Ok, I know this is not really a island in the "caribbean", but has anyone been to Isla Mujeres? What is the best side of the island to stay on for white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters? Any recommendations on where to stay? Any info about the island would be appreciated. Thanks!

It is a very small Island off of Cancun. It has been many years since I have visited and I am sure it has "grownup" since then. We took a day trip over from Cancun. Went snorkelling with some big turtles and rays. It certainly was more charming than commercialized Cancun but that may have changed since I have been there.

The best beach is Norde Beach. Go to the island web site "isla-mujeres.net"<BR>Print out the centro area map that shows all the hotel names and locations close to Norde Beach. Keep in mind that the whole centro area shown on the map is barely 4 x 6 blocks. Click on places to stay and see pictures of the hotel you wish to stay at.We actually prefer to stay more down town at the Francis Arlene which is close to the shopping and night action. It is only 3 blocks from Norde Beach.<BR>In addition if you request us, we will e-mail to you our 22 page home grown brouchure that we keep up on the island.<BR>We spend a lot of time there<BR>Dan and Ginny

Hi,<BR><BR>We have stayed at Isla Mujeres and loved it. I highly recommend the Na Balam Hotel. It is right on Playa Norte (the best beach) and a 5 minute walk to town. It is a great island - very laid back and only a 20 min. ferry ride if you want the hustle and bustle of Cancun. The beach and the restaurants are really outstanding. Also, you are close enough to the mainland to do some of the excursions to the MAyan ruins.<BR><BR>Email me if you would like more info:<BR>[email protected]

Isla Mujeres has one of the most beautiful beaches I've visited. We went last year and loved our time there. I also second Hotel Francis Arlene, but would recommend a room with A/C - also one on the second or third floors since there can be noise at street level at night. You will also be within walking distance of all restaurants and shops. North Beach is spectacular.

You may also want to try Foder's Latin America board which, more than likely, will have more information.

My husband and I visited Isla 5 years ago and loved it. We were looking for a less expensive vacation in a less developed area. We stayed at Na Balaam for an amazing $50US/night and would recommend it. Our fav parts were the beautiful beach where you had unobstructed views of both sunrise and sunset, breakfast and dinner at Zazil Ha(palapa hut tables in the sand with lights in conch shells), people watching at the town square, and the amazing color of the water. We also loved the beachfront bar at NB with tables in the sand, and wooden rope swings. The people were lovely - hospital and kind. The landscaping at NB was wonderful with lots of interesting plants and pottery, curving walkways lined with conch shells, etc. We had an "ocenfront" room with wonderful turquiose colored tile. It was comfortable, but not luxurious. Wouldn't recommend paying for ocean front if you are considering Na Balaam as you cannot see much of the sea due to vegetation. <BR><BR>El Norte beach was beautiful - soft white sand; water was very shallow quite a ways out and was a beautiful color.<BR><BR>We felt quite safe walking to town for dinner in the evening. Would recommend renting a golf cart for at least one day so that you can explore the island; try El Garafon for snorkeling and amazing water colors. <BR><BR>Food was quite good pretty much everywhere, and prices were so reasonable. Bottled water was provided by hotel at no charge daily and we had no stomach problems during our stay. I have read there is a new upscale property on the island - you may want to check this out if you had a luxourious vacation in mind. <BR><BR>Only negatives during our stay were the strong urine smell in the bathroom, and the mildewed hammock on the balcony. There were a few lizards that wandered into our room, but we didn't see this as a negative. Also, the pool was across the street among additional rooms rather than at the beach and was very small with water that was an unattractive greenish color. We didn't swim here at all. Finally I wouldn't recommend going in late July - we went at this time and it was uncomfortably warm and humid when the trade winds all but disappeared on El Norte on our second day.<BR><BR>Overall I would highly recommed a visit to Isla if you are looking for beauty and simplicity, and can be flexible.