Isla Mujeres: A Love Affair

Not since Gili T have we fallen so hard for an island, but Isla Mujeres is our main squeeze.  If we don't come home, check here first.  We might be swimming with the whale sharks, diving in the aquamarine waters, eating lobster quesadillas, or sipping mezcal with live music around us and cats at our feet.  This island was made for us.

The smooth ferry ride took less than half an hour from Puerto Juarez, and the boat was near empty.  $15 gets you a roundtrip ticket, and as you coast through the Caribbean you can feel yourself shaking off the Cancun crowds and clichés. Although Isla Mujeres isn't as untouched as it once was, it's welcoming and quaint.  We walked a few blocks from the dock to Posada del Mar, where we have a view of the ocean from the third floor.  We're in Heaven: across from Playa Centro, around the corner from Carey Dive Center, motorbike rentals on the corner.

The streets around us are lined with colorful shops, eclectic restaurants, music, and laughter.  Javi's boasts a mean ceviche; Mamacita has a lobster quesadilla and craft cocktail list that are spiced with host-Victor's banter, and the cactus that comes with the chips is a treat.  Mentiras is a must for al pastor tacos and the mezcal mixed drinks help cut the heat.  Feel like a kid again as you eat breakfast in a rope swing hung from the ceiling at Lola Valentina- Jay's Mexican Benedict was gone before I could try it, and my tofu scramble came with some of the best green salsa I've ever had.  Need a break for local cuisine?  Try Sushi Asia Caribe, owned by an American couple who raised their kids here after relocating decades ago.  Some fusion menus suffer because they try to do too much, but Asian Caribe does it all well.  My dragon roll smiled at me and the coconut shrimp is pan seared, not deep fried.  We watched plate after plate served around us, each greeted with delight.  It's hard not to marvel at each moment in Isla Mujeres- it's safe, cozy, clean, and vibrant.  

Sushi Asia Caribe 

Mentiras

We love the street art and being able to walk shore to shore in a few minutes.  The sand is soft and you can see to the bottom in every direction- no sea weed, no coral: pristine bottoms. Each house has different details, colors, and decorations- I love the house with the swan staircase and am a big fan of "Mexico time" (1 Mexican minute is about 15-20 American minutes).  As the sun goes down, you can hear the guitar strings dancing in the breeze and life can't really seem to get much better.