Hotel Secreto Isla Mujeres

Hotel Secreto is a small, design-minded hotel on the beach on the western side of Isla Mujeres, in the Centro neighbourhood within easy reach of the town. It is a favourite with couples, and it sits at the upper end of the price range here, in the same league as the adults-only resorts but with the intimacy of a boutique. The rooms are the draw: they are described as ocean view and measure about 441 square feet, with a king bed and a large twin sofa bed, so they sleep up to three, and the three categories differ mainly by floor. The deluxe rooms are on the second and third floors, the executive rooms on the fourth, and the superior rooms on the ground floor. Higher floors tend to have the better outlook, so choose according to whether you value the view or easy access to the garden and pool. The facilities are modest in number but well chosen. There is an outdoor pool with sun loungers, a full-service spa, a small gym, an elevator, a 24-hour front desk and a concierge who can help with tours and tickets for snorkelling, catamaran trips and visits to Isla Contoy. Guests often mention the rooftop bar as a highlight for sunset drinks. Rooms include air conditioning, a safe, rainfall showers, free toiletries, a desk and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is not always part of the rate, so check what is included when you book, and ask about dining options on the island, which range from simple taco counters to fine seafood restaurants within a short walk. Location is a strength. The hotel is within about a five-minute walk of the heart of town, and Playa Norte, the island's famous shallow white-sand beach, is around nine minutes on foot. The Punta Norte lighthouse is a similar distance, and the ferry terminal is close, so arrivals from Cancun are easy. Most of the island's restaurants, bars, shops and tour offices are within a short stroll, which means you can leave the golf cart parked for much of the day. Free self parking is available for those who do bring a vehicle, and a cart or taxi will take you to Punta Sur and Garrafon at the island's southern end. The atmosphere is calm, adult and quietly stylish, which suits honeymoons, anniversaries and travellers who want to feel they have found somewhere a little apart. The hotel is smoke-free and does not accept pets. It is not the right choice for a family that wants a children's club or a big resort pool, and rooms are on the compact side for larger groups, so think about whether three people sharing a king and a sofa bed will be comfortable. Isla Mujeres has hot, humid summers, a hurricane season that runs through autumn and a drier, breezier winter and spring that is the busiest and most expensive time. Book early for December to April and for holiday weeks, and consider the shoulder months for better value. Check the full price including taxes and any resort fee before you confirm.