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With fantastic beaches and boutique resorts, Isla Mujeres lays claim to a "destination" status |
For Clients Spending Time in nearby Cancun, a day trip to Isla Mujeres is often included on the itinerary. But it may be time for travel agents to consider the lovely island as a stand-alone destination, especially for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Its proximity to the airport and Cancun on one side and to the Riviera Maya on the other makes Isla Mujeras an attractive option for clients seeking something different.
At the most recent Mexico Tianguis Turistico, Travel Agent spoke with several Isla Mujeres hoteliers and members of the tourism board, all of whom were keen on getting the message across to the industry that the island is worth more than just a day trip.
And we agree. So, when your clients decide to stretch their trip to this beautiful island beyond an afternoon, here are some impressive hotels and attractions you could pitch to them.
Where to Stay
The island may only have 1,200 rooms in all, but among its resorts are some that can rival any in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Villa Rolandi, for example, is home to 35 suites,
15 of which were added about two years ago. Each of these has an ocean view, private terrace, Jacuzzi and balcony. The resort also has a gourmet restaurant, swimming pool, gym, beaches, massage service and transportation to and from the island.
“The older generation knows what Isla Mujeres has to offer,” says Gian-carlo Frigerio, general manager of Villa Rolandi, “but it’s the younger generation, between 25 and 40, that considers Isla Mujeres only as a place to get away for a day when visiting Cancun. But we have so much to offer for more than a day. We are the perfect destination for a full trip. People will find that out soon.”
Agents who want to learn more about Villa Rolandi—and Isla Mujeres in general—should contact Frigerio (011-52-998-999-2000, [email protected]).
Hotel Secreto is perhaps the best boutique resort in Isla Mujeres. It has six suites and three master suites, each with a balcony and an ocean view. The hotel’s distinct cube-shaped swimming pool faces the beach and sea, and a spa and fitness center are coming soon. For more information, agents should get in touch with owner Scott Boyan (011-52-998-877-1039, [email protected]).
Hotel Cabanas Maria del Mar is a small, 73-room beach hotel with a swimming pool, two bars and a restaurant. The rooms, located in either the Castle or the Tower, have either a terrace or balcony. The hotel’s spa affiliate, Casa de Luz, offers a full spa menu just minutes away in the island’s downtown area.For more information, contact Sales Manager Clara Gamboa (011-52-998-877-0179, [email protected]).
Na Balam is on Playa Norte, the best location for a swim. With sun chairs and hammocks under beautiful palm trees, this resort is a great place to relax. The snack bar near the beach has a beautiful ocean view. Each of the 31 rooms has a king-size bed or two double beds, along with a patio or private balcony. Agents should contact Sales Manager Miguel Garcia (011-52-998-881-4770, [email protected]) for details.
Playa la Media Luna is another of the island’s small beach hotels. Its rooms, all decorated in soft colors with traditional Mexican style, have terraces with ocean views, a breakfast area and a small living room. Agents can contact owner Kin Lima (011-52-998-877-0759, [email protected]).
In the middle of downtown Isla Mujeres is Hotel Plaza Almendros with 39 rooms, all with air conditioning, a cable TV and Wi-Fi. Contact Leopoldo Sosa (011-52-998-877-1701, [email protected]) in the reservations department with questions.
Posada del Mar sits on the best beach in the island, next to the lighthouse and three blocks from the main pier on Rueda Medina Avenue. It has 62 air-conditioned rooms, 28 of which are in the main building and have ocean views. There are 13 villas by the pool and 21 new rooms with a garden view.General Manager Ignacio Acosta (011-998-877-0770, [email protected]) is the contact for travel agents.
Activities
If the incredible beaches and cliffs aren’t enough to persuade clients to hang around Isla Mujeres for a few days, tell them about the getaway’s marine parks with reefs.
Keen M Blue Water Encounters is the pioneer of the sailfish dives and has hosted some of the best photographers and videographers from BBC and National Geographic.The island is also one of the best locations in Mexico for deep-sea fishing. Whale shark tours, which take place between May 16 and September 16 each year, are becoming increasingly popular.
Getting There
Clients should fly into Cancun International Airport, then transfer to a boat ride from the Cancun hotel zone.which takes about 35 minutes.
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The lobby at Villa Rolandi, one of the premier resorts on Isla Mujeres |