A real-world guide for guests at Hotel La Luz
Hotel La Luz is tucked back in the jungle, so we strongly recommend picking up groceries before you arrive — especially if you’re checking in later in the day or planning to cook in your casita.
Each casita has kitchen basics, and having snacks, breakfast food, drinking water, and a few easy meals on hand makes the whole stay more relaxed.
Best full grocery stop: Chedraui
For most guests, the easiest full grocery option is Chedraui.
This is where you’ll want to stop if you need:
- coffee
- eggs
- bread or tortillas
- fruit and vegetables
- meat or seafood
- cheese
- snacks
- beer/wine
- sunscreen
- toiletries
- basic pharmacy items
- paper goods
- cleaning supplies
Chedraui is usually the best option if you want to stock the kitchen properly instead of piecing things together from convenience stores.
If you are driving down from Cancún or Playa del Carmen, it is usually worth stopping before you get settled. It is much easier to arrive with groceries than to unload, get hungry, and realize you still need to go back out.
Fruit stands and local produce
You’ll also see fruit stands and small local produce shops in the area. These can be great for:
- bananas
- mangoes
- pineapple
- avocado
- limes
- tomatoes
- onions
- cilantro
- seasonal fruit
- fresh juice sometimes
These are usually best for simple fresh items rather than a full grocery run. Bring pesos in cash, and don’t expect the same selection every day. That’s part of the charm.
If you like cooking simple breakfasts, tacos, guacamole, fruit plates, or snacks, the fruit stands are absolutely worth using.
About Chomak
There is a nearby local store called The Chomak, but we do not recommend relying on it as your main grocery stop.
It can be useful in a pinch, but it is limited and can be expensive for what it offers. Think of it more as an emergency stop than a place to fully stock your casita.
It may work if you just need one or two things, but if you need actual groceries, go to Chedraui or plan around a better-stocked store.
OXXO and La Gas stations
OXXO and La Gas stations are useful for basics, especially if you arrive late or just need a quick stop.
You can usually find things like:
- bottled water
- ice
- chips
- cookies
- crackers
- instant noodles
- yogurt or small dairy items
- basic sandwiches
- coffee
- soda
- beer
- electrolyte drinks
- candy
- toothpaste or small toiletries
- phone chargers or random emergency items, depending on the location
They are not a substitute for a real grocery store, but they are helpful for arrival snacks, drinks, and “oops, we forgot something” moments.
What to buy before arriving
If you want an easy first night and morning, we suggest picking up:
- coffee or tea
- milk or creamer
- eggs
- tortillas or bread
- butter if desired (cooking oil is provided)
- fruit
- yogurt
- snacks
- something easy for dinner
- mosquito repellent
- sunscreen
- beer, wine, or drinks if you want them
Even if you plan to eat out, having breakfast and snacks at the casita makes the stay much easier.
If you are arriving late
If your flight lands late or you are driving after dark, plan ahead. Grocery shopping while tired, hungry, and navigating a new area is not fun.
A simple plan:
- Stop for groceries before reaching Akumal if you still have energy.
- If not, grab basics at OXXO or La Gas.
- Do a proper grocery run the next morning.
This is especially important because Hotel La Luz is not in a walkable restaurant zone. Once you arrive and settle in, you may not want to drive back out immediately.
Our honest recommendation
For a comfortable stay, do a real grocery stop at Chedraui, use fruit stands for fresh produce, and treat OXXO or La Gas as backup.
Chomak is fine for an emergency item, but it is not where we’d send guests for their main shop.
Arrive with water, breakfast supplies, snacks, and something easy to eat, and your first night at Hotel La Luz will feel much calmer.