While nearly everyone knows about Mexico’s flagship tourist destinations of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, not as many know about Isla Mujeres. Just a short ferry ride from the more crowded mainland, Isla Mujeres is a world away, offering privacy and luxury in a stunning tropical setting.
There’s no shortage of top-tier hotels on Isla Mujeres’ North Beach. From all inclusive resorts to cozy cabanas, there’s something for every style and budget. We factored in prices, locations, rooms, amenities and guest reviews to come up with the best of the best in Playa Norte.
Where to book: Lowest rates should be available at either Booking.com or Hotels.com. If you are looking for the best deals on hotels in Isla Mujeres, we recommend Hotels.com.
Ixchel Beach Hotel
From $137/ night
Located just steps away from the coast of Isla Mujeres, Ixchel Beach Hotel is the closest you can get to the white sand and crystal waters of Playa Norte. The suites are surprisingly spacious, and although the modern décor is a bit underwhelming, you’re not likely to spend much time inside your room. Guests of Ixchel get exclusive access to cabanas, deck chairs and umbrellas for the perfect day on the beach. Isla Mujeres is small enough to walk around in a day, and Ixchel is just a few minutes from many beachfront restaurants and a shopping center.
Hotel Secreto
From $178/ night
Hotel Secreto is located just a short walk from Playa Norte. The interior design is quirky and colorful, modern yet with overtones of Mexican Impressionism. All rooms feature a balcony, iPod dock and plasma TV. The hotel features a full-service spa and is close to the restaurants and bars of Hidalgo Avenue for a good meal after a hard day’s relaxation.
Hotel Villa Kiin
From $32/ night
Homey with an abundant garden, Hotel Villa Kiin is a great to enjoy an authentic Mexican vacation. The interior décor is cozy and hacienda-style, making a Villa Kiin a retreat from the modern, contemporary aesthetic that dominates Mexico’s well-traveled tourist hotspots. Guests get access to the beach, although the property’s rights are not as expansive as the big resorts on the island, it’s very private and less crowded.
Na Balam
From $165/ night
Surrounded by jungle canopy and tastefully manicured gardens, Na Balam is the ideal private getaway. With exteriors dominated by wooden cabanas and chairs and stone pathways that wind around the property’s many cabins, Na Balam evokes the calm of a remote jungle retreat while still just steps away from Playa Norte and all the restaurants, bars and nightlife of Isla Mujeres. The hotel’s restaurant Zazil Ha serves vegetarian and traditional Mayan cuisine, yoga classes are held regularly, and there are massage therapists available.
Mia Reef (All Inclusive Resort)
From $233/ night
Located on its own private island just off Isla Mujeres, Mia Reef is the ultimate retreat. An all inclusive resort, Mia Reef boasts five on-site restaurants and cafes as well as late-night room service. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the main island, Mia Reef is surrounded by pristine beaches reserved for the exclusive use of guests. The interior design has a strong aquatic theme which kids and families will fall in love with, but which some guests may find a bit overdone and slightly off-putting. Suites features oceanfront, sunrise and sunset views.
Hotel Paradise Suites
From $112/ night
Just two minutes walk from the beach, Hotel Paradise Suites definitely lives up to its name. The décor is whimsical and utilizes many natural elements, contributing to a more cozy, “beach bum” vibe than the more buttoned-down resorts of Isla Mujeres. All the rooms feature terraces, great for relaxing in peace and quiet, and kitchenettes for frying up the day’s catch. If you don’t feel like cooking, there is a restaurant onsite as well as two just next door.
Privilege Aluxes (All Inclusive)
From $183/ night
Located just between Playa Sol and Playa Norte, Privilege Aluxes boasts one of the best locations on Isla Mujeres. An all inclusive, adults-oriented resort, Privilege is perfect for couples’ getaways, honeymoons, anniversaries and weddings. Each room is spacious yet cozy, like the resort itself, featuring king-sized beds, full restrooms and great views of the ocean. There are many choices of suites that come with balconies, private swimming pools and jacuzzis. There are three restaurants and three bars onsite if you choose the all inclusive option. If not, the many restaurants and bars of Playa Norte are all close at hand.