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Why This Small Island Near Cancun Has Been Voted One Of The Best In The World

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Cancun may be the indisputable number-one destination in the Mexican Caribbean, hosting over 30 million guests annually, but this year, it's the smaller, more peaceful alternative spots that are stealing the limelight.

One of those is a tiny island, a short 30-minute ride from Cancun, that's long been hailed as a tranquility oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the mainland hotel zones, officially voted one of the best island getaways not only in Mexico but the entire world.

Aerial View Of Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexican Caribbean, Mexico

This winter, it's the enchanting Isla Mujeres where you should be headed:

Why Is Isla Mujeres So Trendy To Visit?

Isla Mujeres is a small island separated by only 8.1 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, where Cancun is located, approximately 4.3 miles long and a half-mile wide.

It is certainly not as big as Cozumel, but this doesn't mean it is any less incredible.

A paradisaical spot, Mujeres is one the Mexican Caribbean's most idyllic destinations, being surrounded by the turquoise Caribbean Sea and with the glitzy hotel towers and high-rise developments of Cancun for backdrop to the West.

Tree in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Home to a select number of hotels and guesthouses, due to its size, it has developed a reputation for being more exclusive than other Mexican islands and Mexican Caribbean resort towns, being favored by tourists who are looking for a truly relaxing vacation away from others' prying eyes.

Don't get us wrong, it does get busy, having hosted over 6 million tourists in 2022 alone, but most of them are coming for day trips on organized tours from Cancun, which means after sundown, inside resorts and away from the most popular beaches, the island remains unusually peaceful.

One Of The Best Islands In The World

People walking along Isla Mujeres beach in the Mexican Caribbean

According to Conde Nast readers, Isla Mujeres is one of the best island destinations in the world due to its tropical vibes, hospitality, and surprisingly diverse tourist offers.

Though there is certainly nothing wrong with that, and it's something vacationers in Mexico absolutely love doing, you can do more in Mujeres than just lay on a beach all day.

When you need some time away from your hotel and a bigger thrill, you can join other adventurers on a sailing boat adventure around the island, going snorkeling and diving and practicing a range of watersports, including kayaking and paddleboarding.

Beautiful Turquoise Water In Playa Norte, A Beach In The Northern End Of Isla Mujeres, Off The Mayan Riviera, On The Caribbean Coast Of Mexico, Latin America

Isla Mujeres is, in fact, home to a section of the world's second-largest reef system, so you should expect to find vibrant colors and unique marine life going on safe, certified expeditions.

We find that unlikely to be true if you're vacationing in the Mexican Caribbean, but if you're not the water type, you can always go golf carting on land or exploring Mujeres' unspoiled tropical nature by renting a bike for the day.

The world-renowned hospitality of the Mexican Caribbean is yet another reason why Isla Mujeres is such a trendy place to visit.

Aerial view of Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Home to landmark properties like Mia Reef Isla Mujeres, a casual all-inclusive resort extremely popular for its romantic atmosphere and beachfront views, and Zoetry Villa Rolandi, a spa hotel commanding a breathtaking panorama of the scenic coast and boasting luxurious amenities, we could argue Mujeres is the equivalent to a quintessential Mexican Caribbean experience.

Isla Mujeres Is Extremely Safe

Additionally, it has long been touted as one of the region's safest territories.

Aerial View Of The Resort Zone In Isla Mujeres, An Island Off The Mainland Riviera Maya, Mexican Caribbean, Mexico

As it is a small island community and one that is heavily policed, with new patrols being added ahead of every tourist season, safety levels for residents and visitors alike are extremely high.

Learn more about Isla Mujeres, and find out why it's been exploding in popularity with foreigners here.

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.