Where to eat, sleep & fiesta on the island of Holbox

For our Spring/Summer 2024 Collection Campaign, we headed down Mexico way for a week of photoshoot fun on the island of Holbox, located off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. And what an experience... this car-free, sun-drenched paradise has it all: charming locals, amazing food, stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant street art and idyllic accommodation.

Often referred to as Mexico’s best-kept secret, unfortunately we can’t keep Holbox to ourselves. So, here’s a round-up of some favourite discoveries during our (too short) stay.

The most common route to Isla Holbox from mainland Mexico is via the port town of Chiquila, which is around 2 hours by car from Cancun. Here, you just need to buy a ticket for one of the local ferries that sail to Holbox every half an hour, and after a 20–30-minute journey across the water, you’re there. The island’s little yellow golf carts await to transport you to your hotel – be sure to have cash with you to pay the driver.

For an Australian-inspired breakfast, Café Complimento has things sorted. Excellent coffee, wonderfully fresh ingredients and bonus air-conditioning (not easy to find on Holbox) made this our first stop of the day.

On a local’s recommendation, we checked out this cosy eatery for dinner. With a glorious wood-fired oven as its centrepiece, we feasted on a mouthwatering selection of small plates and freshly baked flatbread.

Piedrasanta is an absolute must, serving beautifully crafted dishes and elegant cocktails amongst a stunning, jungle-vibes interior. Book a table and order the ceviche – probably one of the best things we tasted during our entire stay!

Aldea Kuka is a luxury eco-boutique hotel on the ‘premium’ side of Holbox. Right by the beach with a super at-lounger food and drink service, it’s perfectly located for gentle strolls along the shore and sundowners at one of the nearby beach bars. Exposed wood, soft neutrals tones and textured fabrics give the interiors an elevated rustic feel that we loved. Hire a bike from reception and take a tour around the local area – the car-free roads make cycling totally stress-free!

Check out these pics from our photoshoot, set in Aldea Kuka’s beautiful grounds.

Another beautiful hotel situated right on the beach with raffia, bamboo, exposed beams, wooden plunge pools, cute thatched-roof villas and hammocks being the prominent features. This is a gorgeous boho-luxe option.

This little gem has the perfect atmosphere for a family-friendly beach party. Everyone kicks off their shoes to eat a fantastic candle-lit feast right there on the sand. At sunset, the fire pits are lit accompanied by a vibrant playlist. We enjoyed the most beautiful, relaxing and heartwarming time and the staff were so kind and helpful too.

During our stay, we decided to book a group cookery class at Puerta Rosa in downtown Holbox. Chef Ana grew up in Mexico City and many of her recipes have been passed down by her grandmother. This is a fun and relaxing way to immerse yourself in Mexican cuisine and socialise, and we learned how to make authentic guacamole, enchiladas, gorditas and a spicy traditional sauce. Book a class here: holboxcookingclasses.com

There are many pieces of wonderfully vibrant street art in Holbox, so checking all these out is an activity in itself. Roam the island and you’ll see something different every day. Don’t miss the art that has been painted on concrete panels that pop out of the sea.

The beaches in Holbox offer up warm, shallow waters, ideal for kids learning to swim or perfect for just splashing about as you stroll along the sand.

• Take currency because the island is largely cash-only. Although some venues do take card payments, during bad internet-signal periods, this is not possible.
• Mosquito spray is essential, especially in the balmy evenings.

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