Nick’s “Birthday” Winter Getaway in Holbox
Anni, amori e bicchieri di vino, nun se contano mai. — Years, lovers, and glasses of wine: these things must not be counted.
Nick and Pietro visited Holbox in 2017 and loved it. Since my birthday is over the Christmas/New Year’s holidays when folks are often traveling, I thought we’d gather and celebrate my “uncountable” collection of years properly, over Carnaval weekend, February 21-23.
What’s Holbox?
“Hol-bosh” is a small, laidback island in Quintana Roo, Mexico, two and a half hours northwest of Cancun. The vast majority of the island is the Yum Balam National Reserve. Golf carts and bikes replace cars along streets of sand. There are long wide open beaches, surprisingly good restaurants, and a dozen or so streets decorated with remarkable street art and murals. This is unwind territory: flip flops, beach lounging under palapas cover, sunset cocktails. It’s a step back to a 1960’s style Mexico.
On almost every building you’ll find street art — from murals to grocery store lettering
When?
The weekend of Carnaval, February 21-23; we’ll probably get there mid-week, and leave Sunday or Monday. Carnaval runs February 19-25. The island celebrates in a very big way, with lots of well coordinated troupes, live music, and dancing. It’s a dispersed celebration, not a single large event, with well-coordinated wildly-dressed troupes popping up here and there all over town throughout the week.
Carneval troupes popup all over town
Where to stay?
Our plans are in progress, but the focus of beach-day activities and sunset cocktails will likely be around ALMA Bar on the north beach side of the island; there are a number of beachfront hotels here. We stayed in the downtown area last time and it’s an easy 15 minute walk. Avoid the area south of the airport due to distance. There aren’t big-brand resorts on the island, but plenty of villas and bungalows at a range of prices. Depending on your interest, we may try to rent a house or villa together. Please RSVP below.
ALMA Beach Bar has chill tunes, great drinks, and sunset views
How to get there?
From the Cancun airport, there are private shuttles to Chiquila Port, ~$50USD a person, about two hours. Alternatively, if you plan to tour before or after, you can rent a car and drive to Chiquila Port; family run parking lots charge around $7USD/day. From there, everyone takes the ferry to the island. There is also a runway on the island for flight geeks who would enjoy a unique but spendy 5 seater private flight from Cancun airport.
What else to know?
No gifts, no cakes, no strippers. The essentials are in place — electricity, plumbing, great food and drink, bottled water — and somewhat reliable WiFi and signal. It’s very safe, even at night. It’s the wrong season to swim with whale sharks, but snorkel or birdwatching boat trips might be on the agenda. No bugs or mosquitos.
What should I do next?
Let us know if you can make it below. We’ll be in touch regarding places to stay as we know more.
Thanks for coming!
Postscript: it was a (noisy) blast. Stay tuned for next year—we think this will become a regular event.