As the Mexican Caribbean soars in popularity, Isla Mujeres has emerged as one of the most sought-after resort locations in the region. With an average occupancy rate of nearly 90%, Isla Mujeres’ hotels and resorts are nearly sold out this spring, and the trend is set to continue over the following months.
Travelers are especially keen on the island’s award-winning beaches, which are among the cleanest in the region.
Located just a ferry ride away from Cancun, Isla Mujeres has been a popular day trip location for decades, but in 2023, its popularity is soaring to new highs.
According to the latest figures published by the islands’ hospitality representative, average occupancy rates are approaching 90% over the busy spring period. Some of the island’s most popular resorts are already sold out, with the most central neighborhoods reporting occupancy peaks of nearly 100%.
Despite housing countless top-rated resorts and smaller accommodations, Isla Mujeres is feeling the effects of record arrival numbers as travelers flock en masse to the Mexican Caribbean.
With Cancun’s packed beaches, Isla Mujeres is an enticing alternative, offering a quaint tropical landscape and some of the region’s top-rated beaches.
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Isla Mujeres also stands out for being the closest pueblo mágico (magical town) to Cancun. Magical towns are known for having special characteristics relating to their history, culture, cuisine, and other factors that make them one of a kind.
Aside from its beaches, travelers can enjoy Mayan ruins and charming, colorful stores. Travelers can visit Isla Mujeres by ferry, which departs every half an hour from three different terminals in Cancun’s hotel zone.
March And April To See 90% Occupancy Rates
While January and February were busy months for Isla Mujeres resorts, March and April are set to be even busier, with Spring Break and Easter holiday bringing thousands of travelers to the small island. As a result, average nightly rates have risen compared to previous years as bookers snatch the few remaining available rooms.
The relative lack of sargassum on Isla Mujeres beaches is expected to attract more travelers to the popular island further. Home to the likes of Playa Norte and Playa Centro, not only are the town’s top beaches in top-notch shape, but they’re also some of the cleanest in terms of sargassum. Isla Mujeres prioritizes regular cleaning of its white-sand shores, ensuring optimal conditions for travelers.
According to the latest sargassum forecast, Isla Mujeres’ main beaches are currently some of the best alternatives to those in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, which have reported unusually high amounts of the smelly seaweed. The outlook remains positive for the next few weeks, although changing sea currents could rapidly change the situation.
All in all, Isla Mujeres is currently one of the most sought-after resort destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, alongside the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen and Tulum), as well as Cancún – Puerto Morelos.
The unprecedented situation is causing some concern among hospitality firms, who fear mass arrivals may lead to water shortages and other logistical issues. Some hotel owners, such as Gerardo Magana, have reportedly waited for running water for several days already. Local resorts have been critical of the area’s utility company, Aguakan, who they say has failed to properly maintain and ensure running supplies.
Meanwhile, shop owners have reportedly run out of bottled water as locals empty the remaining stock. Fortunately, most larger resorts have independent water treatment systems that ensure enough running water for guests.
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