General manager Beatriz Tinajero transformed the '70s-era Hotel Fontan into a chic boutique inn in 2011, and it's since become a favorite with international travelers seeking style, comfort, and reasonable room rates. Cheery lipstick-red umbrellas and turquoise wire chairs give the pool area a touch of South Beach and Acapulco during the '50s, though the background lounge music, beach beds, and mojitos are pure 21st century. Most rooms in the four-story building boast ocean views from a wall of sliding glass doors and balconies that boast low-slung canvas chairs. The largest units have a low king-size bed facing the view, as well as a long countertop desk, small table and chair, vanity and sink area outside the shower-only bathroom, and a shag-carpeted seating area complete with embroidered pillows.

Nearly every artsy accoutrement in the rooms is sold in the lobby shop, including the woven plastic wastebaskets, Oaxacan tapestries, and hand-painted Kleenex boxes. Fresh, healthful meals with lots of vegetarian options are served in the open-air bistro near the small pool. There's no beach, but hammocks beckon on a shaded deck where yoga classes are held each morning. Snorkeling is good right off the rocky shoreline, and gear and dive trips are available from the on-site Scuba Du dive shop, one of the most reputable dive operations on the island. Occasional in-house workshops with talented artisans creating paintings, jewelry, and folk art encourage guests to unleash their creativity.