Cozumel, Mexico: A Visitor's Guide

The airplane landed on the tarmac in Cozumel, Mexico, and my heart began to pound. I could not wait to get out into the tropical Mexican breezes and sip on a cocktail. A friend and I had booked a 7 day all-inclusive vacation at the Park Royal Resort in Cozumel, Mexico. Our first encounter at the airport was with some of the staff from Park Royal Cozumel who were there to transport us to our beautiful island getaway. During our brief bus trip, the driver told us all about the island and the potential adventures that awaited us.

Arrival and check in was a little complicated and took longer than we would have liked. After waiting in line for what seemed like eternity, we were told that it would be another two hours before our room would be ready for check in, but on a positive note, the hotel staff did offer to store our luggage in a secure room so that we could go tour the property while we waited. Our vacation destination was beautiful. As we walked around, we found that there were three fresh water swimming pools, and two of them overlooked the ocean. Aside of those two pools, were two jacuzzies big enough to fit at least 30 people. We also discovered the private beach access for resort guests. Interestingly enough, it was built under the road so that vacationers would not have to cross the busy street each time that they wanted to put their feet in the sand.

Then hunger pangs began to rear their ugly heads, so we decided to check out the dining situation. We found three reservation only restaurants, one buffet area, and two snack bars. When making reservations, guests have the choice of Mexican, Italian, and Caribbean specialties. The buffet area had convenient hours for all three meals, and there was never a wait time for a table. The snack bars, which are located near the pools, had wonderful burgers and snacks, which were very popular with anyone who did not want to leave their sun-baked paradise to change for lunch.

Finally, check in time arrived, and were able to see our room. It was beautiful. The outside deck overlooked the beautiful foliage of the resort, and in the evenings we were able to watch the cruise ships docked in the harbor with their glowing lights twinkling.

As we mingled with the Park Royal Cozumel staff and guests, we discovered all of the amazing adventures that we could take advantage of during our stay. With only seven days, we had to be picky, there wouldn't be time for everything. We decided to swim with the dolphins, go horseback riding, rent a jeep to tour the island, visit Senor Frog's and try out parasailing. Sounds like it would be hard to plan all of these things and still enjoy your vacation doesn't it? Well, not so. The staff at the resort were very helpful and accommodating. We fit all of these activities into our week, and still had time to relax and soak up some sun. We found that by talking to some people who live on the island of Cozumel (ie. resort staff) you can get the low down on the best excursions and the most reasonable prices.

All in all, this vacation was an amazing value for the $1100 dollars that it cost for the resort stay. We planned amazing trips, had time to relax, and even enjoyed a the open air fiesta that occurs weekly on the island. It was an amazing vacation, and I for one can't wait to return to the beautiful island of Cozumel, Mexico.