Holbox, MexicoCentro
Casa Cat Ba
Wabi-sabi beachfront villa
Wabi-sabi beachfront villa
The six-room villa runs like an easygoing private home, opening directly onto the beach with an oceanfront bar deck.
“the petite, high-taste hotel has just five rooms, designed with vintage wardrobes and an earthy palette with touches of driftwood and rattan that feels right for the island.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Ten local carpenters transformed the beach house with earthy tones and wabi-sabi simplicity.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
they bought a beachfront villa in the car-free village: streets are sand, transport is bicycle or golf cart, and converted it into a six-room property with Wabi-Sabi-influenced interiors, vintage furniture, and locally made organic toiletries.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The village square is three minutes away on foot along sand lanes within the protected Yum Balam Ecological Reserve.
The rooms
Every room has a private balcony facing west over the sea, finished with vintage wardrobes and driftwood accents.
Casa Cat Bar & Deck
The open-air timber bar serves signature cocktails and evening empanadas looking out across the beach.
At the table
Breakfast tables look past palm trees toward the water, set with bowls of local fruit and eggs Benedict.
How it began
The owners bought the beachfront house after swimming past it, naming it after Cát Bà Island in Vietnam.
Holbox
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.