This small island north of the Yucatan Peninsula is a laid back paradise. The whole island is car-free with the main mode of transportation being bikes and the occasional golf cart. We spent 4 days living the good life on this sleepy little island.

TO DO:

Rent a golf cart and explore the island

One of the best things we did was rent a golf cart for the day. The island is only 25 miles long and 1 mile wide. Our golf cart was a beast with giant wheels and because it rained the night before we spent the day splashing through mud from one side of the island to the next.

Rent a palapa for the day

We spent an entire day relaxing under our own private beachfront palapa in Casa Sandra Boutique Hotel. This place was beautiful and the beach bar was just steps from the water. If you are in Holbox walk along the beach until you find the perfect spot and just pay a few bucks to lounge for the day.

Find the water swings and hammocks

The iconic Holbox ocean hammocks! If you're coming here you have to find these and spend some time swinging over the water.

We aren't going to tell you where these are. Holbox is small and it was fun searching and discovering these for ourselves.

Wander the streets

The whole island of Holbox is only made up of a few streets. By the end of our 4 day stay we had a pretty good idea where everything was but we loved roaming the streets and looking at the eclectic and skillfully done street art.

Brightly colored buildings line the streets.

TO EAT:

Basico

Calle Tiburón Ballena (Calle principal), 77310 Holbox, Mexico

Our favorite restaurant in Holbox. We ended up eating here for breakfast and for dinner. We loved the funky open air design of this place and the food was always fresh and delicious.

Mandarina Beach Club

Beachfront, inside Casa Las Tortugas

If you're looking for a romantic ocean front meal make sure to check out to Mandrina's beach club. Along the main beach and part of Casa Las Tortugas Hotel this place is easy to find. We had an amazing meal here and probably had the best spot in the house for enjoying the most beautiful sunset.

One of the most magnificent sunsets we saw on this trip! Check out those colors.

El Chapulin

123 Main Street

One of the most special restaurants on the island El Chapulin, is all about fresh and local ingredients. Instead of a menu the chef comes directly to each table and describes the nightly dishes which are all based on the catch of the day and what ingredients are in season. Luckily for us the local fisherman pulled in some lobsters earlier that day.

Daily market

For a cheap and quick bite to eat head to the daily market on main street which sells local produce and also delicious tacos, tortas and more.

Street Stalls

Each night and sometimes during the day, the local street carts sell a variety of different on the go food for cheap. Whether you're looking for late night tacos or an ice cold coconut on the beach these little carts are always a great idea for a quick bite.

TIP: Try a marquesita from one of the nightly food stalls. These delicious crepe style desserts are unique to the Yucatan region and are a great late night snack. You can find them at one of the food carts near the main square.

TO DRINK:

Zomay's

Av. Pedro Joaquín Coldwell s/ número, 77310 Isla Holbox, Qroo, Mexico

This tiny beach shack has the best location on the island to catch an epic sunset. With only a few swings at the bar this place is small but you can grab your drink and find a place on the sand to watch the sun set.

TIP: Are you a fan of micheladas? They are our favorite!! And most restaurants in Mexico serve them. When ordering make sure to get a "Ojo Rojo" that is what they call these deliciously salty red beers. Yum.

Luuma

Av Damero 310, Holbox, Q.R., Mexico

A craft cocktail bar and restaurant tucked into the jungle. This place is a hidden gem. The cocktails were intricate and didn't disappoint. We meant to come back here to try out the food but didn't get a chance. Definitely on our list for our next visit.

Sky Bar

Beachfront part of Palapas Del Mar Hotel - Av. Paseo Kuká mza. 133

You don't have to be a guest at Palapas Del Mar to enjoy the Sky Ball and pool located on the roof of their beachfront hotel. We spent an entire day at this chic rooftop bar, sipping cocktails, reading and taking dips in the infinity pool.

TO STAY:

Marvin Suites

Calle Hernán Cortés, 77310 Holbox, Q.R., Mexico

We stayed at the Marvin Suites during our stay in Holbox and couldn't have been happier. Most of the beachfront hotels charge almost double what we paid to stay here. Although it wasn't on the beach, it was right downtown and had AC. We would definitely recommend Marvin Suites, our room was giant and very clean. With the island being so small staying in the town was nice and taking the two minute walk to the beach.

Villas HM Palapas Del Mar

Av. Paseo Kuká mza. 133 , 77310 Holbox Island, Q.R., Mexico

Our choice for a luxury hotel in Holbox. We would love to stay here next time we come here. We loved the tiny designer bungalows at this hotel, each with their own pool. The top floor has the rad Sky Bar with the infinity pool and below was a Sushi Bar next to the hotel pool. This place was a dream.

Casa Las Tortugas

Calle Igualdad sin numero, M.1, L. 2, 77310 Isla Holbox, QR, Mexico

Another badass property on the beach; Casa Las Tortugas has it all. A lagoon style pool, beachfront restaurant and a cool beach lounge area. This would have to be our other top pick for places to stay in Holbox.