If there was a definition of paradise, Holbox island would definitely be in the pole position. It’s a magical dream come true. Words can’t describe its genuine beauty, inner natural peace and sense of uniqueness and exclusivity. While planning a trip to Mexico, it took me one picture only to get the Holbox feeling – did you check this post cover? Holbox (pronounced Holbosh) is a small white powdery sand island in the north of Quintana Roo state, where the Caribbean Sea waters meet the Gulf of Mexico. It represents the perfect combination between human nature and wildlife.
To reach the island, take the boat from Chiquilá. While there, no cars, only bikes or golf carts are allowed for environmental reasons.
With a length of 42 km, it has approximately 2000 friendly inhabitants living from the fishing and sustainable tourism, where 36 km belong to corals, impressive beaches, mangrove swamps and lagoons. Holbox island was considered by Insight Guides as one of the most Instagrammable places in the world (check here number 15). How can you beat that? My gut: you just don’t.
#1. The best hotel in the island | Las Nubes de Holbox
Their statement is very clear: The place where the Sea meets the Sky. But they deliver it in every single way possible and most important of all, when you least expect and in a natural manner, through small details. That’s what I call true hospitality – priceless and unexpected small details. Right at your arrival, you are welcomed with a fresh scented towel which believe me, it feels like a gold bullion. A courtesy welcoming drink is also served at the bar right after you check-in.
Las Nubes de Holbox hotel offers 28 eco-chic rooms, between cozy bungalows and sophisticated suites where from which one you always get a tiny peace of the sea, 3 pools, a spa and a restaurant.
Between hammocks and sun loungers, there’s an entire silent beach waiting. At disposal you can also find kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles – everything you need to discover all the island secrets.
El Sabor de las Nubes restaurant it’s open all day serving the freshest flavors from the sea at very affordable prices. Could seat on a chair there all day. Just chilling and sipping, chilling and sipping.
But if there’s one thing, and one thing only, you can’t miss during your stay, it’s definitely the jaw-dropping sunset – will change your perspective about life pleasures. It’s one of the preferred spots in the island to watch it.
#2. Gastronomic influence bomb
The gastronomy path present in Holbox is quite remarkable due to the Caribbean, American and European influencers who together with the locals to create unique recipes like the lobster pizza, octopus ceviche, fish tacos, shrimp cocktails, with one thing in common – the love and respect for the sea. Whatever you do, include the lobster pizza from Edelyn restaurant, downtown located, in your must try list. The medium size pizza costs 350 MXN pesos (around 16€) and is perfectly suitable for two if you order one or two starters.
For lunch or an early dinner, head to Las Panchas. Again, it’s all about fish and seafood tradition, really cheap and large portions. Los Pescaditos de Holbox is also a brilliant option for cheap local dishes and just follow the owner’s recommendations (the margaritas are huge!).
#3. Intact wildlife
I swear Nelly Furtado was spotted singing the I’m like a bird song in the middle of the island (!) You won’t imagine the bird diversity living in Holbox. Honestly, I wish I could be one of them. They’re are just there, chilling, posing, eating and sunbathing all day with their friends and family, watching sunset everyday, no human can’t get too close since their natural habitat must be respected. Hum, sounds like a pretty damn good life.
All type of birds can be found, from wild ducks, herons, white ibis, spoonbills, seagulls, grey and white cranes, cormorants, frigatebirds, but from all of them, the most impressively elegant aka landscape blending match are the flamingos. They’re superb and beyond breathtaking.
Another major attraction in the island is the experience of swimming with the one-of-a-kind whale sharks from June to September, something only possible in very few parts of the world (check here where else in Mexico). And obviously, the most photographed animal in Mexico – the iguana. They’re everywhere and they just don’t care. Let them just be.
#4. Street-telling art
At Holbox, the history is written in every street wall. They’re the barest identity of the island and if you really want to know it, pay attention to the living open art gallery in every corner. The colors, the artists’ perspective, the ecological messages are unique in their simplicity. Every year happens the Public Arts International Festival where artists from all over the world release their creative spirit reinterpreting the the island true self.
#5. Priceless inner peace
If you look for a synonym of inner peace, you’ll find Holbox. One can’t dream with the sense of spirituality the island can offer. This is the type of journey you do that turns out to be once in a lifetime and completely one-of-a-kid interior trip. It can be a journey to your true self. I know it sounds like Dalai Lama meeting Gandhi but I wasn’t expecting that amount of natural silent uniqueness. And I would go back in a heart beat because this is the type of experience, money can’t definitely buy.
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