Isla Mujeres has been enjoyed as a healing sanctuary and energy center since 1300 AD when the Maya made pilgrimages to the shrine of Ix Chel to make offerings to the goddess of the moon and fertility. It was a part of the rites of passage for all Mayan women to visit the Island and ask for the blessing of fertility bestowed by Ix Chel. The trip from the mainland to Isla Mujeres would be preceded by a purification ceremony in a temazcal before crossing in a canoe to the Island.

The shrine of Ix Chel is located at the southern tip of the Island which is also the southernmost point of Mexico. People from many parts of the Mayan kingdom and from all over the world to this day bring offerings to Ix Chel. In fact the name Isla Mujeres is believed to have originated because of the large number of clay figures and carvings of the goddess that were found on the Island.

In later times the Island was a popular stopping off point for many famous pirates, and has been  inhabited since it’s rediscovery in 1514 by Fernando de Cordoba.

Isla has always been on the map for travelers looking for an authentic Mexican experience, slightly more off the beaten track than it’s well known neighbor Cancun. In the last 3 years there has been a renewed interest in Island life with 3 or 4 world renowned luxury hotels enjoying very high annual occupancy rates. (Tony Blair the British priminister and his family spent their summer holiday on the Island in 2002 . ) There has also been a growing interest in second homes with several fantastic ocean front homes being built both on the Caribbean and Cancun side.

The well designed maritime terminal at Puerto Cancun offers a fast, efficient and comfortable service to the Island every 30 mins. (The trip takes 15 mins.) A car ferry is also available several times a day.

There are several artists who have made the island their home and the international community is growing daily which is maybe why Isla has been referred to as the “Sausalito” of Mexico

Shamanism is a growing attraction on Isla Mujeres. Perhaps the finest example of visiting practioners is Heliodoro Benavides, an internationally recognized shaman is available at certain times of the year for shamanic healing, wedding ceremonies and intensive energy re balancing. Ritual ceremonies are also available for the winter and summer equinoxes and solstices at different Mayan shrines and temples. Upcoming sites to be announced. Heliodoro has a worldwide reputation and has been featured many times on Discovery Channel and Infinitum. He spends his time healing and sharing his knowledge between Spain, Italy, Mexico city and Isla Mujeres. He is a regular guest at Casa IxChel.

There is also a new yoga studio on the Island called Elements offering classes for all standards as well as a great selection of healthy breakfasts.

Isla Gourmet
The Island boasts many excellent restaurants including
Villa Rolandi restaurant
La Malquerida (Viva Mexico!)
Pizza Rolandi
Casa Us
Sunset Grill
Bambu
Island Yoga

Please contact us via email (reserve@casaixchelisla.com) or telephone: [01152] (998) 880 - 0107.