ISLA MUJERES

I’m back from our trip to Mexico, and getting back in the groove has not been easy… I miss the beach! We landed in Cancun and took the ferry over to Isla Mujeres for a friend’s wedding to start off the trip. Everyone stayed at the Privilege Aluxes which was right on the beach and a short walk from the ferry. We went with the all-inclusive package, and it seemed to be a great deal for what we paid. The rooms were huge, had living areas, patios and small kitchens. The upper suites even had little private pools.  Apparently the hotel was pretty full, but it never seemed busy or crowded. 

We woke up at sunrise a couple of mornings and sat on the beach before heading out to explore the streets a bit while they were nice and quiet. Another day the group hung out on the beach all day and around the hotel pool bar. When it’s all-inclusive you tend to not leave the resort very much, but we did venture out in search of late night tacos after too much day drinking.  There was zero cell service and the wifi was out, but it was easy enough to run into everyone on the property.

Iguanas were everywhere! I had no idea we would see so many just hanging out. Hammocks were also abundant, and I’m realizing I need more of them in my life.

We also had a “snorkeling” adventure… ahem… scam…? So when I guy comes up to you on the beach and offers you snorkeling for $35 a person…. Pass on that.

One day we rented golf carts to cruise and explore the island. We hung out at a Reggae Bar called The Joint that had some pretty tasty frozen mojitos, good music, and there were some domesticated dogs to pet. We drove to the end of the island and walked around exploring the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden in Parque Garrafón. This area was probably my favorite from what we saw on the island.

This WATER. Good. Lawd.

 This photo is from an area called North Beach that looked really nice as well. We sat and had beers here at Buho’s beach bar that has swings for seats. If you’re looking for a fairly inexpensive beach getaway, we made out pretty good in Isla Mujeres.

Lots of photos from the second half of our trip to Tulum coming next week + a little packing list of what we brought with, and what we should have left behind!