The Mexican island of Holbox is synonymous with relaxing retreats and Bohemian vibes. It also offers a wide range of accommodations for all kinds of travellers.
I’ve had the chance to visit Holbox for a few days, an extension of my trip to Cancun. Boy was I glad to step away from the hubbub of the big, busy resort city and into this little slice of tranquil paradise.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly hotels, adults-only eco-retreats, budget hostels or luxury villas, the small island has everything for everyone. We found the best hotels in Holbox for your next travels. Read on.
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Why Should You Go To Holbox?
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- Yup, I shot this unedited in Holbox!
Holbox is a small island located off the coast of the north of the Yucatan Peninsula. This idyllic island that boasts white sand beaches and clear, warm waters attracts mostly eclectic clientele, making the island a laid-back and Bohemian retreat to many who want to escape the usual loud, busy and crowded cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen nearby.
The small island, about 41.82 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, is separated from the mainland North Yucatan by 10 kilometres of the shallow lagoon which is home to flamingos and different wildlife.
Holbox is literally inside the Yum Balam Natural Reserve, so beyond beach bumming and swimming on its already famous white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, there are plenty of things to do on Holbox, like going on a Bioluminescence tour, snorkelling or diving with the Isla Holbox whale sharks, birdwatching, and many more.
Additionally, there are also many schools in Holbox that teach kitesurfing and yoga. At night, the island comes alive with live music in some bars while hostels host late-night parties.
How To Get To Holbox
How To Get To Holbox By Ferry
The island of Holbox itself can only be reached by ferry or by plane. The island is a 30-minute ferry ride from the town of Chiquila. If you’re arriving from anywhere in Yucatan by bus, the walk to the ticket stations at the port from the bus station just takes 5 minutes.
Or if you’re travelling by car, you will need to leave it in several parking spaces in town for a certain amount of fee. No cars are allowed on the island.
There are currently 2 ferry companies that take people to Holbox: the 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express. The ferries leave every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 8:30 PM from Chiquila to Holbox and 6 AM to 9:30 PM from Holbox to Chiquila. When I visited the island in February 2022, the ferry costs 220 Mexican pesos one way per adult.
How To Get To Holbox By Plane
Chartered planes can be booked from Playa del Carmen, Merida, Tulum, and Cancun that go directly to the island’s small airport that can accommodate a 5-seater or 13-seater aircraft.
How To Go From Cancun To Holbox
The main entry point to the Yucatan Peninsula, which is famous for the Riviera Maya, Mayan Ruins and cenotes, is in the city of Cancun. Many tourists in Holbox usually come from this vibrant and busy city or at least pass through its airport.
After a few days of partying in Cancun, you might want to go to the more relaxed Holbox Island. Here’s how you can go from Cancun to Holbox.
Cancun To Holbox By Car
If you prefer privacy and going at your own pace, renting a car is a great way to go from Cancun to Holbox. There are several car rental companies in Cancun Aiport or in the city itself.
The price can range from 1000 Mexican Pesos per day to 3000 Mexican Pesos, depending on the company, the type of car, and if all the necessary insurance is included.
The drive from Cancun to the town of Chiquila is only 2 hours. Once you arrive, you will have to find a parking space, leave your car in the town, and pay a fee, usually 100 Mexican pesos per day. Then you can head to the port where you can get your ferry tickets to Chiquila.
Cancun To Holbox By Plane
Charter planes go from Cancun Airport to the small airstrip on Holbox Island. The trip takes 40 minutes and the price is around USD 500 per person.
Travelling from Cancun to Holbox by plane is the shortest and most expensive way to get to the island, but it also offers a very scenic view of the island and the natural parks surrounding it.
Cancun To Holbox By Public Bus
The cheapest way to go from Cancun to Holbox is by public bus. The biggest Mexican bus company is ADO. You can buy the bus tickets online. The tickets can be from 100 Mexican Pesos to 300 Mexican Pesos, depending on the season and time of travel.
ADO buses are comfortable and safe and it takes about 3 hours from Cancun to Chiquila town. The ADO bus station in Chiquila is just a 5-minute walk from the ferry booths to Holbox.
Where To Stay In Holbox, Mexico
Accommodations in Holbox are mostly located along the beach, along Playa Holbox, at Centro Holbox where many restaurants, mini markets and bars are located, and on the west of the island on the way to Playa Punta Coco.
The quietest parts are on the west and east side of the island as you get closer to the Centro, expect noise from traffic and loud music.
Keep in mind the WiFi connection on the island can be sketchy and you can’t expect most of the hotels to have consistently strong wifis, so working on your computer might be frustrating. But hey, you’re in the perfect place to relax and disconnect!
Best Hotels In Holbox, Mexico
Luxury Hotels In Holbox, Mexico
Casa Las Tortugas Holbox
The beachfront boutique hotel of Casa Las Tortugas Holbox is really an island dream turned into reality. It’s almost impossible to leave the hotel when they offer various activities and services such as a spa, yoga centre, beach club, kiteboard school, and a boutique.
They even have 3 restaurants on their grounds that offer Mediterranean fusion cuisines, Japanese food and cocktails, and a bar that serves tapas and cocktails.
The beachfront property is lined with lounges and palapa beach beds. The spacious pool and gardens filled with tropical plants add to the bohemian-chic vibe of the hotel. Really, can you ask for more? The only thing they don’t offer is a TV, so don’t go looking for one.
Each of the 24 rooms has been recently remodelled to fit the bohemian and island vibe feel. Each of the rooms is fitted with locally sourced antiques and furniture made by local artisans.
They are very spacious and clean. Each room has a balcony or a terrace, some are beachfront while others have garden or pool views.
Check their latest prices on the Casa Las Tortugas website.
Mystique Holbox By Royalton
Recently acquired by Marriott, Mystique Holbox by Royalton is a 5-star luxury hotel that features environmentally-friendly buildings with tropical designs.
Shades of blues on linens and some furniture and wood materials against the white walls inspire a feeling of being one with the ocean and nature. The beddings and mattress are made with custom cotton for the best comfort!
The beachfront property has amazing views from the balconies in most of the rooms. The private beach has comfortable beach beds with attendants ready to take orders anytime.
And if you’re not feeling like getting salty, you can lounge or swim in their private pool with a great view of the beach. The bonus is that they have one of the best views of the sunset!
The hotel is located in the quiet part of Holbox, about 10 minutes walk away from the centre but convenient enough to walk to Punta Cocos which is one of the most beautiful beaches on Holbox. They might be on the pricier side but it’s worth it at least for a day or two.
For their latest prices, check out this link.
Villas HM Palapas Del Mar
Villas HM Palapas del Mar is a luxurious 4-star hotel made up of 52 villas that blend in harmoniously with their natural surroundings, adhering to the island’s ecological standards.
The rooms have a minimalistic style with wooden furniture carvings and Mexican-inspired colour accents but are complete with modern facilities.
Along with its chic aesthetics, the gorgeous views of the beach, the gardens and the pool, the hotel makes for a pleasing stay on the island. Some of the rooms even have private pools!
They have a restaurant, a pool with a swim-up bar, a beach club complete with sunbeds, and many other amenities. They also offer an all-inclusive stay.
The hotel is a bit far from the centre, about 10 blocks away, so you’ll be guaranteed less noise from the busy streets of Holbox. Also to note is like most hotels in Holbox, WiFi in Villas HM Palapas del Mar can be sketchy and some of the rooms might not have it at all.
For the latest prices, click here.
Mid-Range Hotels In Holbox, Mexico
Tierra del Mar Hotel – Adults Only
If you want a relaxing getaway with your special someone, Tierra del Mar Hotel is an elegant accommodation reserved for adults only. With only 6 rooms, you’re guaranteed a touch of exclusivity.
The boutique hotel is tastefully decorated with locally sourced materials. Set against a backdrop of white cement walls and floors, the furnishings and decor, mostly made of wood and stone, come together to create a fine and modern atmosphere in the hotel.
The hotel is located a 1-minute walk from the beach and about 2 minutes from the centre where all the action is. They offer a great free breakfast. The pool lined with tropical plants is a perfect place to relax after a whole day of exploring the island.
Check out their latest prices here.
Hotel Punta Caliza
One of the best hotels in Holbox, The rustic Hotel Punta Caliza brands itself as a luxury boutique hotel for all the good reasons. Hotel Punta Caliza boasts rooms each with its own private pool connected to the main pool with a unique design.
The hotel might look like any other luxury hotel on the beach but inside is a totally different atmosphere. This family-owned hotel is designed by award-winning designers and architects. The building is Mayan-inspired and they used the bark of red cedar and lime to make the beautiful stucco effect.
They’re highly rated for their warm service which comes from the staff and the owner treating each other like family. There’s no doubt that you’d be treated as part of the family as well!
Across the street is the semi-private Punta Caliza Beach Club open to in-house and walk-in guests as well for a fee. The beach club is complete with hammocks and beach chairs and a club attendant is there for whatever you need.
For the latest prices, check out their website.
Casa Punta Coco – Adults Only
If you want to truly get away from the busy streets of Holbox and enjoy a quiet and relaxing vacation, Casa Punta Coco is an adults-only, 7-room resort hotel that features a private beach and an outdoor pool.
It’s 2 km from the centre of Holbox where most of the hotels and action are, but it’s close to the more quiet beaches on the western part of the island like the beautiful Punta Cocos beach.
Their private beach is also great for snorkelling. And if you feel like venturing out to the rest of the island, they offer bikes and golf carts for rent.
But who’d want to leave the hotel when you’re in a beautifully designed architecture, the rustic hue of wood against the white paint of the walls on most of the buildings makes for a clean, sleek, and elegant design? They also use carved rocks as furnishings. Their rock sink is the highlight – simply unique and charming.
Their latest prices are found here.
Budget Hotels And Hostels In Holbox, Mexico
Tribu Hostel
Tribu Hostel is one of the best places to stay in Holbox especially if you’re a backpacker. The hostel is designed for travellers by travellers. It has artsy decor, with colourful mural paintings on its walls.
If you’re an art, music, and culture lover, you’ll love staying in Tribu Hostel. They’re located just 50 meters from the beach and they offer various activities while you’re on the island.
If you’re chilling in the hostel, they offer art nights and parties at their rooftop bar where you’ll get to hang out with other travellers. The party in Tribu Hostel was epic when we went there. They had an open mic and everybody was just jamming.
They have 6 and 10-bed dorms and private double rooms, all with balconies. All are clean and furnished with art decor made mostly of wood. They also have a shared kitchen.
Take a look at their prices online.
EncantaLuna
If you’re solo or a couple looking for a quieter and more relaxing private accommodation away from the crowd, Encanta Luna is for you. Encanta Luna is a new family-owned guesthouse that started receiving guests in 2019.
This guesthouse is a few blocks away from the loud Centro of Holbox. Its quiet location is highly rated among its visitors.
The beach is just 350 meters away. Each room has a comfortable and clean bed, and there’s even a hammock inside. The rooms also have a minibar, air conditioning or a ceiling fan, a hairdryer, TVs, a table and chairs, and hot showers. The wifi can be good or bad at times, just like in most areas on the island.
Since the guesthouse is fairly new, you won’t see a lot of decor and facilities on its grounds. The rooms are simply but nicely decorated and there aren’t a lot of plants and furniture to chill outside. But the hosts make up for it with their attentiveness and friendliness and the low price.
Find their latest prices here.
Che Holbox Hostel And Bar
Che Holbox Hostel and Bar is the quintessential backpacker hostel on the island. The hostel offers cheap rates for their dorm beds and shared kitchen for those travelling on a budget.
The free continental or American breakfast is a huge plus. If you’re a solo traveller looking to meet other travellers, Che Hostel also has a wide variety of activities like tours and nightly events such as beer pong and karaoke.
Their bar and cafe is also a great spot to socialise. They have a swimming pool for when you don’t feel like heading out to the beach. The pool turns into a lively party spot at night, with DJs turning up the vibes.
The hostel is located 300 meters away from the port of Holbox and about 5 blocks away from the main beach. 8 and 10-bed dorms are available at Che Holbox Hostel. But they also have private triple and quadruple rooms.
Check out their latest prices here.
The idyllic island of Holbox is a perfect relaxing get-away for everyone. It’s easy to get to and there are many kinds of accommodation for every kind of budget and traveller. Each of these best hotels in Holbox is unique with different vibes.
From budget hotels to luxury eco-friendly boutique hotels, I hope this helps you decide on where to stay in Holbox on your next trip.
