10 Best Hotels in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Walking into the open-air sunken lobby of this gorgeous hotel feels like walking into a friend's fabulous vacation hacienda—it's colorful and cozy, yet modern and chic. Spacious accommodations showcase Mexican elements, like terra-cotta tiling, luxe linens, and funky woven accents. Unexpected touches range from Posturepedic mattresses and organic bath products to complimentary stocked minibars and morning coffee delivered to your door. Rooms (except for Jacuzzi suites) don’t have TVs or phones, but you won't miss them considering that on-site amenities include a spa, yoga studio, infinity pool, private dock, and waterfront dining.

Off the town square, this boutique hotel is bursting with character, charm, and creativity, ideally suited for independent travelers who don't need 24-hour service but who appreciate value, comfort, and modern design. Inspired by the owners' trips to Greece, the property is stark white with hints of aqua. The sound of crashing waves can be heard from every room, each of which has a hammock, reading nook, and lounge area with an extra daybed. There's also a small plunge pool and rooftop patio where guests can enjoy an evening cocktail (complimentary tequila and beer is given at check-in).

One of Isla's few luxury boutique hotels is intimate, contemporary, and notable for its long infinity pool and its guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies overlooking Half Moon Bay. The most affordable accommodations are on the ground floor; those on the top floor have better views, but the four-flight climb might be too much for some. The lobby bar mixes up phenomenal cocktails, and continental breakfasts are served poolside. The volcanic rock here isn't ideal for beach lovers, but Playa Norte is a five-minute walk away.

With a location—on a beach with clear, calm water—that can't be beat, this property consists of two condo-style buildings that face one another—the slightly newer, five-story East Wing has 48 units, and the six-story West Wing has 69 units. Each unit is decorated differently, but even the least expensive has a TV, DVD player, humidifier, and Wi-Fi. Standard rooms have two double beds, while spacious two-bedroom suites have king beds, two bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Garden-view rooms are steps from the pool, snack bar, and beach. Since units are privately owned, it can be challenging to switch if you're not satisfied.

Situated on tiny Isla Yunque, which is connected to the northern tip of Isla Mujeres by a long wooden bridge, this is one of the island's best all-inclusive options, where many of the studios have ocean-view balconies. Between the freestanding studios and the main tower are a palapa restaurant, a private beach, and swinging beach beds suspended from ropes. The greatest draw is the Baño del Rey (King’s Bath), a warm, natural pool that's accessible only to hotel guests. Be warned: this still operates as an Avalon time-share resort, and preference is given to those who bought into the members program.

Elegant without being pretentious, this tranquil hotel is a true sanctuary with sandy pathways winding through a jungle setting that spills onto the beach. Garden rooms near the pool have tile floors, large patios, palapa roofs, and contemporary Mexican decor with Maya influences; pricier beachside rooms have marble floors and white bedding; suites come with a private plunge pool or whirlpool tub. Meals made from the freshest ingredients are served at Zazil Ha restaurant. For a relaxing escape, head to the spa or meditation room, where you can take yoga classes.

This breezy palapa-roofed hotel on Half Moon Beach has rooms decorated in neutral colors, with hammocks, king-size beds, and balconies or terraces overlooking the pool and ocean beyond. If you don't mind skipping the view and continental breakfast, bare-bones Rocas Rooms are about half the price of deluxe ones; however, it's worth paying extra for the upgrade. There's a shared rocky beach with Hotel Secreto. For better swimming, try the neighboring cove in front of Mia Reef Resort.

Perched on the sugary shores of Playa Norte, this five-story resort is one of the island's largest and one of the few to offer an all-inclusive plan. Modern guest rooms have light wooden furniture, marble floors, and balconies (some with water views and whirlpool tubs). Palapa umbrellas dot the beach, and guests can relax in one of the poolside casitas where massages are offered. There are three on-site restaurants—Sabor (international), Satay (Asian fusion), and Playa Norte (beach club)—and the pool bar, but proximity to downtown restaurants makes the all-inclusive package somewhat unnecessary. Snorkeling tours, golf-cart rentals, and airport transportation are available upon request.

You can smell, hear, and see the ocean from the starkly minimalist, blue-and-white rooms at this hotel, which is on the eastern malecón (boardwalk) and is one of the few on the island that overlooks the Caribbean. Since you're tucked away at the southern end of the town square, there isn't much to distract you from the water—except during Carnaval, when the music can get loud. Rooms are equipped with refrigerators, glass-walled bathrooms, and balconies; top-floor ones have the best ocean views and the most privacy, but budget travelers can choose between four with town views.

The first hostel in Latin America has been renovated by trendy travel and co-working brand Selina and is now the kind of place we all dreamed existed when we were young—one whose options range from cute and comfortable private rooms with en-suite baths to dorms for 4 to 12 people with shared bathrooms. A cool co-working area, yoga and meditation lessons, and a movie room guarantee that you'll be entertained and never alone. It's perfect for digital nomads and social travelers.