Brightly coloured houses, rickety and thatched, line the dusty unpaved roads with gorgeous fresco-covered facades designed by local artists. 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 (their mojitos are to-die-for). With no corporate chains and a strong focus on sustainability, many of the stays here blend barefoot comfort with clever design, drawing eco-travellers, families and couples alike. 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...

Holbox is a sandy sliver of barefoot paradise where golf carts outnumber cars and sunsets stop you in your tracks. Days here drift by in a blur of turquoise swims, ceviche lunches and strolls along quiet, seaweed-free shores. Whether you're after eco-conscious hideouts woven into the palms, stylish boutique stays with beachfront cocktail bars, or wellness escapes with hammocks and sound baths, the island caters to every kind of traveller. Some of the best places to stay in Holbox pair bohemian charm with luxury details, while others are perfect for couples chasing barefoot romance. It's the kind of place where you arrive barefoot—and stay that way.

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