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Travelers Are Flocking To This Mexican Caribbean Gem Near Cancun, Here’s Why

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The last twelve months have been great for the Mexican Caribbean, with arrivals at Cancun International Airport setting new records as more and more travelers want a piece of the world’s most in-demand travel destination. Yet while Cancun is understandably receiving the lion’s share of these beach-loving travelers, it’s far from the only destination in the region to be flourishing since travel around the world returned to normality, as several other towns in the Mexican Caribbean are also seeing demand rise to new highs.

Woman sitting in the surf of the ocean in mexico beach

One of these such destinations is Costa Mujeres, which has increased its total number of rooms available by almost 10% over the past year in order to cope with the sheer number of travelers flocking there. Full of the types of beaches, historical sights, and natural beauty that radiates throughout the region, here’s a look at why so many travelers are choosing to stay in the Costa Mujeres right now and how the destination plans to deal with this new-found demand. 

isla mujeres cliff

Costa Mujeres Booming – Information For Travelers

While Cancun is grabbing the headlines, the beaches and resorts of the Costa Mujeres have been quietly making their own waves over the past year. Despite starting 2022 with just over 8,000 hotel rooms, the destination closed the year with 8,700, as it goes from strength to strength as a vacation option. With an average occupancy rate of 81% throughout the year and around 85% in December, there’s no sign of its popularity growth slowing down either. 

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isla mujeres pier boat

A key factor in the popularity of the Costa Mujeres is its location. The destination is just 18km away from Cancun’s popular hotel zone and can be reached from the airport in less than an hour. That means that the Costa Mujeres, with its relatively emptier beaches and more local feel, makes for a perfect getaway from the big-city vibes and thronging crowds of Cancun – regardless of if it’s just a day’s excursion or spending a few days exploring all of its wonderful sights. 

People walking on beach in Isla Mujeres

Regardless of whether you’re an active type of traveler or one who prefers a slower pace of life, the Costa Mujeres has you covered. For sports fans, the destination is home to the stunning beachfront 18-hole Playa Mujeres Golf Club, which incorporates local natural features such as mangroves into its course. There’s also the highly-rated Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, where you can brush up on your serve and volley skills, along with a plethora of water-based activities to enjoy. 

Golf-Course-Cancun

Not your scene? You’ll be relieved to know that the Costa Mujeres also has more than its fair share of stunning beaches that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard. Not only are there a handful to explore on the mainland, but the nearby Isla Mujeres – a top destination in its own right – is home to the stunning Playa Norte, considered by many to be up there with the best beaches in the world. 

luxurious beach lounge at Isla Mujeres in Mexican Caribbean

If you’re looking to do something a bit different to break up your routine on vacation, then Costa Mujeres is the perfect place for you. For starters, the MUSA, or the Underwater Museum of Art, features a range of artworks located at the seabed. Not only does this give travelers the opportunity to witness the region’s incredible diving and visit the Isla Mujeres, but it also offers a unique slice of culture. The art is also visible through snorkeling or glass bottom boat tours, making it accessible to all travelers, and it is truly an experience you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.

Cancun Underwater Museum MUSA

Finally, it’s the overall feel of the Costa Mujeres that wins over the hearts of travelers. While it’s not exactly a backwater destination, there’s a more local, authentic charm to the city. Whether that’s through its backsteets, its restaurants, its markets, or in the faces of its locals, it ticks the boxes for so many travelers who find exactly what they were looking for.

Food is authentic and well-priced, while its bustling markets are home not only to souvenirs but locally-made trinkets and clothing items that will serve as the perfect piece of vacation memorabilia. As the destination continues to grow, it faces a challenge holding onto that charm – but we’re sure it’ll keep it for the foreseeable future. 

isla mujeres sign in mexico

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