast and lunch are buffets which are the same throughout the resort.

In the evenings there are five a la carte restaurants, which need to be booked. each building has its own concierge to sort out ­dinner reservations and excursions. I didn’t manage to make contact with mine for the first couple of days since either she or I were on siesta, but the main ­concierge desk quickly sorted me out.

On balance the resort is all very nice – and after two days I’m instructing newbies on how to find their way to the restaurant area (“turn right at the Fun Club and left at the tennis courts”) and which is the best bar in the evenings (the one in the hotel lobby with table service and musicians).

I’m perfectly content… until I work out there’s a whole hidden world of ultra luxury in the resort where, rumour has it, waiters come to your sun lounger and there’s a restaurant with crisp linen tableclothsoverlooking the sea.

Alas, the Royal Club is off-limits unless you have a prized gold ­wristband.

I make it my mission to penetrate its walls when I discover where it is (just after the kids’ club).

For an extra £44 a night, those in the Royal Club’s 55 rooms get a great deal in perks, even their own swimming pool. the newly-refurbished marble rooms are stunning, with posh toiletries, turndown and even PlayStations.

The four-poster day beds along the shore are all wafty linen and laden with deep-pile towels – and there’s no need to get up early to bag one, with more than enough to go around.

It’s so tranquil that it makes the quiet pool seem positively raucous, the silence broken only by regular enquiries from the attentive waiters. Unsurprisingly, I find I drink more at the Royal Club.

The wine is much better quality and the concierges especially skilled at magicking up reservations to the main restaurants – ­although, having at last gained admittance to this exclusive area, I’m happy to stay put and get chatting to Simon and Michelle, a couple who are making the most of the Royal Club ­cocoon by heading off to have a solo dinner at the far end of the jetty.

I settle down to my own meal – again in keeping with the general Royal Club theme, it’s quiet with just two other couples dining but I am very happy.

There’s a light breeze that dispatches any mosquitoes to more sheltered areas, a solitary deer which darts out in front of me at one point, the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the lights of Cozumel blinking across the water. the food is the most delicious I’ve had all week.

The Royal Club is honeymoon heaven and, although there is one terribly well-behaved child in ­residence, I feel a bit sorry for her, especially as her parents spend dinner testing her on maths.

If I was with a group of friends or had children I wouldn’t bother upgrading – the main resort is much more fun for kids and those uncoupled.

On the other hand the Royal Club certainly worked for Simon and Michelle – they got engaged that night.

Seven nights at the Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret with Virgin Holidays, including flights, transfers and all-inclusive accommodation starts at £1,009pp. a week at the Royal Club starts at £1,319pp. More details: www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844 557 3859.

Alternatively, enjoy unlimited luxury in the 5 Star Dreams Puerto Adventuras, also in the Mayan Riveria. Prices start from £1099 per person with last-minute departures available throughout January.

Go all-inclusive down in Mexico