Chasing Summer and Deepening Friendships on a Journey to Holbox, Mexico

Prologue:

Sometimes travel and personal growth go together like a Mariachi and a finely tuned Guitarron.

As was the case on my recent visit to Isla Holbox, Mexico. You see, a few months ago I was doing an exercise where I listed out my top personal priorities. I first listed physical health, then mental health, and then personal relationships.

A problem instantly dawned on me. I spend time every day working on the first two — why wasn’t I spending the same amount of attention on the people I care about? If relationships are so important to me, why wasn’t I spending more of my time on them?

When two of my closest friends invited me along with their two children on a vacation to the beautiful Isla Holbox , I saw it as an opportunity to experience something new while strengthening some important bonds.

Arrival:

“Uncle Tom!” my friends’ five year old yells, unironically, after I arrive to meet them at Cancun Airport.

We have flown in separately and all immediately embrace with margaritas in hand. From the airport, a scenic two-hour van transfer will bring us to Chiquilá, where a short 20-minute ferry ride will whisk us away to Isla Holbox. Compared to my usual destinations, Isla Holbox didn't immediately call out to me. Not because it lacked appeal, but because it lacked my favorite beach activity—surfing. However, this remote island off the Yucatan Peninsula's northern coast has an allure that exceeds expectations.

With its pristine white-sand beaches, delectable Mexican cuisine, laid-back ambiance, abundant sun, vibrant culture, and even a touch of adventure, Holbox is a destination that deserves a spot on your travel radar.

Hopping off the ferry, I was immediately impressed. Holbox stood in stark contrast to the sprawling resorts found in other parts of Mexico. As we traveled the island's dirt roads on a Gator Utility Vehicle Taxi, passing by charming Mexican cantinas and colorful souvenir stands, Holbox stood out as a refreshing change from the bustling tourist hubs. In fact, throughout my visit, the lack of American tourists was striking—Holbox is a haven for travelers seeking a more offbeat experience.

We posted up at the Villas HM Paraíso del Mar, an all-inclusive resort that surprised me with its small, boutique feel and diverse clientele of Mexican nationals and European families. While I'm not usually drawn to all-inclusive accommodations, this one killed it. The food was phenomenal, with a wide range and rotation of delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The resort's smaller, shallow pool and fountain were a hit with the children, and the attentive staff went above and beyond to cater to their needs (thanks, Geovanni!).

The island is small and easy to navigate. There aren’t cars on the roads, and travel is done by foot, Gator, or bicycle. When it wasn’t too hot, we rode bikes into town to check out local shops, bars, and restaurants. We picked up some toys for the kids and matching (and handsome) Mexican-Western style belts for the grown men.

During our stay, there was quite a bit of rain. It was mostly while we slept, so it didn’t interrupt our activities. But it did flood the streets, presenting more opportunities for relaxation, with extra time spent by the hotel pool or on the beachfront.

What to do in Holbox:

Holbox boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Mexico. Picture yourself strolling along powdery white sand, with gentle waves slapping at your feet. The absence of large resorts and crowds adds to the island's charm, providing an intimate and peaceful beach experience. And the beach is perfect for kids. It’s a massive sandbar, and you can wade out hundreds of yards without it getting deep. It’s flat and calm and perfect for children to get their sea legs.
Spend some time in the laid-back atmosphere of Holbox Town. This little fishing village is home to authentic restaurants, colorful houses, quaint shops, and street art.
Whale Shark Tours: While I didn’t make it out, Holbox is a destination for Whale sharks from June to September. There are tour signs all around the island promoting the chance to embark on the adventure, plunging into the ocean to swim alongside these magnificent creatures.
Holbox also has another popular attraction: Bioluminescence. When conditions are just right, the waters surrounding the island come alive with millions of microscopic organisms, emitting a soft, blue-green light.
Get some slick photos for your blog by reaching out to Daniela Sosa.

Hawt Tip: Get a flow in with Sam at Samah Wellness. Her group yoga class takes place right on the beach, and she finishes it with soothing sound healing.

What I learned:

Vacationing with two kids is a new adventure for me. And it looked tough for the parents. While I enjoyed pampering at the resort and was free to come and go as I pleased, my friends spent their vacation saving lives. I learned a new appreciation for the daily lives of my friends with kids.
I brought my drone to learn to fly it on the island. It’s going to be a great tool for my blogging career, but unfortunately, this outing made me realize using it will be tougher than I first imagined. Between getting it stuck in a tree and finding out drones weren’t permitted on the island, I didn’t get the flight time I had hoped for. Regardless, the drone is sick and will help me get some cool pics and videos on my future travels.
Just as my focus on personal and mental growth took me away from working on personal relationships, working on personal relationships can come at the expense of other priorities. That’s fine and results in balance if done appropriately. Over-indulging in drinks and food with my friends for a few days may hurt my physical health but is worth it to strengthen personal relationships with people I care about. I need to be flexible and embrace every opportunity to grow and explore different aspects of life.

El Final

As we said our third “Goodbye”, I stepped into the taxi and began my trip home.

I imagined teary eyes, heaving screams, and fists banging into walls upon my departure. And I imagined that my friends’ children were upset too.

After spending nearly ten hours a day together for four days, we not only managed to avoid killing each other, but also strengthened our bonds and made plans for another trip in August (blog tease).

As I boarded my ferry to depart, I ignored the alluring eyes of the two European backpackers, sat down by myself for the first time in days, and felt the deep satisfaction of a successful trip.