In July I traveled to Cozumel with my husband, Jim, my daughter, Alli, and her boyfriend, Palmer, for a fun family getaway with one main goal — snorkeling. Before booking our trip, I researched which resorts offered the best snorkeling right off the beach. Two properties consistently topped the list: Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive and Iberostar Cozumel. Since I couldn’t decide between them, I opted to experience both.

We arrived in Cozumel on July 3, just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday and during the excitement surrounding the World Cup finals. While the Cozumel airport wasn’t quite prepared for the surge of visitors, resulting in long lines through customs and immigration, the atmosphere was festive. Fans wearing Mexico jerseys filled the terminal, and the excitement continued at Fiesta Americana Cozumel, where the resort had set up a large TV and seating so guests could watch the championship match.

After making our way through the airport, we were relieved that the resort was only about a 20-minute drive away. At check-in we received an unexpected surprise: an upgrade to a Master Suite, while Alli and Palmer had the connecting double bed guestroom next door.

As soon as I entered our suite, my eyes went straight to the sliding glass doors that opened onto a secluded plunge pool stretching across the length of three rooms. On the dining table was a bottle of Champagne and a selection of delicious snacks, which disappeared quickly after a long day of travel.

At first, though, I was a little confused. I found a dining area, living room and bathroom … but where was the bed? Just then, Jim called from further down the hallway, “There’s more down here!” I followed the sound of his voice to a spacious king bedroom and another even bigger bathroom featuring a large shower with a frosted window that gave the feeling of showering in the middle of the jungle. A second set of sliding doors opened to the plunge pool. Even better, Alli and Palmer’s adjoining room also had pool access, giving the four of us our own private oasis.

Plunge Pool

Plunge Pool

With only two nights at the resort, we skipped the buffet and focused on experiencing the specialty restaurants. Our first dinner was at Thai Kunn, the resort’s newly renovated Asian restaurant. The crisp black-and-red décor created a sleek, modern atmosphere that matched the cuisine.

We began by sharing several sushi rolls so everyone could sample different varieties, followed by mixed gyoza filled with pork, garlic, mint and ginger; chicken satay with peanut sauce; harumaki spring rolls; and house-special ramen with pork belly and tofu. For our entrées, we ordered beef teppanyaki with vegetables; yakimeshi fried rice with salmon; and sweet-and-sour pork with pineapple, jicama and peppers — the unanimous favorite of the evening. Dessert included deep-fried ice cream and mango sticky rice, the perfect ending to an outstanding meal.

Appetizers

Gyoza

Sushi

Sweet and sour pork.

After dinner, the sound of drums and a Maya flute drew us toward the Beach Club. There, a traditional Maya performance was already underway. Dancers dressed in elaborate costumes reenacted what appeared to be an ancient story of a great hunter. Set against the beautiful Caribbean Sea as the sun set, it was a memorable way to spend our first evening in Cozumel.

The following morning we were invited to Fiesta Americana’s sister resort, The Explorean Cozumel, for a guided snorkeling excursion. Just a short walk away, The Explorean offers a much quieter, Zen-like atmosphere where guests enjoy daily guided adventures such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, dune buggy tours, and excursions to cenotes and Maya ruins. Guests also have full access to Fiesta Americana’s restaurants and amenities.

Our guide, Jasiel, explained that we would visit three locations. The first was Colombia Reef, known for more than 100 feet of visibility and abundant marine life, including sea turtles and stingrays. Next was El Cielo — Spanish for “The Sky” — named for the countless starfish scattered around. Our final stop was a shallow sandbar where everyone could relax, swim and enjoy refreshments.

Jasiel wasn’t just an exceptional snorkeling guide, he was also an incredibly talented underwater photographer and videographer. Throughout the excursion he took stunning photos and videos of our group. Since I’m not a swimmer, I stayed on the boat during the snorkeling, but I did venture into the shallow waters at the sandbar, where I had the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside several massive stingrays that gently glided just past us.

Alli, Jim and Palmer with starfish — © Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection

Alli, Jim and Palmer with fish — © Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection

Back at Fiesta Americana, I had my heart set on lunch at La Cevichería, which I was told was resort’s best dining experience, famous for its incredibly fresh seafood. Unfortunately, its popularity meant every table was taken, with a long line of guests waiting for their turn, so we’ll just have to go back and try it next time!

That evening we enjoyed authentic Mexican cuisine at El Mexicano before ending the night at the Beach Club bar, where a live rock band kept the music going well into the evening.

As our stay came to an end, the resort graciously extended our daughter’s room until 3 p.m., allowing us to squeeze in one last snorkeling session, taking advantage of the steps leading right into the crystal-clear water at the Beach Club. Meanwhile, I settled into a shaded lounge chair, soaking in the ocean views. One thing I especially appreciated was the abundance of seating. With plenty of Bali Beds, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and overwater sun beds available, there was no need to wake up early or compete for the perfect spot — a nice change from many all-inclusive resorts.

Stairs to the ocean

We enjoyed a delicious burger at The Grill before heading off to our next adventure at Iberostar Waves. Stay tuned for more on that!

The Family —© Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection

— Tracey Cullen, art director