A secluded property for rustic relaxation between the jungle and the sea

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Isla Holbox’s Jungle Hideaway, Nômade

A secluded property for rustic relaxation between the jungle and the sea

Katie Olsen

28 January 2025

Between the jungle, sand and sea, Nômade Holbox is a wellness-focused, adults-only retreat on Isla Holbox—a small, car-free island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. About 30 minutes on a ferry from Chiquilá (which is a two-hour drive from Cancun, on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico), Isla Holbox provides the opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world – and Nômade encourages that even more thanks to its location, design and experiences.

Nômade is located at the Western end of the island, a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute drive (in a golf cart, which can be rented or hired like taxis) from Holbox’s main town—making it feel extra quiet and secluded. A sandy road leads to the hotel’s open-air reception, which opens out onto a verdant garden with paths leading to the guest rooms, restaurant and bar, pool and beachfront. Contemporary design and natural elements combine throughout the property by way of the architecture, furniture and decor; where thatched rooftops are juxtaposed with steel beams, timber, stone, linens and neutrals.

All 30 rooms are appointed for a maximum of two people at this property, and their indoor-outdoor elements lend a glamping tinge to every stay. At ground level are the Moon Temples; tent-like structures with canvas walls, featuring outdoor bathrooms so guests can soak in the copper tub surrounded by lush palms.

The second room option, the Treehouses, perch above the canopy some seven meters high. They’re only accessible via outdoor spiral staircases, so keep that in mind when booking—and packing. With private rooftops and both an indoor and outdoor shower, these rooms in the sky boast gorgeous views. Last, there are the Ocean Front Suites. With king-sized beds, these are the most spacious and feature outdoor stone baths (as well as an indoor bathroom) and a lounge area right on the beach.

The cornerstone of the hotel’s experiences are the wellness workshops and treatments, all of which have a spiritual skew. There are complimentary workshops every day including everything from yoga to pilates, sound baths, breath-work classes and cacao ceremonies. Additionally there are plenty of private experiences that guests can book and pay for separately. Those include the aforementioned, as well as reiki and various types of massage. 

Often admired by travelers taking a stroll at sunset, the outdoor bar and restaurant La Popular is open to locals and guests alike and serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner—as well as snacks and drinks for hotel guests sunning themselves on the beach throughout the day. Whether enjoying smoothie or a passionfruit margarita, guests can grab a seat at a communal bench, table for two or any of the numerous lounges facing the water.

The entire 26-mile-long island is part of Mexico’s largest ecological preserve, Yum Balam, so guests should expect a rustic stay—replete with some wildlife. Not all of the island or Nômade will be suitable for all types of travelers. The island has very few paved roads and sidewalks and the streets often flood during hurricane season—leaving walking paths tricky to navigate and deep water-filled ditches in the streets. But the Nômade team encourages those who are able to really embrace their surroundings; they even have a wildlife guide to help guests identify all the different creatures they might come across (and what to do if they encounter them) from coati to raccoons and a plethora of birds.

They have ocean-friendly sunscreen available throughout the property and a couple of times a day the mosquitoes are repelled by incense smoke billowing through outdoor communal areas—which can make for a cinematic photo or video for your memories. The property is powered by solar and while drinking from the tap isn’t recommended there are glass bottles that guests can have refilled with filtered water whenever needed. So for those who enjoy flora, fauna and a touch of intrepidness alongside bold design, thoughtful service, sensorial workshops and indulgent treatments, Nômade offers the ultimate experience.