Villas Flamingos

Villas Flamingos is a tropical paradise, surrounded by beach and trees, with a palm tree or grass hut in almost every direction you look. Featuring a Mexican-Caribbean theme, decor throughout the hotel and bungalows is beautifully simple, with small pops of bright colors. Nature is very much part of the hotel, with native trees, birds, and even a family of iguanas living by the swimming pool -- capturing the hearts of most guests. The reception is a single wooden desk, overlooking the beach. The restaurant and bar area is located outside and has a super casual atmosphere. The hotel runs onto the (mostly) secluded beach, set with hammocks, sun loungers, and parasols. To further the relaxing vibe, there's also a massage treatment area on the beach. The out-of-town location and relaxing tropical setting attracts mostly couples who are looking for a quiet and romantic hideaway. This is a popular choice for honeymooners.

Villas Flamingos is located slightly further out of town, on the quieter, much less crowded side of Holbox Island in the Yum-Balam Nature Reserve. There's a small secluded beach (about 200-meters in length) right in front of the hotel, as well as other beaches within walking distance. A handful of quaint restaurants and shops are available on the street outside the hotel. It's about a nine-minute drive to the center of town (or a 20-minute walk if you're up for it) where there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. There are hardly any cars available on Holbox Island, travelers are able to rent golf carts or bicycles to get around, otherwise there are taxis available. There are regular ferries from the island to the mainland town of Chiquila, which is around a 90-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. The hotel can arrange transfers from the other main destinations along the Mayan Riviera, including Cancun International Airport (for a fee).

The 14 guest rooms and bungalows at Villas Flamingos feature a Mexican-Caribbean theme with loads of bright colors and natural elements. The decor has a bohemian vibe and includes handcrafted floor mats, brightly colored accent walls, hand-crafted wooden artwork, wooden beams, and white linens. Each room has a private terrace decked out with plants, a seating area, and hammocks -- all with either a partial or full sea view. All include air-conditioning, a safe, mini-fridge, work desk, and free Wi-Fi. There are no TVs available in any of the rooms or bungalows. Bungalow Jardin and Bungalow Arena feature private plunge pools. Bungalow Cielo and Bungalow Mangle include hot tubs. Bathrooms are fun. They're decorated with brightly colored mosaic tiles and natural wooden features. Walk-in showers and toiletries are standard. The Bungalows and Master Suite includes an outdoor shower.

Features here cater to couples who want to relax and enjoy the outdoors. A continental buffet breakfast is served in the relaxing outdoor restaurant. The meal includes yogurt, cereal, bread, fruits, and a selection of eggs. There's a beachfront restaurant (El Mangle) and bar (Bar Los Pedales) that serve Mexican-inspired lunches, dinners, and a variety of drinks. The bar offers swing seating, a fun touch. Beach barbecues are held on Saturdays. El Mangle can also arrange a private romantic moonlight dinner on the beach for guests. The hotel has placed hammocks in the sea and on the small, secluded beach in front of the hotel, along with pink sun loungers and parasols -- though guests have complained that the bar service doesn't extend to the loungers and there are no water sports available here other than kayaks to borrow. The swimming pool is quite big, and is the only pool on the island that faces the ocean. The deck is set with a few surrounding chairs and palm trees -- though there are no parasols. A variety of massages are available, done either on the beach or in-room, for an additional fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.