A (Mini) Guide to Wellness Travel In Isla Mujeres

For travel enthusiasts who crave an experience that feels artisanal and under the radar, Cancun is likely not the destination that comes to mind. But book your flight to the Mexican travel hub, and then sail just miles to the east of the shore, and you'll find yourself on the island of Isla Mujeres. 

Once better known as a day-trip destination for tourists looking to take a break from Cancun, the island is quickly establishing itself as an enclave for discerning jet-setters. It's geographically compact (it takes only 40 minutes to bike the entire island—more on that in a moment) but full of life. Not only are there beautiful blue waters to swim in and scene-y restaurants to dine at, but the island has made an example of itself for its commitment to sustainability and conservation. It's the sort of place where you'll not just enjoy your stay—but you can also feel good about your trip. 

I've stayed at a lot of hotels in my time as a writer, and so I hope you understand the gravitas when I say this: The thoughtful, exquisite details found at the adults-only, all-inclusive Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets are something special. 

Weather permitting, you arrive at the hotel via their own private catamaran, where you'll dock at their yacht bar for your welcome drink. From there, a butler will take you directly up to your suite, as the check-in process happens seamlessly on the boat ride over. I'd recommend booking an ocean view because the view from your balcony (complete with a hot tub) is just that spectacular. Your arrival gift is a set of snorkeling gear to be used during your stay and a travel mug for drinks. 

The hotel is decorated with work from Mexican artists and dressed up in décor all sourced sustainability from the country. In addition, when they renovated the building (from a decade-long abandoned hotel), they did so with green engineering, so there are countless elements of sustainability woven throughout.

As noted, it only takes about 40 minutes to bike the entirety of the island, and the relatively flat ride is doable for all levels of riders. Plus there are several lookout points on the path so you can stop and take breaks, snap a few photos, and take in the scenery. The best part is that the water is visible for almost all of the trip, so you're never without a view. 

For those who need to get in their daily workout, it'd make for an excellent option that isn't just the hotel gym (bonus: cycling is easy on the joints while giving a cardio boost). Or for those who just want to explore the scenery itself, it'll only cost you a small fraction of your day—you could even fit it in before breakfast mimosas. Of course, you can make it as leisurely of a pace as you'd like—stopping to enjoy new parts of the island—in case you want to make something more of it. 

Thanks to Saving Our Sharks Foundation (SOSF), the island is having a conservationist renaissance. SOSF is a nonprofit organization that's dedicated to reviving the shark population around Isla Mujeres while supporting local community livelihood and encouraging ecotourism. The surrounding waters are home whale sharks, a massive shark variety that's known for being slow-moving and gentle. 

The foundation recruits fishermen from the island (how many on the island make their living) and trains them in shark conservation and ecotourism activities, including becoming scuba guides for shark expeditions and aiding in monitoring for the research center. And during the transition process—from shark fisherman to shark protectors, as the organization says—SOSF subsidizes the wages, paying what would be market value for shark meat. 

Take in vast ocean views, craft cocktails, and Mexican-Mediterranean fusion at this sky lounge. Unik Sky Lounge's posh, upscale atmosphere makes it the perfect setting for a leisurely, indulgent lunch or dinner under the stars. The food is fresh and sophisticatedly crafted by Chef Paolo, who has worked at Michelin-star restaurants and five-star hotels throughout his decades-long career. 

Certainly one of the most unique art museums I've seen, this sculpture garden is entirely underwater, so to enjoy it you must visit by glass bottom boat, diving, or snorkeling. MUSA Isla Mujeres Bay is located in protected waters at the south end of the island, so you can swim there if your hotel is located nearby. Or book yourself a tour, which won't cost you too much, and you can visit by glass bottom boat. Of course, for those who can dive, there are diving expeditions as well. 

The museum includes work by both Mexican and international artists. In the MUSA Isla Mujeres location, you'll find a vast collection of work, including more than 450 sculptures by artist Jason DeCaires, with 45 modules with 10 real-life people in each. Plus, other works include "La Jardinera," "Man on Fire," "The Dream Collector," and "Anthropocene."