Feb. 14 - 21, 2015
Flight – Got to Cozumel at 2:30, long lines for immigration. Try to get there around early!
Transfer – Why pay the outrageous van fare? We walked out of the airport and the 100 yards to the street- the first taxi that came by stopped and took us to the resort for almost half the cost of the shared van. The best part? No stops at other resorts on the way.
Check in - Short line, and our room was ready.
General impression - The resort is very nice, not new but kept up very well, low rise with rooms in small two story buildings spread throughout the resort. They have been working on some of the room buildings- they have replaced the wood stairs and porches with concrete and have turned a few buildings into suites by cutting through the walls and connecting adjacent rooms. The resort was almost full while we were there- you had to get to the pool early to get a lounger, but there were always some free down at the beach. The wait at the bars or restaurants was variable but never too long.
Customer service - The best. This was our fifth stay here (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) and many of the employees remembered us- members of the entertainment staff would greet us at the pool or join us for lunch.
Our Room - Very nice, but small. The AC, ceiling fan, and all of the lights worked- the new flat screen TV had cable, and the mini fridge was stocked each day with a few beers and soft drinks. Bottled water provided and the in-room safe worked (battery operated touch pad). I like lounging in the hammock on the porch in the evening.
Wifi - Available for the first time this year (for a fee), but we turned the devices off- ahh vacation.
The Food- The buffet was very good and the resort is stepping it up this year- every night they had a welcome cocktail mixed up in a big punchbowl and handed them out as you arrived. Not a huge variety, but everything was good and there were always a few local favorites. We did eat at both the Mexican and Steak House restaurants. Both were good. Also this year they prepared a lunch on the beach every day- a huge pan of gumbo or paella- they did this only one day a week during our last visits.
Pools and Grounds- Very clean and well maintained. Lots of trees and bushes separate and hide the buildings from each other. The pea cocks were roosting on the roof of our building- great entertainment.
Beaches- not a sandy beach- water shoes are helpful because it is a little rocky, but you can get in the water from the steps off of the dock.
Activities- We sat by the pool most days- they had lots of activities at the beach and pool. They also had air gun and archery competitions each day. The resort is small enough that the activity team was able to spend some time with the guests and get to know them.
Water sports- They have kayaks and Hobie cats. The sailing was awesome. Look for flying fish out on the reef.
Dive shop- Large and well respected dive shop on the resort. Three or four boats going out every day- Two dives in the morning, two more in the afternoon and a night dive just after sunset. The reefs are so close to the resort that they take you back to the dock for a 10 min break between dives. I went three mornings and the diving was fantastic. I took loads of pictures. Saw turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays, lobsters, groupers, jacks, barracuda, and tons of colorful reef fish, sponges, and coral. The guides and boat crew were all excellent. The dive groups are medium sized (six divers per guide). The shop offers a 20% discount if you pay for your dives on the internet before you arrive- what a deal. The discount applies to gear rental as well. I rented all my gear from the shop. It all looked new this year. All the regulator sets have pressure gauges in bar and depth gauges.
Snorkeling- I went on the guided snorkel tour (on the boat) with my wife and daughter as they do not dive. We went to 2 reefs and saw a ton of fish, a turtle, and a nurse shark.
Overall- Fantastic resort and we had a great vacation. Already planning to be back in Feb. ’16.