IslaMar Vacation Villas

IslaMar Vacation Villas is easily identifiable as the nicest "house" on the block, painted in bold blue and bright white. It's surrounded by 10- and 20-foot white privacy walls and accessed through a gate that's securely locked at all times. Inside the gate, there's a small courtyard set with potted plants and a grass lawn with white patio chairs and umbrellas. The sparkling two-tiered pool sits just in front of the water and there's a small adjacent alcove with a refrigerator and cabinet filled with books and DVDs. Shared balconies and patios in front of the two-story villas make up the remainder of the public areas of this small property. Kids are welcome here, though the majority of guests are couples who repeatedly visit Cozumel for long periods of time and aren't interested in the more touristy scene down by the waterfront. 

IslaMar Vacation Villas is located on a mostly residential street 14 blocks from the waterfront and ferry terminals, along with the tourist hot spots like Senor Frogs, Hooters, and Cartier. There are myriad local restaurants, shops, and corner stores within a five-minute walk of IslaMar, plus famous Casa Mission Restaurant is three blocks away. Expect to hear regular neighborhood noises like barking dogs and music, but to some, it's a relief from the packs of tourists coming and going from the cruise ships. The neighborhood is safe and guests park cars on the street for free. Plan on a five-minute drive to Cozumel International Airport. 

There are six villas at IslaMar, spread out between two two-story buildings, one located in the front of the lot and one at the back. Each villa has one-bedroom with a king-size bed, living room and flat-screen TV with DVD player, and a kitchen with a dining area. Some villas include a pullout couch for families and groups. Kitchens are fully stocked with cooking gear, cutlery, and small appliances like microwaves, toaster ovens, hot plates, blenders, and coffeemakers. The refrigerator is full size, but don't expect an actual stove or oven. Bathrooms feature showers and simple toiletries. Contemporary decor varies from unit to unit, and there are homey touches like fruit magnets on some refrigerators or a bowl of plastic bell peppers on the dining table. Oddly, a framed photo of the owner and her family was placed in the two villas we visited. Villas are spotlessly clean and smartly maintained.  Each has a semi-private outdoor area set with a white plastic table and chairs. 

The swimming pool is the best feature at IslaMar. It's two-tiered with water flowing over a wall of seashells. Plastic chairs are set in the shallow end for a refreshing place to hangout. An adjacent green lawn holds a handful of sunbeds and a table with an umbrella for outdoor dining. Guests can borrow books and DVDs or buy cold beer on the honor system from a fridge in an alcove next to the pool. Wi-Fi is free; routers are sprinkled around the property so the signal is strong. As the villas have kitchens, breakfast isn't served, and there isn't a restaurant or full bar on-site. Though we didn't meet her on our visit, past guests have commented that the owner is friendly and helpful with suggestions on what to see and do in Cozumel. Services like laundry, a private chef, and massages can be arranged for a fee.