Casa Balam Holbox

The sand-street guesthouse on Av. Damero, Casa Balam Holbox sits five minutes on foot from the town's main square and the golf-cart taxi stand, with the car-free island's north beach a short walk beyond — a fit for travelers who prefer a shared-kitchen, garden-set stay over resort-style rooms.

Guests cook at a communal stovetop and share bathrooms off a hardwood-floored common area opening onto an outdoor pool and dining terrace. Laundry and drying racks handle the humidity; a tour desk arranges fishing and whale shark trips.

Parking is on-site, unusual for Holbox's sand-only streets.