It’s a 5-year Isla Wedding Reunion!

Arrivals!

Pool Party, Lunch & Volleyball

Snorkeling, catamaran, karaoke, TBD!

ixi Beach Club

La Fiesta de Amor

Come for the weekend!

Our Wedding

Sophie had just returned to NYC from a solo two-week road-trip through the south and was getting ready to start a new job in San Francisco. Bennett was hosting 6 friends the night before they were all heading to Puerto Rico. The venue was Union Hall in Brooklyn. The DJ was poppin and everyone was dancing. Sophie had to take a break to rest her achy old knees. The moment she sat down, Bennett came up and asked her to dance. The rest, as they say, is history...

May 13, 2016...

Our Story

Details

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

Getting from the airport to Isla will take at minimum two hours (but really it's not that bad!) - which includes: deplaning, going through customs, getting a taxi/shuttle/bus, driving to the ferry (~30-45 mins), and taking the 18 minute ferry across. If you get to the ferry in between departures, feel free to enjoy a beverage at the outdoor ferry bar, or outside the airport while waiting for your taxi. On the return trip, the first ferry leaves Isla at 5:30am, so the earliest you can make it out is on an 8am flight, but that's cutting it close and leaving no room for delays. We suggest booking your return&nbsp;later in the day/week, especially if you plan to properly imbibe with us on Sunday!&nbsp;:)Step 1) Fly into Cancun! We recommend signing up for flight alerts so you don't miss a great deal.&nbsp;When you get off the plane you will go through customs.&nbsp;Step 2) Take a shared van (~$20pp) or&nbsp;private car (~$50)&nbsp;from the airport to the Isla Mujeres ferry (we always do <a href="https://ultramarsales.ultramarferry.com/en/ferry-isla-mujeres.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ultramar at Puerto Juarez</a>). Super Shuttle has a bit of a monopoly at the airport, but Green Circle is also an option (as of 2021...). Super Shuttle will catch you before you leave the airport and will usually have a pretty long wait line (~20 minutes). If you walk straight out of the airport and to the Green Circle line, they can book you there for the same price and no wait. Expect to pay at least&nbsp;$50; because of the monopolies there's really no room to haggle on a private taxi. If your spanish is strong, find someone offering "taxi" and feel free to negotiate!Another option is to book a private car in advance, that is waiting for you and ready to go when you walk out of the airport. We have had positive experiences booking with CarM, which will run ~$49 from the airport to the Isla ferry:&nbsp;<a href="http://carmtransfers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://carmtransfers.com/</a>Lastly, the most budget / efficient&nbsp;option is to take the $5 shuttle (you can ask around for where to catch it) to 'El Centro' and then a $10 taxi to the ferry (or if you cross the street to McDonald's, it's only $5).Step 3) Take the ferry across from Cancun&nbsp;to Isla (~20 minutes; $34pp round-trip). Ferries run every 30 minutes&nbsp;from Cancun,&nbsp;between 5:30AM and&nbsp;9:30PM, and then hourly&nbsp;at 10:30PM&nbsp;and 11:30PM.&nbsp;Step 4) Walk to accommodations if staying in Playa Norte (~10 mins); taxi if staying elsewhere on the island ($7-$10).&nbsp;

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Guests have many options when deciding where to stay on the island. While we always love the personality and affordability of staying at Airbnbs, there are a number of lovely hotels within walking distance of ixi beach club (Sunday’s party venue, which is not a hotel). We’ve listed out some of our favorites below, however the hotel we stayed at for the wedding (Ocean Drive) appears to have reopened under new management, been renovated - and while lovely, is significantly more expensive so we decided not to stay there again. We love that part of the island / Playa Norte though (easy beach access and close enough to the 'main strip' but far enough away to have the peace and quiet we want on a beach vacation) so booked Casa Aqua, a house in between two hotels (Hotel Secreto and Hotel Playa La Media Luna). It is helpful to know that the island is split between Playa Norte and Playa Sur. Playa Norte (north beach) is where the majority of all the restaurants, shops, and commercial areas are. We recommend staying in this part of the island because of the ease of getting around and proximity for getting to each other. That said, Playa Sur has many lovely accommodations as well, including both hotels and Airbnbs/VRBOs for all sizes and price ranges. It is a bit of a slower, more private vibe and will be necessary to take a taxi (~$8/ride) or rent a golf cart (~$70/day) to get around the island if staying in Playa Sur. Please feel free to ask us any questions when considering your accommodation option

Isla Mujeres Accommodations

The island is really safe! We have never felt uncomfortable walking around at any time of the day, however the sidewalks are uneven and end abruptly, the streets are mainly cobblestone with lots of inconsistencies, and walking is the primary means of transportation. Just pay attention when walking in the street and be aware of which direction cars are coming from.

Mopeds, golf carts, and taxi cars roam the island and are available to rent, but Isla recently introduced a new public bus option that is a great way to explore outside of Playa Norte! For only 10 pesos (~60 cents) you can jump on or off wherever you desire.&nbsp;Otherwise, a taxi will run you ~$8 from Playa Norte to the other end of the island and it can be hard to pick one up coming back. Don't be afraid of the buses (they are clean, brand new, and friendly) but do try to use the smallest bills possible (ideally exact change) and ask for change if you need it. The golf carts are certainly fun and allow for more freedom to explore, but many rental locations have strict return timelines at&nbsp;5p, and many charge $60+ for a 9a-5p rental. Read the policies before agreeing to terms and don't drink and drive! 

The exchange rates change regularly, but you should expect to divide the peso&nbsp;price by ~20 (i.e. take off a zero and then cut in half, but it's really ~17). There are a number of ATMs on the island and&nbsp;most have good rates, including&nbsp;the bank across the street from the ferry, so no need to take cash out before arriving.&nbsp;Just remember to set your travel preferences for your debit and credit cards! Many restaurants and bars take credit cards, but it is always good to carry pesos for tipping&nbsp;and shops that only accept cash. Memorizing the following phrases will certainly help:&nbsp;"Puedo pagar con una tarjeta de credito?"&nbsp; (Can I pay with a card?)&nbsp;"Cuanto cuesta?"&nbsp;(How much does this cost?) "Donde esta el banco?" (Where is the bank/atm?)Tipping is always recommended. Most countries outside the US are used to 10%, however always feel free to tip more than that for exceptional service or for tabs that you feel warranted more dinero.&nbsp;

The island has lots of vendors selling lovely items - from artwork to bags, clothing and home goods, jewelry and blankets. Do feel free to haggle but know that most vendors&nbsp;prefer pesos (many will also accept cash) and most will let you walk away from the lowest price they offer. No shame in going back to accept the item for that price - just bring a bag with enough room to take home some goodies!

Isla has an open bottle policy - feel free to imbibe responsibly as you travel from one party to the next. There is a large ex-pat population on the island, but also a lot of Mexicans on vacation. Please don't be "that guy" - treat people with respect, don't be obnoxious, and please please please don't do anything that will require an ambulance to be called!&nbsp;

Grocery and corner stores will not sell alcohol after 5p on&nbsp;Sundays. Bars and restaurants will, but just be advised.&nbsp;

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Hotel Secreto is on the same side of the island as the hotel we stayed at in 2022 (Ocean Drive, which has since closed down). We love this corner of Isla because it’s slightly off the beaten path while just a few minutes walk to everything, offering both a secluded beach (unlike Ocean Drive, Secreto has beach access) and immediate access to the “main” beach/beach clubs. It is right next door to Hotel Playa la Media Luna, but has a more boutique vibe.

Hotel Secreto

Playa la Media Luna has a lovely, secluded beachfront, and the oceanfront king suites have private balconies with jacuzzis and lounge beds.

Playa la Media Luna

Right around the bend from Secreto & Playa la Media Luna is Na Balam hotel, another affordable option in a central, beach accessible location.

Na Balam Beach Hotel

Hotel Villa Kiin is a budget-friendly option right on the beach and around the bend from Secreto. For those who dont need high-end furniture and updated renovations but want to be as close to the beach as possible, Villa Kiin is a great option!

Villa Kiin

Ixchel Beach Hotel

Hotel Paradise Suites

Privilege is right next door to our Sunday party venue and has options for an all-inclusive stay as well as without meals and amenities included. It is a high-end option for those looking for a more exclusive, adults-only stay.

Hotel Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres

Lotus is a boutique hotel with an exclusive vibe and lots of special details, including unique artwork and furniture in each room. Rooms with large balconies may include dipping pools, and the bar and restaurant have fun options for those looking to stay on the property.

Lotus Boutique Hotel & Wellness Center

Hotel Las Palmas is one of the most eccentric hotels we visited on Isla. It has a great central location with a communal vibe and open-air rooftop seating and kitchen area. Rooms have private bathrooms, and for the best views, book the Penthouses on the top floor.

HOTEL LAS PALMAS

For those traveling on a budget and not needing to wake up on the beach, Hotel Bucaneros is great! Situated in the heart of the most fun street in Playa Norte, calle Hidalgo is a party every night. The rooms are minimal but with a fridge to keep beer cold and wifi to see where the next move is, you can't go wrong! Tip: email the hotel after booking to request a room with a balcony.

Hotel Bucaneros

This hotel is a bit more secluded from the others and significantly pricier! It is an all-inclusive hotel which may not be worth it for guests looking to sample the many restaurants on the island.

Sophie & Bennett

Sophie & Bennett

Photos