Destinations
There and Back: The Beautiful, Laid-Back Vibes of Isla Mujeres
As a luxury travel agent, I have been privileged to visit beautiful locations around the world — exotic beaches, ancient cities and rich cultures. But the difference between us and a FOMO-inducing Instagram post is that you can actually go to these places. And we can help you get there.
In this article, we’re giving you a glimpse into the beautiful Mexican getaway known as Isla Mujeres. Sit back, relax, and learn a few things about this one-of-a-kind island, and you’ll be marking dates on your calendar faster than you can say “piña colada.”
Just Got Back From …
The beautiful, laid-back island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. This remote location is six kilometers northeast of Cancun. Isla Mujeres is a magical little island town, only about four miles long with a romantic and relaxed atmosphere and plenty to offer for your next trip. This is a very special destination to me personally, as I grew up traveling to this laid-back island with my family and friends — and I was so happy to be back here with girlfriends. There’s no better place for a girls’ getaway than “the island of women,” which is the English translation of this magical destination’s name!
The Best Trip For
As I mentioned, this is the perfect escape for anyone who’s looking to get away and relax. There’s no agenda here, no busy schedule. Simply soak in the beautiful views and island vibes with your loved ones. This location is ideal for families, groups, girls’ trips, or couples looking for a relaxing and laid-back getaway. Seriously, everything about the island is low-key.
How to Get There
While the island may seem off the beaten path, it’s a simple journey. You’ll fly into Cancun and take a short cab ride to Puerto Juarez, which is about 15 minutes from downtown Cancun. From there, you’ll catch the next ferry to Isla Mujeres. This is the perfect introduction to your island getaway: watching the waves lap against the ferry while you enjoy soothing music from the local musician on the top deck — and be sure to leave a tip if you’re impressed! You'll arrive on the island in 15 short minutos.
Mode of Transportation
The beauty of island life is in its simplicity. Isla Mujeres is not a big island. In fact, the entire island is only about four miles long, which means just about everyone gets around with a golf cart or Vespa, or even on foot. I recommend renting a golf cart from Ciro’s; it’s the best-priced option on the island and they have great service.
Where to Eat
We didn't have a single negative experience; everything we ate was so fresh and delicious, the best that Mexican cuisine has to offer. The ocean pervades the culture of Isla Mujeres and the same applies to the food, so you can enjoy world-class seafood just about anywhere on the island.
Things to Do
Just because island life is simple doesn’t mean it’s boring. Quite the opposite, in fact. You could start by exploring the beautiful beaches of Isla Mujeres, or get a little bit more adventurous with ziplining, scuba diving, or even swimming with whale sharks (don’t worry, they don’t bite). From there, you could branch out with a day trip to Cozumel or Cancun, or rent a private yacht or catamaran for the day. Last but not least, one of my favorite things to do is take the golf cart and explore the island. It has so many hidden gems.
Where to Stay
Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun
We couldn’t recommend the Zoëtry Resort highly enough. Located in the stunning southern zone of Isla Mujeres, Zoëtry Villa Rolandi is an intimate luxury beachfront resort with only 35 rooms. Every room has a breathtaking ocean view. Beyond the views, the Zoëtry is all-inclusive, with private hot tubs, a private beach and 24-hour concierge service. It’s one of the only five-star properties on the island.
The Zoëtry also has an on-site Thalasso Spa, complete with a therapeutic saltwater whirlpool to soak in after a day exploring the beaches. I highly recommend the Zoëtry foot bath and the sea-mud wrap as well as the Zoëtry exclusive facial/massage. The resort has its own private yacht that will take you over to Cancun and back, a 25-minute cruise over the turquoise waters to the mainland.
Resort Activities:
• Outdoor saltwater whirlpool
• Deluxe yacht services
• Fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving
• Yoga sessions with an ocean view
• Meditation
• Bike rentals
• Cooking classes
• Sightseeing/fishing excursions
• Complimentary romantic sunset yacht ride (offered 3 times a week)
Overall, Zoëtry offers an exceptional experience. While it’s a five-star resort, its vibes reflect the relaxed atmosphere of the island — nothing too fussy, just an amazing atmosphere. This resort has the best chef-prepared food on the island, intimate beaches, and provides a quick taxi to town. It's a very relaxed, romantic slice of heaven.
Insurance & COVID Requirements
My personal travel experience was very positive, regardless of COVID restrictions. Masks are required everywhere on the island, except when dining or sitting at the bar. Beyond the Cancun Airport, I never experienced crowds and never felt unsafe during my stay. I always was able to maintain plenty of personal space between myself and my fellow travelers.
I always recommend purchasing travel insurance when traveling abroad, and for this trip I used Arch RoamRight. My policy cost $35 and covered up to $1,000 in trip delays ($200 a day in expenses) if I were to test positive and enter quarantine. This insurance also covers cancellations, delays, lost baggage and more.
As for finding a COVID test, I did some research and found a local recommended doctor. She came to our house (within the 72-hour window) and administered the rapid antigen test within 15 minutes. We had our negative results emailed to us in 7 hours and were ready for the beach! You can also take a test at the Cancun Airport in Terminal 1. You’ll get results in 15 minutes, and this option is the most cost-effective.
When checking in for your flight, you’re required to present your written or electronic negative COVID test and fill out a short questionnaire. The airport was extremely efficient and the entire check-in process took 15 minutes. On the island, there is currently a nightly curfew due to COVID, and the entire island shuts down at midnight. Overall, I felt very safe traveling. However, this was based on my personal experience — and everyone has a different comfort level. If you’re not ready to travel yet, there’s no rush! We will be here when you are ready.
At Sydney Patterson Travel, we’re ready to help you plan your Isla Mujeres getaway — or any Mexican getaway, for that matter. We’ve curated a list of recommended stays and partner hotels across the country and we’d love to help you plan your next VIP experience. We’ll book hotels for free and you’ll receive exclusive access to perks through our partnerships at no additional cost, including room upgrades, complimentary meals, spa credits and flexible check-in/out times.
Start the first step toward your Isla Mujeres experience by filling out our inquiry form or simply send us a message. See you on the beach.
