I know what you’re thinking. A Selina hostel isn’t a place for broke backpackers.
Well, usually you’d be right. HOWEVER, I have stayed in (or visited) a fair few Selinas in my time and I can confidently say that Selina Isla Mujeres is one of the greatest Selinas out there.
In fact, I would go as far as saying it’s one of the best-located hostels I’ve ever stayed in. Yeah, I went there. It’s definitely NOT the cheapest hostel in the world, but I would compare it to something more like a resort anyway.
I know Selinas have a very mixed reputation amongst backpackers, and to be honest, I’m still not sure what I think of the popular hostel chain. But one thing is for sure, Selina Isla Mujeres is straight-up awesome.
So, if you’re in the Cancun area and fancy a little slice of island paradise, Selina Isla Mujeres is for you! In this review, I’ll be dissecting why I think this place is a must-visit for travellers in 2024.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Getting to Know Selina Isla Mujeres
So, you’re travelling to Mexico, probably arriving at Cancun International Airport and thinking of heading to Isla Mujeres? Lucky you, it’s a treat.
Isla Mujeres translates to Women Island, and let me tell you, this woman is BEA-UTIFUL. The small linear island nestles in the lush Caribbean Sea near Cancun, in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
While it is slightly overcrowded with American tourists, I can see why. This place was easily one of my favourite places on a 6-week backpacking trip to Mexico earlier this year.
Let’s begin by getting the negatives out of the way. For transparency’s sake, I’ve read other reviews online and I understand why they aren’t great.
Selina is a hostel chain that many backpackers dislike for a couple of reasons… both apply to this place. Selina Isla Mujeres is NOT the cheapest hostel in the world, or the best place to get a full night’s sleep.
With that out the way, I can tell you why I thought that this was one of the most unique and coolest hostels in Mexico that I’ve ever been to.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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What’s Unique About Selina Isla Mujeres
The most unique thing about Selina Isla Mujeres is its location. The island of Isla Mujeres itself is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Mexico: stunning clear waters, white sand beaches, stunning wildlife, and a lively party scene.
Selina Isla Mujeres is a paradise WITHIN a paradise. It’s not near the beach, it’s ON the beach. The sand is underneath your feet! This beach vibe just made the place feel like no other hostel.
It’s got some cool, unique features:
- Onsite Scuba Diving Centre (Poc Na Diving Center)
- Amazing parties and social events
- Great bar with friendly staff (and a free welcome drink)
- Range of accommodation options
- Ultra-comfy beds
It also has all the usual Selina facilities, including a cinema room, library, and a 10/10 swimming pool.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Location of Selina Isla Mujeres
Selina is absolutely one of the best places to stay in Isla Mujeres – situated in Playa Norte. Whilst notable hostel like Nomads (Punta Sur) are great, they’re so far away from the town centre.
Selina and Nomads are the two main hostels on the island but, after trying both, I would recommend staying at Selina. Whilst Nomads is lovely, the location of Selina and the social scene is far superior.
Oh, and have I mentioned yet that it’s on the beach?
There are great restaurants, bars, and shops close by. But, the beauty of this place is having everything you need onsite too.
It’s close enough to the ferry port; so close in fact that you can walk! So a visit to Isla Mujeres should be on everyone’s Cancun itinerary.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Selina Isla Mujeres has TONS of rooms and different room options available.
• Private room: choose between two-bed tents (ensuite or shared bathroom), double beds, and family rooms (4 Bed).
• Dorm room: Basic 4, 8, and 12-bed mixed, and 12-bed female-only rooms.
Now then. This is NOT the cheapest hostel in the world. This is possibly the most significant drawback of the place.
Prices are similar to what you would expect for any normal Selina, plus a little beach tax.
• Private Rooms are on offer for about $60. Not terribble to be fair, but some of the more premium rooms are north of $100 per night.
• Dorm beds are available from $25-30. NOT the cheapest.
Get Insured Before Your Travels
Mexican travel insurance is complicated. Normal travel insurance may not be valid here, make sure your insurance covers you for your travels in Mexico. Remember guys, better safe than sorry.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Do I Recommend Selina Isla Mujeres?
Yes. I would, defo. I know there are some drawbacks to this place including the price and the noise, but I don’t necessarily think these are too bad. The Isla Mujeres joining is one of the best Selina hostels in the world.
Although the Isla Mujeres Selina is a bit expensive, you really do get what you pay for. I think overall, it’s pretty good value, to be honest. The place is more like a boutique hotel than a hostel so for $25 a night, that ain’t half bad!
The location is elite, it’s super social, the food is great and my experience at this hostel was very memorable. I would 100% recommend Selina if you are headed to the Caribbean paradise of Isla Mujeres, or looking for somewhere so beautiful to explore in Central America.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
