Ser Casasandra

Not Cassandra, but CasaSandra. As in Sandra’s place — a Cuban-born writer and artist named Sandra Pérez, who has transformed a little strip of coast on Isla Holbox, just offshore from the Yucatán peninsula, into a pared-down, unpretentious, stylish little beach resort. It’s intended to be as much like a home as a hotel can reasonably be, just a 17 rooms and one luxury villa spread among a few low buildings with sunset views over the sea.

It was designed by Pérez herself, making use of local artisan-made or antique furnishings (as well as design pieces by Patricia Urquiola) to create an effortless bohemian feeling that fits well with the low-key anti-resort vibe of the place. The accommodations are luxe, with fine linens and all the comforts you really need, but no messing about with marble or gold trim, or any of the other trappings of the modern ultra-luxury boutique hotel.

Here the luxury is in the tranquil, glamorous atmosphere, and in the small things, like the beach with its grass-roofed palapas and the hammocks strewn about the property. Here bird-watching and shark-spotting tours (don’t worry, they’re friendly whale sharks, nothing vicious) take the place of jet-skis and speedboats. There’s a delightful poolside bar and the impressively relaxing Spa Casa de Alma, as well as a restaurant by the celebrated chef Roberto Solis, specializing in contemporary Yucatán cuisine.

How to get there:
Ser Casasandra is approximately a 2-hour drive from Cancún International Airport.