Connecting with family in the paradise of Holbox, Mexico

We flew from Chicago to LA to join our college-age daughter there and take the red-eye to Cancun at 6:30 AM. Our hotel, Mawimbi, arranged all of our transfers and made it all very easy. Why Holbox? It was recommended to us by a friend and Pinerary user, who knew we’d love the vibe. Holbox checks every box for a beach family vaca for us-we fell in love with the spirit & the people.

It was an easy 2-hour drive from the airport to the ferry, which was under 30 minutes, and from there, a five-minute drive to our paradise. I noticed tourists and locals on the streets, kids playing and walking home from school, a town center with a soccer court, and family pets chilling on the sidewalks.

The town is fine sand, only ATVs in case of wet sand. We got lucky–only 5 minutes of sprinkles the day we left! Our hotel, Mawimbi, felt cozy and private yet in town and directly on the gorgeous fine sand beach & pale blue Caribbean water. *More beautiful than words can explain. If you’re looking for name-brand luxury boutiques and a walled, protected resort, this is not the place for you. If you are looking for culture, beautiful boutique properties ( + great shopping), and excellent food, this is it. 
Hotel Mawimbi was more beautiful than the photographs. It was built with local wood and sustainable materials and recently updated after a fire at the neighboring property. The decor is beautiful and adorned with Mexican textiles. It’s no-shoes luxury.

We arrived mid-morning, greeted by the wonderful front desk staff Marcia, Sandra and Gabrielle. Our rooms were not ready-so we spent the day on large comfy sunbeds with face screens, swing beds w/ fabric pillows, drinking cocktails from fresh juices, and the kids enjoying the most delicious fresh smoothies “they’ve ever had.” This was when we began to understand why Mawimbi was so highly recommended. It's the people. The staff is world-class, genuine, casual, warm, and funny.

We were so content that we chose to stay and dine at the hotel that night, soaking in the stunning beachfront views and sunset. Dinner was fantastic (Barquito!!) - steak, lobster linguine, fresh ceviche, and the most unreal crusted ahi tuna. I’m still savoring the Micheladas made from fresh veggies and spices… I never want to leave!

We woke up to fresh breakfast, which is included in your stay at Mawimbi: eggs or something sweet, usually like pancakes or oatmeal with fresh fruit and your choice of two different gorgeous fresh-made juices. Endless coffee, and an always began with fresh fruit, yogurt & granola. I'm a sucker for a free breakfast! *Bonus-hanging out with Mocabee, Salvadores sweet girl.

We spent the entire day lounging after a long walk up and down the beach, realizing how special Mawimbi is and how lucky we were to be staying there. There are other nice properties nearby as well, but Mawimbi combines luxury with ease, and a family feel…because of the staff!

Lunch on repeat ..we loved the shrimp quesadillas. And tartar & ceviche. Jeannie had the bolognese one day. Everything is prepared from scratch and delicious.

I had been wanting to show the kids neurogenic art-we spent the early evening drawing on our elevated porch with views of the ocean.

Dinner was at El Bebote Tacos, recommended by our friend Salvadore, one of our favorite Mawimbi staff members. I had the best sirloin taco of my life. 
Do not miss El Bebote!!! Street side grill, no frills-just great guys passionate about serving up the best food. Where the locals go late night after work to eat…for a reason-

We walked around the town and realized what a special place Holbox is. A range of basic restaurants to more "bougy" spots. All open air, good vibes all around. Don't forget the shopping next door at Tortuga. It's a beautiful small hotel right next door with a gorgeous outdoor space and two fantastic restaurants. They are a bit bigger, with more restaurant seating and a pool, which Mawimbi doesn't have–or need. I never did see anyone in Tortugas pool, and I strolled by on the way to town, and we ate their twice.

Tortuga has the most incredible boutique, perched over a very special cocktail lounge. We loved La Bazarr, the boutique. Upscale clothing from unique designers from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, etc.and a spa and pool. 
I'll go every day and get one small thing: -/. It's unreal.

We had breakfast early at 7:50 before hopping on our private boat to Cabo Catoche. Marcia set this up for us. The front desk staff is phenomenal, and I just trust them to take care of these details; they know!

The boat ride was long and a bit bumpy, but we stopped to fish along the way—caught ten in total, mostly thanks to our captain, Will (though Paul reeled in two!). We brought the catch to a remote wildlife sanctuary, where our captain Will and the lovely Julie turned it into fresh ceviche with a few other groups and their captains/stewards.

A local family lives in this breathtakingly wild spot. We grabbed some beers and lemonade from the walk-up bar, swam in the ocean, hung out with pelicans and iguanas, and felt like we were at the edge of the world. On the way back, we cruised close to a pristine, untouched shoreline. I found myself hoping it stays that way—no bulldozers, no shops, just nature.

We spotted dolphins and learned Cabo Catoche is also home to iguanas (which I’m still dying to see).

After a little R&R after returning, we ambled next door for dinner at the Tortuga's main-floor restaurant, The Mandarina. We were soon joined by a semi-resident pit bull who I guess is a “stray,” however beloved by everyone..and sweet as can be. We shared lobster, and I’m surprised he didn’t follow us back to our room ;-).

*The dogs are part of why I will look forward to returning. I love the dogs of Mawimbi–I miss them! The locals of Holbox love their pets!!

We find ourselves reflecting on the fact that Mawimbi is not a place where you are served. It is a family where you are treated with warmth. You are so well taken care of, but no one ever takes your order. They are just there to help you with joy and authenticity.

We love the dogs of the staff members who come to work with them. Our kind of place. It was wonderful to meet the elegant owner, Onny who created this magical place with her husband.

On this day, we decided to relax and hang around the beach and go to Nana, the adjacent property on the beach, for lunch. I hate to diss a place, but it was not our favorite–more of a "scene" and overpriced.

My daughter and I headed to the animal shelter to visit the dogs–mid-day, a bit hot, and they were sleepy. We promised to come back early evening soon.

Dinner this night was fantastic—Tortuga again! We slid into the Japanese restaurant upstairs without a reservation at the sushi bar. The sushi was killer, very inventive, and delicious!

We went out for gelato & the carbon vanilla gelato seemed a common flavor & was great. We headed to the "hot corner"and enjoyed the awesome scene in downtown Holbox!! Super lively
with open-air restaurants and bars.

We broke from our daily routine of breakfast at Mawimbi as we wanted to make an early departure toward Punta Mosquito, a natural refuge at the tip of Holbox. We had an awesome breakfast in town...omg. Incredible acai bowls, yogurt bowls, cold brewed coffee, avo toasts. We rented bikes just a block down from Mawimbi (look for the older gentleman with silver hair...loved him!!) and rode our bikes up the sandy road to Punta Mosquito. We parked our bikes past the last hotel and followed the path to the shore, where you obviously need to wade to the sand bar. There is a sign that says not to cross, but apparently, you can cross. We were rule followers that day and stayed, so I guess we never made it to the real Ponte de Mosquito. However, we were close. The keep-out sign is an old one, and we did see people beyond. Keep off of the vegetation and only walk in the water to protect flora & fauna!!!

It was absolutely gorgeous. We stayed there for half the day and saw starfish, herons, and clear fish around our feet.

There's something special about the water off of the sandbar. This is a must. Renting bikes is so much fun.

We stopped for lunch at Las Hamacas, which I had seen on our way to the ponte. Unbelievable experience!! We dined on lobster pizza and loved our waiter, Owen!! This restaurant was also part of a hotel which I loved. This area is farther away from town but feels very secluded, which I like. One person shared that when it rains, you are pretty much stuck in this farther area, unable to get to town easily.

After beach drinks at Barquito/Mawimbi, we headed to Barbara Negras for tacos. It is a super fun place with a super cute singer-entertainer. We especially loved the raccoons playing on the roof!

The kids and I were picked up at 9PM for a bioluminescence tour (Paul stayed behind as he has a capacity of one activity a day on vacation ha ha) and I could only think how he was totally missing out as we drove in the darkness toward Playa Punta Cocos. The stars were so bright, they seemed like lightbulbs and furthered our conspiracy theory. This was all a sham, and we were in an episode of The Truman Show.

This well-organized tour (Tours y Entradas de Alejandro Flores Castañe, see Trip Advisor) dropped us close to the beach in wet suits and reef shoes, making the walk down a nice trail into the lagoon at night, not scary at all. Our gracious guide Alex gave us a wonderful astronomy lesson with his high-powered laser..amazing! While the glow of the plankton wasn't as bright as it could be (it's brightest in summer), it was still magical, and I loved this well-timed 90-minute, door-to-door tour.

Day six, beach and enjoyed massages by the incredible masseuse, Yaritsy (sp!), outside with the sounds of the ocean. One of the best massages I've ever had.

We enjoyed drinks & cocktails next door at the Tortuga hotspot, Luuma. Pure, clear and unique, all locally sourced and amazing while waiting for our reservation back at home, Barquito Mawimbi.

Beautiful last dinner at Mawimbi. Beginning to feel sad about leaving our friends at Barquito...

Tomorrow we leave, so one more day playing on the beach, soaking up the rays. I can't believe no one burned!

We walked down the beach a bit west to the Mojito's bar. We loved the fresh, Riveria-inspired decor and bistro chairs. We had awesome tacos, fried plantains with guac, and drinks. The cutest perrito, a pup/friend of the bartender, made a special appearance. We also enjoyed our tour of the hotel, Ser Cassandra, a bit set back from the beach, with an art-inspired feel and gorgeous mid-century modern decor.

I made my way back to the animal shelter and was able to walk sweet Django. Sadly he is too old to travel and has a heart condition. I wanted to adopt him, but I was happy to know he is so loved at the wonderful shelter in Holbox.

Dinner at Parador 33—omg, so good!!! The trendy, cool outdoor atmosphere was perfect for our last night.

Our last day. It's a tough decision between the green juice or strawberry kiwi juice this morning...not to mention the Mexican eggs or fresh pancakes. Anything to distract us that our car will soon arrive and we will leave paradise and time with our family free of distractions.

Our last day. It's a tough decision between the green juice or strawberry kiwi juice this morning...not to mention the Mexican eggs or fresh pancakes. Anything to distract us that our car will soon arrive and we will leave paradise and time with our family free of distractions.

And to our Mawimbi family, Onny, Marcia, Sandra, Gabrielle, Alberto, Salvadore, Facchu, Ivan, Moses, Patricio, Unatom, Eliott, the sweetest young housekeepers (the girls!) - and all the dogs - we cannot wait until our return ♥️