Our Island
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Five miles of Caribbean island, fifteen minutes from Cancún.
A real Mexican island that's preserved its fishing-village character — not a hotel zone, not a resort. Here's what you're in for.
At a Glance
Isla Mujeres at a glance
Quick facts for the trip planner in your group.
5 miles
Island Length
Walk it end to end in under 2 hours
15 min
Ferry from Cancún
Every 30 minutes, both ways
82°F
Average Air Temp
Year-round Caribbean warmth
79°F
Average Water Temp
Swimming weather always
~16,500
Population
A real fishing-village community
First in Mexico
To See the Sun
Easternmost point in the country
The Island
What makes Isla Mujeres different
Five miles of island with more character per square foot than anywhere in the Mexican Caribbean.
Playa Norte
Consistently ranked among the world's top beaches, Playa Norte stretches along the northern tip with powder-white sand, calm shallow waters, and spectacular sunsets. Beach bars and restaurants line the shore.
Whale Shark Capital
Between June and September, up to 400 whale sharks gather off the coast — the largest aggregation on Earth. Swim alongside the 30-to-40-foot gentle giants on guided tours that leave from the island.
Punta Sur & Ixchel Temple
The dramatic southern cliffs hold the ruins of a Mayan temple dedicated to Ixchel — goddess of the moon, water, and fertility. A sculpture garden and panoramic walkway sit above the spot where the Caribbean meets the Gulf of Mexico.
MUSA Underwater Museum
Over 500 life-size sculptures rest on the ocean floor between Isla Mujeres and Cancún. Snorkel or dive through this extraordinary underwater gallery — one of the largest in the world.
Sea Turtle Nesting Beach
From July through August, sea turtles come ashore to nest on the beach in front of the house. Watch from the rooftop palapa as the hatchlings emerge weeks later and make their way to the Caribbean. One of the most magical island rhythms.
Authentic Mexican Culture
Isla Mujeres is what Cancún used to be before the resorts. A real Mexican fishing village where Hidalgo Street comes alive at night with local restaurants, artisan shops, and live music.
Find Us
Where we are on the island
Rincón del Descanso sits on the Caribbean side of Isla Mujeres, just outside of town. A 15-minute walk or a short golf-cart ride gets you to Playa Norte and downtown — and the bus that runs the length of the island stops right outside our gate.
Rincón del Descanso
Your oceanfront vacation home
Playa Norte
Rated one of the best beaches in the world
Punta Sur
Dramatic cliffs, sculpture garden & Ixchel temple ruins
Downtown / Hidalgo Street
Restaurants, shops, nightlife & local culture
MUSA Underwater Museum
500+ underwater sculptures — world-famous snorkeling
Garrafón Natural Reef Park
Snorkeling, zip-lines & cliff-side infinity pool
Ferry Terminal (Ultramar)
15-minute ferry to/from Cancún
Playa Norte
One of the world's best beaches, a short walk away
Calm shallow turquoise water, powder-white sand, beach bars serving fresh ceviche and cold drinks — and one of the most-photographed sunsets in the Caribbean. Playa Norte sits on the northern tip of the island, about 15 minutes by foot from the house. Bring nothing; the beach has everything.
Getting Here
How to get here
Most guests are at the house within 90 minutes of landing.
Fly into Cancún (CUN)
Cancún International is one of Mexico's busiest airports with direct flights from most US, Canadian, and European cities.
Ferry from Puerto Juárez or Gran Puerto
The Ultramar ferry leaves every 30 minutes from Puerto Juárez (closest to the airport) or Gran Puerto in the Cancún hotel zone. The crossing takes 15 minutes.
Arrive on Isla Mujeres
The ferry docks at the main terminal downtown. From there it's a 15-minute taxi or golf-cart ride south to Rincón del Descanso.
Settle in & explore
Most guests rent a golf cart ($50–60/day) to get around. The local bus also stops right at our gate. Or just walk — the island is only five miles long.
Tip: Book the ferry from Gran Puerto if your flight lands in the afternoon — shorter taxi ride from the airport.
Punta Sur
Where the Caribbean meets the Gulf
The southern cliffs of Isla Mujeres are home to the ruins of a Mayan temple dedicated to Ixchel — and the easternmost point of Mexico, where the sun rises first each morning. Walk the cliffside path past sculpture installations and dramatic coastal views. Plan an hour at minimum; most guests linger longer.
Where to Eat
Where to eat nearby
Eight favorites within a short walk or golf-cart ride. All vetted by us.
Lola Valentina
Upscale Mexican
15 min walk
One of the island's top-rated restaurants on Hidalgo Street. Creative Mexican cuisine with fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Soggy Peso
Casual Beach Bar
10 min by cart
A beloved beach bar on the western shore. Cold drinks, fresh fish tacos, and one of the best sunset views over Cancún Bay. The quintessential island lunch spot.
Xantolo
Fine Dining
15 min walk
Elegant fine dining with creative Mexican-fusion dishes, artful presentation, and an intimate setting. Perfect for a special evening out on the island.
Los Tacos de Humo
Authentic Tacos
12 min walk
Locals' favorite for smoked meat tacos, handmade tortillas, and bold salsas at affordable prices. Casual outdoor seating with big flavors.
Rolandi's
Italian / Pizza
15 min walk
A long-standing island favorite serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and Italian classics. Great for families, with a lively Hidalgo Street location.
North Garden
Breakfast & Brunch
15 min walk
Popular brunch spot with fresh juices, açaí bowls, eggs Benedict, and strong coffee. A bright, garden-like setting near Playa Norte — perfect to start the day.
Picus Coctelería
Seafood Cocktails
10 min walk
Fresh ceviche, shrimp cocktails, and aguachile prepared in front of you. A no-frills local gem with the freshest seafood on the island.
Asia Caribe
Asian Fusion
15 min walk
A unique blend of Asian and Caribbean flavors on Hidalgo Street. Sushi, pad thai, and inventive fusion dishes in a colorful, relaxed setting.
Don't feel like going out?
Our house manager can arrange a personal chef to prepare meals right at the house — fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, or whatever you're in the mood for. Just ask.
Find your Rincón.
Or your Time-Out Corner.
Our family also operates three vacation rentals at Windsor Hills Resort, Kissimmee — just minutes from Walt Disney World. Visit Time-Out Corner Vacations →
Take a Time-Out…
Caribbean sunrises, private pool, golf-cart ride to Playa Norte. We'd love to host you.