Isla Mujeres???

[TravelGirl]

Hi! My husband and I spent our first anniversary on Isla Mujeres in 2002. We stayed at Villa Rolandi and had probably our best vacation ever. I know it was damaged by the hurricanes a few years ago and rebuilt. I think they were in the process of expanding and renovating at about that time anway. So... almost 6 years and 2.5 kids later we are thinking of going back. Villa Rolandi is not appropriate for kids. And it's farther (further?) from town than I'd like to be. Any suggestions? I've read a lot of great review of Isla Mujeres Palace. It looks brand new. Last time we were there we were all about quite and romance. Now I need to be on the beach, must have a pool, and be kid friendly. Hotel Secreto is also probably not an option. ;) Thanks!

[ManteoChik]

I *love* Isla and go every year. My boyfriend is there right now, for the month of May (and possibly June). He's a captain and they keep the boat there for several months each year.

I'd check out the Isla Mujeres Yacht Club (also known as Villa Vera). Thats where a lot of the boats stay but its beautiful. I see quite a few families there and they have the largest pool on the island. Not to mention a restaurant, which you can eat inside - but most people choose to eat pool side (with swim up bar). Its located about a 2 min taxi ride from town, but BF rents a golf cart by the month since he's there so long so we usually never take a taxi. Villa Vera also owns Zama Beach Club (just a little way down from Rolandi's) which is open to all of their guests. They have a gorgeous beach (used for weddings quite a bit), HUGE multi-level infinity pool, and open air restaurant. It was under construction when I was there in February but I'd be happy to find out if its finished.

I've stayed other places, but none that are kid friendly expect Hotel Chac-Chi. You can't beat the price of Chac-Chi but their pool is VERY small (more like a "cool off"...lol). Its more like the place you'd go if you didn't need to be in your room much.

ETA: I do see several families at Rolandi's for dinner - so don't feel like you can't at least go for an awesome meal since you'll have the kids with you. ;) Also, Pizza Rolandi's (in town) is a great little stop.

[TravelGirl]

Thanks! I have a few more questions:
1. My understand is that Villa Vera is on a Marina and not on the beach. How far is Villa Vera from Zama? With a 5 year old, 2 year old and 6 months pregnant, I'm hoping to just walk out the door and see the water. Can you stay at Zama? I would love to know if the renovations are done. OTH, if Zama is near Rolandi's, that's a good 5-10 min taxi from town, isn't it?

2. I have a feeling I'm too high maintenance for Chac-Chi. :(

3. Do you know anything about Isla Mujeres Palace?

4. If we go to Isla, I definitely need to eat at Rolandi's at least once. Their food was amazing when we stayed there.

[ManteoChik]

No, Villa Vera isn't on the beach - its a marina. I would say its about a 5 min golf cart ride to Zama Beach Club (its just down the way from Rolandi's...there are a few houses in between them) and you can't stay there. Its simply a beach club owned by Villa Vera so their guests have a "people free" beach.

Honestly, I feel like (especially with kids) its a great investment to just rent a golf cart for the length of your stay. It really is SO NICE to just be able to hope on it and take the kids for a ride, see the sights, go to town, etc...without having to deal with taxi's. Its also just a whole lot of fun and makes life a lot easier if you aren't staying on the beach.

I haven't been to Isla Mujeres Palace but if its where I think it is (saw all the construction) it too is just down the street from Rolandi's. If you remember when the road makes a sharp turn right to head to Rolandi's, this place is RIGHT at the corner of the turn. Its been under construction for a while. The only bad things I've heard are that there are nightclubs on either side that do play loud music at night. Also, they allow boat cruises from Cancun to dock at their beach during the day and use their facilities. (Zama used to do it, although it was only for about an hour...long enough for the people on the boat to have lunch and leave again - however, they have since stopped this).

ETA: I have heard that the place is beautiful and they are all super nice and willing to cater to you.

[ManteoChik]

Also, what time of year were you planning on going?

[TravelGirl]

We are planning to go in Aug. I just don't think Villa Vera will work for us since it isn't on the beach. I thought the Palace was closer to town. Hmmm...

[ManteoChik]

I did just find out that Zama Beach Club is now open.

A lot of people do stay at Avalon Reef Club because its on North Beach and so close to everything - but the beach there is always so darn crowded. I've heard mixed reviews about it though.

I have heard good things about Na Balam Beach Resort. www.nabalam.com It looks really pretty.

ETA: Have you considered maybe renting an beach-front house?

[TravelGirl]

I was under the impression that Avalon Reef Club did not allow small children. My kids are 2 and 5.

The reviews for Na Balam are less than complimentary on Trip Advisor.

I'm sorry, I'm shooting down all your suggestions. I think I'll check out VRBO to see what rental houses might be an option. Thanks for the idea.

[ManteoChik]

I was under the impression that Avalon Reef Club did not allow small children. My kids are 2 and 5.

The reviews for Na Balam are less than complimentary on Trip Advisor.

I'm sorry, I'm shooting down all your suggestions. I think I'll check out VRBO to see what rental houses might be an option. Thanks for the idea.

Not a problem.

Its just hard to find a beach front place that allows kids. Most all of the awesome places are meant to be intimate adult type places. The places that do allow kids are either not directly on the beach or are places I wouldn't stay...lol. Avalon Reef Club *does* allow children and they even have a kids pool and a "kids club".

There are quite a few places on VRBO.com and I think quite a few people go that route.

ETA: If you are going to go the condo/house route through vrbo.com make sure you are getting something on the cancun side and not the caribe side, as that side is a rocky and rough beach not suitable for swimming (at least not for kids the ages you have).

[TravelGirl]

Thanks. BTW, any idea how much it is to rent a golf cart for a week?

[ManteoChik]

I know its about $60/day but I think its discounted a little bit for a week. I can't remember exactly since we rent by the month. This also includes all your gas. If for some reason you get low you just stop back by the rental place and they fill it back up - no need to hit the Pemex.

Having a golf cart is totally worth it IMO. A lot of people will only rent for a day, but we use our *constantly*. Especially because the boat stays at Villa Vera on the days I don't want to fish I keep the cart and go to Zama or into town.

[TravelGirl]

I checked out VRBO and almost every condo is at Ixchel. The reviews on Trip Advisor advise to steer clear. Some condos are ok, some are horrible. What do you know about this place.

I also looked into Avalon a little more. It doesn't look like they have any rooms that accomodate a family of 4. I remember going to a time share demo at a new resort near North Beach that you crossed a bridge to get to. Is this Avalon Reef Club?

[ManteoChik]

I don't really know anything about Ixchel, I don't know anyone that has stayed there. In edition to reading the comments on Trip Advisor I always read the comments left by VRBO guests. When you click on a property there is usually a little link (if people have left comments) and most of the properties. It almost seems like for every good comment on Trip Advisor there are 10 bad and I usually chalk it up to people always wanting to bash their bad experiences and not bother to write down the good. All of the Ixchel properties on VRBO had positive comments about them.

Yes, I'm pretty sure that's Avalon - although I've never been there. Its also considered an all-inclusive as well I think.

Here are a couple of links that might help you:

http://www.islamujeres.info/planning/hotels.asp

http://www.islabeckons.com/ <----This is a rental company on Isla, they have several condo and home listings.