Just a short ferry ride from the more crowded mainland, Mexico’s Isla Mujeres and its idyllic North Beach are a world away, offering privacy and luxury in a stunning tropical setting.
(Photo: Ixchel Beach Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
While nearly everyone has heard of Mexico’s flagship tourist destinations of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres remains a lesser-known gem. There’s no shortage of top-tier hotels in the area, many of which are located in and around Playa Norte – aka North Beach. From all-inclusive resorts to cosy cabanas, there’s something for every taste and budget. We’ve factored in price, location, amenities, and guest reviews to come up with the best of the best in Playa Norte.
Ixchel Beach Hotel
Located just steps away from the coast of Isla Mujeres, Ixchel Beach Hotel is the closest you can get to the white sand and crystal waters of Playa Norte. The suites are surprisingly spacious, and although the modern décor is a bit underwhelming, you’re not likely to spend much time inside your room. Guests of Ixchel get exclusive access to cabanas, deck chairs and umbrellas for the perfect day on the beach. Isla Mujeres is small enough to walk around in a day, and Ixchel is just a few minutes from many beachfront restaurants as well as a shopping mall. From $161 per night.
Hotel Secreto
(Photo: Hotel Secreto / Courtesy Booking.com)
The delightful Hotel Secreto is located just a short walk from the enticing sands of Playa Norte. The hotel’s interior design is quirky and colorfol; modern yet with overtones of Mexican Impressionism to add character and charm. All rooms feature a balcony with sea views, as well as an iPod dock and plasma TV. The hotel features a full-service spa and is close to the restaurants and bars of Hidalgo Avenue for a good meal after a long day of relaxation by the pool. From $215 per night.
Hotel Villa Kiin
Homey with an abundant garden, Hotel Villa Kiin is a great place to enjoy an authentic Mexican vacation. The interior décor is cosy and hacienda-style, making Villa Kiin a retreat from the modern, contemporary aesthetic that dominates Mexico’s well-travelled tourist hotspots. Guests get access to the private and less-crowded beach, although the property’s rights to the popular shoreline are not as extensive as those of the larger resorts on the island. From $82 per night.
Na Balam
(Photo: Na Balam Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
Surrounded by jungle canopy and tastefully manicured gardens, Na Balam is the ideal private getaway. With exteriors dominated by wooden cabanas and chairs and stone pathways that wind around the property’s many cabins, Na Balam evokes the calm of a remote jungle retreat while still just steps away from Playa Norte and all the restaurants, bars and nightlife of Isla Mujeres. The hotel’s own on-site restaurant, Zazil Ha, serves vegetarian and traditional Mayan cuisine. Yoga classes are are also held at the hotel regularly, and there are massage therapists available, too. From $153 per night.
Mia Reef Isla Mujeres
Located on its own private island just off Isla Mujeres, Mia Reef is the ultimate retreat, boasting five on-site restaurants and cafes as well as late-night room service. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the main island, Mia Reef is surrounded by pristine beaches reserved for the exclusive use of guests. The interior design has a strong aquatic theme which kids and families will fall in love with, but which some guests may find a bit overdone and slightly off-putting. Suites feature oceanfront, sunrise, and sunset views. From $490 per night.
Hotel Paradise Suites
(Photo: Hotel Paradise Suites / Courtesy Booking.com)
A two-minute walk from the beach, Hotel Paradise Suites definitely lives up to its name. The décor is whimsical and utilizes many natural elements, contributing to a more cozy, “beach bum” vibe than the more buttoned-down resorts of Isla Mujeres. All the rooms feature terraces – great for relaxing in peace and quiet – and kitchenettes for frying up the day’s catch. If you don’t feel like cooking, there is a restaurant on-site as well as two located just next door. From $152 per night.
Hotel Playa La Media Luna
A pebble’s throw from North Beach, and just a short walk from downtown, this hotel combines a prime location with some top-notch amenities. Among them are an outdoor pool lined with sunloungers, a pool bar, a TV lounge, and spa services. Unfussy but tastefully furnished and decorated guest rooms feature terraces with garden or ocean views, cable TV and minifridges, and some also offer coffee-makers and microwaves. There are also bungalows with living areas and kitchenettes. Those arriving in their own transport can make use of free on-site parking. From $165 per night.