Travel Light, Stay Stylish: My Isla Holbox Adventure

Hi, I'm Michelle, the Marketing Director at Helene Clarkson, and I wanted to share with you my recent trip to one of my MOST favourite vacation places! I packed the Juniper Pant and the Ada Reversible Top into my backpack because we were traveling ultra-light!

Getting to Holbox isn’t the easiest, but it’s so worth the journey! You’ll fly into Cancún, then take a two-hour drive to the port, followed by a 30-minute ferry ride to the island. The trip may take a little time, but once you’re there, it’s all paradise—car-free, surrounded by jade and turquoise waters, and home to endless sandy beaches and rich wildlife.

This tiny island, once a quiet fishing village, has grown in popularity over the years, yet it still holds onto its laid-back charm and natural beauty.

For the past ten years, Isla Holbox has been my annual escape—my place to unwind, recharge, and soak up its magic. Every trip feels like a return home, where the rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the people, and the sheer natural beauty welcome me back like an old friend.

Where I Stayed: Jungle Vibes & Beach Bliss

I checked into Villas HM Paraiso del Mar, a dreamy spot where the jungle meets the sea. Waking up to the sound of the waves and stepping onto the soft, sandy beach right outside my door was pure bliss. The jade and turquoise waters were warm and shallow, perfect for floating the day away. Holbox, once a quiet fishing village, is growing in popularity, and while tourism is changing its charm, the local community is working hard to preserve its magic.

The Food: From Beachside Bites to Wood-Fired Feasts

Dining al fresco here, with the lull of the sea, the chirping of birds, and the fresh ocean breeze is unforgettable.

At Mantarraya Beach Club, I indulged in the freshest ceviche paired with a daiquiri con maracuyá (passionfruit daiquiri)—a match made in tropical heaven. But a real standout this year was Santos Fuegos, a new wood-fired restaurant that was just so  delicious, I had to go back twice! Every dish was cooked to order over an open flame, and I savoured every bite, especially:

• Adobo-marinated cauliflower with cascabel chile, almonds, green apple mousseline, pickled fennel, and Yucatán lime oil.

• Flank steak marinated in fermented chili paste, served with tomatillo jelly, chimichurri, wood-fired sweet potato, pickles, fresh greens, and sherry vinaigrette.

• Grilled shrimp in dry adobo with roasted plantain emulsion, pickled chilies, and fresh grapefruit.

• Roasted carrots with mandarin compote, creamy avocado, Guerrero cheese, cambray onion oil, and epazote leaves.

Every dish was an explosion of flavour, and I was obsessed with the smoky, earthy taste of everything straight from the fire.

The Sights: Nature, Wildlife & Local Vibes

Holbox is a paradise for nature lovers. I spent my days exploring mangroves, walking along sandbars to secluded beaches, spotting exotic birds, and even swimming with whale sharks. The island has this laid-back, convivial energy that’s impossible to resist.

One of my favourite nighttime spots is La Anémona, a cozy bar run by a mother and son—great drinks, great vibes, and a perfect place to just soak in the Holbox energy. It’s also my go-to for sipping tequila and chatting with locals and fellow travelers.

I make it a point to walk the beach every day, watching the fishermen bring in their catch—sometimes one even cooks up a massive paella right on the sand! As the sun sets, the whole island seems to pause. Sunset in Holbox is a spectacle—EVERYONE gathers to watch. Some local beach bars mark the moment by blowing a conch shell as the last rays disappear beyond the horizon. After dark, bonfires flicker on the sand, taco carts roll out, and you can find everything from marquesitas and crepes to true Neapolitan wood-fired pizza.

Holbox is known for its fresh seafood, so I make sure to have at least one ceviche or aguachile a day—it’s what the island does best! My favourites are Mantarraya Beach Club (as mentioned before) and Restaurante de Pimienta.

For some extra R&R, I indulged in yoga classes, massages, facials, and even took part in an ancient Mayan temazcal ceremony. Of course, simply reading on the beach with a piña colada in hand was an equally perfect way to spend the day.

Packing Light & Staying Stylish with HC Clothing

For cooler nights, I threw on a simple black kimono, and I was set. Best of all, I fit everything into my backpack for an 8-day trip. My HC pieces stayed wrinkle-free, were easy to wash in the sink, dried quickly, and were ready to wear the next day. Travel-friendly, stylish, and effortless—what more could I ask for?

If you’re looking for the perfect travel wardrobe, Helene Clarkson pieces are a game-changer. Trust me—Isla Holbox was an adventure, but staying stylish on the go? That was easy.

xx Michelle

Share Your Travel Story!

Have an unforgettable trip with your HC pieces? We’d love to hear about it! Share your travel stories and photos with us—email michelle@heleneclarkson.com or tag us on social media @heleneclarksondesign. Happy travels! 🌍✨