Playa Azul Golf.Scuba.Spa

The Playa Azul, right on one of Cozumel’s best stretches of beach, is a small, moderately priced, family-run, beautifully managed hotel offering excellent value. At first glance it seems similar to many hotels built in the ’50s and ’60s, with a swimming pool dominating a courtyard surrounded on three sides by a four-story, pink-stucco complex, forming a “U” that opens to the ocean. The bedrooms look toward the turquoise-colored sea and all have at least a partial ocean view. However, once you enter your bedroom, the caring touches that make the Playa Azul so very special and distinguish it from others in its class quickly become evident. You cannot help smiling when you find the beds adorned with white towels whimsically shaped into swans and hibiscus blossoms everywhere. The theme of fresh flowers extends into the bathroom and vanity areas, again with towels shaped in artistic designs. All of the guestrooms are air-conditioned, although frequently it is cool enough to just open the sliding glass doors and sleep to the melody of the waves. All of the rooms have a spacious balcony or terrace with either a direct or partial view of the sea. The beach beckons with lounge chairs shaded by thatched palapas. A delicious breakfast is included as well as free golf at the Cozumel Country Club (cart not included). The hotel's lovely spa facility has created another sanctuary of serenity.