The Best Boutique Hotels in Cozumel, Mexico
Discover the offbeat delights of the largest island in the Yucatan, free from the crowds that flock together across the water in Cancún – and book via Culture Trip
Covered in lush forest and fringed with reef, Cozumel, the largest island in the Yucatán, was Hernán Cortés’s gateway to Mexico. The conquistador met Malitzen (La Malinche) here, an enslaved woman of noble origins who became his interpreter and military advisor. Today, cruise ships dock where galleons once arrived. When they leave, it’s far quieter than across the water in Cancún – populated by locals and the few who choose to stay overnight in a scattering of chic boutique hotels. Many are scuba divers: Cozumel has some of the best diving in the Americas.
1. Villas El Encanto
Boutique Hotel
A block from the sea in Cozumel town, with dive shops, restaurants and bars outside the front door, El Encanto sits in tranquil gardens and offers a range of rooms at great-value prices. Best of all are the deluxe suites: a modest upgrade from the standard villas but with bedrooms opening onto secluded private plunge pools and lounge decks, and oodles of extra space, including a dining room and fully equipped kitchen.
2. Casita de Maya Boutique Hotel
Hotel
Just across the road from the international airport, La Casita may be just walking distance from the plane that brought you here, yet with lush garden surrounds and colorful, cozy rooms (painted in warm ochres and sunny yellows and decorated with bright Mexican textiles) – it feels tranquil and secluded. The breakfasts (with generous portions of huevos rancheros) and dinners are authentically Mexican and excellent value. Meanwhile, the staff can organize island tours and excursions.
4. The Explorean Cozumel
Resort
Unlike Cancún or Playa del Carmen, there are sunset-over-the-sea views in Cozumel. At the Explorean, you can see them cocktail-in-hand from the bar-balcony, the extensive lounge areas or the big, jewel-like pool, before retreating to the intimate, minimalist rooms, whose all-white interiors are offset by the lush jungle framed in the wall-to-ceiling windows.
5. Hotel B Unique
Boutique Hotel
The rooms to book at the Unique are the Ocean Front Grands – a little costlier than the standards but with wonderful sea and sunset views from their private balconies and, indeed, from the foot of your bed. There’s no beach, but the hotel infinity pool merges with the open waters, and there’s kayaking and snorkeling right off the shore beyond the yoga deck; the hotel can also organize diving.
6. Hacienda Boutique Cozumel
Boutique Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in Cozumel, the Hacienda Boutique feels like a family home – painted in warm Mexican yellows, pinks and terracottas, with just a handful of rooms, and with public areas dotted with privately collected arts and crafts (hand-woven floral cushions, Taxco silver, kitschy masks from Oaxaca). Breakfasts of Mexican eggs, fruit and pastries are generous, plus there’s a pool, and the hotel is a five-minute cab ride from the airport and the ferry pier.
7. The Landmark Resort of Cozumel
Resort, Hotel
8. Secrets Aura Cozumel
Resort, Hotel
9. Grand Park Royal
Resort, Hotel
10. El Cozumeleño Beach Resort
Resort, Hotel
11. Sunscape Sabor Cozumel
Resort, Hotel
Alex Robinson contributed additional reporting to this article.
Looking for something different? Try booking a stay at one of Cozumel’s best resorts. If you’re on a budget, check out these hostels in Cozumel and book now on Culture Trip.
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