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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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
Congratulations :]
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
I know a natural supplement for flu and colds. It is not like cough and cold preparations in the stores which only deal with symptomatic relief. It strengthens our resistance to the viral infection.
This natural supplement is Sinus Eliminato Complex.
Sinus Eliminato complex is made up of Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) buds, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) young shoots, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) buds, Populus Nigra (Black Poplar), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Juglans Regia (Wlanut) buds.
Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
Also contained in Sinus Eliminato are a variety of plant growth hormones and vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, which can certainly fight off infection and boost immune resistance during the cold months!
WHY WASTE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS during this economic recession for only temporary symptomatic relief when you have a natural supplement which you can buy for $ 30 a bottle and experience relief after 1-2 weeks and boost immune resistance as well to prevent repeated viral infections which can cost you thousands of dollars in clinic visits, medicines and hospitalizations? NOT TO MENTION your lost time in work.. and the time you can spend with your kids and loved ones!
Sinus Eliminato Complex can be purchased at PSC Nutrition’s website: http://store.plantstemcells.net.
For more top tips and advice on fun family holidays and breaks in London, including family friendly hotels and things to do visit http://www.takethefamily.com
I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
Come to Vietnam with Niche Travel. Niche Travel Vietnam, Boutique and Luxury Travel Service In Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. Unique, Style, Comfort.
Halong Bay Kayaking: Halong bay cover the area of 1600square km with 3000 plus islets rising above the emerald water. This 3 day trip is not only for the adventure- bound traveller but also for those who appreciate seafood or time on the water
Sapa Vilage Walking: This unique trek itinerary suitable for most active traveller. The remote northern Town of Sapa close to the Chinese border offers some ofVietnam's most colorful experiences. Layer upon layer of blue ridges fade into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks and lust green rice paddies in between highlight the beauty of the region.
Festival Hue: Visit Hue by the waterway. The all day boat trip give us a chance to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam: tomb of the Emperor, Perfume river, Pagodas… Hue own its beauty to its narrow treet, tranquil garden houses and old pagodas
Vung Tau Golf tour: Located just 100 km in the west of Hochiminh City, Vung Tau is perfect relaxing place for the locals in the City. The trip combine golfing and relaxing in the top resort of Vietnam.
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you