Located in Mexico, 13 miles off the coast of Cancun lies a quaint island where pirates once roamed in search of the women they could hear singing. This is one of many tales told to explain the island’s name – Isla Mujeres AKA The Island of Women. With a coastline that stretches for over four miles long and half a mile wide, Isla Mujeres is an ideal spot for anyone who is looking for an all-inclusive luxury getaway in Mexico, immersing themselves wholly in one place instead of an exhausting itinerary jammed with scheduled activities and day trips.
The proximity to Cancun -about a 15-minute ferry ride– has made Isla Mujeres a popular day-trip destination. We spent five days on the island, visiting two other hotspots while in Mexico and I can say Isla Mujeres reigns supreme.
The natural beauty of the pristine nature, the unique activities, and the hospitality provided by Privilege Aluxes all-inclusive resort all make Isla Mujeres the perfect destination for anyone looking for a quick, easy getaway from the northern winter.
Travel to Isla Mujeres, Mexico
After a month of social distancing again and harsh winter New York temperatures, I desperately needed a break. Preferably, an all-inclusive one! I needed to get away to a warm tropical place that s close to New York. Isla Mujeres was the perfect destination. We took a direct flight from New York to Cancun airport (✈️ 4 hours). Our all-inclusive resort, Privilege Aluxes arranged the transportation from thereon. A car picked us up from the Cancun airport and off we were to Punta Sam ferry terminal (🚗 35min). The fairy ride was fun. We sat outside enjoying the sun and soft breeze while a Mexican band was playing live music on the deck (🚤 40min). Once we arrived at Isla Mujeres, a golf car was waiting to pick us up and take us to Privilege Aluxes Caribbean beach resort (🚗 5min).
Our all-inclusive paradise at Isla Mujeres
From the moment we arrived at the Privilege Aluxes, it was evident that this was going to be a wonderful, calming all-inclusive experience, and seeing the safety regulations firsthand was a welcome relief. It wasn’t a matter of following rigid rules as much as effortless precautionary measures that didn’t deter from the experience.
Upon arrival, you could sense the warm spirit of the hotel’s team immediately, a trait that one of the staff members said was inherent in “the Mayan people.” Before entering Privilege Aluxes, two men who sanitized the wheels and exterior of my suitcase greeted me. I walked in and there was a large black square with a sponge-like material soaked in sanitizer. I wiped my feet and proceeded to the check-in.
The immediate sense I got when checking in was that this is a staff that knew how to direct its guests. They listened to my interests and could suggest other activities at Isla Mujeres based on very little information. They could also give me the treasured insider’s perspective that is so valuable when traveling. Walking in to find staff that was knowledgeable, professional, and without the hints of pretension that sometimes accompanies luxury all-inclusive hotels was a reassuring start to my long-awaited trip.
An exclusive Caribbean beach resort
We stayed in one of the highly coveted beachfront suites at Privilege Aluxes, with a minimalist living space, well-equipped kitchen, and separate bedroom with access to the balcony. There’s plenty of closet space to hang clothing items and store your luggage.
We stayed at the penthouse private pool suite. The view from the terrace was endless. It overlooked the resort amenities, including the pool, restaurants, and of course, the private white sand beach exclusive for the hotel guests, Playa Norte. By day you could see Cancun’s intricate skyline and by night the view of the sunset so beautiful and perfect it seemed imaginary.
The white sands of Isla Mujeres
It was the first time I ever laid on a Balinese bed or sat under a palapa umbrella. The beach of Playa Norte is lined with clean white sand and sapphire waters, free of the seaweed that used to plague the Caribbean island and deter tourism.
If you’re a workstation traveler, take your laptop to a full-service bed or one of the seated areas under the shade and you’ll have the best workday of your life. It’s the best “office” with a view you can ask for.
The Privilege Aluxes staff is diligent about checking for the blue wristband to ensure the roped-off portion of the Playa Norte beach is exclusive to guests of Privilege Aluxes.
Where to eat and drink at Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte Beach club at Privilege Aluxes
Lunch and dinner at Playa Norte Beach Club is worth multiple visits throughout your stay. Words cannot describe the fresh flavors that come through every dish. The local Mexican avocados that are included in their stellar poke bowls and guacamole have a velvety texture and eye-opening flavor. I couldn’t get enough of the vegan poke bowl that had a mix of seasonal and local vegetables over rice. There was also a truffle mushroom risotto that was vegan-friendly and delicious.
Be sure to set aside a night for late-night cocktails at the Caribbean Beach Club. The live music, starry night sky, and cool breeze are so refreshing and give you a sense of Mexican culture.
Breakfast at Sabor at Privilege Aluxes
Your morning coffee would go best with a view of the Playa Norte beach and the fresh fruit plate from Sabor. This was my favorite breakfast spot that has a full menu of options to accommodate everyone’s preferences. The staff was quick to offer an array of bread options while you’re waiting for you order. The fresh Mexican coffee kept coming for refills to keep you charged throughout the day.
Asian inspired cuisine at Satay
Pack a nice outfit for a special dinner at Privilege Aluxes’ Satay, an Asian inspired restaurant “specializing in Thai and Oriental” dishes. The décor is sleek and modern, like a hot downtown spot in trendy Soho. There’s a varied selection of sushi and sashimi paired with drizzles of vibrant sauces that are unique to the restaurant. Don’t skip dessert! The green tea sorbet was the perfect end to the meal.
Spa Mystique at Privilege Aluxes
A full-service spa on the premise is always a welcome site, but one thing that Privilege Aluxes has to elevate the entire experience above all other luxury all-inclusive resorts is a marquee staff that can transform your mind, body and soul with just one treatment at Spa Mystique.
Be sure to make a reservation for their signature candle massage. They use homemade candles with a fragrance of your choice – eucalyptus, lavender and my choice – “a million wishes candle.”
This is a full-body massage that awakens all your senses. With every motion, you could feel the weight of old stresses and worries coming off. It’s a perfect way to start or end your day.
Rosanne is the spa manager who will guide you through all the services. Her staff all have the same calming energy that disarms you as you enter their space. Together they all have the professionalism, skillset and inherent kindness that are essential to offer you a premier spa experience. My suggestion, plan a half a day at the spa for sure.
Exploring Isla Mujeres
Ready for an all-island excursion? Right outside of Privilege Aluxes is one of many golf cart rental kiosks. Rent a golf cart for the day and take a ride all around Isla Mujeres. On the Gulf of Mexico side (facing Cancun), there are colorful houses typical of Mexico tucked behind nature growing wildly, giving you a sense of the island’s origins.
At the southernmost point of Isla Mujeres is where you’ll find the Statue of Ixchel, the goddess of the moon, love, and fertility. A small Mayan ruin and lighthouse is also in walking distance of the statue. Before you go, there’s a beautiful restaurant right at the edge of the island overlooking the sea. Take some time to enjoy a coffee or cocktail while you’re there. Soak in the view of the endless Caribbean blue waters and the relaxing vibe.
On the drive back were homes of a more affluent style. Floor-to-ceiling windows, manicured lawns, and modern architecture. These are the sure signs that the obscurity of the island may one day end.
MUSA the Underwater Sculpture Museum of Isla Mujeres
Don’t forget to book an excursion to see the magnificent underwater museum with hundreds of sculptures that change with the growth of corals and marine life. It’s a magnificent experience that you won’t want to miss.
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