Villas HM Palapas del Mar

The Villas HM Palapas del Mar is a beautiful small hotel brimming with local charm. Its 52 rooms and all common spaces are housed in low palapa-style buildings with whitewashed walls, steep pitched straw roofs, and wooden balcony railings that blend in beautifully with the lush surroundings. The gardens are wild but well-maintained, with dense tropical shrubs and palm trees spilling onto gravel paths, and plenty of potted plants. The lobby offers a great first glimpse into what’s in store. It is airy, simple, and charming, with an attractive open-air plan, sparse yet attractive decor that combines neutral hues with traditional Mexican patterns, and rustic-chic details such as lamps made of twigs, woven-straw ottomans, and minimalist wooden furniture. The vibe is casual and serene, and though some rooms can sleep up to four guests and kids are welcome, most guests here are couples seeking a quiet retreat from the spring break-like party scene in nearby Cancun. 

Villas HM Palapas del Mar is located in a quiet area about a 10-minute walk from central Holbox. There are several other hotels, as well as a couple of small, casual eateries nearby, but guests can find a wider variety of dining options just a short stroll down the beach towards the center. There are also plenty of small shops in Holbox, selling everything from handicrafts to clothes and local products. The area is a natural reserve where cars are not allowed, so expect to either walk everywhere or take a golf cart or bike to move around. Though the hotel has its own beautiful beach, there are several other gorgeous stretches of sand not far from the property, including Punta Mosquito, which can be reached in about a 20-minute walk. Access to the island requires a flight to Cancun, plus a two-hour car or bus ride to Chaquila, and a ferry ride to Holbox. The hotel can arrange private and shared transfers, as well as small-plane transfers directly to the island. 

The hotel labels its 52 rooms as Junior Suites, but they’re actually regular hotel rooms. All are decorated in a similar style as common spaces, with lots of wood accents, built-in furniture painted white, and rustic touches such as woven straw baskets, dreamcatchers, and local fabrics in green and blue hues. Overall, rooms are simple yet appealing, with a fresh, uncluttered feel and big glass doors that open to spacious balconies or terraces with wooden railings and rope hammocks. Ground-floor units have private plunge pools surrounded by plants. Most rooms look out over the gardens, but many have at least side sea views. All rooms come with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the property, but some guests have reported that it works better in the area closest to the lobby. Units with one king bed instead of two queens come with small seating areas with built-in sofas, a coffee table, and a chair. Bathrooms have rectangular sinks over wooden vanities with storage space, walk-in showers, and separate cabins for toilets. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. 

The hotel’s top feature is its lovely stretch of fine sand. Rope hammocks tied between palm trees are a great spot for relaxing, and there are also wooden loungers with thick mats and straw umbrellas. Sea grass, which can’t be removed due to the area’s protected status, can be unpleasant for some, but it isn’t an issue year-round and it is generally just a small amount. Guests can borrow sea kayaks free of charge. The main pool is located adjacent to the beach and the buffet restaurant, and features padded loungers, umbrellas, shaded areas, and a shallower section for children. The hotel has another smaller pool on the rooftop area, offering panoramic sea views as well as direct access to the sushi restaurant and bar. This is a popular sunset-watching spot, complete with mellow DJ sessions and cocktails. There are underwater stools by the edge so that guests can enjoy their drinks without having to leave the pool. Several meal plans are available, ranging from breakfast-only to a two-tier all-inclusive package. Food is excellent on-site, and guests can choose from two restaurants. The main eatery serves up a varied, tasty buffet along with a la carte options, while the rooftop bar offers Japanese specialties such as sushi and maki. The standard all-inclusive package covers all three main meals and snacks plus most drinks available at both the main restaurant and the sushi bar. The Premium option offers perks such as welcome drinks and cold towels, a bottle of cava, in-room pillow menus, premium alcoholic drinks, and a steak or seafood dinner per five-night stay. In-room massages are available on request, but the hotel lacks a full spa and a fitness center.