Lying just off the Northern coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, few places on earth will conquer your heart like Isla Holbox. This small island boasts 34 km of glorious beaches, and wild vegetation brimming with life.
No cars are allowed on the island, and instead, sandy roads lead to sun-drenched shores that blend effortlessly into an endless horizon. Isla Holbox is also an oasis of vibrant culture, where Mayan traditions and ancestral spirits are weaved into everyday life.
While the island feels peacefully off-grid, it surprises visitors with a stunning array of accommodation options, which range from rustic cabin-style boutiques to luxury beachfront villas. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Isla Holbox, Mexico (in no particular order)…
1. Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort – a contemporary, eco-friendly and trendy resort perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs who love to explore
Paying homage to the small exotic island of Holbox, Mystique is influenced by lush natural landscapes and barefoot charm. To stay in one of the 38 spectacular suites is to pleasure the senses with a traditional Mexican design that incorporates pastoral tropical elements, topped with lavish amenities.
A variety of resort-offered activities provides opportunities to explore the island’s majestic surroundings, including scuba diving expeditions where you can discover the rich marine life.
At the end of your adventure-filled day, you can return to an indulgent dining experience with dishes tailored to you personally, before unwinding in the Fresco Bar and Grill, where you can soak up unbeatable sunset views.
2. Margaritaville, St. Somewhere By Karisma Punta Coco, Holbox Island – a new, boho-chic and lavish hotel featuring a swim up bar serving unique cocktails
Full of personalized colours and luxuries, the Margaritaville has entered the Holbox tourism scene with an idyllic blend of warm hospitality and a relaxed ambiance.
Brimming with authenticity, the culture and local traditions of the island shine through every facet of this sophisticated resort, from the world-class dining offerings to the charming personalized service.
The resort’s suites are decorated with natural hues which include handmade parota tables, details alluding to the sea, and a collection of organic toiletries. For an enhanced relaxation experience, some of the suites boast direct access to the main pool and swim-up bar.
3. Villas Caracol – an elegant, contemporary and stylish hotel ideal for those looking for a reenergizing vacation
A majestic setting to recharge your spirit and reenergize your soul, Villas Caracol invites you to revel in breath-taking sunsets, starry nights, and pristine beaches.
The 15 guestrooms are decked out with first rate amenities and are designed in harmony with the surrounding nature. A fresh, contemporary concept permeates the property, through a thoughtful selection of native materials.
Throughout the resort, wood and marble are complemented by vivid colours, designer furniture, and bright open spaces, setting the scene for an elegant vacation. Conveniently located, Villas Caracol puts the very best of Holbox at your fingertips, enhancing the sense of total relaxation.
To book, check prices or availability for Villas Caracol
4. Hotel Villas Flamingos – a beautiful, hip and Insta-worthy hotel perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway
A place to surrender to pleasure and relaxation, Hotel Villas invites the landscape to manifest itself and add an air of nature to a boho-chic setting.
This romantic hideaway is situated in a tropical paradise, and offers 14 hip-trendy rooms, some of which feature a private plunge pool or hot tub. Here, a serene ambiance is set by hammocks strung between poles in the ocean, and a sea-facing pool affording some of the island’s best horizon views.
The Mexican Caribbean theme reveals itself through thoughtfully appointed décor and bright coloured mosaics, coalescing with the palm-fringed backdrop and elegant wooden features.
5. Luxury Eco Hotel Boutique Aldea Kuká – Adults Only – an upscale, stylish and rustic-chic hotel in close proximity to popular attractions
Blending sleek exclusivity with contemporary luxury, this opulent boutique hotel offers a range of lavish bungalows designed to enhance comfort.
Planned down to the smallest detail, each unit reflects a lifestyle desired by many, and highlights the essence of Mexico with plush bedding which will make you feel as though you’re sleeping among the clouds.
As you return from one of the many tour programmes, you can treat your palate to unique flavours in one of the two on-site restaurants, which serve a great variety of authentic cuisine.
Further onsite offerings include a tranquil spa experience, a state-of-the-art gym, and a 24-hour front desk ready to provide first rate tourist information.
6. Soho Boutique Holbox – Adults Only – a vibrant, creative and quiet hotel within walking distance of Playa Holbox and Punta Coco
Symbolizing the chic tranquillity which defines the Mexican Caribbean, Soho Boutique Hotel boasts many open spaces with relaxing swings, shaded by thatched roofs which evoke a flair of island extravagance.
Upon entrance, guests are transported into a blissful harmony of body and mind as they become enveloped by the evocative aromas and thoughtfully appointed furnishings.
The charming rooms and suites feature a warm, inviting ambiance characterized by quirky coastal décor and design hues, complementing the selection of plush linens.
The on-site spa experience invites guests into the blissful setting of a cenote, surrounded by waterfalls, hydrotherapy pools, and Jacuzzi corners.
7. La Puerta Azul Beachfront – Adults Only – a cool, hip and elegant hotel where guests can enjoy views of Cocos beach
Set in a supreme location with a private beach, La Puerta Azul offers 14 elegant guestrooms, suites, and villas catering to all types of traveller.
Here, the vivid beauty of the nature reserve is combined with comfort and luxury, to provide the ultimate relaxation haven characterized by quirky décor and soft, natural hues.
The communal spaces are dotted with colourful hammocks, while commodious terrace areas afford awe-inspiring ocean views. To complete the tropical experience, the hotel serves explosive gourmet flavours made by award-winning chefs in a peaceful ambiance, embracing the fresh sea breeze and the soft swaying of palm trees.
8. Ser Casasandra Boutique Hotel – a creative, tranquil and bright hotel where guests can experience the luxury of a private beach
Adorned with spirited art in every corner, this serene boutique hotel is the perfect place to awaken your creativity and distance yourself from life’s everyday distractions.
The artwork merges the architectural design with the vivid beauty of nature, complementing the restorative ambiance that suffuses the property. The lavish boho-chic accommodations boast designer furnishings and striking décor, and are decked out with high-end amenities.
Eclectic dining experiences are yours to savour at Ser Cassandra, where every meal is a culinary expression of the local land and culture. Further on-site offerings include a holistic centre, a yoga retreat, and tailored suggestions for epic island excursions.
9. Nomade Holbox – one of the most relaxing hotels in Mexico where guests can enjoy a unique, idyllic and rejuvenating stay
An ode to ocean life, renewal and reconnection is at the heart of Nomade Holbox, an intimate hotel which brings to life the wisdom and majesty of the Caribbean Sea.
The vision at Nomade is for each guest to interweave with the natural environment as much as possible, and the 30 beautifully crafted rooms echo this through sustainable local woods and trendsetting systems to maximize energy efficiency.
Backlit by the changing colours of the sky over the sea, dinnertime here consists of a toe-in-sand setting around a communal table fashioned from a tree trunk.
The hotel’s wellness programme is designed to put you in touch with sacred traditions and inspire a new-found consciousness to carry with you to your next destination.
To book, check prices or availability for Nomade Holbox
10. Villas HM Paraiso del Mar – a bright, elegant and upscale hotel surrounded by breathtaking landscape and nature
Surrounded by natural wilderness and dreamlike beaches, this seafront hotel takes boutique elegance to new heights, with quirky trappings of local culture complementing a boho-chic ambiance.
An unforgettable dining experience awaits at this beautiful resort, inviting you for a toes-in-sand meal beneath soaring palm trees on the beach.
The well-lit guestrooms are both comfortable and commodious, and are decorated with an opulent minimalist style and fanciful wooden details inspired by Maya culture. At Villas HM Paraiso del Mar, a charming staff presence is always on hand to draft up the perfect island itineraries for adventurers and romance seekers alike.
11. Palapas del Sol – a quiet, spacious and vibrant hotel providing freshly made food from local ingredients
This oceanfront boutique offers an intimate atmosphere where guests can soak up the island charm in many elegant communal spaces. The essence of barefoot luxury permeates the property, and is highlighted through beautiful swinging white hammocks under thatched roofs overlooking the palm-fringed beach.
The quietude extends into the 30 guestrooms, which boast private entrances, balconies, and plush seating areas. The rooftop lounge invigorates a state of inner bliss in the backdrop of the island’s most glorious sunrise views.
Further offerings include a large yoga/meditation room, a fully equipped gym, and a beachfront pool area shaded by beautiful palapas.
12. Hotel El Pueblito – a rustic, charming and pet-friendly hotel with Mexican-inspired décor
A rustic style of palapa-clad façades, traditional wooden hues, and natural aromas contributes to the unique character of Hotel El Pueblito. The palm-lined pool area is dotted with comfy sun loungers, inviting guests to revel in a pleasant open-air ambiance.
Evoking seclusion and independence in all its guestrooms and suites, a stay here is to retreat to a slow pace of life, and to a conscious harmony with nature and the local community.
Optimally located, a few steps from your private haven leads you directly to many exquisite restaurant and boutique shops selling gorgeous handicrafts and organic products.
13. Spirit Holbox – an eco-friendly, modern boutique hotel where guests can experience picturesque views from the rooftop terrace
Embracing unforgettable sea views from a rooftop infinity pool, Spirit Holbox sets the tone for a once-in-a-lifetime beach getaway. An opulent Mexican charm permeates the property, and harmonizes with an eco-consciousness celebrating the bounty and abundance of nature on the isle.
15 delightfully appointed guestrooms offer an idyllic setting, ranging from the deluxe rooms with direct pool access, to ocean view suites boasting majestic horizon panoramas.
The rooftop is where guests gather to begin a day of adventures with a delicious breakfast, and return to catch the sun setting peacefully over the ocean. The restaurant combines regional ingredients with international cooking techniques to create original dishes to indulge the palate.
To book, check prices or availability for Spirit Holbox
14. Hotel Boutique Casa Muuch Holbox – Solo Adultos – an Instagrammable, trendy and chic accommodation perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs to enjoy a group vacation
Here we have a modern 6-bedroom home, eloquently crafted with the mission to create unforgettable moments for visitors.
The paradisiacal beachfront setting offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, opportunities for romantic walks down a pristine shoreline, and exquisite locally sourced cuisine.
The guestrooms feature cloudlike beds designed to complement a blissful night’s sleep, while the large windows sport a backdrop of the sunset over the horizon as it draws an adventure-filled day to a close. A rooftop pool area is dotted with plush seating spots, where you can sit and be serenaded by the sounds of the crashing waves.
15. El Corazón Boutique Hotel – Adults Only – a petite, eco-friendly and modern accommodation located near to the center of Paseo Kuka
Rooted in a strong eco-friendly concept, El Corazón boasts three different room styles to satisfy a diverse range of guests.
All mattresses are made of bamboo, helping to maintain a cool temperature, while all toiletries are biodegradable and organically produced in the property’s surroundings.
The hotel’s architecture reflects the typical holboxeño style, through cement mouldings and natural palapa roofs. The property is filled with predominantly recycled wood, which has been made into elegant furnishings to add a boutique flair to the hotel.
After indulging in a delicious breakfast on the terrace, you can kick back in hammocks in the quirky communal spaces, which are suffused with an opulent island charm.
16. Eco Cabañas Laak Holbox – Adults Only – a tranquil, beautiful and rustic accommodation steps away from the beach
Epitomizing a combination of life and vitality, this gorgeous eco lodge pays reverence to the natural world, and is blissfully designed to showcase the very best of tropical life.
Bamboo constructions and palm trees nestle the stunning eco cabins, and peacefully hide the property’s tranquil plunge pools. Each unit combines a rustic wooden feel with state-of-the-art amenities, while large mosquito nets hang over the grand four-poster beds to drape guests in dreamlike comfort as they drift off to the sounds of nature.
Eco Cabañas Laak Holbox is sprinkled with tree-hanging hammocks, offering a peaceful reprieve from the island’s eclectic centre.
17. Casa Milu – Holbox – a modern, cool boutique accommodation featuring an outdoor swimming pool and garden
Here we have a graceful boutique propertyembodying an industrial chic atmosphere, which offers an air of functionality through neatly positioned furnishings.
A touch of bohemian class is added through sleek wall hangings and quirky embellishments in the guestrooms, which open up to a charming terrace or patio. An outdoor wooden deck area with a turquoise pool provides a peaceful spot of requiescence, shaded by swaying palm trees.
An open-air ambiance permeates the property, with wooden beams replacing windows in many of the spaces. This tranquil haven is located half a kilometre from the pristine white sands of Playa Holbox.
18. EL NIDO Holbox – a new, stylish and adults-only accommodation ideal for those who love water activities
Offering a stunning haven to disconnect your mind and feel the vibe of the Caribbean, El Nido is surrounded by white sand beaches and a nature that is still wild and full of life.
The guestrooms are both comfortable and spacious, and boast either balconies or patios equipped with a table, seats, and a swinging hammock.
The hotel’s 360° rooftop greets you with unique moments to cherish, as you sit and gaze over the majesty and breath-taking beauty of the jungle. The crystal-clear pool is the perfect spot to cool off, before kicking back on the comfy loungers positioned for optimum sunbathing.
To book, check prices or availability for EL NIDO Holbox
19. Villas el Encanto Holbox – a quirky, unique and fun accommodation ideal for a group or family vacation
Inviting travellers to revel in a tropical, ecological environment on one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, the cabins at El Encanto boast the perfect combination of comfort and sustainability.
As you step out of your tepee-style dome and onto the lush white sands, this unique setting will leave you with a long-lasting inclination towards coastal living.
To round off your day, you can spend your evening relaxing to the soundtrack of crashing waves and swaying palm trees, as the tropical breeze soothes you in to a dreamlike state.
To echo the island ambiance, all units boast a furnished terrace with a hammock, allowing you to fully immerse in the splendour of the Mexican Caribbean.
20. New Cabañas El Refugio Holbox By The Spot Rentals – a unique, rustic and cool accommodation within walking distance of the Caribbean Sea
This charming two storey cabin is nestled in a beautiful bucolic area, and is girdled by towering trees and vivid plants. The rustic ambiance sets a peaceful tone for your island vacation, steeped in minimalist design and natural trappings. The property is dotted with graceful balcony and terrace areas, which offer a majestic opportunity to catch a golden sunset.
These cabins are situated a mere 200 metres from Holbox Beach and only 1.5 km from Punta Coco, meaning guests can take advantage of the secluded setting whilst remaining a stone’s throw away from the stunning Caribbean Sea.
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
