Hotel Secreto

This small boutique hotel offers a beachfront Mexican getaway that attracts travelers who shy away from large resorts and instead prefer a more intimate and personable stay -- and with just 12 rooms, the property offers just that. Interiors are tastefully appointed, though they're starting to show their age a bit (the property was last renovated in 2005). The lobby (which doubles as a bar) is filled with natural light thanks to lots of large windows. Colorful paintings and a vibrantly-hued red accent wall add liveliness to the space and stand out against the white furnishings. The highlight here is the outdoor pool, which features an attractive sundeck lined with plush seating, as well as beautiful views over the beach and sea beyond. The hotel tends to attract mainly couples seeking a quiet vacation, though families with kids are also catered to here.

The hotel is situated on the northern tip of Isla Mujeres, with direct access to a small but lovely stretch of North Beach. It's a quiet corner of the island and feels fairly secluded, even though there are several other hotels in the area. There are plenty of restaurants and bars within a three-minute walk of the property. The ferry dock, servicing ferries to Cancun (about 30 minutes away), is about a 10-minute walk away (or a five-minute drive). Cancun International Airport can be reached by car in about an hour and 15 minutes.

The hotel has 12 rooms divided into three categories: Super Junior Suites (on the first floor), Deluxe Junior Suites (on second and third floors), and Executive Junior Suites (on the fourth floor). Decor is tasteful and contemporary, if a bit bland, but the units are clean and spacious. Wooden furniture is paired with blue velvet couches and armchairs. Large abstract paintings add a colorful and stylish touch to the spaces. Some suites have patterned wallpaper accenting one of the walls. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, Bose sound docks, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi.

Bathrooms are fairly minimalist in style and are equipped with walk-in rainfall showers. Robes, hairdryers, and Neutrogena toiletries are supplied. 

The best part of the suites are large balconies furnished with comfy queen-size daybeds, tables, and chairs that have lovely views over the pool and beach beyond (ground-floor rooms have patios that overlook the pool). 

One of the highlights here is the hotel's attractive outdoor lap pool, which is surrounded by a wooden sundeck lined with comfy padded loungers and daybeds. It overlooks the beach and sea in the distance. Though there's no full restaurant on-site, there's a pleasant lobby bar, plus the hotel can arrange deliveries from nearby restaurants. The breakfast of warm croissants, fresh fruit, and coffee is included in rates. Guests simply call the front desk and have the meal delivered to their room or by the pool when they're ready to eat.

Wellness features include a fitness room equipped with a good variety of machines, as well as a spa that offers a wide menu of treatments, including massages, facials, and nail services. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and free on-site parking.