Hotel Secreto remains Cancun’s secret treasure

Hotel Secreto remains Cancun’s secret treasure

Peaceful Isla Mujeres lies just 8 miles off the coast of bustling Cancun, with its towering resorts and nonstop action, but Isla might as well be on another planet.

This tiny fishing village boasts powdery beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters and a laid-back mind-set that invites you to turn that quick stop into days of languid relaxation. And our home-away-from-home was Hotel Secreto, a luxurious, boutique hotel nestled on the island’s Half Moon Beach. (More Mexico Hotels)

Lauded by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the 50 best new hotels in the world when it opened in 2003, Hotel Secreto is still a secret treasure: serene, quiet and luxurious, but just a few minutes’ walk from cafes, shops and the pristine, powder-soft bathing beach on the other side of the island — the very beach featured in all those Corona ads. Come nightfall, the main shopping street turns into a procession of outdoor restaurants, open-air entertainment and friendly faces.Source: contracostatimes.com

We weren’t sure what welcome we’d receive as we arrived at the chic, perfect-for-honeymooners Hotel Secreto with teenagers in tow — even teens as sweet as ours — but we needn’t have worried. The concierge beamed, our luggage was whisked away, and icy, fizzy mimosas (and plain OJ for the kids) were brought to refresh us before we’d even done any paperwork at the front desk.

Modern, Santorini-style architecture, natural materials and blue and white textiles make for serene, beautiful rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking that azure water and the infinity lap pool. We claimed two of the hotel’s nine spacious rooms — three have double beds, six with king size — and spent the rest of our stay paddling in the pool and exploring the tiny island on foot and via rental golf cart.

While teens and spouse went scuba diving with Coral Scuba Dive Center’s excellent guides each day, I had no choice but to lounge poolside on the double-size, terry-covered chaises, reading “Harry Potter” and gazing at the gorgeous views while the bartender kept me supplied with icy, perfect margaritas.

TAKE A PEEK

WHAT: Hotel Secreto, Punta Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico (see hotels in Isla Mujeres).

QUICK TAKE: This boutique hotel on Mexico’s Isla Mujeres boasts gorgeous views and a serene ambience, but it’s a two-minute walk to the island’s bustling restaurants and dive shops.

GOOD LOCATION FOR: Honeymooners or anyone wanting to enjoy peaceful Isla Mujeres with a side of luxury.

ROOM RATES: From $225 to $250, minimum two-night stay; rates include a delicious, but simple breakfast buffet of coffee, pastries, yogurt,stanley furniture and fresh fruit.