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

The four-star Occidental Grand Cozumel enjoys a private section of one of Cozumel’s white-sand beaches: Playa San Francisco, which Fodor’s calls one of the island’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 offers six restaurants, unlimited meals, three open bars and a disco, three pools, and an array of complimentary activities.

Start by settling into your spacious guest room, which features a private balcony. Grand Concierge stays also come with wine and fruit upon arrival and other luxurious perks. Outside, you can kayak and windsurf or snorkel with eagle rays, sharks, and turtles in the coral reef (additional cost). Head down early for a spot at the oceanfront activities pool, or have 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, day trips to the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichén Itzá, scuba-diving excursions, or spa services.

The hacienda-style resort houses six restaurants and four bars, including a disco, and guests can dine for free at all locations (the Royal Club restaurant and bar is exclusively for Royal Club guests). 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. Drink and dance the night away at Occidental’s adults-only nightclub, La Misión, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? The property is about 12.5 miles (20 km) from Cozumel International Airport (CZM).

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The Groupon covers two guests. A maximum of three guests 13 or older and one kid 12 or younger, or two adults and two kids, may stay in the Groupon-valid rooms for an additional cost; $100 per night for an additional adult 13 or older, or $55 per night for an additional child 12 and younger. Infants 1 or younger may stay for no additional cost.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Groupon customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? No resort credits are included in this Groupon.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? Dinner reservations and a dress code are required at Sonora Grill and Los Olivos. For more information regarding your dining options, please click here.

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