My Favorite Mexican Beach

Several years ago when I finally retired, my husband and I decided to split our time between Colorado and Mexico.

We chose the Riviera Maya town of Playa del Carmen to call home.

Playa is home to some beautiful beaches, but my favorite beach is … Holbox.

Holbox (pronounced “hol-bosh”) is a rustic, tropical island located a few hours north of Playa on the north coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Its crystal-clear blue waters, pristine beaches, and relaxed life pace are enough to attract anyone. With no cars and no worries, Holbox is famous for its bioluminescent waters and whale sharks. It truly is a place to behold.

But it is the sand and sandbar that make me feel like I’ve discovered Heaven on Earth.

My favorite thing to do is to stroll out into the bay in calf-high waters and just walk – walk up and down the sandbar. I can easily do 2-4 miles walking (almost) on water. It’s the most relaxing, grounding, meditative thing you can do…. other than yoga.

To get to Holbox (remember it’s an island) you need to take a ferry from the mainland town of Chiquila. Once on the island, there are virtually no cars – your only transport is your own legs, or to hail a “golf cart” taxi.

The island’s main industry is fishing and lobster is the big catch. Many of the dishes made on the island center around lobster and other seafood. You gotta try the Lobster Pizza!

If you plan to come to Holbox, pack only the basics. There’s no fancy-schmancy places to go. Come here to chill out and just breathe. So good for your soul.

Here’s a link to the boutique hotel we stay at – Villas Flamingos