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. With no corporate chains and a strong focus on sustainability, many of the hotels 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! 

The best places to stay in Holbox

For boutique chic

• Awa Holbox offers stylish beachfront suites with clean, contemporary design and all the comforts you need. A lively pool scene and solid on-site dining make it a great base for both relaxing and exploring. It strikes the perfect balance of comfort and cool.
• Mawimbi is the one to book if you're looking to unwind. This trendy little property offers rooms that marry tropical and chic styles. Set on the beach, there is a great restaurant and cocktail bar.
• Casa Cat Ba is a chilled beachfront hideaway with just five bohemian suites, each with views over the beach and ocean from rustic balconies. Sustainable materials and natural colours make this a very relaxing place to stay.

Pure luxury

• Aldea Kuká is a striking jungle-meets-beach retreat where architecture blends seamlessly with nature. Palapa-style suites come with private plunge pools, while the spa delivers serious indulgence. It’s barefoot glamour with a luxe, grown-up edge.
• Nomade Holbox brings dreamy boho style to the island with thatched villas, woven hammocks and curated wellness experiences. Chef-led dining, sound healing and beach yoga attract a creative, mindful crowd. Ideal for upscale nomads chasing serenity.
• CasaSandra is a 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 is a laid-back retreat of just 24 elegant rooms overlooking the courtyard and boasts three restaurants, a pampering spa and an effortlessly cool beachside bar. 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

• Casa Muuch is a serene, design-forward stay with rustic-luxe casitas tucked among palms just steps from the beach. Expect laid-back luxury with a strong focus on sustainability, privacy and local materials. It's barefoot island charm at its best.
• Punta Caliza is a 12-room hideaway run by a family of artists and designers. Rooms are made from 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 different. All offer easy access to the beach, and for families and larger groups the Grand Villa can sleep eight. 

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.