posted by Donna-Lee on Jul 18
Isla Mujeras, on the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of Travellers’ Choice 2010 Top 10 Beach and Sun Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Isla Mujeras Dock
Isla Mujeras (Island of Women) is a small island that was once a sanctuary to the Mayan goddess of childbirth and medicine. With its picturesque views, tranquil beaches, marine parks and sculptured cliffs, Isla Mujeras displays nature at its best. Just eight miles across the bay from Cancun (Bahia de Mujeres) the island is just five miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point. The area that could be called ‘downtown’ is but six blocks long and four blocks wide. The weather is glorious with an average temperature at 80 degrees with 60% humidity. Isla Mujeras is flat with beaches on all sides of the island.
Strolling the streets of Isla Mujeres, you will still see evidence of the fishing village that it once was with families gathered in their homes tucked between stores and restaurants. The tourism has provided the villagers with another means to provide for themselves, but the charm and tranquility of the fishing village remains.
Isla Mujeres welcomed tourists from around the world, long before the development of Cancun as a tourist meca. You can still find older residents who can tell stories of tourists signalling from a make-shift dock where Puerto Juarez stands today. The local fishermen’s sons would take a small boat to the mainland to pick up visitors for their stay on the island. Today there is a ferry that makes runs every half hour.
Isla Mujeras Beach Restaurant
Isla Mujeres is the easternmost point of Mexico, the frontier of eastern Mexico, and the Mexican Navy base was established in 1949 . Fishing was still the main source of income; it wasn’t until recent years that Tourism became a large part of the island. In 1967, the Mexican Government and its water department (C.A.P.A), with the help of many local divers, install an under-the-sea purified water piping system, the first in the world. The 6″ pipes were replaced with 8″ pipes in 1988 the same year Hurricane Gilbert hit the island, which partially destroyed the Mayan temple on the south point. The last few years have seen tremendous improvements to the island including an extensive drainage and sewer system, electric and phone service to the various colonias, paved streets that allow rainwater to drain and a high school.
If you are lucky enough to be vacationing on Isla December 31st, it is a tradition for Isleños to greet the first rays of the sun at the dawn of each new year at the south point, the most eastern point of Mexico.
Life in this little village is much more laid-back and peaceful than that of Cancun, but there is still plenty to see and do, from snorkeling and swimming to shopping and sunning. The people of Isla Mujeres are proud of their history, and hold the magic of the island in their hearts.
Isla Mujeras Palace Resort
One of the most highly recommended resorts on Isla Mujeres is the small boutique all inclusive resorts, Isla Mujeras Palace Resort.
This small, 62 room resort boasts elegant contemporary design, luxury and comfort in this delightfully intimate resort. A ferry ride out of Cancun, one can look across the Caribbean Sea to the beautiful lights of Cancun’s Hotel Zone from the second story of this resort. The excitement of Cancun is worlds away, yet conveniently accessible.
The freestyle pool with swim up bar overlooks the sea as does the resort’s Holistic Center. Luxuriate around the pool or on the beach, staff will attend to your needs in either location.
The island environment is relaxing yet re-awakens all of your senses. The International menu includes the ideal wine to pair with your meal and cocktails are readily available in the lobby bar as well.
With the 1500 Vacation Dollars, you can select activities and tours to enjoy as well.
Activities on La Isla Mujeras include snorkeling with the opportunity to see stingrays, crabs, barracuda, sea turtles and huge masses of other tropical fish. The water on the around this resort is is calm and clear, and perfect for snorkeling at no cost. There are charters that will take you out to one of the bigger reefs for more fun,
Golf carts and bicycles are available to rent so that you can explore the island, it will take about 20 – 30 minutes to go from one end of the island to another. There are quaint shopping, hotels and restaurant areas on the southern tip of the island, enjoy Mayan Ruin, a turtle farm, an old pirate house, and even a lighthouse lookout where the view of the ocean is breathtaking; there’s plenty to see.
Isla Mujeras is one of Travellers’ Choice 2010 Top 10 Beach and Sun Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. We make it affordable for you when you stay as guest of a Palace Premier VIP membership by renting Palace Resorts Timeshare weeks.
