One of the things that always strikes us every time we’re in Playa del Carmen, across the channel from Cozumel, is how hip some of the hotels are. Their modern architecture stands in stark contrast to the more traditional look of Cozumel hotels, who’s emphasis is less on attracting the 20-something Euro crowd then on catering to the island’s traditional dive-focused US and Canadian tourists.
Cozumel is more than big enough for everyone, and should be striving to attract every type of tourist: younger, older, American, European, Mexican, divers, non-divers, etc. It has taken a step in that direction by re-opening a direct flight connection between Mexico City and Cozumel and, now, has taken another step inaugurating a new hip hotel, the Hotel B, on the grounds of the old Fontan hotel.
We had an opportunity to get a tour of the hotel recently with the young Danish hotel manager. The hotel, quite honestly, is going to be awesome. The rooms are decorated in a modern, eclectic style, the whole pool / beach area has been redone, and a new fish-centric ocean-side bistro is set to open. We already love the North side of the island. It’s close to town, the snorkeling is fantastic, the new bike paths are great, and it’s generally quieter than the more bustling cruise-ship passenger frequented South side of the island.
Now with the addition of the Hotel B, we predict the North side will continue to grow to become the new hip area of Cozumel. Thank you Hotel B for being at the forefront of this change, and for having the courage and vision to open a different type of hotel on the island!
Here are a few preview pics of Hotel B.
We got a fantastic tour last week of Chocalates Kaokao Damarsicheli, a small chocolateier run by Maryline and her husband Joshue right here in Cozumel. Maryline and Joshue are incredibly passionate about not only producing chocolate, which they do right in their small production facility, but also about educating people about the Mayan origins of the cocoa bean. Their workshop, where they roast and grind the beans they procure in Tabasco and Chiapas, is a great place to learn about the origins of chocolate and to taste chocolate as it goes through the various stages of the production process. And soon, they will be planting some cocoa plants on the island, which a few years from now should produce Cozumel’s first home-grown chocolate!
Contact them at contact@chocolateskaokao.com. They love giving tours and sharing their passion for chocolate. Or, simply pick up one of their products, available at various stores around town.
As we head into the slower season, we thought we would take a moment to highlight some of the properties we have on special right now, until November 30, 2011.
Residenicas Reef
We have written about Residencias Reef before. It’s a beautiful development about 20 min south of downtown. Right on the beach, private, and very well-maintained; it’s the perfect place to stay if you’re a couple looking for a quick getaway. And in that spirit, many of the 1 bedroom condos we have in Residencias are on special right now, making your stay more affordable than ever. Stay in any of the 5 condos below for $85/night + tax!
1-bedroom: Casa Cindy
1-bedroom: Casa Julie
1-bedroom: Casa Margarita
1-bedroom: Casa Kristy
1-bedroom: Casa Emila
Costa del Sol
If you’re looking for something larger, but still on the south side of the island, the Costa del Sol villa development, 2 minutes closer to town than Residencias Reef, is a nice option. The villas are large, with plenty of room to stretch out, and with plenty of privacy for everyone in your group. So, if you’re looking for that perfect Cozumel dive vacation, and have a group ranging from 4-15 individuals, look no further than the two 3 and 4 bedroom villas below.
3-bedroom: Casa Karen
4-bedroom: Villa Amigos
Peninsula Grand
Or, perhaps you’re looking for something on the north side of Cozumel. If so, look no further than the Peninsula Grand complex, which we’v also written about. It’s a very luxurious complex about 10 min north of downtown, right on the water and with amenities you won’t find elsewhere: pool-side snack and beverage service, ocean-view gym, massage room, etc. It’s a great place for couple looking for a condo with a bit more room, or groups of 6-8 that want both an economical and fancy place to stay. In the Peninsula Grand, we have 4 condos on special, ranging in price from $145-$220/night depending on the size of your group.
3-bedroom: Agua Dulce
3-bedroom: Casa Kim
3-bedroom: Casa Phillip
3-bedroom: Casa Sujey
And there you have it folks. Plenty of options from now until November 30, 2011. To see a full listing of all the properties we have available for rent visit our comprehensive Vacation Rentals page: http://enjoycozumel.com/VacationRentals
