4 Off-Beaten Villas to Explore Cancún’s Most Fascinating Side
Villa Sha, Cancun
Written by Alex Ruelase
Cancún is the capital of the Riviera Maya. The largest city and main transport hub in the area has long been one of the world’s top destinations for beach and sunshine. It is synonymous with endless white-sands, epic nightlife, and all-inclusive resorts. However, there is another way to explore this fascinating town, one that takes you out of the well-trodden Hotel Zone and shows you a more authentic side of the city.
These are four terrific villas that will put you right where you want to be, next to quiet beaches, private hideouts, and local spots that you will not get to see unless you venture off the beaten path
Villa Sha
12 guests • 6 bedrooms • 8 bathrooms – Step inside
Exquisitely designed with unrivaled attention to detail, Villa Sha was built for harmonious indoor and outdoor living. Located on Cancún’s northern coast, it is a spectacular fusion of state-of-the-art technology and tasteful interior design. And wait until you see the infinity pool.
Its French Riviera artsy vibes extend to the suites, some of which boast fabulous bathtubs and exterior rainfall showers. The common areas are no less classy. From the tasteful living rooms and poolside bar to the cozy balconies and the sunrise-facing pool, Villa Sha is top-notch beachside living.
Blanca Beach House
6 guests • 3 bedrooms • 5 bathrooms – Step inside
The surreal simplicity of Blanca Beach House will show you the Caribbean at its most charming. Located in beautiful Isla Blanca, Cancún’s least developed and northernmost area, the residence is a sophisticated seaside refuge decorated with fine wood and chukum, a special resin obtained from an endemic tree. Clean lines and sober finishes give it a minimalist personality that fuses with the white-sand and turquoise backdrop.
Further, the villa is ideal for those looking for a sustainable refuge. Solar panels power the home, while a rainwater filtering system supplies most of its running water. Further, sea-facing balconies, a beachfront pool, and wide-open spaces round up this off-grid hideout that looks simply gorgeous in the tropical sunset light.
Villa Punta Sam
21 guests • 6 bedrooms • 7.5 bathrooms – Step inside
Lavish decoration, spectacular outdoors, and even its own sports bar make this residence the benchmark for stylish beachfront living. And benchmark might be an understatement. The home has such spectacular amenities that it could easily be a superhero's lair. A jacuzzi right in the middle of the house and a pneumatic vacuum elevator are possibly the main ones, not to mention the superb pool and terrace.
Up to 15 guests will be exceedingly comfortable in six bedrooms, all of which have outstanding amenities, from king-size beds and bathtubs to sea-facing balconies with striking views. And if we are talking views, those who go up to the rooftop will be rewarded with a 360º panorama that will make them want to spend long evenings gathered around the barbeque.
Casa Marazul
8 guests • 4.5 bedrooms • 6 bathrooms – Step inside
Casa Marazul enjoys the peace and tranquility of one of Cancún’s most exclusive gated communities, also located in Playa Mujeres. It has five suites, three on the ground floor and two on the second floor, from where you can see the white-sand shore, just 50 meters away.
Its spaces are elegant, decorated in a contemporary style, and furnished to encourage gatherings, both in the comfortable indoor living spaces and the swimming pool and garden. Further, if you are feeling active, a sea scooter and stand-up paddle gear are available, and one can even walk to the beach to book activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving. Surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, Casa Marazul provides the ultimate feeling of an upscale Caribbean vacation.
