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We all know that Cancun is the most popular international destination for Americans craving 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 want something more? just a little more exclusive?
No matter how big Cancun may be, mass tourism has undoubtedly made its debut some away from its charm, especially if you fly all the way to Mexico for a relaxing time, and no bachelor party – luckily for us there’s Costa Mujeres, the next Caribbean hotspot, just 30 minutes away.
In this rapidly developing part of the coast, the number of hotels will increase by almost 22 percent next two yearsand it’s where you can find us this season:
It feels more peaceful than Cancun
Like Cancun, Costa Mujeres is a coastal development that caters almost exclusively to foreign audiences, with plenty of new developments popping up year after year and everything you’d expect from a resort zone:
The amazing hotels, the endless miles of white sandy beaches edged by sparkling, azure seas and the impeccable service: we could describe Cancun, but while the Caribbean metropolis puts entertainment first, Costa Mujeres is all about it to relax.
It is located across the bay from Cancun, a short half-hour drive from the latter’s hotel zone, but it has no busy streets, heavy traffic, much less a riotous nightlife: people come here mainly in search of peace and quiet, without sacrificing comfort.
Costa Mujeres by no means has fewer amenities, nor is it less equipped than Cancun, simply because it is more relaxed: staying here you will have a great choice of luxury properties and even ‘luxury on a budget’. from $200 per night:
All-inclusive stays from $200 per night
One of the most affordable resorts on the Costa Mujeres this season is Hotel Riu Dunamar, an all-inclusive retreat with a large, square outdoor pool with kid-friendly slides, a spa (with jacuzzi and sauna), and Mexican, Asian and Italian restaurants, from just $200.
In terms of price, Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres is next, highly sought after for its five star services and great locationjust 10 miles north of downtown Cancun, as reported by the Cancun sunthe average nightly rate here is an acceptable $284.
Of course, there’s Secrets Playa Blanca, an award-winning landmark in Mexico: think 18,000 square feet of ‘pure indulgence’, with romantic ocean view suites, lush gardens and private beach access, for $670 per night.
Looking for something relatively luxurious, but not that expensive?
A stay at the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa will cost you around $490 per night, while the Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres is only slightly more expensive at $500.
It feels less packed
You might wonder how peaceful Costa Mujeres is when it seems to have as much development as Cancun.
The answer lies in the length of the coast and, more simply, in the concentration of hotels on a single sandbar.
Although the hotel zone in Cancun is very extensive, stretching for no less than 22 kilometers along the Caribbean, it is packed with resorts, one after another; Since room capacities are much higher, it’s no surprise that beaches rarely feel, well, peaceful enough.
Costa Mujeres does shorterwhich extends for about 17.5 miles, and with fewer hotels.
No fewer than 40 luxury hotels are listed in Cancun’s Hotel Zone Booking.com: that is an estimated 2.8 hotels per kilometer ––in Costa Mujeres the same platform indicates that there are actually only 11 five-star hotels 1 property per mile.
There is an ancient Mayan ruin nearby!
If you fly to Mexico this winter, don’t miss the country’s vast ancient heritage, and despite being primarily a holiday destination, Costa Mujeres Also has cultural appeal, with one of the most beautiful Mayan ruins are located here.
A 3-minute drive from the hotels, tourists can visit El Meco, a small but incredibly well-preserved archaeological site with a step pyramid and pre-Columbian temples, without the crowds of Chichén Itzá or Tulum.
Nearby, the El Meco Reef is a must-see for snorkeling enthusiasts, as it is inhabited by rays, barracudas, sea turtles and many other colorful fish – this Catamaran tour from $61.82 from Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Costa Mujeres, includes a stop in the marine reserve.
Costa Mujeres is very safe for Americans
Finally, Costa Mujeres is it one of the safest resort areas in the Mexican Caribbeanwith very low crime rates compared to neighboring countries and equally low gang activity.
For all intents and purposes, it’s practically a well-guarded, gated condominium – with no fences – and as long as Americans are within the resort complexes and book tours and activities through reputable, resort-approved guides, they’ll be fine.
Like Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen and all of Quintana Roo, Costa Mujeres is one Level 2 destination under the auspices of the US Department of State: this means that Americans are not discouraged from visiting because crime is not out of control, but certain precautions must be taken.
This usually involves not deviating from designated tourist routes, keeping valuables safe in the hotel, and not walking the streets alone after dark, especially if it is a deserted area where visitors do not normally go.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
