Secrets Aura Cozumel

Secrets Aura Cozumel was originally built as a Wyndham property and it seems that no expenses were spared in renovations and upkeep. Guests are greeted in the white semi-open-air lobby with a cold towel and glass of Champagne before a staff member orients them to the hotel (and maybe offers a time-share pitch). The lobby is set with a nature-inspired water fountain and there are several beige couches for seating. Overhead, light fixtures look like upside down candles. Water and coffee are set out for guests' convenience. Just off of the lobby is the smallest pool in the property, the Relax Pool, which overlooks the white sand beach. Paved walkways meander through the large grounds which include palm trees, trimmed hedges, and tropical flowers. Towards the end of the day, the place can look a bit disheveled with abandoned towels and discarded cups, but staff puts everything in order before morning. Kids aren't allowed here (they are next door at Sunscape Sabor Cozumel, the sister property) and the bulk of guests are couples. Groups of friends stay here too and many people come back every single year. Sometimes there are several weddings happening at one time on the beach. There's a definite party vibe in the air, as expected when unlimited booze and the Mexican sun come together, but there are enough swimming pools and beach space to escape for quiet if that's what you're looking for. 

Secrets Aura Cozumel's isolated location on the southern edge of Cozumel is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, the private beach and remote location means quiet and privacy, and on the other hand, it's a 20-minute drive to San Miguel and there's little chance to explore the island without a car. Parking is free and staff is on-hand to assist with valet services.- Eight-minute drive to Dolphin Discovery Cozumel

• 20-minute drive to San Miguel
• 22-minute drive to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
• 26-minute drive to Senor Frog's
• 29-minute drive to Cozumel International Airport

Each of the 238 rooms at Secrets is a spacious suite. Price varies depending on where the suite is located on the property and how recently it was renovated. Obviously, the best deals are found at the edge of the property, farthest from the pools and beach, and these suites have minor wear and tear. The best options are in the Preferred section of the hotel, between the beach and the Preferred swimming pool. Some suites have direct pool (or waterslide) access or private rooftop swimming pools that overlook the ocean.Each suite comes standard with free Wi-Fi, a free minibar that's stocked daily with beer, water, soda, and snacks, coffeemaker and coffee, a flat-screen TV, king-size bed, sitting area, and furnished balcony or terrace. Decor and room configuration varies slightly, but the overall look is contemporary. Standard Suites (the cheapest option) are a bit blah with beige tile floors and walls. The wood furniture looks like it's from the '80s. Meanwhile, the Preferred Club Suites have modern wood furniture, a clean-lined gray sofa, and abstract art on the walls.Bathrooms vary according to price as well. Standard Suites have a shower while the Preferred Club Suites include an enormous soaking tub and a rainfall shower. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all bathrooms. Cleanliness isn't an issue here, but past guests have complained about maintenance issues like slow drains and chipped paint. Note that some room blocks don't have elevators, just stairs.The Preferred Club Suites come with loads of extra goodies. The rooms are larger and the minibars include snacks and tequila -- even the toiletries are nicer. Chocolate covered strawberries are provided as a gift. Guests also get access to an air-conditioned and private lounge that presents food services, a full bar, breakfast, and fast Wi-Fi. Reception and concierge services here are expedited and more personalized. The best part though, is access to the Preferred swimming pool which has ocean views and a swim-up bar. Guests celebrating something special, like a honeymoon or anniversary, get banners on their doors and special treats like Champagne, so it's worth mentioning your special occasion when you make a reservation. 

The features at Secrets Aura Cozumel are aimed squarely at adults, obviously, but some of them are located next door at the family-friendly sister property, Sunscape Sabor Cozumel. Guests at Secrets can also use Sunscape's two swimming pools, beach, and attend the nightly entertainment there. However, guests at Sunscape cannot access the Secrets portion of the property. There's an enormous and relaxing spa. Men's and women's locker rooms have a hot tub, steam room, and sauna. There are treatment rooms for couples and singles, plus a relaxation lounge set with free tea. A full salon does nails, hair, and bridal makeup. A chocolate body wrap and sea facial are a few of the more creative treatment options. The spa is quiet and decorated with luxurious elements such as large gemstones. Look for the fish pedicure in the reception area. The large fitness center doesn't overlook the ocean, as it's near the front entrance of the Sunscape Sabor hotel. It includes Lifefitness cardio and weight machines, but they're not the newest models. Flat-screen TVs, water, and towels are provided. Just across the hallway are a variety of gift shops that sell everything from sunscreen to cigars. Back at Secrets, there are outdoor tennis courts near the waterslide pool. Table tennis and giant chess are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and doesn't seem to have connection problems that can be a problem elsewhere in Cozumel. Concierge staff can assist with tours, rental cars, and scuba diving at an additional cost. 

Cozumel isn't known for its sandy beaches, but Secrets has a long private expanse of sand that's set with neat rows of cushioned sun loungers. Shade is provided under thatched umbrellas and there's a long pier that juts out into the ocean, plus a hammock in the water. The ocean is calm and clear enough for snorkeling. Volleyball nets are set up and there's an area where guests can check out kayaks, life preservers, Hobie Cats, snorkel equipment, and paddles -- though these are timed during busy periods. Food and beverage service is offered on the sand, in keeping with the hotel's promise to serve drinks and food "anytime and anywhere." Guests can sign up for scuba lessons and excursions, for an added cost. Dive trips depart from the on-site pier. 

Every guest that books at Secrets gets all-inclusive meals and drinks as well as 24-hour room service. Staff will serve guests in their Suites, at the beach, and in the swim-up pools. It can be a bit tricky to navigate the options, but reservations aren't required and daily food presentations, like paella night, mix it up for longer-term guests.Windows serves dinner in an air-conditioned dining room that overlooks the beach. Fare focuses on seafood and steaks, and the dining room is a bit more formal -- men must wear pants and flip-flops aren't allowed.Market Cafe serves a help-yourself buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining room is open-air and there's a patio that overlooks the ocean. Waiters serve beverages, while hot and cold food items are spread out on several stations. Oceana serves fresh seafood for dinner only. Bordeaux provides French fare for dinner and has an extensive wine list. The dining room is indoors and air-conditioned. Barefoot Grill is located just next to the Beach Pool, and serves burgers and seafood for lunch. Coco Cafe is tucked away near the tennis courts. It's open all day and serves specialty coffees and pastries in a cute cafe-style restaurant. Cocktails, wine, and beer are served in the variety of bars and lounges. Rendezvous is located just off the lobby and is a bit more elegant. Look for the coconut drinks decorated with fresh fruit at the bar. There are two swim-up bars, though these do close just before sunset, which is a bit of a buzzkill for those who want to float in the pool with a margarita while the sunsets. Sky Bar serves drinks on the roof and Desires, next door at Sunscape, offers music entertainment and karaoke. During our visit, it seemed like weddings took over the hotel after dark and most of the guests went next door to Sunscape for after dinner drinks and carousing. 

There are four swimming pool for guests to access at Secrets Aura Cozumel, though the Preferred Pool is only for guests who booked a suite in the Preferred section of the hotel. Beach towels are free and tucked into boxes around the resort. Finding a sun lounger or an umbrella isn't really a problem and staff circulates to take drink and food orders.The Relax Pool is the smallest and quietest option. It's between the lobby and the beach and doesn't see a lot of action, other than people sunbathing next to it. The Beach Pool is located near Barefoot Grill and overlooks the beach. This pool is nicely landscaped with palm trees and pedestrian bridges and winds toward the back of the property. The Waterslide Pool is the party pool. There are two small waterslides and a swim-up bar here.The Preferred Pool is the nicest. It has a swim-up bar and beach views, and because it's only accessible to guests who booked a Preferred Room, it doesn't get crowded or too crazy. Guests can also walk next door to use the two pools at Sunscape, but there will be kids and families there. 

Weddings are immensely popular at Secrets Aura Cozumel. During our visit, we saw three simultaneous beach weddings happen in one night. There's a full-time staff completely dedicated to wedding planning and a cute shop filled with props and flowers where couples can peruse themes and packages. Packages can include everything from a symbolic wedding to a ceremony with a legal judge. The spa does bridal makeup and hair and staff is trained to press and prepare gowns and tuxedos. The ceremony can take place either on the beach or in the wedding gazebo. Add-ons include a Mexican music trio, elaborate wedding cakes, private dinner receptions for up to 20 guests, and photography. Newlywed room packages offer special turndown services, discounts, late check out, and a free night on your first year anniversary.