All-Inclusive 4-Star Resort on Private White-Sand Beach

Cozumel is one of the world’s most-famous snorkeling and scuba-diving destinations. Set off Mexico’s eastern coast in the Caribbean Sea, it’s surrounded by crystal-clear waters and magnificent coral reefs, which can be accessed via the island’s many white-sand beaches. The 4-star Occidental Grand Cozumel enjoys a private section of one of these beaches: Playa San Francisco, which Fodor’s called one of Cozumel’s finest. From the all-inclusive resort, you can head down to the beach to use its drop-off wall and start exploring the fascinating sea life. In addition to granting exclusive access to the underwater world, the resort also offers six restaurants, unlimited meals, an open bar, three pools, and an array of complimentary activities.

Start by settling into your spacious guest room, which feature private balconies and stocked mini-fridges. From the resort’s location on Cozumel’s southern coast, guests can kayak and windsurf down at the beach, or snorkel with eagle rays, sharks, and turtles out in the coral reef. Head down early for a spot at the oceanfront activities pool, or relax with a cocktail at the relaxation pool. Your all-inclusive stay includes several daily activities, such as volleyball and SCUBA clinics, as well as access to two tennis courts that are illuminated for night play. For extra fees, the resort can also arrange deep-sea fishing trips or day trips to the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza.

The hacienda-style resort houses six restaurants and four bars, and guests can dine for free at all locations. At the Beach Club, you can enjoy casual lunch specialties and ocean views. Los Olivos serves upscale Mediterranean fare in a dining room adorned with horse statues. Or drink and dance the night away at Occidental’s adults-only nightclub, La Mision Bar & Disco, open until 1:30 a.m.

Cozumel, Mexico: Relaxed Tropical Island with World-Class Diving

Cozumel, Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, lies just off the eastern coast of the Yucatán peninsula. Compared to Cancún—Mexico's spring-break capital, located 50 miles north—Cozumel is decidedly laid-back. Formerly a fishing settlement, the island remains blissfully free of high-rise resorts and other signs of overdevelopment. Visitors here tend to focus more on exploring the wilderness than on late-night beach parties. Adventure-tour companies arrange expeditions by land or by sea, including trips to ancient Mayan ruins and the island’s jungles, marshes, and dive sites known for deep canyons and tunnels.

More than 500 species of fish swim among turtles, rays, and countless other aquatic animals inside the coral formations at Palancar Reef, one of the dozens of diving and snorkeling sites encircling Cozumel. Another site, just off the northwestern coast, houses a 40-passenger Convair airliner. Sunk in 1977 for the filming of a Mexican disaster movie, the plane has become overgrown with coral and sea fans and is frequented by schools of colorful parrotfish. Above the surface, you’ll find white-sand beaches frequented by sunbathers.

There's only one city on the island—San Miguel de Cozumel, where street vendors on a waterfront promenade sell everything from jewelry to Cuban cigars. It’s also where you’ll find an assortment of clubs and bars showcasing live reggae-salsa fusion and jazz bands.

_ No-shows will be charged total Groupon rate; no refunds, rescheduling, or rebooking allowed._

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