I'm sure by now you've visited Cancun and the Riviera Maya - well there's a new area that's being promoted as the next "it" spot in Mexico and I had to check it out. 

Costa Mujeres isa town located in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, but on the mainland, in the state of Quintana Roo, 30min north of Cancun Airport. The town  is actually a 930 hectare community stretching along 3.2km of white sand beaches and home to many of the all-inclusive resorts you've become familiar with. The first hotel we stayed at was Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres. This new family friendly, 4* all-inclusive resort is located on a white sand beach with crystal clear water. There are 4 buildings of 4 floors each, elevators available - in fact I saw quite a few people on scooters moving around the resort. There is a well-equipped mini-club for ages 4-10yrs and a Teen Club for 11-17yr olds  There are 6 themed restaurants and I have to say it was some of the best food I've had at a resort in a long time. Mexican, Italian, Asian, International, Thai, Creperie, Burgers, Food Trucks, Buffet - it was all delicious, with fantastic service. I have to make note that the buffet wasn't a regular buffet - yes, they had the traditional buffet area but they also had stations with servers creating plates that were as pleasing to the eye as the palate. The nightly entertainment was enjoyable - Michael Jackson show is always a favourite. Some of the shows take place on "5th Ave" - a "street" lined with restaurants, shops, bars and a great ambiance. The rooms are spacious and the bed was so comfortable I wanted to take it home! We did try the Spa services  and again, top notch service - hydrotherapy area, although small, was welcomed and I found the pricing to be reasonable. Highly recommend this resort. Upgrade to the Premium level for added amenities.

The next resort we stayed at was the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun. This was my first time staying at a Royalton resort and this didn't disappoint. I must admit coming from a "zen-like" atmosphere at Catalonia to the very busy Royalton Splash it was a bit of a shock but  we quickly settled in. If you are looking for somewhere to take the family where they'll thank you, this is it! The waterpark is incredible (largest in the Caribbean)- for all ages - a smaller one for the little ones and a huge drop zone area for the bigger "kids".  There's a lazy river that meanders through the resort. If you can upgrade to the Diamond Club - well worth the extra money - separate beach and pool area where they periodically come around with refreshments; clean your sunglasses, wait service - and you'll have a butler to take care of all your dinner reservations. No hassle waiting for availability.  I was very impressed. There are 12 restaurants including a steakhouse, French, Italian, Indian, Mexican, food trucks and buffet (huge selection).

While staying in Costa Mujeres, a mandatory visit to Isla Mujeres should be on the list. You can pick up the Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez, 2 miles north of Cancun; the crossing is approximately 30 min - itself a nice excursion. They run every 30min throughout the day and cost $16.80usd/pp roundtrip. 

Isla Mujeres is an amazing place to spend the day - or even a few day as there are numerous hotels/bnbs, and two all-inclusive resorts; Zoetry currently being renovated and scheduled to open in December 2024, as well as Secrets newest creation, Impression. Let me tell you - they really picked the right name for this resort. There is a private catamaran from the mainland directly to the resort so no terminals to wait in; relax on the pier with a cocktail then enjoy a beautiful ride over to the resort while relaxing with a glass of bubbly. Service is impeccable. When you step off the boat you are met by one of the butlers providing you with a signature fruit drink and cold towels. Luggage is left for the bellboys and because you've already checked in at the pier, you can head straight to your room.  The decor and muted colours throughout create a calm, relaxed, very zen atmosphere. There are little hidden areas with waterfalls and pools so you never feel crowded.  At the main beach area there are glass-bottomed kayaks at your disposal; bali beds, wait service AND a pier that has won awards for the Most Instagramable Spot. With only 125 rooms, 7 retaurants, a rooftop infinity pool and lots of secluded areas for privacy, this is a perfect quiet getaway. For weddings there is an amazing area with a mantaray-shaped rooftop giving spectacular views over Cancun. If you really want to feel pampered and spoiled, this is your spot.

While there head into town ($10usd cab fare) to discover the downtown area - if you've been to Playa del Carmen you'll have a feel of this area. Walk along the narrow streets filled with vendors selling souvenirs, an assortment of restaurants, bars and a great ambiance.  Keep walking to the end and you'll reach Playa Norte, a gorgeous white-sand beach with turquoise water; very popular with locals and visitors so be sure to head out early. Grab your towel from the resort or pay $30usd for towels/loungers/umbrella for the day. If you prefer you can go to one of the Beach Clubs; for $200 pesos ($20cad) you can reserve a lounger and for an additional $200 pesos you can have an all you can eat/drink day!  Well worth it. Vendors walk along the beach selling anything from ice cream to sunglasses. You can also rent golf carts ($100usd to drive around the island and have a look at the different areas.

I must say I returned really relaxed from this vacation. Great resorts, fantastic food.  Highly recommend any of the resorts I stayed at.

If you'd like more info on any of them, please email allanacreativetravel@gmail.com or call me at 416-737-3538.  I'd love to help you plan an amazing adventure.

Allana