Barely an hour northeast from Cancun’s crowds and chaos lies Isla Mujeres, a tiny island 8 miles off Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Home to a vibrant community during pre-Colombian times, the island today features a must-visit Mayan temple along with pristine diving spots and wide sandy beaches.
It’s the antidote to rowdy spring breakers all just a short (and fun) ferry ride away.
Why
Poolside at Hotel Secreto.HandoutEqually popular with backpackers and all-inclusive types, Isla Mujeres’ hotels are mostly cheap two stars and pricey resorts. The Hotel Secreto, however, is a sleek, unique boutique — with 12 rooms housed in a white-washed shell. Rooms feature minimalist interiors and strong AC, along with spacious balconies ideal for early evening margaritas accented by front-and-center sea views. The morning continental breakfast is a riot of tasty, local tropical fruits. Light lunch and dinner can be ordered in from nearby resorts.
Where
The hotel is set behind a discreet wooden door off an unassuming alleyway and fronts a secluded slice of Caribbean Sea shore close to North Beach, the island’s best stretch of sand. It’s also near Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, home to endless souvenir shops, restaurants and ice cream parlors.
Working well
The hotel’s infinity-edged swimming pool is what lures visitors back here year after year. Perched on a precipice facing straight out to the sea, the pool offers almost Aman-levels of tranquility at far cheaper prices. Order a cocktail and switch between this angular oasis and the rocky beach just down below.
Needs work
Not much, though folks looking for a resort with full-service dining should definitely book elsewhere.
Don’t miss
The gym. Located on the hotel’s lowest level, it’s surpassingly well equipped for such a remote island with just about every machine imaginable. For folks who are serious about working out, the staff will bring in a personal trainer to help you work off all those meals from the endless entry taquerias.
Bottom Line
An extremely private and intimate Riviera Maya retreat that manages to be both easy to reach and under the radar.
Details
From $188; hotelsecreto.com
