Swimming with Mexico's Whale Sharks

Villas Palapas Del Mar

Location
Holbox Island, Mexico

Villas Palapas del Mar is a small hotel just steps from the Caribbean Sea on Holbox Island. Built with astute consciousness for the environment, 52 rooms are dispersed among 15 two-story villas. Arranged around two large swimming pools and a palm-studded white sand beach, the relaxed, secluded, unhurried experience puts you close to nature in this small fishing village.

Each villa has a thatched roof and bright whitewashed walls inside and out. Architectural accents include kiln-dried wood and splashes of colorful upholstery that permeate cozy cushions and throws. Each junior suite has two queen beds, an en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, air conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite television, refrigerator and safe, with Wi-Fi available. Meals are taken on the restaurant’s colorful open terrace, where menus focus on fresh local ingredients and traditional Mexican flavors.

Azul Beach Hotel

Location
Bahia Petempich (10 min north of Puerto Morelos)

The Azul Beach Hotel is an intimate, all-inclusive resort hotel that lies amidst lush vegetation overlooking the crystalline turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Nothing pretentious, this understated boutique hotel offers a host of included services, stylish décor, a great beach, creative drinks and innovative cuisine. Each room is just a quick stroll from the beach and designed especially for relaxation and tranquility. In complement to pure rest, optional sports, fitness and recreational activities will invigorate your body and spirit. And finally, with the eclectic, international assortment of culinary offerings found in the hotel’s friendly restaurant, you can treat yourself to anything from casual fare to sophisticated, palate-pleasing indulgences.