Holbox is one of those enchanting far-flung corners of the earth that you think only exists in the pages of a tourist brochure or in a children's storybook: with wide golden beaches, a laid-back Bohemian vibe and rare species of wildlife, it is the quintessential destination for a seaside retreat. The best places to stay in Holbox tend to be charming boutique spots set right on the beach, whether designer, family friendly or eco chic properties.

One of Holbox's greatest attractions is its traditional feel. This is most apparent when Holbox is compared to the glitzy resorts and bronzed crowds of nearby Cancun. Electricity only arrived in Holbox in 1987; instead of cars there are golf carts, and there isn't a single corporate chain hotel in sight.

Brightly coloured houses, rickety and thatched, line the dusty unpaved roads with gorgeous fresco-covered facades designed by local artists. Outside their homes, locals man wooden stalls selling local handicrafts and tropical fruit while a whole host of resident designers, chic eateries like Colibri Cafe and restaurants playing live music like Viva Zapata, line the way. The main square is host to an enormous stage that looks more like an avant-garde art exhibit - it's where locals and visitors alike congregate to listen to music and live events.

Naturally you can't mention Holbox without talking about the beaches. Holbox is a tropical idyll, the perfect seaside escape from crowds and noise. Miles and miles of golden sand and glittering turquoise waters are fringed with the shade of palm and coconut trees strung with hammocks, and lovely little cocktail bars like Coquitos. (N.B their mojitos are to-die-for.) The island itself is a protected ecosystem, so expect to see plenty of flamingos, nesting turtles, helmet crabs and pelicans; in the lagoons and mangroves that straddle Holbox, you will even find crocodiles...

To get around, hire a golf cart or book a boat trip out to one of the uninhabited neighboring islands. Hotels here can also arrange a range of wildlife tours to spot the crocs or flamingos. Or simply swing in a hammock sipping a mojito, in between snorkelling in Holbox's crystal clear waters. Sold yet? Go!

Check out our collection of the best places to stay in Holbox to start planning your trip.

The best places to stay in Holbox

Chic boutique

• Pousada Mawimbi: the perfect spot for unwinding, this trendy little property offers rooms that marry tropical and chic styles. Set on the beach, there is a great restaurant and cocktail bar. Value for money!
• Casa Cat Ba is a chilled beachfront hideway with just 5 bohemian suites, each with views over the beach and ocean from rustic balconies. Sustainable materials and natural colors make this a very relaxing place to stay.

Pure luxury

• CasaSandra: small and chic boutique hotel right on the beach, boasting gorgeously decorated whitewashed rooms, a sumptuous gourmet restaurant and a cocktail bar. Great for romance.
• Casa Las Tortugas: a laid-back retreat of just 24 rooms boasting three restaurants, a pampering spa and an effortlessly cool beachside bar, complete with elegant rooms overlooking the courtyard. Utterly divine.

Family friendly

• Villas HM Palapas del Mar is a 52 room resort hotel with family rooms, an all day Mexican restaurant and two kid friendly pools above the beach. Many of the rooms have private plunge pools of their own, too.

Eco chic

• Punta Caliza is a 12 room hideaway run by a familiy of artists and designers. Rooms are made of red cedar with thatched roofing, each with its own private pool connected to the central main pool. It's minimalist, but a unique experience. Sign up for yoga at their beach club nearby.
• For more rustic eco chic, located directly on the ocean front, Las Nubes de Holbox boasts a spa offering traditional Mayan treatments, a gastronomic restaurant, and bungalows for complete privacy.
• Villas Flamingos is another unique property, made of local materials, where each room is unique. For honeymooners they offer a great honeymoon suite, some have plunge pools, all offer easy access to the beach, and for families and larger groups the Grand Villa can sleep 8.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• Fly to Cancun and get a 30 minute ferry to Holbox.
• There are no cars on the island so rent a bike or a golf cart!
• The temperature doesn't change drastically throughout the year, remaining between 27 and 29 degrees.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
• Browse through the best places to stay in Mexico.
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Holbox