Holbox Island

Situated just north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Holbox is a slice of paradise offering the perfect mix of relaxation, pleasant climate and bohemian beauty. It is the opposite of the glitzier towns on the Riviera Maya, with a much slower pace of life and no cars at all on the island. Wedged between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, the 40x2 kilometre island is known for its idyllic white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waters which are home to whale sharks.

Holbox has no cars, so its sandy streets are frequented only by pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and golf buggies, meaning you can get away from it all and slip back into a laidback way of life. Watch fishermen stroll past you with their daily catch, whetting your appetite for delicious seafood at the local restaurants. The town is characterised by colourful houses and vibrant murals filling the streets. The island forms part of the biosphere reserve of flora and fauna and the protected area of Yum Balam, giving visitors a chance to get back in touch with nature. The lagoon separating it from mainland Mexico is a sanctuary to thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other exotic birds.