9 Reasons to Spend Your Next Mexican Vacation on Isla Holbox

The overcrowded and often mediocre all-inclusives rampant in the rest of Riviera Maya simply don't exist on Holbox — in fact, none of the big names in hospitality have staked a claim here — and therefore you won't have to share cabanas, beaches, or plunge pools with people who prefer the cruise-ship-on-land model. Instead, most properties are of the two-story, rustic chic, whitewashed, and beamed boutique variety. While there are a few hostels and more budget-conscious options closer to the port, most hotels line the long main beach. If you can swing the splurge, opt for the Hotel Las Nubes at the end of the road. It features panoramic views from the rooftop lounge, complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, and other sports gear, a restaurant that serves the best vegetable soup, waterfront convenience, and an organic spa that even offers reiki in a re-created Mayan hut. Every stay comes with a welcome massage.