Mia Reef Isla Mujeres

The all-inclusive Mia Reef Isla Mujeres went through a complete transformation in 2015-17 after spending decades as an Avalon timeshare. Contemporary Bohemian style breathes new life into previously dated and tired spaces, and furniture is attractively loud and colorful. Decor was designed to reflect the elements of the sea -- which surrounds the hotel on all sides -- and is reflected through the glass discs hanging on the walls and jellyfish-style hanging glass lights. Pop art decor featuring Frido Kahlo, wall murals, and bright accents in electric blue, pink, and orange keep spaces feeling fresh, while also adding a contemporary Mexican vibe. For the most part, the changes reflect improvement -- more restaurants, better facilities, and brighter, trendy spaces, though the hotel falls short with a design that pushes most guests into the same area of the hotel, making it feel crowded. Still, the killer location with gorgeous views, hip style, and fun atmosphere are popular with guests.

Technically speaking, Mia Reef isn't on Isla Mujeres, as it sits on its own private island just off the northern tip of the mainland. The hotel is connected by a footbridge (with a limited amount of cars able to pass, most being taxis) and is surrounded by water on all sides. It's about a five-minute walk to the edge of downtown and a 15-minute walk to the ferry port, keeping guests conveniently connected to all the action. The Turtle Farm and Icebar are about a 20-minute taxi ride south, while Punta Sur is a 25-minute drive. Playa Norte can be reached in 12 minutes on foot or in five minutes by taxi. To reach Isla Mujeres from the Cancun International Airport, travelers must take a cab from the airport to the Ultramar Ferry (also known as Gran Puerto, Isla Ferry, or Puerto Jerez). From there, guests can purchase tickets for the ferry that runs to Isla Mujeres (a 20-minute journey) throughout the day. 

The 156 guest rooms at Mia Reef are fresh and bright following their 2015-17 renovations. Crisp white walls, spotless white tile floors, and bright pops of pink, orange, and blue continue the hotel’s modern look, while potted succulents, wall graphics, and pop art touches infuse personality. All rooms come with good AC, digital safes, bottled water, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs with mostly Spanish-language channels, and blackout blinds, and even in the lowest-category, Deluxe Room guests can expect to find free minibars restocked daily with candy bars, beer, water, and soda. Deluxe Rooms are plenty spacious for two, although the contemporary, shower-only bathrooms are a bit cramped. 

For balconies and views, travelers should upgrade to a Deluxe Ocean View. These rooms face either the back of the hotel (sunrise view) or the front (sunset view.) Deluxe Jacuzzi Ocean View Rooms feature extras like a two-person whirlpool out on the terrace and a separate shower that overlooks the ocean. For spectacular ocean views, the Superior Ocean Views have higher positions and floor-to-ceiling walls overlooking the ocean. For groups of friends or small families, the Luxury Ocean View Junior Suites have bedrooms with two double beds, plus separate living rooms with convertible sofas for one extra guest. It's worth noting that many guests overlooking the natural pool (King's Bath) have complained of loud birds and unpleasant smells reaching their balcony.

Mia Reef also has a section of villas and suites, which have a slightly removed location on the back of the island. These are a great option for guests who want more space and privacy, and often more decor. Some suites have whirlpools on the terrace. Upgrading to either the Aqua Suite or Grand Emerald Suite means luxe perks like Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries and personal kayaks and snorkel equipment (though both were missing from our room when we arrived). 

Though Mia Reef may be the only hotel in the area to be on its own private island, only one side has a beach. Since beaches in Mexico are public, this is about as rare of a find as it is beautiful. The amount of beach available changes with the lagoon tides, but guests can expect a good amount of shallow water (great for kids), the occasional harmless, darting needlefish, and several guests snorkeling right off the shore. There’s not much actual beach space to throw down a towel, because the hotel has the area lined with sun loungers, and many guests take to dragging their loungers and chairs into the shallow waters for a little space and serenity. In addition to loungers and plastic chairs, guests can swing on wooden sunbeds and order drinks from the restaurant bar. On the other side of the island, it's rocky and windy, and most folks avoid the area outside of a few picture opportunities and the King's Bath natural reef pool, which is often closed to do unsafe conditions. 

Mia Reef Isla Mujeres has a comprehensive all-inclusive plan, meaning guests won't be shelling out extras for things other than spa and salon treatments, event space rental, and speciality restaurants. The main buffet restaurant, snack bars, and two bars serving well liquor and domestic beer and wine are part of the package, as are a small sports bar and nightclub. Bike rentals, snorkeling gear, kayaks, the kids' club, and daily activities are also included. 

Mia Reef's all-inclusive package keeps guests happy and well-fed, though with some mixed reviews. The Sarimar buffet is the main restaurant, open for all three meals. Breakfast is an excellent spread, consisting of a fresh juice station, made-to-order omelets, hot dishes, and continental choices, but we found lunch and dinner just average for a four-pearl property. Long lines can be a pain, as the design of the restaurant forces guests to line up through the door into the main bar area. The most popular spot to grab lunch is the Cevicheria taco hut at the back of the beach. This casual spot has a menu of various ceviche dishes and tacos, plus a small bar. During the day, the Blue Moon Snack area serves up grill favorites like wings, burgers, and nachos in a live cooking and buffet setup by the main bar. Claudios, meanwhile, offers similar items behind the pool. 

The hotel's only a la carte option, Las Marias, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and serves gourmet Mexican dishes like "mole" and duck. A dress code is required, though reservations are not. For anytime snacks, the Coffee Bar is open 24/7 and features grab-and-go sandwiches, and convenience foods, though we never saw anyone in there and the large room -- also housing a pool table, some seating, and two guest computers -- mostly feels abandoned. 

The hotel's pool is small, central, and usually shaded by the hotel's tower building. It's rarely used outside of the swim-up bar, so it's a good spot to find some space and solitude. A small and tranquil space on the first floor holds a handful of spa treatment rooms, a sauna, and relaxation area available to guests who book treatments. Seaside massages are also possible. There are also an overpriced souvenir and convenience shop, a windowless beauty salon, and a small gym with glass walls facing a vacation sales office, AC, some free weights, and a limited number of modern LifeFitness machines. A kids' club and daily activities for adults and children keep guests busy. 

Business features include a meeting space for up to 40 and event space for up to 200. Parking for golf carts is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wi-Fi is free and more reliable than most hotels on the island.