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Hotel Secreto Isla Mujeres, Mexico
WHAT: Under an hour from Cancun’s crowds, Isla Mujeres is a tiny island 8 miles off Mexico’s Caribbean coast. With its must-visit Mayan temple, pristine diving spots and sandy beaches, it’s the antidote to rowdy spring breakers.
WHY: Equally popular with backpackers and all-inclusive types, Isla Mujeres’ hotels are mostly cheap two-stars and pricey resorts. The Hotel Secreto, however, is a sleek, unique boutique — with 12 rooms housed in a white-washed shell. Rooms feature minimalist interiors along with spacious balconies and prime sea views. The continental breakfast is a riot of tasty, tropical local fruits. Lunch and dinner can be ordered in.
WHERE: The hotel is set behind a discreet wooden door off an unassuming alleyway and fronts a secluded slice of Caribbean Sea shore close to North Beach, the island’s best stretch of sand. It’s also near Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, home to endless shops, restaurants and ice cream parlors. WORKING WELL: The hotel’s infinity-edged swimming pool is what lures visitors back year after year. Perched on a precipice facing straight out to the sea, the pool offers almost Aman levels of tranquility at far cheaper prices. Switch between this angular oasis and the rocky beach just down below.
NEEDS WORK: Folks looking for full-service dining should definitely book elsewhere.
DON’T MISS: The gym, which is surprisingly well equipped with just about every machine imaginable. There’s also a great personal trainer.
DETAILS: From $188; hotelsecreto.com. — David Kaufman