ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: After making our way through long lines at the Cozumel airport, we were relieved the resort was only about a 20-minute ride away. There happened to be a large influx of guests checking in at the same time we arrived, so we were offered chilled towels and directed to take a seat and enjoy a welcome drink while waiting to be called to check in. The lobby was a large open area with comfortable couches and fun swinging chairs, all overlooking the pool and conveniently located right next to the lobby bar.

At check-in my husband and I received an unexpected surprise — an upgrade to a Master Suite, while my daughter and her boyfriend conveniently had the connecting double-bed guestroom next door.

© Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection

GUEST QUARTERS: 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 sat a bottle of Champagne and a selection of delicious snacks which disappeared quickly after our long day of travel.

For just a moment, though, I was a little confused. I found a dining area, living room and bathroom — but where was the bed? Just then, my husband called from 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 waterfall shower with a frosted window that gave the illusion of showering in the middle of the jungle. A nice selection of C.O. Bigelow amenities included anything we needed during our stay.

A second set of sliding doors opened to the plunge pool, and lounge chairs in the shallow part of the pool offered a perfect spot to relax and unwind with a glass of Champagne and a macaron. Even better, my daughter’s adjoining room also had pool access, giving the four of us our own private oasis.

© Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Our first dinner was at Thai Kunn, the resort’s newly renovated Asian restaurant. The black-and-red décor created a sleek, modern atmosphere that matched the delicious cuisine. After dinner, the sound of drums and a Maya flute drew us toward the Beach Club for its nightly show. This area is really the heart of the resort, with amazing sunset views over the beautiful turquoise water. Guests can relax on Bali beds, lounge chairs or unique overwater sunbeds while taking in the scenery. This is also where the buffet is located and two more restaurants, the Grill and La Cevichería, touted as the resort’s best dining experience, famous for its incredibly fresh seafood.

The following morning we were invited to Fiesta Americana’s sister resort, The Explorean Cozumel, for an amazing guided snorkeling excursion to experience why Cozumel is one of the best snorkeling spots in the world, with sea turtles, starfish and stingrays along with lots of colorful fish around the coral reef.

As our stay came to an end, the resort graciously extended our daughter’s room until 3 p.m., allowing us to experience the Beach Club thoroughly and enjoy a tasty burger at The Grill before heading to our next hotel later that afternoon. It was a thoughtful gesture that made our departure much more convenient.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Do not miss out on the great snorkeling at the Beach Club; steps lead right into the crystal-clear water, and there is an abundance of colorful fish to see.
• The Sushi Corner is a great spot to order a grab-and-go sushi snack.
• The pool is fun, with plenty of activities throughout the day to keep guests entertained.

FIESTA AMERICANA COZUMEL ALL INCLUSIVE
Carretera a Chankanaab KM 7.5
77600 Q.R., Mexico
tel 52 800 504 5000