Nomade Holbox — Hotel in Isla Holbox

A Hidden Gem of Holbox: Nomade’s Signature Approach to Hospitality

Informality is a quality that must be earned, and Nomade Holbox has certainly mastered the art of blending an unpretentious, eco-conscious ethos with thoughtful, luxurious hospitality. This beautifully curated boutique property is a secluded oasis, tucked away on a quiet corner of the island—a sanctuary of peace and simplicity that was exactly what we were searching for.

From the moment we arrived at 9 p.m., the experience was extraordinary. Fabian greeted us with a smile so genuine that it immediately set the tone for the rest of our stay. The team at Nomade doesn’t just learn your name; they use it as a thread of connection throughout your time there. Inspired by their kindness, we made an effort to remember their names too—a small gesture that added a layer of mutual warmth to the experience.

The beach at Nomade was pristine, free of seaweed, and remarkably mosquito-free—something we didn’t find elsewhere on the island. It’s clear that care for the environment and guest comfort go hand-in-hand here.

The culinary experience at La Popular, Nomade’s restaurant, was flawless. Every dish was crafted with such thoughtfulness, and there was no trace of the typical traveler’s stomach issues—only clean, vibrant flavors. The chef often sent out small surprises, like wellness shots at breakfast, that elevated every meal into something memorable. One of the highlights of the trip was the night we bought a 1.4kg lobster directly off the boat, which the chef transformed into a spectacular dinner with pasta. It was, without a doubt, one of the best meals we had during our entire stay.

Morning yoga sessions in the Moroccan-style tent at 8:30 a.m. became a cherished ritual for us. Starting the day in such a serene, thoughtfully designed space was rejuvenating.

At the beach club, Antonio (Tony) and Daniella brought an incredible energy. Tony, in particular, deserves special praise for his consistency and exceptional service. He made sure we were well taken care of throughout the day, offering great recommendations for activities and dining that made our stay even more special.

Evenings at Nomade were filled with live music that perfectly complemented the vibe of the property. While I wish they offered live performances every night, the ones we experienced were magical and left us wanting more.

One of the highlights of our stay was the walk to downtown, about 20 minutes along the beach with occasional detours around other properties. It was one of the most enjoyable walks I’ve ever taken—an effortless blend of beauty and adventure that added to the charm of staying slightly off the beaten path.

Eric at the front desk deserves special recognition. His attentiveness and problem-solving abilities went far beyond the expected. When my wife urgently needed a visa photo with a white background, Eric somehow found a professional backdrop for us—an effort that truly speaks to the level of care the staff provides. At Nomade, your problems become their problems, and their dedication makes every moment of your stay effortless and memorable.

Staying at Nomade Holbox taught me an important lesson: luxury isn’t about high-end finishes or polished edges. Those are nice to have, but they pale in comparison to the essence of true hospitality—personal attention, genuine connections, and a deep appreciation for the little things that transform a trip into something unforgettable.

Nomade Holbox isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a reminder to slow down, savor life’s simple pleasures, and immerse yourself in the beauty of meaningful...

Honeymoon nightmare - overpriced & miserable

We booked Nomade Holbox for our honeymoon, expecting a high-end retreat, but instead, we got a frustrating and overpriced experience that left us deeply disappointed.

Wellness Program – Mismanaged and Deceptive The wellness program was the main reason we chose Nomade Holbox, and it was a complete letdown. When we arrived, the only thing offered was a morning yoga class. After speaking to the manager, they reluctantly added Aqua Magica, which, to their credit, was good, as was the yoga. However, considering what’s available during high season, we were left with practically nothing to do. The hotel failed to inform us in advance that most of their wellness offerings would be canceled during low season. This was unacceptable and left us feeling like we were getting a budget experience for luxury prices.

Arrival – Mosquito Nightmare We arrived in an ATV taxi, and the moment we stepped off, we were attacked by mosquitoes and sand flies. Within minutes, we both had about 30 bites each. The hotel gave no warning about the mosquito problem. This wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was downright traumatic. It only got worse when we tried to have dinner outside during twilight and had to retreat because of the constant swarms. A place charging these prices should take better care of guest comfort or at least warn guests about what to expect.

Bathroom – Outdoor and Unbearable To make matters worse, the toilet and sink were outside, completely exposed to the mosquitoes. This made using the bathroom a nightmare. Every trip to the toilet or sink was unpleasant and stressful. For a hotel charging luxury prices, this setup is inexcusable. No guest should have to endure this.

Room – Too Dim to Function The room was so dark we had to use a torch to eat inside because the lighting was impractical. While I understand the concept of dim lighting for ambiance, there was no way to brighten the room, making it extremely uncomfortable. We asked for an extra lamp, which we were promised, but it never arrived. This lack of basic service made the experience all the more frustrating.

No Upgrade or Compensation Despite being our honeymoon and voicing multiple complaints, we weren’t offered any upgrade, discount, or form of compensation. The staff’s lack of concern for guest satisfaction was appalling.

Food – Overpriced and Limited Options The food was overpriced and mediocre at best. There were very few vegetarian or vegan options for dinner, which was disappointing. One morning, I was served a black avocado, and instead of replacing it, the chef and waiter defended it. At these prices, this is unacceptable.

Lack of Indoor Dining Given the mosquito problem, you’d think there would be an indoor restaurant option with air conditioning, but no. You’re forced to deal with the mosquitoes if you want to dine at the hotel, adding to the misery.

Overall – Avoid at All Costs Nomade Holbox failed us in every way. From the wellness program to the food, the dark room, and the mosquito infestation, it felt like a scam. The lack of consideration for guest comfort and the absence of any compensation for our horrible experience made it clear that this hotel is all hype and no substance. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place entirely, especially if you're planning a...

Glorified Camping for $500 a Night

If you're looking for a luxury experience, DO NOT stay here. This place bills itself as a premium getaway, but it is, at best, glorified camping – for $500 a night. We had high expectations, but this ended up being one of the worst experiences we've had on a supposed "luxury" holiday.

Arrival and First Impressions: We arrived via private transfer, which was a blessing because, frankly, the taxi ride from Holbox port would’ve soured us instantly. Holbox itself, as Genesis (the only helpful staff member) explained, isn’t in great shape due to the hurricane, though locals were quick to tell us that over-tourism is really to blame. Either way, the island looked run-down, and it was clear that this wasn't what we'd expected.

Room Issues: We booked a Jungle Treehouse, excited for the experience, but upon seeing the room, we were shocked. The “queen bed” advertised was a 4ft 6in bed – not even a proper queen size. The entire room was cramped and underwhelming, so we refused to stay in it. We were then downgraded to a “Moon Temple” room – essentially a glamping pod with a bit of driftwood to make it look nicer. The “outdoor bathroom” was also a huge disappointment. Imagine using the facilities while everyone can see you! It was an uncomfortable and very awkward experience.

Attempts to Leave: We tried to leave the hotel and get our money back, but they refused to refund us. After spending two miserable nights in the pod, we finally moved into a beachfront suite (for an additional cost), which was marginally better. During the day, the suite had a nice terrace and private sunbed, but that's about where the positives ended.

The suite was located near the hotel bar, which played loud, obnoxious music until past 11pm every night. The walls and ceilings are canvas, so we heard everything – including couples in nearby rooms. To make it worse, due to the current state of Holbox, motorbikes were speeding up and down the beach all night, adding to the noise and ruining any chance of relaxation.

Service and Management: The restaurant staff were overly pushy about tips, even though a 15% service charge was already included on the bill. When we tried to voice our concerns to the management, we were met with indifference. There was no one to speak to, just a guy walking around in white linen who seemed completely unhelpful. I witnessed other guests shouting at him as well, so we weren’t the only ones frustrated with the lack of proper service.

Location and Accessibility: This hotel is far from the centre of Holbox, which means you’ll have to pay a premium (300 MXN each way) for a taxi ride to explore the town or get a decent meal. The locals were not particularly welcoming to tourists either, making the whole experience feel even more isolating.

No Resolution: When we checked out and complained about all the issues (and I haven’t even covered everything), the response was simply, “It’s not for everyone.” No apology, no compensation, nothing. Just a dismissive attitude.

I’m not one to complain, but this genuinely felt like a scam.

P.S. - If you're looking for a better Holbox experience, when we were trying to get out money back we found a beautiful hotel called Ser Cassandra, in a way better location and the staff were super...