Despite the sheer natural beauty (and wonderful beaches) of Isla Mujeres, the island off the Caribbean coast of Mexico remains something of a closely-guarded secret. But the attractions are numerous here, with lush jungle, abundant sea life and even an underwater museum (the famous Museo Subacuatico).
And then there’s the vibe, classic Mexican beach-town cool (think golf carts on the roads and bike-friendly navigation) with a wonderfully friendly character.
The best part is that it’s all just a 20-minute ferry ride from the tourism hub of Cancun and the island’s properties represent a rather stark difference from Cancun hotels, emphasizing mostly smaller, more intimate places to stay.
So if you are looking for a place to stay on this tiny, 500-meter-wide paradise, we have you covered with the 10 best Isla Mujeres hotels.
Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres The preeminent property among Isla Mujeres hotels, this AMResorts stunner has all of the luxury of a high-end all-inclusive hotel in a tranquil, boutique package. There are just 35 oceanfront rooms, with two restaurants, a private white-sand beach and a terrific spa, too.
Isla Mujeres Palace Palace Resorts is one of the leaders of Mexican Caribbean hospitality, and their Isla Mujeres outpost lives up to the standard you expect. This couples-only getaway has 62 rooms, two bars, a pool, a boutique spa and excellent food. The 24-hour room service doesn’t hurt, either.
Casa de los Sueños This charming, colorful boutique hotel in Isla Mujeres has a mix of suites and villa rooms totaling 10 accommodations. All of the rooms are done in bright, authentically Mexican designs, and amenities range from a spa to a lovely pool. You can even rent out the whole hotel if you like.
Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres This modern hotel (that also boasts an all-inclusive option) has crisp, modern rooms and a solid beach club. While it’s not explicitly an adults-only, it does call itself “adults oriented,” meaning don’t plan a family vacation here.
Hotel La Joya There are certain small hotels that are more than the sum of their parts, and that’s precisely the case with the Hotel La Joya. This warm Isla Mujeres hotel has large rooms (each of which has a terrace), with Talavera-tile-decorated bathrooms and unlimited Wi-Fi. The oceanfront setting stands out too.
Playa la Medialuna This delightful tiny beach hotel has a wonderful focus on quintessential Mexican design (like the display of murals by a local artist), all encased in a modern architectural shell. The crescent-shaped beach is a hit, too.
Playa Arena Isla Mujeres This oceanfront hotel on the northern end of Isla Mujeres has an ultra-laid-back vibe, with a great ocean-view pool, a great stretch of beach and simple but modern rooms. The best part? The decidedly attractive prices.
Bahia Chac Chi This 25-room property is a simple, modern retreat with a great location that’s close to all of the action on the island. The hotel is set in the northern range of Isla Mujeres hotels, which means you can get to all the shopping, eating and nightlife you want with ease.
Villas Coco Resort Isla Mujeres This budget hotel has 16 small suites just a short walk from the beach. It’s simple but tranquil, and a great jumping off point to explore the nearby underwater museum.
Hotel Bucaneros Isla Mujeres This quaint hotel has breezy, airy rooms that are simple and extremely affordable. While its not right on the beach, it’s just a short stroll away — and the location in town means a bit more nightlife than other Isla Mujeres hotels.