Explore the little known Isla Mujeres (Island of Women), less than 10 miles from Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula, where family rooms cost under $100 nightly.
Mexico has been a leading destination for years, with many resorts and beautiful locales, making it hard to find quiet, family-friendly beach getaways among the tourist hot spots and party palaces. If that’s what you seek, Isla Mujeres is your island off the Yucatan coast. Thousands of years ago the Mayans used this island as a haven dedicated to the goddess of love and fertility, Ixchel. During the 16th century, when the Spanish explorers arrived, they discovered stone-carved statues of women in honor of Ixchel, thus giving the island its name. Another legend claims that Fermin Mundaca, a pirate and slave, used the island as an escape, building a hacienda to earn the adoration of a local girl.
With year-round temperatures of 80F degrees, this Mexican destination offers guests a warm family beach vacation any time of the year. Calm surf and shallow waters close to shore make the beaches ideal for parents of infants and toddlers, and anyone who is a novice swimmer. June through August are the hottest months, but avoiding the rain is impossible any time of the year. Afternoon showers are a regular occurrence, with the wet season falling between October and November, so be sure to have an umbrella handy at all times.
Popular attractions to visit while in Isla Mujeres include the Dolphin Discovery Aquatic Park, Garrafon Nature Park part of the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest reef in the world, Hacienda Mundaca Historical Park, Ixchel Temple Sculptural Walkway, where you can see first-hand the sculptures that inspired the island, and the Sleeping Shark Caves made famous by the legendary Jacques Cousteau and Ramon Bravo. If things get too quiet, keep in mind that you’re a short ferry and bus ride away from Cancun.
Posada Del Mar Hotel & Beach Club
Avenida Rueda Medina #15-A
Isla Mujeres, Quitana Roo, Mexico 77400
+52 (998) 877-0044
This hotel boasts 61 newly renovated rooms, all with their own patio or balcony. Room amenities include ceiling fans along with air conditioning, tiled baths, phone, and cable TV. The pool setting will appeal to families, as there is a large pool for adults and older children, and a kiddie pool with a waterfall for the littlest travelers. Beach towels and lounge chairs are free of charge and can be requested at the front desk. Owned and operated by a family, this resort focuses on children, including kid-friendly meals at the on-site restaurant which incorporates both American and Mexican dishes in the menu offerings. With activities ranging from boat tours to bicycle and scooter rentals, and water activities including snorkeling and scuba diving among the Islache and Manchones Reefs, this hotel offers a little something for everyone. 2009 Rates: US$60-$115/N
Cabanas Maria Del Mar
Ave Arq. Carlos Lazo #1
Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo, Mexico 77400
+52 (998) 877-0213
The three sections of this resort — Castle, Tower, and Cabanas — combine to total 73 rooms, all including air-conditioning, private bathrooms and showers, a safety box, and refrigerator. The rooms in the Castle section are located in the restaurant area and feature two king-sized beds. The Tower section is just a few feet from the ocean, and offers king-sized beds on the ground floor, while the upper level has two full-sized beds, which are better for families. In the Cabanas section, surrounding the pool area, there is a tropical garden along with two full-sized beds and a lounge area on the terrace, another family-friendly option. A free continental breakfast is offered and umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for a small fee. The resort offers cultural tours, fishing, and water sports as well as a restaurant and three beach bars. 2009 Rates: US$90-$150/N
Ixchel Beach Hotel
Playa Norte
Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo, Mexico 77400
+52 (998) 999-2010
Opened in 2006, the Ixchel Beach Hotel features two wings, with a total of 117 rooms. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, gym, laundry facilities, ground transportation, and baby sitting services. For those looking to relax, the hotel offers a massage service, and for the adventure seekers there is deep sea fishing and scuba diving. At the pool, guests can utilize the Comono snack bar, and for a traditional restaurant experience visit the Sunset Grill, where they serve a buffet style meal for breakfast, seafood for lunch, and international cuisine for dinner. While on your vacation, check out the namesake of the hotel by visiting Ixchel Temple Sculptural Walkway, and admire the stone-carved statues from the Mayan years. 2009 Rates: US$99-$585/N
NA Balam
Calle Zazil – Ha No. 118 Playa Norte
Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo, Mexico 77400
+52 (998) 877-0279
NA Balam, which means “house of the jaguar” in Mayan, features 28 rooms that come with a king-size bed or two queen beds, a private balcony or terrace, air conditioning, and 24-hour security. The three suites include a king-size bed, private patio, and a small pool with hydro-massage. The resort offers yoga and therapeutic massages creating a calming atmosphere. Internet connections are available only in the lobby to enhance the serene, natural setting, and the hotel has a TV and movie room as well. On those rainy days, ask the front desk for a board game to keep the kids entertained while you get a massage, or hire a baby sitter to get a peaceful day in between the fun-filled active days with the kids. This hotel truly caters to the mind, body, and spirit, offering tarot readings along with bike rentals and a tour of the Mayan ruins. The pool does not have a lifeguard on duty so parents should keep a watchful eye on their kids. 2009 Rates: US$127-$515/N; 12 and under stay free.
Hotel Secreto
Seccion Rocas Lote 11
Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo, Mexico 77400
+52 (998) 877-1039
This modern hotel features in-room amenities such as an iPod hookup, wireless internet, 42-inch plasma TV, complimentary bottled water, bathrobes, and individual climate control. In 2008 the top floor suites were added, which cater to couples and honeymooners. These suites include a king-size bed and a queen-sized daybed on the balcony. The heated lap pool features poolside WiFi, and each morning yoga classes take place alongside the pool deck. The resort will assist you in setting up excursions to the Mayan ruins, or a visit to a sea turtle farm. Coming soon to the hotel are a 4,000-square-foot spa and gym. There is a complimentary continental breakfast, but no restaurant at the resort. While not as kid-friendly as the other hotels, Hotel Secreto is still a top-rated Isla Mujeres hotel, earning honors from the Travel Awards as one of Mexico’s Best Boutique Hotels in 2007. 2009 Rates: US$225-300/N
For more information about these properties visit their individual websites. To learn more about Isla Mujeres visit Isla Mujeres.
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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!
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I love spending time in London. I think if you want to spend time out of the city, Brighton is also a great place to visit, especially as it’s close by. There are a number of family-friendly hotels, too, like The Brighton Hotel:
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It’s a steam excursion train, shorter ride, probably many kids on board. This would be better suited to younger children. Much better choice for the under-12 set.
Ralph
Originally created as a recreation area for employees of the Hershey Chocolate factory, today Hershey Park boasts plenty of chocolate paraphernalia, as well as roller coasters and a water park. Tickets include admission to the nearby ZOOAMERICA. Originally owned by the Knott’s jam producers, Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park is one of the older parks in the US, Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic for those looking for thrill rides, water rides and family fun.
Hi Ralph, thank you for your reply. I haven’t booked it yet as I had similar reservations that since it’s an 8-hr journey, it will not be wise to take the kids at this age but would love to take them on a shorter train tour, I’m currently looking at the Jacobite express (here in the UK).
Hello Zeb,
For children under 10, It would simply be too long a day in too confined a space for them, might get a little boring for them after the first 20 minutes; it’s an eight-hour journey.
If they are active, there isn’t a lot of room to run around on the train, which is smaller than the ones we are used to here in the U.S.
If you have already booked a space, and will have toddlers or young children, suggest you bring lots of things to keep the little ones entertained.
Ralph
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Have been to Switzerland but missed the Glacier Express, I’ve heard it really one of the best train journeys in the World with amazing mountain/alps view. Is it good to travel with kids 7 and 4 years old) too, since it’s 8 hours long?
Sunlight, particularly in late summer and fall, sets off the production of anthocyanin. Cloudy weather dampens production and leads to less colorful displays. Many scientists argue that warming temperatures do not have much to do with the intensity of color, only with its timing: when it appears and how long it lasts. But Howard Neufeld, a professor of biology at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, said climate change could eventually affect the complex processes in leaf senescence and lower anthocyanin production, dulling the autumn reds.
Gladiator School – My new favorite thing to do in Rome. We did this on our last trip to Rome and both kids and adults absolutely loved it. Instructors are great. Highly recommended. Book far in advance. (Pictured above.) Walking Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – Excellent guided tour of Ancient Rome. Skip the line to enter all three sites. Very kid-friendly.
Deer Valley caters to families with kid-friendly skiing, child care programs and a limited child-to-instructor ratio. Because Deer Valley sells a limited number of daily lift tickets, tiny tots and pint-sized groms have plenty of room to work on their pizza wedge and French fries. Other amenities include a Children s Center, Adventure Camp and furry mascots on the Adventure Trails. I grew up skiing here and learned to love the mountains and snow at this resort. The amenities are top notch and the food is amazing. As a young kid, when the skiing got tough, I would always head inside and get delicious food and hot cocoa. See more Deer Valley reviews here .
Fall is very busy in the mountainous regions with the influx of leaf peepers from the New England area, around the United States and the world. In these extremely popular areas, you ll want to make lodging reservations at least several weeks ahead, especially on weekends. Columbus Day weekend (Oct 7-9, 2017) is another time in which advanced booking is advised throughout the region.
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Traveling to other cities with your kiddos? Don’t miss Curbed’s maps of the best family activities
Good to know : West Valley is open daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Apples are $0.85 a pound. Follow their Facebook page for updates on U-pick apples. And be sure to bring containers for their popular juice pressed right on site!
Minneapolis, Minnesota is a great pick for outdoor-loving families thanks to kid-friendly (and free) favorites like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to more than 40 outdoor works of art
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The K Bar S Lodge, built in 2006, is located a short distance from Mount Rushmore. It is quietly secluded on 31 forested acres and away from busy streets. Battle Creek winds its way throughout the property and the large meadow in front of the Lodge is often a playground for deer and turkeys. As a single traveler it was so fun to be with this group. It s much nicer to be with others when you share a great experience or see something wonderful. And, it s safer than traveling alone. I m hooked on Road Scholar.
Rockefeller State Park offers seasonal activities including hiking, running, bird-watching, fishing ( New York state fishing license required), picnicking, horseback-riding, carriage-driving, photography, painting, and geocaching (park permit required). Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown have a deep immigrant history resulting in a rich mix of cuisines: Italian, Greek, Mexican, Indian, French, Portuguese, Irish, Japanese, Dominican, Chinese, Ecuadorian, Thai, Moroccan, and Chilean. Foodies should not miss the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow farmers market at Patriots Park where you ll find fresh Hudson Valley produce, meat, bread, and wine.
Speaking of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, don t miss out on seeing the Rockettes show-stopping leg kick precision chorus during the holidays at Radio City Music Hall.
Jimmy Buffet s restaurant is a short walk from the Comfort Suites Paradise Island Hotel and Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. What could be better than eating a literal Cheeseburger in Paradise? Pairing it with a yummy margarita, of course.
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What s more exhilarating than seeing the city from 108 floors above the world-famous Las Vegas Strip? Jumping off it. Strap in and face your fear as you jump off the side of SkyPod at The STRAT.
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own ice sculpture? The Quebec Winter Carnival has just what you’re looking for! Bring your group to our Ice Sculpture Workshops under the guidance of a team led by none other than Marc Lepire, chief sculptor of Bonhomme’s Ice Palace! During this one-hour event, you will learn the workflow of master sculptors and enjoy the unique experience of carving your own solid ice block with your group of 2 to 4 people. Free all-you-can-drink hot chocolate will keep you warm throughout the frosty fun.
When you’re travelling with your kids, indoor-fun options are a must no matter what the season. Montreal saves the day with all kinds of activities, from adventurous physical feats to skill-testing games and educational entertainment.
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We have traveled through several airports in Germany but never Munich. We will keep Munich on our list for the next trip through Europe since it sounds like the best place to have a stop over with kids. Thanks for the review and the information for kids to do in Munich Airport.
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