Cozumel After The Hurricane

Have you ever wanted a free vacation? Worry-Free Vacations kindly offered me an all-expense paid trip to Cozumel to examine the hurricane damage and restoration process.  A free trip to one of my favorite places! I was packed and ready to go in 15 minutes!

Cozumel experienced 53 horrendous hours of Hurricane Wilma that was devastating to the landscape, the resorts, and the economy.  The eye alone hovered over the island for 8 hours.  The pier at the Reef Club was ripped from the dock and rolled 200 yards down the beach.  Waves crashed into second story windows of resorts.   It was terrorizing to the warmest, most gracious people I’ve met in Mexico. 

I visited 13 resorts on my 3 day trip, where hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to repair hurricane damage.  These resorts have all new furniture, bedding, décor, landscaping, exteriors, interiors, etc.  And they’ve not only repaired, they’ve updated and remodeled and they look fantastic.  They have worked hard and they are open and ready for business.

My host resort was the El Cozumeleno.  This resort has two wonderful pool areas, a fun pool and a quiet pool.  It has a beautiful beach with lounge chairs, hammocks, and non-motorized water activities, as well as a pier where snorkeling/diving tours pick up the guests.  It also offers putt-putt, 3 shows a week, a disco with karaoke, excellent restaurants and views to die for.  I would heartily recommend it.

I also toured the Melia Cozumel, Playa Azul, Coral Princess, Casa Mexicana, Casa del Mar, Fiesta Americana, Occidental Grand Cozumel, El Cid Le Ceiba, Reef Cozumel, Allegro Cozumel, Hotel Cozumel, and the Cozumel Palace.  The Intercontinental El Presidente is currently being repaired/remodeled and is scheduled to re-open in November of 2006. 

Each of these resorts had something unique to offer, so it’s a good idea to consult a travel professional to find exactly what you are looking for. 

Divers told me the hurricane exposed additional underwater reef areas, so snorkeling and SCUBA is better than ever.   The water was clear, and clean and beautiful.  The surf is so calm on Cozumel that you can sit in it and you won’t spill your drink.

The town square and market areas are back to normal.  My favorite shops looked as good as new, and bargains are everywhere.  The only restaurants that weren’t open were directly on the beach, and they are currently under repair.

I had a fantastic trip to Cozumel.  The hotel employees said “I thank you for touring our resort, and my family thanks you”.  These people have always been very appreciative of our tourist dollars, but they are even more appreciative now.  Our tourist dollars control their destiny.

I encourage you to consider Cozumel for your next vacation.  I will be returning in November and you are welcome to come along.   Cozumel offers pristine white sand beaches, marine life and reef systems that are among the best in the world, water with clarity to 200 feet, great shopping, delicious restaurants and 13 resorts that are now brand spanking new.  And its’ prices are as good if not better than it’s neighbors Cancun and the Riviera Maya.  I love Cozumel, and you will, too.