Simplly the best vacation we have ever had!
Review Submitted: April 19, 2009
Date of Stay: March 2009
To Begin: The accommodations are much better than the photos -- clean, spacious & comfortable. Isla Mujeres offers a wealth of dining, shopping, beaching, boating & loafing opportunities. Despite their lure, we had to tear ourselves away from simply sitting on the lanai, reading and reveling in the view. Morning, noon, sunset and late at night, this unit, perched on one of the highest points of the island, provides stunning views of the Cancun skyline and the tranquil bay to the west and the crashing waves of the Caribbean Sea to the east. We stayed two weeks and hated to go. We're already encouraging several friends to to join us at Isla Cumbre.
From Cancun, take the inexpensive "hotel shuttle" to Puerto Juarez where you will find the ferry to Isla Mujeres. The hotel shuttle provides a glimpse of the massive tourist palaces of party-ville you are avoiding. After seeing them you will be delighted with the laid-back "old fishing village" aura of Isla. The residents are quietly helpful, hustling their wares (of course) but cheerful and polite. Walk across the street from the ferry dock to get a better exchange rate than you will get in Cancun then hail a cab to Loma Bonita. (They all know the place and you will need no Spanish.) There is a small store on the premises in case you forgot anything & they will replenish drinking water when required.
There is a beach with bar & day cafe directly across the street & down the hill. A short walk south is the truly memorable Cafe " O" restaurant, partially built over the water where service, cuisine and setting are perfect, a dining experience you will remember years later.
Once settled in you will want to explore downtown Isla and the wind-sheltered beaches of Playa Norte (North Beach). Try not to ogle the topless European belles. The list of fun little bars and restaurants is huge, but the Bujo's bar(s) & the Sunset Grill & Olivia's are memorable. Jack's is still a rallying point. Cafe Mogagua in the middle of town can be your home-away from your Loma Bonita home. Party the night (and morning?) away and feel safe and comfortable about finding a cab back to the peace of Loma Bonita. The fruit truck arrives on Sunday morning, so buy a big bag of oranges and start each day with freshly squeezed O.J. One note of caution: Great priced Anejo Rum at the supermarket in town but don't get so carried away that you exceed the luggage 50 lb bag limit.
In sum: Laid back & lovely! Go now. Stay long.
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