nav bar
Luxury Latin America logo

Discover the finest hotels and journeys in Mexico, Central America, and South America


Hotel Las Nubes Holbox — Mexico


Paseo Kuka s/n, Esq. Calle Camaron, Playa Norte. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo


With an "end of the world" feeling at the edge of Holbox Island's population zone, this striking resort perched over the sea offers panoramic views, a good restaurant, and a spa.

Las Nubes Hotel

Las Nubes Resort is the longest possible distance from the town and where the ferry arrives, but that's not really a big inconvenience in an area where a ten-minute golf cart ride can get you almost anywhere you need to go. On Isla Holbox, the lack of cars keeps the populated area relatively compact. This location at the end of the road, however, means the beach area feels quite private and on the far side there's nothing but a protected wildlife reserve. If you take out one of the kayaks at high tide, you can paddle a bit to the right and spot flocks of pink flamingos near the shore while pelicans dive into the water further out.

Dining at Las Nubes Holbox
© Hotel Las Nubes Holbox

A set of lounge chairs face the shallow water, while a long deck area hosts more places to sit as well as the outdoor part of the main restaurant. El Sabor de Las Nubes restaurant gets high marks for its seafood dishes, including lobster and just-caught fish, and colorful cocktails. Tables are set up with Mexican pottery and hand-blown glass, with colorful woven placemats. This is a gorgeous place to take in the sunset at night.

Sitting on the Terrace @ Las Nubes

One of the pools is long enough for laps and also faces the water, making it a popular place at sunset too. Two other pools are in shadier areas of the property and one of them has a sometimes-staffed bar next to it.

The lounge, in the main building, is open until 11 at night and is an inviting space, with sofas and a full bar. There's a TV here to gather for sporting events and a good sound system otherwise.

Orquidia is a full spa on site at Las Nubes, offering single treatments up to full-blown spa days with a "mystic Mayan ritual" all planned out. The spa uses only organic products and the individual treatment bungalows (one with a large outdoor tub for two) are fashioned from wood, bamboo, and thatch.

The resort offers complimentary bicycles to rent for exploring the island and some non–motorized crafts for going out on the water. You can set up excursions with the staffers here to go on fishing trips, see the whale sharks, or take a romantic sailing trip.

The 28 spacious rooms are in a variety of seven categories, some facing the water and some in the lush vegetation or next to one of the three swimming pools. Otherwise they're priced by size. Skip the smallest ones as a junior suite is only marginally more in the rates, or go for one of the master suites to have a separate living room and a balcony.

Holbox Island Rooms
© Hotel Las Nubes Holbox

The decorations are spare and rare, with the designer preferring to highlight the adobe–look white walls and heavy wood beams. The clean, muted look is in stark contrast to the riot of color you find in the other top hotels here. Of course with the ocean–facing rooms, there's plenty of shifting color in the water and the sky throughout the day. All units have air conditioning, included Wi–Fi, rain showers, and hammocks, while some of the suites have a minibar and TV.

Waterfront in Holbox Island

Both of Las Nubes' competitors have the edge in some categories, this is the best resort on the island if you're looking for privacy, a full spa, and a waterfront location that's truly away from it all.

Web Address: www.hotellasnubesdeholbox.com
Total Number of Rooms: 28
Published rates: $220 - $695 BB

Review by Timothy Scott, photos by author except where indicated.


Return to the best hotels on Holbox Island
Return to luxury tours and travel in Mexico