Casa Takywara

Casa Takywara is a three-pearl eco-friendly hotel with a beachfront location outside of the main city center on Holbox Island. The property is surrounded by beautiful Mexican jungle -- a naturally protected area called Yum Balam -- and therefore benefits from a luscious green scene made up palm trees and flowers placed in between the sandy paths. It’s a quiet atmosphere among the small wooden cabanas, huts, and buildings that collectively make up the hotel. Wi-Fi is limited and eco practices are common so it makes for a good off-the-grid vacation. The only noise that breaks the silence is golf carts or motorcycles that sometimes drive through to other hotels. As for decor, it’s a rustic beach theme that’s mostly focused on outdoor spaces, lounging chairs on patios, and colorful Mexican textiles or art pieces on some walls. The staff are reportedly helpful and kind, and with only six rooms, it’s an intimate atmosphere. However, due to the size, the hotel reception has limited open hours. Couples are generally drawn here for the romantic atmosphere that goes with a remote beachfront location.

This property is located on Holbox Island, a small island in the Caribbean off the coast of Mexico. With a beachfront location outside of the main city center, it can feel remote but is still easy accessible to all that guests might want to see or do. Life is mostly centered around beach and ocean experiences on this island, and there’s little attractions for travelers to visit. Dining options and shops are within a 10-minute walk away. The city center is a 13-minute walk away. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour journey to and from Cancun International Airport which includes a boat ride and drive. 

Casa Takywara only has six units and they all feature a similar decor of white adobe-like walls, stone floors, wooden accents, and colorful fabrics or traditional Mexican decor for a laid-back beachy look. Features include air-conditioning, a basket of towels and robes, fans, balconies or terraces with hammocks and chairs, and kitchenettes with coffeemakers, stovetops, mini-fridges, and sinks. Rooms lack flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, allowing guests to disconnect on vacation (which might not be ideal for all). The bathrooms are a bit rustic, but that goes with the eco-friendly environment. They have showers, sinks carved from wood, organic toiletries, and hairdryers. 

This hotel may not have a pool or spa, but that’s not the type of property Casa Takywara is. Rather, it provides laid-back amenities for the eco-traveler who likes to enjoy nature. First, there’s a semi-private beach with hammocks, loungers, and cabanas. Sometimes, golf carts and motorcycles drive through the beach area which may be a bother. The free breakfast is simple but charming. Each morning, a breakfast arrives in a basket on guests’ front door that consists of homemade bread, jam, butter, yogurt, fruit, and granola. The items change from day-to-day, but exemplifies the minimalist nature of the hotel. Other perks include cabanas with hammocks on the property, a small library, grills, free bikes, massages or tours upon request, and airport transfers (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free and available near reception.