IslaMujeres
Whether you travel in May or December, Isla Mujeres, or “Women Island,” never disappoints. The Mexican island is a pleasant, 8-mile ferry ride from Cancun. It’s a little more than 4 miles long and roughly half a mile wide. Unlike Cancun – and many other Mexican vacation destinations on the Caribbean Sea – Isla Mujeres is quiet and chill. Playa Norte, or North Beach, provides plenty of options for resorts, hotels and restaurants, and is within walking distance from the ferry station and main/touring shopping district. The white sugar sand and clean beachfronts afford visitors a relaxing atmosphere, with staff ready to tend to their every need. While there are plenty of all-inclusive options on Isla Mujeres, I recommend taking in all the island has to offer, which can be done in a couple of days. One day, really, if you get going early … but who wants to rush? Rent a golf cart – they’re everywhere, and can be rented by the hour or the day – and take a drive down to the south end of the island, where you can tour the Mayan ruins at El Meco Archaeological Site, then head over to Garrafon Natural Reef Park for zip lining and snorkeling. If you’re an animal lover, the Dolphin Discovery is not to be missed. And be sure to snorkel or scuba through the largest underwater museum in the world at Cancun Underwater Museum. It’s pretty spectacular. Exceptional restaurants abound on Isla. Mango Café is located in the mid-island area and serves up a breakfast to be envied by all, along with lunch and refreshing micheladas – you’ll want this local favorite on your list of places to visit. North Garden, which is located steps from Playa Norte, offers health nuts numerous inexpensive vegetarian options and craft cocktails (it also has omnivore options). Seating is all outdoors, surrounded by palm trees and a very island-y vibe. The Joint Reggae Bar & Grill is also an outdoor stop offering a full menu, including vegetarian and vegan options, with a hefty bar menu. Be mindful; the drinks can sneak up on you, as they’re somewhat oversized … and there’s nothing wrong with that. The live music is, as the name suggests, reggae, and the atmosphere is thoroughly relaxed – although it can get a little loud, depending on the time of day. This is the place you’ll want to stop while driving your golf cart south near Parque Garrafon toward Punta Sur, or the southern tip of the island. And, of course, a well-known spot for people watching is Jax Bar & Grill, located on the central strip in the bustling tourist area of Playa Norte. It doesn’t exactly have its own vibe, but being on the second-floor rooftop, you can see almost everything – it’s more of an action-central lookout. Get a T-shirt! I definitely recommend spending some solid time on the sand and in the turquoise-crystal water, where you can see for miles … when you aren’t eating and drinking your way across the lush, green terrain. - HILDA COSTELLO
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405 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018