We all know Cancun is the most popular international destination for Americans craving some winter sun and a whole week of pampering and luxury, but what about those of us who can’t stand the usual resort crowds or even would prefer something just a little more exclusive?
As great as Cancun may still be, mass tourism has undoubtedly taken some of its charm away, especially if you’re flying all the way to Mexico for a relaxing time, and not a bachelor party––fortunately for us, there is Costa Mujeres, the next Caribbean hotspot, only 30 minutes away.
This rapidly developing stretch of the coast will see the number of hotels increase by nearly 22 percent in the next two years, and it’s where you’ll find us chilling this season:
It Feels More Peaceful Than Cancun
Similarly to Cancun, Costa Mujeres is a coastal development catering almost exclusively to foreign crowds, with numerous new developments springing up year after year and everything you could expect from a resort zone:
The amazing hotels, the endless miles of white-sand beaches fringed by glistening, aquamarine seas, and the impeccable service: we could be describing Cancun, but whereas the Caribbean metropolis puts entertainment first, Costa Mujeres is all about unwinding.
It sits just across the bay from Cancun, a short half-hour drive from the latter’s Hotel Zone, but it has none of the buzzing streets, crazy traffic, much less the riotous nightlife: people come here mostly seeking peace and quiet, without sacrificing comfort.
By no means does Costa Mujeres have fewer amenities, nor is it less equipped than Cancun simply for being more laid-back: staying here, you’ll have a big choice of high-end properties and even ‘luxury on a budget’ ones, starting from as cheap as $200-a-night:
All-Inclusive Stays From $200-A-Night
One of the most affordable Costa Mujeres resorts this season is Hotel Riu Dunamar, an all-inclusive haven featuring a large, square outdoor pool backed by kid-friendly waterslides, a spa (with jacuzzi and sauna), and Mexican, Asian, and Italian restaurants, from only $200.
Price-wise, the next one up is Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres, highly sought-after for its five-star services and great location, only 10 miles north of downtown Cancun––as reported by the Cancun Sun, the average nightly rate here is an acceptable $284.
Of course, there’s Secrets Playa Blanca, an award-winning, landmark listing in Mexico: think 18,000 square feet of ‘pure indulgence’, with romantic suites overlooking the ocean, lush gardens, and private beach access, for $670 a night.
Looking for something comparatively luxurious but not as expensive?
Staying at the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa will set you back by roughly $490 per night, whereas the Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres is only slightly pricier, at $500.
It Feels Less Packed
You may wonder how Costa Mujeres is more peaceful when it seems to have just as much development as Cancun.
The answer is in the coastal length and, more simply, the concentration of hotels occupying a single sandbar.
Though the Hotel Zone in Cancun is very extensive, unfolding for a whopping 14 miles along the Caribbean, it is jam-packed with resorts, one after the other; seeing room capacity is far higher, it’s no surprise beaches rarely feel, well, peaceful enough.
Costa Mujeres is shorter, stretching for around 10.5 miles, and with fewer hotels.
In Cancun’s Hotel Zone, there are as many as 40 luxury hotels listed on Booking.com: that’s an estimated 2.8 hotels per mile––in Costa Mujeres, the same platform indicates that there are only 11 five-star hotels, effectively 1 property per mile.
There Is An Ancient Mayan Ruin Nearby!
If you’re flying to Mexico this winter, you can’t miss out on the country’s vast ancient heritage, and despite being primarily a resort destination, Costa Mujeres also has cultural appeal, with one of the most beautiful Mayan ruins being located right here.
A 3-minute drive from the hotels, tourists can visit El Meco, a small but incredibly well-preserved archeological site encompassing a step pyramid and pre-Columbian temples, with none of the Chichén Itzá or Tulum crowds.
Nearby, the El Meco Reef is a must-see for snorkeling enthusiasts, as it is inhabited by sting rays, barracudas, sea turtles, and lots of other colorful fish––this $61.82 catamaran tour of Isla Mujeres, just off the coast from Costa Mujeres, includes a stop in the marine reserve.
Costa Mujeres Is Very Safe For Americans
Finally, Costa Mujeres is one of the safest resort zones in the Mexican Caribbean, with very low rates of crime compared to its neighbors and equally low gang activity.
For all intents and purposes, it’s practically a well-surveilled, gated condominium—–without the gates—–and so long as Americans are inside resort compounds and book tours and activities through reputable, resort-approved guides, they will be just fine.
Like Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and all of Quintana Roo, Costa Mujeres is a Level 2 destination under the U.S. State Department’s auspices: this means Americans are not discouraged from visiting as crime isn’t out of control, but certain precautions must be taken.
These typically involve not verging off the designated tourist routes, keeping valuables in the hotel safe, and not walking the streets alone after dark, especially if it’s a deserted area visitors do not normally frequent.
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