Pls help - Cozumel Honeymoon in May!

[heather_scubatravel]

Hi everyone!

My fiance and I are getting married in Tulum, Mexico in May 2011! The reason we chose the Mayan Riviera to get married is so we can honeymoon in Cozumel! We are both advanced divers (he’s logged 55, I’ve logged 70 in the past 2 years). We’ve never been to Cozumel before, so we could use some help!

We will be in Cozumel for one week and would like to do 2-3 dives for 3 or 4 of our days. I know there are dozens of amazing dive ops in Cozumel, I have researched tons! Our biggest problem is trying to find a hotel that is honeymoon worthy. We don’t want all-inclusive, and we don’t need luxury or anything! We don’t really have a budget, but under $150/night for accommodations would be preferable. We would like to stay in a smaller place, clean, safe, run by friendly people, and a quiet relaxing atmosphere. A pool would be really nice, walking distance to restaurants and the beach, and convenient for boat pick up for diving!

Casita de Maya was my first choice, but it looks like it may be too far north to be convenient for boat pick up.

I’ve spent hours and hours researching... and can really use some firsthand advice. Any recommendations would be extremely appreciated!!

 

[DiverG]

Have you thought about staying in a condo? I think there may be some in your price range. Check out the El Cantil they look nice, and they might have a small room in your price range.

 

[cicopo]

How about Blue Angel, which is now run by Canadians, and is waterfront, with a pool. I haven't stayed there yet but will in 2 weeks. It's probably a 1.5 km walk to the downtown core but my wife & I like that walk, but taxi rides will be cheap if needed. My old photos are here (a quick look at the waterfront area)

Picasa Web Albums - Larry - Blue Angel Re...

Another choice might be Casa Mexicana, but the pool there is rather small from what I've read, or maybe the Coral Princess which is just north of town. (in town or to the south offers better choices for off site dive op pick ups).

 

[Tunaman68]

+1 for the Blue Angel.

 

[Prop Joe]

We got married and did our honeymoon Villa Aldora. The place is heavenly. We have been there at least a dozen times since they opened and would highly recommend them, both Aldora Divers and the Villa Aldora along with the staff.
Scroll down for wedding pictures:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cozumel/317652-wedding-cozumel.html
I think you will find the right amount of privacy and/or not at the Villa. It is run by the nicest people who I consider friends. They have a pool with an "infinity edge" where it looks like it extends out into the water. Rooms are great (I think we've stayed in almost all of them over the years). Villa is a little north of town, 20 Minute walk or flag a taxi for a few bucks. Dives leave in front of the Villa, daily, weather permitting (or they will give you a ride to pier in town). There are six+ dive boats so they can group you with people of like skills. Great DM's. Steel 120 tanks (or smaller). Nitrox, Training...
Reasonable requests are always granted. Just ask!!!
Villa:
Villa Aldora
Aldora Divers:
Aldora Divers of Cozumel
How about diving when the port is closed??? No Problem! Dive the East side with Aldora:
Windward Adventures
Pictures I posted (ignore the BS)
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/trips-local-marketplace-cozumel/318758-diving-east-side-island.html

 

[Tunaman68]

We would like to stay in a smaller place, clean, safe, run by friendly people, and a quiet relaxing atmosphere. A pool would be really nice, walking distance to restaurants and the beach, and convenient for boat pick up for diving!!

This is exactly what the Blue Angel offers!! Plus a great little shore dive and all the free tanks you can drain! They have great food, and breakfast and lunch are included on your diving days leaving you free to go into town for dinner (or eat there, the food is amazing!) You can also add a couple of twilight/night dives if you can get another person to sign up! If you do choose the BA, try and get a room on the top floor for privacy and quiet!

 

[heather_scubatravel]

Wow thanks for all the replies already!!

 

[heather_scubatravel]

Condo would great, but it does look out of our budget.

Blue Angel sounds perfect... except for no beach! Is there a beach within walking distance? Free shore dives is a def +! Their website does not provide very much information about room rates, diving pricing etc... I have e-mailed them for more information!

I had looked into Aldora, however they charge about $10 more per dive compared to other dive ops. Which does add up if we're looking to do more than 5 dives each. Is the extra cost justified in the service they provide?

Does anyone have any experience with Casa del Mar?

 

[Ms. Ann Thrope]

I love the Blue Angel for all the reasons Tunaman states. The rooms are simple and comfortable--I don't know about "honeymoon worthy." You might have to define that. Villa Aldora looks good. I also wonder if the Villablanca penthouse might be worth considering. I've only seen pictures, but I've stayed at the hotel in one of their normal "superior" rooms. I've never stayed at the El Cantil condos, but their location is hard to beat for convenience.

 

[heather_scubatravel]

By "honeymoon worthy" I basically just don't want a run of the mill packed resort filled with screaming children. Luxury isn't a must - most of our traveling has been backpacking and it suited us fine!

The studio suite at El Cantil looks great! Originally I looked at elcantil.net which is for a 4 bedroom condo and out of our budget! elcantilcondos.com is the website for all the suites on the property!