Isle of Paradise

Palm shaded beach
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Our next stop in the Caribbean was an island off the mainland called Isla Mujeres. This is known as the backpackers Cancun as the beach is equally magnificent only the cost of everything is a fraction of the price. We caught the ferry from Cancun and it took around 20 minutes. The journey itself was stunning as we sat up on the deck and marvelled at the amazing coloured water.

We spent our first night staying in a hotel that appeared good value until we discovered it was festering with mould. By this stage it was too late in the evenning to change so we had to brave staying there the night. First thing in the morning we moved to a hotel called Hotel Marcianito. This is one of the best places we've stayed the entire trip and thoroughly recommend it. It costs 300 pesos (U.S $25) for a double room with private bathroom.

It looks even better than the Caribbean brochures that travel agents have

Gary on the beach
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Everything at Isla Mujeres is within easy walking distance. The main beach known as Playa Norte (north beach) is the most stunning beach we have ever seen. It has very fine completely white sand and light aqua coloured water. This place truly is paradise..... it looks even better than the Caribbean brochures that travel agents have. We are already planning to return here one day hopefully in the not too distant future.

The main beach is 'L' shaped and one side is quite crowded with locals. This side has no waves and is next to where the boats come in. The other side and the area we preferred has small calm waves and is very shallow and safe for swimming, you have to walk out about 40 meters before you are submerged. Its not crowded here and there's plenty of sand to lay on - all publically accessable. There is also a beach club complete with deck chairs if thats your thing.

Shannyn in the water
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Isla Mujeres is full of charming little restaurants with great seafood amongst other dishes. The seafood here is really cheap and we had a brilliant meal of garlic prawns which has been the best food we've eaten the whole trip - possibly ever!!!

The town here is also quite nice with lots of little souvenir shops and a relaxed laid back feel. There are nice walks you can do around the water front as well.

Isla Mujeres is easily (we think) the best beach in the Mexican Caribbean (and possibly in the world). If you're looking for paradise then here it is!!!!! We found a beautiful fancy beach front hotel and enquired on the price so if you're looking for a bit of affordable luxury in the best location ever then have a look at www.ixchelbeachhotel.com In November and December (the beginning of the dry season but not yet peak time) you can get a really nice room for U.S $90 per night. In my opinion this small luxury hotel beats any resort complex and is also much cheaper. Shannyn