Isla Mujeres, Mexico

I recently went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. It is a lovely island off the coast of Cancun. I spent a 3 nights there though the New Year's Eve holiday.

Storm clouds rolling in to Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres is easily accessible from Cancun. There is an affordable ferry that will take you there in about 20 minutes. Once on Isla Mujeres, you can walk anywhere or rent a golf cart. The island is very small but offers a lot in terms of restaurants and beaches. 

Top floor of the ferry

The main street on the island, Avenida Hidalgo, features most of the restaurants and hotels on the island. I stayed at Hotel Belmar, a family run hotel over their restaurant, Rolandi's. The bedrooms were clean and the hotel is right in the middle of all the action but it was very obvious that the hotel guests played second fiddle to anyone and anything that needed attention in the restaurant. 

Outside of Rolandi's and Hotel Belmar

The water and beaches were beautiful! They do get a bit crowded in the middle of the day due to day time tourists coming from Cancun on the ferry. If you have some extra cash and want to get away from the crowds, I would suggest heading over to an upscale hotel on the beach, like Na Balam, and purchasing a cabana or chairs. I figured that out on the last day. I wish I had known all along!

Sunset from our cama/cabana at Na Balam

On New Years Eve, the island has a party in the town square and it lasts ALL night. Locals and tourists can purchase tables and ring in the new year with a few hundred new friends.They had fireworks and a band for NYE 2013. When I woke up to catch the first ferry to Cancun the next morning at 7am, the party was STILL going. 

Isla Mujeres is a great option for a day trip or two nights. The island is small enough that you can experience all it has to offer in two days.

Tips for fun in Isla Mujeres:

• Purchase cabanas at upscale hotels for more privacy
• You can experience all of Isla Mujeres in a two night stay
• If staying at Hotel Belmar, request a room that is on the third floor. The second floor is over a restaurant balcony and is loud.
• Hotel Belmar does not take online reservations. You can email your credit card number to hold your reservation (scary!) but I would suggest having a Spanish speaking friend call and make your reservation for you!

Tulum, Mexico

It is negative 15 degrees in Chicago. The news stations and the City of Chicago have advised me to use common sense and "stay inside if you can stay inside." So here I am with an escalating case of Cabin Fever. Time to bust out the old blog and write about a much warmer place; Tulum, Mexico.

I recently traveled to Tulum. If you are looking for an isolated Mexican vacation that's a wee bit off the beaten path, Tulum is a great choice. The downtown is not charming and it is on a busy highway, but don't let that discourage you. The coast of Tulum is outstanding and it is the only place to stay. 

Downtown area leaves a bit to be desired but there are good restaurants!

Tulum can be easily reached from the Cancun airport. If you're lucky you can get a direct first class bus through ADO to Tulum. If not, you will most likely transfer at Playa del Carmen. Overall, my first experience with the ADO bus system in Mexico was easy. The buses are clean, MUCH cleaner than buses here in Chicago and it is easy to purchase tickets. The only stressful part is that they do not tell you which bus to board until it's ready to depart. They announce the destination, you board, and the bus leaves... that quick.

Once in Tulum, I stayed at Playa Azul, one of the eco-chic hotels on the beach. The service was outstanding, the rooms were clean, and the beach was well maintained. This artsy/eco/beachy hotel is a great place to disconnect even though the wi-fi connection is great. My only complaint is that the food in the restaurant is good but it could be better.

Tips for Fun in Tulum:

• Rent bikes and explore!
• Go for a swim in a Cenote.
• Xel-ha is a great day excursion (and there's an open bar for adults!)
• Go to the Mayan ruins EARLY before the lines become too long.
• Bring a flash light for night walking. There are no street lights and it is VERY dark out there.
• Look up at the stars
• Enjoy the beach, I wish I had done more of that!