Acamaya Reef

First opened in the mid-1980s, at one point in time the Acamaya Reef offered a variety of rooms and cabanas to guests at their small, beachfront property just north of Puerto Morelos. However, various hurricanes over the years and the passage of time have worn things down a bit, and these days the husband and wife duo who operate the property only have six small bungalows available. It’s an intimate, remote hotel that's best for those without any pretensions. Things here are quiet and simple -- the whole property is defined by wood, thatched roofs, and sand, with tropical undergrowth throughout. While simple, there are hints of life that the couple have breathed into it over the years. The husband is a painter, and his works of art can be found throughout the hotel, both in the rooms and the restaurant. There are additional handcrafted elements throughout, and it’s easy to see that this project was once a labor of love that has aged a bit since its original opening. Solo travelers and couples make up the bulk of guests here, not surprising given the laid-back and beachy vibe.

There is absolutely nothing in the direct vicinity of Acamaya Reef as far as nightlife or culture goes, but the main draw here is the beach, which is lovely. A couple of resorts flank either side of the property, but they are all-inclusive and the guests mostly keep to themselves. It’s fairly tranquil -- excepting the occasional party at the all-inclusives -- and there’s nothing more going on here than sand, sea, and sun. It's a 10-minute drive into Puerto Morelos, where there are a few bars and other options for entertainment. The wilder nightlife of Cancun is a 40-minute drive north from here, while comparably more tranquil Tulum is about 70 minutes to the south by car. Expect at least two hours by car to reach the famous Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. The closest major airport is in Cancun.

There are six bungalows here and all are on the small side, with bare-bones style and just a touch of color in the soft furnishings and bed linens. There’s some rustic wood furniture throughout -- though some rooms have a mix simple dorm-style or plastic furniture -- plus paintings and art pieces from the owners. There's a not insignificant amount of wear on everything, from scratches in furniture to stains on walls. Amenities from room to room, but may include small, flat-screen TVs, fans, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning depending on the unit. Wi-Fi is throughout the property, but the signal isn’t always the best in rooms. Bathrooms are likewise worn, with basic ceramic tiling and walk-in showers with plenty of wear on the fixtures. They are relatively clean, though certain units do not have en-suite bathrooms and share with other guests. Some guests have noted that the nearby all-inclusive resorts can be a little lively into the night, making noise an issue on some occasions.

There is an on-site restaurant that serves breakfasts -- reviews are mostly solid, but it's not included in room rates. There’s outdoor seating, and snacks and drinks are available throughout the day. Lunches can be had on request, but dinner is not served. The beach is a major highlight, and guests simply walk past the restaurant to access it. There are a few sets of lounge chairs there that are shaded by palapas. Bike rentals are available, and the hotel can help arrange activities like snorkeling tours. Airport transfers can also be arranged. Wi-Fi is free, but works best in the restaurant. Elsewhere it can be spotty.