Tucked away in the Caribbean, and just off the eastern coast of Mexico, Isla Mujeres boasts a collection of postcard-worthy beaches, exceptional snorkeling sites, and a vibrant island lifestyle. More laid-back than Cancun and quieter than Playa del Carmen, this lesser-known Caribbean island is hailed as having a much more local feel than Mexico’s other top-visited destinations — which is precisely what makes it so special.
In the midst of the island’s collection of boutique hotels and world-class resorts, there’s one place that stands out as the perfect destination for travelers who want to soak up some real peace and quiet in an adults-only paradise. Sorry, parents, no kids allowed this time!
Surrounded by turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see, with luxurious accommodation that’s perfect for winding down after a day out in the sun — and designed specifically for a peaceful break from screaming children splashing in and out of the pool — welcome to Impression Isla Mujeres.
What makes Impression Isla Mujeres so special
Aside from its adults-only policy, Impression Isla Mujeres checks off all the boxes in terms of accommodation, food and drink, activities, and beyond. For starters, the all-inclusive resort has 125 rooms available — from presidential to junior and honeymoon suites — that open up directly into sweeping ocean views. In terms of pricing, a junior suite starts from $625 per person a night, while the presidential suite will set you back around $2,000 per person a night. It’s worth noting that the price also includes a complimentary bottle of tequila upon your arrival via private resort boat, as well as other amenities that include daily sparkling wine and fresh fruit, unlimited top-shelf spirits at the bar, access to a personal butler from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., 24-hour laundry service, fitness-on-demand classes, à la carte dining options, and more.
In addition to their picture-perfect rooms, Impression Isla Mujeres also boasts not one but seven on-site restaurants — each one specializing in a unique type of cuisine — and five bars, as well as a spa, ocean-front infinity pools, and a series of private deck chairs and hammocks over the water. The star of the show, however, is typically the resort’s adult-friendly water slide with a four-story drop straight into the ocean. Lastly, although children aren’t permitted on the premises, Impression Isla Mujeres does have a lenient pet-friendly policy: small dogs are welcome, and the resort will even provide them with a bed, a bowl, and toys during their stay.
Getting your fun on in Isla Mujeres
Outside of the hotel, Isla Mujeres has plenty of activities to keep you busy. For starters, the island is home to the famous Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), which hosts a collection of more than 500 sculptures that have seamlessly blended into the ocean floor. Visits to the site are available via glass-bottom boat from Cancun (for $58), or aboard a snorkeling excursion departing from Isla Mujeres that lets you swim down to the sculptures, starting from $58. For travelers who are certified, scuba diving tours are also available for roughly $100.
If you’re looking for even more underwater excitement, between May and September, local companies offer whale shark swimming tours that bring you up close and personal to these majestic creatures.
Outside of the water, other must-do activities include a visit to Punta Sur Park — located on the southernmost tip of the island — which pays homage to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon and fertility. In addition, cruising around the island aboard a golf cart or bicycle is also a popular option. If you do decide to venture out on your own, make sure you add Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, a lively street in the heart of town that’s brimming with local shops and eateries, as well as the Mercado Municipal to your itinerary. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the poolside all-you-can-drink margaritas back at the resort.
