It wasn't until my second day of island living that I discovered the folklore behind Isla Mujeres, the "island of women”. Tons of people flock over from Cancun to find a day's worth of pleasure, it's off the beaten path and life is so simple here that you can taste it.
Compared to similar destinations (like Cancun and Cozumel), Isla Mujeres offers a slower and more affordable pace, with an authentic experience. Slowing down, and prioritizing rest over productivity, can change everything.
This was my first time out of the U.S. and Mexico seemed like a logical first destination. I hesitated a long time because the party and resort vibes are not me. If this resonates, then perhaps Isla Mujeres is for you…
The island is something like four miles wide. Locals and tourists putter along in golf carts and scooter bikes that have seen better days, while whole families and pets hang out from every side. You’ll drive past two and three-story ancient buildings, where you can see inside cracked doorways with generations living life out of one-room apartments. Some streets are gorgeous and others are not. The evident struggle in certain parts makes my heart sad. Yet the locals' joyful spirit and content presence fills me with an overwhelming sense of longing.
While on the island we encountered many ex-professionals from the State, who told us that America is "too fast.” Perhaps that is the most appealing aspect of Isla Mujeres- the pace here automatically brings a reset to your heart, mind, and soul.
A gift from a friend found me standing in front of an open business with no doors. A local business owner offers therapeutic massages, facials, and nails. I have never had my hands, feet, and face washed in the States. Never have I been so humbled or at ease by a stranger truly caring for my well-being. The owner barely spoke English yet she completely acknowledged who I was—another woman, in need of care, on the island of women.
[All the details]
Getting there: We flew into Cancun and used Carm Tours and Transfers to shuttle us from the airport to Gran Puerto where we boarded an Ultramar ferry to Isla Mujeres. Carm can purchase your round-trip ferry ticket in advance so you’re ready to go upon arrival.
There are numerous nearby places to rent a golf cart once you land on Isla Mujeres. Golf carts and scooters are the preferred modes of transportation around the island. There are also cabs everywhere, but that can add up quickly.
Where to stay? IKAL Island Garden provided everything we needed for a staycation, with incredible ocean views, a rooftop pool, and an excellent local guide. IKAL is an incredible find for the price. The entire complex has 3-4 separate apartments in a private oasis compound.
![IKAL Island Garden](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F02b30d2e-0b26-42c8-b0ef-7b92d076b72a_1080x1920.jpeg)
![IKAL Island Garden](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb6940614-b9bf-4606-8f08-1f7be283ed23_1080x1920.jpeg)
![IKAL Island Garden](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa921ddfa-c672-4b60-b679-6b816d856c55_1080x1920.jpeg)
Tip: Stay away from the main drag’s tourist traps and venture down the side streets instead. It’s best to bring local currency with you, but if you run out of pesos, the best ATM is the one across from the port. There are lots of eager vendors providing an entertaining experience. We only shopped once but I enjoyed the experience.
There seemed to be one main grocery store, Chedraui, and true to promise - it sells everything. This is where we purchased water bottles, snacks, and a few other items to offset the cost of eating out. You can pay in dollars and receive change back in pesos, which was helpful on occasion. It’s a short drive from IKAL.
Favorite brunch spot: North Garden
This tropical oasis offered consistently fresh food, and we ate here every morning. A block or so off of North Beach, this part of the island was my favorite.
![North Beach, Isla Mujeres](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1a86b9b4-683d-401e-a20e-22c6fc29f488_1080x1440.jpeg)
![North Beach, Isla Mujeres](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd944ac5-19ec-4658-9242-c45f00262481_1080x1440.jpeg)
Favorite snack spot: Restaurant Amigos
For an authentic Isla Mujeres experience head to Restaurant Amigos located along a side street with lots of vendors. In the evenings, this lively area turns into a fiesta, with strings of lights and live music. This was my favorite place for guacamole and the food here was affordable compared to the others.
![Isla Mujeres Night Life](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7a8f9423-20c0-4ed9-bfd7-07e7df046d5b_1080x1440.jpeg)
![Isla Mujeres Night Life](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9f02805e-eaf5-418c-ab2b-656b8db3f6a6_1080x1440.jpeg)
![Isla Mujeres Night Life](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F046bf73d-6106-4b22-a222-ca726d796249_1080x1440.jpeg)
Favorite dinner spot: Limon
Our friendly lodging guide recommended this inconspicuous gem. Advanced reservations are required, and don’t let the area fool you! We were a little disappointed when we drove up to what looked like a trash ally so imagine our surprise when we were brought into a small but peaceful oasis complete with a treehouse deck! While the cost is on par with fine dining in the States, the food and presentation are a true culinary treat.
Island attractions:
If you enjoy scuba diving, take a look at this outfit. Our neighbors found them to be affordable, knowledgeable, and cautious of the surf and tide- Casa Del Buceo.
Beach Clubs
Beach clubs are a big deal if you’re looking for drinks and access to the ocean. We found a great one a few blocks from North Garden off of Zazil-Ha. For the life of me, I can’t remember the name. It was our splurge on the last day. The island beach clubs require a minimum spend in return for hours of relaxing by the water, with drinks, games, and fresh guac! The North Beach Club was the most peaceful and least crowded one that we encountered.
Punta Sur - History lovers will appreciate this touristy, but affordable attraction that tells a story of the island and provides several different paths to hike along (including one right along the water’s edge. Head’s up, you absolutely will get misted if not soaked by the incoming waves that crash along the path).
![Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9c27715b-b29c-42aa-ae7d-0ceb2502eaed_1080x1440.jpeg)
![Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2ad67fc-7233-4776-9f07-44af2c04cac8_1080x1440.jpeg)
Isla Mujeres is a simple and strikingly beautiful place perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a change of pace.
*Rachel is part of the Journeying Mom’s duo. Two sisters curating travel content for working parents, families on a budget, couples, and individuals with time restraints. Enjoy more content on our Instagram account. A like or share is also a free way to support us, thank you!