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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I love how you focus on the actual trip. You have a very distinctive style. This was funny and entertaining.
this looks interesting! I will be in San Diego come November to attend the convention of the National Association of Realtors. I will include this beach to my "must see" . Im pretty excited to see this place.
what a beautiful place i want to visit the beautiful beach with beautiful people.
lucky you our beaches are under control of mulla
Hi, by baby is nearly 4 weeks old and i have started back at work but on nights, i have been getting txt's and phone calls off my partner all night saying that our baby has non stop crying since i left for work today. We think it is down to that he knows that i am not there and is crying out for me. Could anyone be able to give me some advise on how my partner could settle him pleas.
thank you Daddy I
i need to get there
To Victor: That is because we want this island paradise all to our SELFISH, SELFISH, SEELLLFIIISSHHHH SELVES!
psssshhh! that's nothing… with BORACAY Island and AMANPULO Island
Actor Tom Cruise, Supermodel Naomi Campbell, Actor Robert de Niro, Supermodel Claudia Schiffer, Singer Mariah Carey, Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, Singer Diana Ross, etc. already had a vacation here at AMANPULO ISLAND. Others go to dirty and crowded resorts, Exclusivity at its finest!
Check out my site for some great pictures and my own experiences/reviews of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, The Great Smoky Mountains, etc! Its <a href="http://somewhereinthemountains.blogspot.com/">here</a>
Good news for those of us who are more interested in substance over gimmicks. As a youngish grandparent, looking forward to introducing my grandson to the joys of cruising, on Crystal and others.
Thanks
wow that is lovely. perfect for a road trip. i miss those pair now
Very good and thanks for sharing this informative post.
hi i can recive uur magazine every monthe pleaz i wait bye
hhhmmm…i wonder why does the Boracay beach in Philippines not in the list..
Here is all the letter needs to say:
(Date)
I (parent's name), authorize my child/children, (child/children’s name) to travel to (destination) on (date of travel) aboard Airline/Flight # (flight information) with (accompanying adults), returning on (date of return).
Signed by parent or parents
Address:
Telephone/Contact:
Notary Public Signature/Seal
I want there, with my family.
It's my dream to be there for summer holliday.
it's truly awesome……………………
iam from kurdistan cool site and fntsc places
SameProb –
we hear some users have been having trouble getting these documents via email. It's really hard to troubleshoot this, so if you don't get the documents, can you please email us at ftf[at]familytravelforum.com and we'll make sure to send you the links. Posting your complaints here won't help at all! thanks, and sorry for the hassle-
Hi Derek,
Although there are regulations about transporting minors between some U.S. states (and they vary), our members have never reported a problem with this. It's mainly an issue transporting minors over national borders.
In any case, we subscribe to the "Better safe than sorry" school of travel. Therefore, why not ask the girls' mother to fill out the Permission to Travel letter with her contact info, and give you a copy of the girls' birth certificates to verify the Mom's identity, so that you have some paperwork with you.
While traveling, it sounds like you may be able to reach her by phone in case there's any trouble at the airport, but we don't anticipate there would be.
Let us know if you have any other questions and safe move –
very good
I would spray Rataway fragrance from Rataway.com . Rataway Fragrance is non-poisonous and non-toxic.
To protect food place food in a plastic bag or box and spray bag with Rataway Fragrance. Also use Rataway fragrance to protect car engines, computer cables, wiring, air conditioning equipment,camping supplies, etc…. Stops rats, mice, rodents, monkeys, etc from nesting & chewing.
Same problem — if you go thru the hassle of requesting these via the email link, you get sent to a page that isn't working. Don't bother trying to get them!!!
Excellent overview of a very un-touristy part of Amsterdam
I do not have legal custody of my soon to be step-daughters and their mother needs me to take them with me to Alaska (I am staioned up there) before she can head up there herself. she has to stay behind for another week to finish selling the house. What legal documentation am I going to need for them to fly with me to Alaska?
These ideas are great. I studied abroad when I was a junior in college. I lived in Florence, Italy for the summer with the American Institue of Foreign Study. It was a great program, but I really wish I had some of these tips when I was planning my journey.
What is the average weather Aug-Oct?
Hi from Spain,
personally as an active dad trying to be healthy and get the kids away from the computer games / X box ect… I'd add hiking in the many national parks, or surfing, scuba or kayaking from Spain 1000s of km of beaches !!!!
saludos desde España
Richard Harris
The Iberostar resort complex in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic also allows you to stay at one resort while enjoying the restaurants, bars, and entertainment in the other Iberostar Resorts.
The Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana is the highest rated family resort. Since it is often booked far in advance, you will not be disappointed by staying in the Iberostar Punta Cana or the Iberostar Dominicana and enjoying the grounds of all three resorts.
very good living of style
This is an interesting point of view. The points you raise are very helpful. I came across this site recently which I think will be of great use http://www.bookcapetown.com Check it out!
Big thanks for keeping me awake and entertained.
If all posts were as interesting as this, the web would be such a better place. Thank you very much. Some other site that brought me great pleasure was http://www.bookcapetown.com
Hi David,
This same document "Permission to Travel Letter" is good whether a minor under 18 years is traveling with one birth parent or none. Just adjust the information you provide in it.
thanks, let us know if you have problems!
Tthe Information about the documents required for the children for traveling abroad is great! You have provided the required form is appreciated and made more convinient.
My name is sanjib adhikari. I am a register trekking guide in the
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You can find great local food restaurants with great service and good prices, for instance in Jaffa their are great fish and seafood restaurants, and you can not visit Israel with trying humus.
Maybe next time….
looking for single parent or one-parent authorization form letter
Visited parkmall today. Out of Africa BBQ and Steakhouse is on soft opening. This is my report! Details come from the manager and owners who gave me a tour….it is like a museum!
The restaurant is amazing, animal heads, African paintings and sculptures. There is a African Safari Lodge upstairs that is not yet finished, since they are on soft opening. An original 100 year old bar from South Africa and separate antique wine rack.
They have a Father's Day special of CROCODILE. The ownertold me that they would have Ostrich, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Turtle, Deer, Lamb, Venison, Goat, Iguana and other exotic meats after their grand opening in July of 2009.
The chef was trained by two of the Out of Africa Group chefs from South Africa. I met Mike who is the on site consultant from South Africa, watching over the menu and operations. He said there is another Out of Africa Fastfood Franchise under construction elsewhere in Cebu.
Also an Out of Africa Sports Bar is being located near J.Y.
So this is great, a major international franchise has come to Cebu first, before Manila!
The manager told me that they tested the menu for 6 months in Cebu, before opening the first franchise and their flagship restaurant in the Philippines of Out of Africa BBQ and Steakhouse in Parkmall.
The crocodile was great!
intp
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Hi PatSea, sorry to be getting back to you so late! As a matter of fact, I did go to the plate boundry, it was incredible, very cool and slightly scary! I was able to do both the Golden Circle tour and the plate boundry area in only two days, so you should be fine! Iceland was amazing, and two days is really all you need to see the major geological sites!
This was really an informative article. I enjoyed reading it a lot. Here is a site that I think will be of great interest to the readers http://www.aardvarktravelcentre.co.za . Keep up the great work!
This was really an informative article. I enjoyed reading it a lot. Here is a site that I think will be of great interest to the readers http://www.aardvarktravelcentre.co.za . Keep up the great work!
nice information…and photos are interesting
Maybe discuss with children what sort of attractions or venues that they would like to specifically visit. Visit/research online tourist/city web sites and engage with the the site and children, as to what is relevant or of interest to them for later visits.
This might generate incentives for them (and perhaps all) to look foward to. This may reduce any chance of them trying to wander off (or pester you), without your knowledge, to try find a nearby venue to the hotel, for their satisfaction/entertainment. Then parents can arrange for visits for their children, or ideally for the whole family to their chosen attractions or venues.
I simply love the Sheraton Universal for a weekend getaway with my family. So close to everything and in the heart of Hollywood. For us it is the perfect choice for family travel. My kids love the Ultimate Star Burger bar. Building your own burger with all those great topping choices. What fun!
This just made my day that much brighter. Thanks a million. Something else I stumbled across was this http://www.journeyintoafrica.co.za . Take a look! Keep up the great work!
I got unbelievable rate through room savers coupon yesterday night in Hollis Maine which was even less than 50% pf normal rate.
Does anyone out there recommend the Four Seasons Maui for teenagers or should we go next door to the Grand Wailea?
There are lots of ways to have fun without cost. Fun without cost is something that many of us used to have when we were children – times when laughter was easy, we didn't worry about personal loans or what many other people thought. Even going to the movies has become an expensive proposition, but there are ways to have fun without spending money. Like cooking food in dinner to be share with the family together instead of eating in the restaurant. Also, going to beach together. Cheap and affordable beaches can be your destination for a summer vacation.
I didn't really like the Poble Espanol because it was pretty touristy but the kids kind of liked it. DOn't miss Parc Guell, it's the best of all the Gaudi attractions for children as it's outside and a real park with crazy architecture and elements. Kids like the cable car ride to Montjuic too – be sure to get an ice cream at when you unload – you can get a cone that loads three scoops across on a super wide cone.
If you are planning on visiting our beautiful country and would like to participate in a fun activity. Please visit http://www.CebuSportFishing.com and read about the low price sport fishing charters we have available.
We also have ties with the local resorts and travel agencies and can recommend a great place for you to stay.
Feel free to e-mail us at sales@cebusportfishing.com should you need assistance or require information about cebu.
Rob
http://www.FilipinoAngler.com