On the island of Cozumel, just off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, lies a little slice of Caribbean heaven. Reopened in November 2006 after Hurricane Wilma flattened much of Cozumel in October 2005, the resort enjoyed a $25 million makeover, and it shows. Imagine an experienced staff that knows the property inside and out coupled with a sparkling new feel.
Spoiled with Choices
For scuba divers, the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa has an on-site dive shop and private pier for its dive boat—the Scuba Du—a two-minute walk from every room. For those who prefer underwater exploration on their own time, two enclosed snorkeling areas off the pure white-sand beach glimmer with crystal clear water. And this is just what the property has to offer on the outside.
Inside, 220 rooms all sport private terraces or balconies—and unlike some properties that crave uniformity above all else, guests actually feel like they’re in Mexico here. The rooms use Mayan-accented themes, but instead of pillow chocolates with turndown service, guests get a Mayan legend (but they’re happy to leave chocolate as well). Some rooms open onto a white sandy beach, and there’s nothing like taking a “rainfall shower” outdoors on your private balcony as a tropical breeze blows cool and steady.
The 6,500-square-foot Mandara Spa offers what any upscale spa worth its soaking salts should have, in addition to a private outdoor tub with a waterfall and a traditional Mayan steam bath inside a small domed building—the experience is similar to a Native American sweat lodge. The spa offers services for both men and women and has some only-in-Cozumel treatments, such as the Mayan Journey, Mayan Moon Massage and Mayan Ceremony of Love, during which couples get a rub-down in a private tropical garden.
The property also includes a new golf putting green where golfers can hone their short game before heading out to the Cozumel Country Club, which features an 18-hole, 6,734-yard, par-72 championship golf course designed by the Nicklaus Design Group. The course is built around Cozumel’s native trees, red mangroves and natural wetland.
All through the resort, service is exemplary. Recently one absent-minded guest lost his favorite, albeit tattered, t-shirt during a dive trip and the staff kept him informed of their search progress as if they were searching for a beloved pet. The level of English is very good, although a few Spanish words—”margarita,” “fiesta” and “siesta,” usually in that order—always come in handy in Mexico.
Meet and Eat
The resort offers two meeting rooms, one of which can accommodate up to 300 people for receptions. But really, to spend too much time inside here would be a shame. There’s plenty of open-air beachside space for brainstorming or team building during the day, or dining under the stars at night.
Highly recommended are the torch-lit Mayan cocktail receptions. Scantily-clad dancers dressed in war paint re-create Mayan ceremonial dances with spear-shaking and fire-play. It’s downright scary, but in a good way.
Boasting the largest wine collection in Cozumel, Alfredo di Roma is an on-site restaurant that brings the tastes of Northern Italy to Mexico. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, in off-hours it makes a great meetings venue. The resort wraps around El Caribeno Restaurant and Bar, a large thatched-roof open air restaurant.
Although there’s plenty to see and do—especially in the realm of shopping, eating and drinking—in San Miguel de Cozumel (the main town on the island) the one must-do off-site is the Dolphin Discovery park. The friendly dolphins here will tow your attendees around the water at high speeds, “clap” as the humans sing a song, and generally ham it up for visitors.
For More Info
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa 800.327.0200
www.intercontinentalcozumel.com
