Iberostar Cozumel

The Iberostar Cozumel is small compared to other beach resorts in Cozumel and on the Riviera Maya, located as it is in a more secluded area. The world’s second largest coral reef is just off the beach, making the resort a dream destination for scuba divers, who make up a large percentage of the guests here. The resort feels very close to nature, with wildlife wandering the grounds (including pink flamingos, peacocks, and iguanas), and a rustic style to the furnishings, stairs, handrails, and other decorative flourishes. Guest rooms are located in low bungalow buildings with palm-thatched roofs that are atmospheric, and there is plenty of space between the buildings to wander.

Sofas and chairs throughout the property are made of natural rattan; there's plenty of seating in the lobby area for guests to lounge and use the Wi-Fi (available for a fee). The pools and beach are lined with palm trees, sun beds, and shady palapas. It's worth noting, however, that the pool and beach areas can get crowded and busy, and many guests complain that there aren't enough loungers to go around. When it comes to the restaurants, bars, and common areas, the vibe is laid-back, although there is a dress code in effect in the evenings -- at the a la carte restaurants only -- for men over the age of twelve.

Although the Iberostar Cozumel is smaller and a little more worn around the edges than some of the area megaresorts, its relaxed vibe can be inviting to avid snorkelers and divers, as well as vacationing families who prefer a resort with enough to do on-site that they don’t need to arrange a car or leave the grounds for entertainment.

The Iberostar Cozumel is located on the island’s more secluded southwestern shore, along a rocky Caribbean beach (so bring water shoes for wading). The offshore reef is one of the best in the world, making this a spectacular dive destination. This resort is accessed via a tree-lined boulevard, and there's little to nothing in the immediate area but jungle, beach, and wildlife. Downtown Cozumel is a twenty minute drive from the resort, which costs about $20 by cab. There are ecotours and underwater caves nearby; the concierge will arrange tours upon request. Meanwhile, beach-lovers can find more hospitable swimming beaches within a short drive: San Francisco Beach is half a mile away, while Nachi-Cocom Beach Club, Palanacar Beach, and Paradise Beach are all within two-and-a-half miles. Cozumel airport is 20 minutes from the resort; Cancun airport is two hours away, and the trip includes a ferry ride.

Rooms at the Iberostar Cozumel aren't especially large, but they are -- unusually for a big all-inclusive -- located in colorful one- or two-story bungalow buildings scattered around the grounds. Each room or suite has a balcony or a private patio with a comfortable hammock, table, and chairs. The decor is basic and pleasant enough, standardized from room to room: bright colors, stucco walls, tropical bedspreads, uninspired wall art, and shiny marble floors. 

Rooms are clean, but the walls, furniture, and fixtures show some chipping and other signs of wear and tear. Bathrooms are compact but modern, with stone floors and sizable walk-in glass shower stalls. Junior suites are far more stylish and spacious, with bamboo canopy beds, handmade furniture, and enormous bathrooms. All rooms have minibars, coffeemakers, small flat-screen TVs with cable, and video game consoles; safes are too small for laptops. Light sleepers may want to request rooms at a distance from the resort’s discotheque, which is open until the wee hours.

The Iberostar Cozumel is centered around its aquatic facilities, including two large pools and the private beach with its long pier and PADI-certified dive center. Guests can try a free scuba lesson in the pool, then follow up with lessons in the sea, if interested. More serious divers spend most of their stay taking advantage of the daily dive activities along the offshore reef, one of the world’s best. All non-motorized water sports are included; guests can borrow kayaks, catamarans, windsurfers, snorkel equipment, and more, but only for an hour at a time, after which there is a fee.

There are plenty of other activities to keep guests of all ages entertained, including tennis, archery, target shooting, basketball, beach volleyball, group gymnastics, and fitness classes. Pool and ping-pong tables can be found on the grounds. The fitness center is located in a spacious thatched hut with high ceilings and picture windows that look into the jungle. There are modern cardio and weight machines, and racks of free weights. The spa offers aromatherapy, massages, healing treatments, and beauty services, along with a small hot tub and an outdoor stone shower. Parents can send kids ages four to 12 to the kids' club for supervision and organized activities while they relax; the club has a playground with a pirate ship for climbing, as well as a kids' pool. Wedding services, meeting rooms, and conference spaces are all also available. 

The hotel also has live entertainment nightly, including cover bands and a dance club. Note that Wi-Fi is only available for a fee in common areas.

The Iberostar Cozumel has three restaurants, including a large international buffet with dedicated theme nights. Guests have the option of eating at one of the a la carte restaurants, which must be reserved ahead of time. These include a steakhouse and El Sarape, an upscale restaurant serving traditional Mexican food and local specialties. El Sarape is the most formal of the resort’s dining rooms, but the decor is not stuffy. Rather, the dining room and furniture are done in bright fuschias, blues, and greens, with sombreros, wood carvings, and native pottery adding to the Latin atmosphere. There are several bars, including pool and beach bars, and places to grab a light bite throughout the day.