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Much of what makes the Mexican Caribbean so popular is best experienced in one of the region’s spectacular tropical islands.
White-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and cozy boutique hotels are just a few of the features that make Quintana Roo’s islands a hit with travelers.
One particular island is in splendid condition right now. Holbox, a small island off the northern coast of Quintana Roo, is trending with travelers thanks to its quaint coastline and some of the most scenic nature in the sun-soaked region.
With fewer crowds, sargassum-free beaches, and lower nightly rates, the shoulder season is an ideal time to enjoy everything this island paradise has to offer.
With just several weeks to go before thousands of travelers begin flocking to the idyllic destination, here’s why now is the best time to enjoy Holbox.
Low Occupancy Rates
One of the main reasons why travelers should head to Holbox during the next several weeks is the unusually low occupancy rates across the island’s resorts and hotels.
Although Holbox is home to dozens of unique properties, most of them have just a handful of rooms, meaning the island can become extremely crowded during the busy summer and winter season.
@leonamarlene Replying to @Edilia how to get to Isla Holbox 🏝️ #holbox #mexico #travel #holboxisland ♬ Speak Now – Taylor Swift
But in October and most of November, the island enjoys unusually low occupancy rates, with just over half of all rooms sold out. That means that travelers can find great deals on everything from high-end resorts to rustic family-run boutique hotels.
Below-average occupancy rates mean guests can enjoy quieter dining opportunities, emptier pools and private beaches, and better service. But that situation is expected to change from mid-November onwards, as more travelers arrive en masse to the island.
@travelbyram Isla Holbox has some beautiful beaches and amazing food! #islaholbox🏝 #mexicancaribean #budgettravel #travelbyram #mexicotravel ♬ original sound – Owen
Spectacular Sargassum-Free Beaches
Holbox is famous for its quaint beaches, which remain sargassum-free for most of the year. Due to the island’s unique geography, featuring plenty of sand dunes and mangroves, sargassum isn’t nearly as much of an issue as it is in places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the southern portions of the Riviera Maya.
And with the sargassum season officially coming to an end in November, travelers can look forward to pristine postcard-like white-sand beaches. Most beaches in Holbox have very shallow water, making them ideal for outdoor activities for the whole family.
@ferlacayo colorful & sunny days at holbox island 🏝️🌈🫶🏽 #travelholbox #holboxmexico #travelsologirl #travelmexico #holboxlife #holbox2023 #travelinspodaily ♬ som original – super_azores
From snorkeling to diving and everything in between, October and November are some of the best months to enjoy some of the most stunning nature in the Mexican Caribbean.
An Excellent Choice For Budget Travelers
Holbox’s low occupancy rates mean that now is the best time to head to the island for the best deals. Unlike Cancun and the Riviera Maya, where pricy all-inclusive predominate the hospitality scene, travelers can find plenty of low-cost Holbox properties that offer some unique advantages.
@torastravels Do you want a part 2? 🤍🌴🌺🐠 #luxuryhotels #boutiquehotels #luxurytravel #travelbucketlist #exploring #mexico🇲🇽 #holbox #travelinyour30s ♬ Beat Goes On – The All Seeing I
Top-rated boutique hotels such as the stylishly designed Suites Villas el Jardín will set travelers back just several hundred dollars for a three to four-night stay.
Many of Holbox’s stunning properties are beautifully integrated with the island’s lush nature, featuring pools surrounded by palm trees and jungle views. But even more lavish options are competitively priced.
@holboxtourism Come visit us in paradise! 🌴🌺 #holbox #visitmexico #welcometoholbox ♬ Me gustas tú – Tbp🙏🙏🙏
Travelers can find a handful of larger 5-star hotels complete with restaurants, outdoor amenities, and excellent service. There’s even an all-inclusive resort, the Aldea Kuká, Luxury Eco Boutique Hotel, a beachfront property located just a stone’s throw away from the best local bars and restaurants.
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