Holbox, Mexico
Hotel Punta Caliza
Flooded palapa compound
Flooded palapa compound
The thatched compound turns inward toward a flooded courtyard rather than the open sea, echoing the island's mangrove swamps.
“Here, the unique geometric design features 12 whitewashed, thatch-roofed cabanas surrounding a flooded central deck-cum-pool.”
What it’s good at
Listed
The rooftop observation tower pairs panoramic island sunsets with artisanal mezcal cocktails.
Listed
Sandy pathways wind between thatched cabanas reflecting coastal Yucatecan fishing village traditions.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Rooms are individual A-frame cabins done up almost entirely in sustainable red cedar wood—just rustic enough, and airy.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The beach is a block north along sandy lanes, and the quiet center of Holbox sits a short stroll away.
1 of 7
The rooms
Cabins are lined in fragrant red cedar under thatched roofs, each opening directly into a private plunge pool.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A central triangular canal lined in Mayan chukum stucco fills the courtyard, glowing beneath steep thatched roofs.
Restaurant Punta Caliza
Tables along the canal deck serve morning chilaquiles and fresh ceviche beneath the thatched eaves.
the intimate hotel is a modern-day sanctuary, with rooms laid out surrounding a large swimming pool, each situated within a modern hut embedded amongst tropical greenery.
How it began
The Muñoz family built the hotel using red cedar their father planted when his son was born 26 years earlier.
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.