PHOTO: Marlon Krieger

Fodor's Expert Review Sin Duda Villas

Name: Sin Duda Villas
Address: Xcalak Peninsula, 60 km (33 mi) south of Majahual, Xcalak, Quintana Roo, 77109, Mexico
Telephone: 1-306-500–3240
Price range: $$

Xcalak Peninsula, 60 km (33 mi) south of Majahual, Xcalak, Quintana Roo 77109, Mexico See on Map Fodor's Choice

Luis Fernando Dominguez Mora

A house built by an artist and architect a few years back, far away for civilization in one of the edges of the country. Located in a secluded peninsula between the Caribbean Sea and a spectacular lagoon, Sin Duda Villas is an experience in itself. This is not about the building or the rooms, but about the magical place that’s all around.

Photo: Beach stairs

room

You can choose between individual rooms, full apartments and studio apartments. The whole place has a feeling of a hostel or a Bed & Breakfast. Décor is very casual and colorful, it’s more a home than a hotel. All rooms have access to some kind of kitchen, either full or shared. There is also a rooftop terrace with stunning ocean and jungle views.

For some privacy, try booking the Studio Selva, which is located on the second floor of a separate building.

Photo: Beach stairs

bathroom

These are simple bathrooms at best. Think of the bathrooms in your house, and you’ll get an idea, but these are older and rustic. However, they are clean and cute. They function properly and that’s all you can expect in a remote corner of the world like this one.

Photo: Mayan Cocina - Kitchen/Living Room/Libray shared by double rooms

lobby

There is not a proper lobby in the main building, more like a little living room where guests can sit while they get their rooms ready.

Photo: Mayan Cocina - Kitchen/Living Room/Libray shared by double rooms

Photo: Sunrise. It never gets old.

pool

No pool needed. The Mesoamerican Reef is right in front of the property and it creates what seems like a huge natural swimming pool, or more accurately, your own personal aquarium

Photo: Sunrise. It never gets old.

Photo: Balcony breakfast / Scott Cloutier

dining

For dining you have a diversity of options that include cold beer, soda, yogurt, granola, milk, sugar and coffee from the Chiapas Highlands. It may be a good idea to bring your own supplies.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Although beautiful as few places in the world, the same remoteness that makes it so alluring, can be a bit too much for some people. Make sure to bring all you may need before leaving more civilized areas of the country.

Photo: Balcony breakfast / Scott Cloutier

drinking

At sunset, there are complimentary Margaritas by the fire pit. Quite an experience.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Getting here and getting around is not easy. Let’s put it straight – you will need a car, so renting one at the Cancun International Airport would be a smart move. You should get to this faraway paradise after about 5 hours. If you want to make some trips or eat outside, car is a necessity, there is nothing but beach and jungle within walking distance.

Restaurants

Let’s repeat it. There is nothing around but beach, ocean and jungle. Your closest option to eat out is at the growing town of Mahahual. There are some interesting options to choose from and if you wake up early enough to get here in the morning, Panaderia La Tartaleta (90-minute drive) has good coffee and fresh, warm bread. If you want a place loved by the locals, chose Sulumar (90-minute drive) and enjoy the fresh catch of the day cooked for you by the beach. Delicious!

Bars

The nearest bar is obviously at Mahuahual, too. Yaya Beach (90-minute drive) is a pleasant beach bar with very decent Mojitos and great views over the Carribbean. There is also Costa Maya Swim Up Bar (90-minute drive) in the cruise terminal area if you prefer to sip your drink in a pool and enjoy competitions with other guests.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Because of its weird, secluded and stunning location. This place is nature at its best: the Caribbean Sea, the jungle, the Laguna Santa Julia and the Mesoamerican reef, it’s just too much beauty. Forget about the physical premises of the property, focus on what’s around, and you’ll love it as much as we do.