There's something about being on an island that turns a quick getaway into a memorable adventure. Add to that the chance to share it with a dearest friend in a place that perfectly blends relaxing and fun times, and the trip becomes one sure to be remembered.
After months of not seeing each other, our few days together weren't nearly enough, but one thing we did was make every moment count. We set ourselves for an incredibly tranquil time away with a two-night stay in Mexico's paved-less Isla Holbox (hole-bosch), a true gem between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, off the Yucatan Peninsula.
Here's a photo story of our 48 hours there. Hover over the pictures for a description.
GETTING THERE We drove on a toll road from Playa del Carmen to the port of Chiquilá in Quintana Roo (about 2 hours) to catch the ferry to #IslaHolbox. After parking at one of several lots that charge $100 pesos per day, we bought ferry tickets at the port ($140 pesos each, cash only) and jumped on a boat for an easy 20-minute ride to arrive at laid-back Holbox around 1 p.m. From our landing post, a golf cart rushed us to our hotel on the edge of the island for $40 pesos.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at hotel Villas Tiburón, about an 8-min golf cart ride from the town's center and located in front of one of the prettiest beaches on the island. We loved the hotel's rooftop bar featuring an outdoor lounge and plunge pool, as well as the best mojitos and guacamole in town! Our room was modest but ample, with a floor plan that separated our two full-size beds into different sides of the room.
Other hotels I'd like to check out in the future include Casa las Tortugas, Posada Mawimbi, and Villas HM Paraíso del Mar.
WHAT TO DO
The best thing to do in this lovely, chill island is to relax and go with the flow. Enjoy the ocean, rent a bike ($150 pesos for a day) and go exploring at your own pace, stop for a cold beer when thirsty, grab a bite of yummy coconut shrimp when hungry, get a massage on the beach if you feel like it, have some deep conversations, make new friends, take a nap.
If you happen to be there during whale shark season (June-late August), consider booking a day trip to see these majestic creatures swimming and feeding plankton in their natural environment.
FOOD & DRINKS
Without a set agenda, we went out to discover fun places to hang out and enjoy a bite and a cold drink or two. Our choices didn't let us down!
ALMA Bar - On the rooftop of hotel Villas Tiburón. Great views of the ocean and sunset, awesome music, lovely ambiance, delicious mojitos (my favorite: Mezcalito Mojito) and the best guacamole!
Pura Vida - Sushi bar in the heart of Holbox with good service and a fun environment. They have a live Latin band playing upstairs at night
Hot Corner - Definitely the place to be and socialize late at night. Laid-back and friendly, this bar literally takes over the street corner it occupies with live music and people dancing all over the place. Popular with both locals and fellow travelers
Mosquito Bar - Oceanside at the site of Villas Tiburón, we weren't crazy about their lunch menu but had the best Chilaquiles verdes con pollo for breakfast. Twice!
GOOD TO KNOW
ATMs are scarce and credit cards aren't always accepted, so bring cash
Rain can happen at anytime, turning the sandy roads into a muddy mess and making it hard to walk around, ride your bike and even to drive a golf cart across town - be warned and prepared!
Mosquitos are everywhere and relentless - bring repellent
Feel free to contact me for more tips and recommendations if you're planning a trip to this beautiful, idyllic, car-less, super chill island.
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