On a recent solo vacation to Isla Mujeres, Mexico (the island of women) located just eight miles across from Cancun, Mexico, I had a magnificent time….all by myself.   Isla Mujeres is the epitome of an island paradise.   The tiny island is about 5 miles long and half mile wide.  The gorgeous beaches on the more populated north beach are relaxing and calm with majestic sunsets.

While I spent most of my four days on the island, relaxing, relaxing, and relaxing some more…oh and relaxing by the pool drinking piña coladas, I did explore the island a bit as I did have to eat.

Because it is a fishing village, they have amazing seafood and you can stop by any local spot and have great fish tacos, ceviche, and other wonderful seafood dishes.   One day I strolled upon the Sancocho’s Grill and had $1 fish tacos sitting outside on the promenade.  The fish was fresh and flaky and topped by a yummy tangy sauce.  On another evening, I walked from my hotel to Minino’s on Avenue Rueda, where everyone recommended I go have ceviche.  The restaurant is a little local spot literally on the beach.

I enjoyed a margarita and the delish ceviche while wiggling my toes in the sand.   The ceviche was served with fresh tortillas chips and did not disappoint.

But the most amazing experience I had during my stay was dinner at Lolo Lorena…actually WITH Lolo Lorena.   It was amazing, fun, and yummy!!  A truly unique and special experience that I will treasure always.  Lolo is an interesting, beautiful woman who came to the island over 18 years ago and she now hosts private 5-course dinners in her home.  Initially when I emailed her to make reservations, she graciously invited me for the following evening, but then the next morning she emailed me and told me that even though the other parties had to re-schedule that she would still host me for dinner as I was on a solo vacation.  The dinner was amazing (even scaled down to 3 courses just for me)!!!  We began the evening with a glass of champagne after she opened the bottle with the blunt end of her knife, explaining that you would usually use a sword but she did not have one on hand.  The appetizer was a delectable dish of foie gras on grilled sliced pear with a balsamic glaze.

For the entrée, we had truffle risotto with steak and for dessert a wonderful sample of desserts including an amazing, luscious crema with rose water, pear tart, lemon tart, and chocolate mousse.

I was so grateful that Lolo still welcomed me in her home and I had such a wonderful time because she actually joined me for dinner.  Lolo is very spirited and lively and she shared stories from her interesting and colorful life with me as we talked during dinner.  After dinner, she even took me on a tour of her magical and creative home (she also hosts guests in her B&B) filled with her personal designs and gorgeous, intricate tile work.  The night ended with me sipping on tequila while we exchanged more stories and laughs.

Champagne and Tequila