This Is Mexico's Most-visited Region-but It Still Offers Quiet, Under-the-radar Gems If You Know Where to Look

"Quintana Roo is consistently Mexico's most-visited state. Travelers flock here for blue waters rich in snorkeling and dive sites, powder-soft sands, ancient Maya cities cocooned by jungle, and a proliferation of rowdy bars, clubs, and all-inclusive resorts. But as millions of sun-hungry travelers pack their bags for Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum this winter, remember there are still pockets of secluded paradise to be found and cherished along Mexico's Caribbean coastline."

"Holbox (pronounced hol- bosh) translates to "black hole" in the Yucatec Mayan language, likely for the deep, dark lagoon that separates the island from the mainland. It's a moniker that belies this island's sun-kissed swaths of beach, aquamarine water, and standing invitation to relax and unplug. Because cars are not permitted, exploring on foot, by bicycle, and by golf cart sets a slower pace."

"The beaches have a gradual slope, so everyone can enjoy the water safely; spots for snorkeling and diving abound, with opportunities to experience jaw-dropping bioluminescence and the world's largest known concentration of migrating whale sharks, May through September. Most of the island is within the 150,000-acreYum Balam "Lord Jaguar" Nature Reserve. Home to monkeys, hawksbill sea turtles, manatees, and flamingos-and a quick ferry ride from the mainland-Holbox is an inviting spot to explore nature and relax into slow movement and mindfulness."

Quintana Roo attracts the most visitors in Mexico for its blue waters, abundant snorkeling and dive sites, powder-soft sands, ancient Maya cities hidden in jungle, and a lively array of bars, clubs, and all-inclusive resorts. Despite heavy tourism in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, secluded pockets remain along the Caribbean coastline. Isla Holbox provides a car-free, slow-paced escape with gently sloping beaches, aquamarine water, snorkeling, bioluminescence, and the world's largest known concentration of migrating whale sharks from May through September. Much of Holbox sits within the Yum Balam "Lord Jaguar" Nature Reserve, supporting monkeys, hawksbill turtles, manatees, and flamingos.

Read at Travel + Leisure