Travel: Isla Mujeres | The Island of Women | - Tree Myriah

Travel: Isla Mujeres | The Island of Women |

That’s right I went back! What can I say, when I love a place, I want to explore all the nooks and crannies. Viva Mexico! This time I brought 3 of my best friends of 10+ years for a girls trip and it was nothing short of AM-AZ-ING! This was my first trip with my girlfriends, but it definitely won’t be my last. A yearly tradition? Maybe!
 
Isla Mujeres:
 
We started our 10 days in Mexico on Isla Mujeres (Island of the Women), an island just 30 minutes by Ferry from the beaches of Cancun. When the Maya ruled the area, the island was devoted to the goddess lxchel, the Maya goddess of the moon, fertility, medicine and happiness. When the island was discovered in the 16th century, legend has it that the Spanish found only priestess of lxhel and her court of women, along with a scattering of gold, silver and clay statues of women. So the Spanish named the island Isla Mujeres; the Island of Women.
 
We arranged a shuttle from Happy Shuttle to pick us up from the airport and bring us to the ferry station to do the crossing over to the island. If you want to read about transportation options, here is a great source I found to be helful.
The island is very small, only around 4.3 miles long. On the east side of the island is a rocky wind-swept coast, while to the west you can make out Cancun’s skyline on a clear day. The North side is graced by a perfectly calm white sand beach called Playa Norte, that we adored. It’s the kind of beach where you can take a raft right off the sand, and be gently rocked by the seas swell all day long. Isla Mujeres is breathtakingly beautiful and with its close proximity to Cancun, it draws lots of tourists. It is defiantly a “discovered” place, we came across some crowds and busy streets on the north side of the island but soon discovered a quieter side once we explored.
We were immediately gripped by the small island living vibe, with its unique elements, such as the golf carts that everyone seems to use for getting around. While there are some cars and motorcycles, those didn’t seem half as fun as piling into a golf cart and roaming the island freely. So us 4 girls piled in and explored the south side of the island and am I ever I’m glad we did! Although the best beach is on the north side there was so much more to see to the south. We zoomed passed rocky alcoves where the blue sea kissed the shore and little groupings of local houses painted in your classic vibrant “Mexico” colors.
The highlight of our day adventuring was, without question, the turtle restoration center we visited. Turtle eggs have long been a delicacy in Mexico, and as a result, turtle numbers have been diminishing for years. So numerous turtle restoration projects have popped up all over Mexico, educating the people, saving eggs, and incubating them for re-release. I love supporting these types of projects in whatever way I can. It only costs a few dollars and the money is going to a great cause. And no you can’t hold the turtles or touch them, you can only look Senorita!
If your interested in suporting a sea life restoration project Ocean Connetors is one of my all time favorites. Not only because they actively strive to make the sea a celaner and healthier place but they also educate todays inner city youth about the importance of the ocean and marine life. Learn more here. If you want to directly supoort our beautiful ocean donat here.
The other highlight of our days (really nights) on Isla Mujeres was the dancing, and being on a girls trip we got down! There are a few spots we really liked:
 
Poc-Na Hostel One of the only places on the island you can dance with the sand at your feet and the sea in your sight. This beach bar plays lovely tunes until around 2 A.M.
 
Coconuts Open late! If you want to keep dancing to the wee hours of 4 AM this is the place to go to once everything else closes at 2 A.M.
 
BoBo’s We didn’t end up going here but we heard from numerous people that it was their favorite place to both eat and hang out at in the early evening before going out for the night. I guess I have to go back if only to try this place out!
 
We stayed in an Airbnb in the central area so we could walk to the main beach, to food and dancing easily. You don’t have to look far for accommodation like apartments, houses or hotels.
 
Isla Mujeres has an local saying, “tres mentiras” (3 lies) that you will get to know when you visit:
1. I’m leaving tomorrow.
2. I’m not drinking tonight.
3. I love you.
 
Pictured, the Sugar Kelp Lariat from the Salt Water collection inspired by my trips to Mexico + the Classic Minimalist Hoops.
 
All in all, I’m sure I’ll be returning to this little slice of paradise again sooner than later (I wish it was next week!) Have you ever been to Isla Mujeres or an island like it? I love hearing about what places you love to travel to, share with us by commenting below.
 
With love and grace,
~Tree

← Older Post Newer Post →

Leave a comment