Holbox Island

Hotbox Island, Mexico: A Couples' Vacation

Today, I'm excited to share a trip my husband and I took to Hotbox Island, Mexico back in February. It was an experience that was truly unforgettable from start to finish. If you're looking for inspiration for your next couples' adventure, read on for a glimpse into our sun-soaked escape filled with luxury, local cuisine, and travel hacks!

Flying in Style: First Class from Chicago to Cancun Our journey began with the ultimate treat—flying first class on United Airlines from Chicago to Cancun. Thanks to some great welcome bonuses from these cards we were able to use reward points to book these flights and enjoyed the VIP treatment all the way.

Luxurious Stay at Palapas del Mar Once we arrived in Cancun, we met up with our driver and were driven approximately 2 hours to the City of Chiquila. From Chiquila we boarded the Holbox Express Ferry that took us to Holbox. Once we arrived on Holbox we found a golf cart taxi that took us to our stunning accommodation, Palapas del Mar. This beachfront resort embodied elegance and comfort, providing us with a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the town center . The expansive views of the Caribbean Sea from our suite instantly put us in vacation mode.

Exploring Local Restaurants A major highlight of any trip for us is exploring the local food scene, and Hotbox Island did not disappoint. We dined at some incredible restaurants, indulging in fresh seafood, a lot of authentic Mexican dishes, and a few fun cocktails. One of our favorite spots to stop by almost every afternoon was a charming beachside bar called, Capitan Capitan Beach Club where we savored a few Modelos and authenic Mexican appetizers while watching the sunset—a true feast for the senses.

Another restaurant that quickly became a favorite of ours was Viva Zapata. With sandy dirt floor, open air kitchen and dining room, the atompsphere was something we loved. We sampled many amazing items off of their menu and none of them disappointed.

Beach Days at Mosquito Beach No beach vacation is complete without lazy days by the sea. Mosquito Beach, with its powdery sand and crystal-clear waters, became our go-to spot for relaxation. To get to Mosquito Beach you have to walk through anything from ankle to waist deep ocean water to get there. Mosquito Beach is a sand bar located east of the city center. Pack a few towels, snacks and a lot of sunscreen as there are no trees for shade. It's a great spot to hike to in the morning or mid afternoon. Be sure to watch your step as you are walking there...we saw a lot of fish and a few sting rays on our walks.

The Beauty of Travel Hacking One of the secrets to making this trip extra special was our use of travel rewards. We "travel hacked" our way to luxury by leveraging our Capital One Venture Rewards Card. We used the signup bonus from this card to "wipe out" a fair amount of our room cost. We also used United points which we got by transferring from our Chase Rapid Reward Points to United which allowed us to fly first class. Before takeoff, we indulged in the comforts of the United Lounge at O'Hare, treating ourselves to a delicious breakfast and a pre-flight drink.

As our time on Hotbox Island came to an end, we couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experiences we shared. From romantic dinners to strapping on our backpacks and exploring the island, every moment was a treasure. This getaway was a reminder of the joy of traveling together and discovering new corners of the world.

Hotbox Island, Mexico, exceeded all our expectations, offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and pure romance. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first escape with your partner or friend, this destination promises magic at every turn. Don't hesitate to explore the possibilities—pack your bags, collect those reward points, and embark on your very own Hotbox Island adventure. Until next time, happy travels!