Resort Profile: Secrets Aura and Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

Every morning, a fleet of dive boats departs from resorts and dive centers all along the western shore of Cozumel. A majority of these vessels will set a course to the south, bound for the island's famous dive sites such as Palancar, Columbia and Punta Sur. If you are a guest of Secrets Aura or Sunscape Sabor Cozumel resort, you won't have to wake up early to catch one of these boats. Instead, you'll have a chance to linger over morning coffee at a beachfront cafe, stroll over to the pier where your dive gear is already loaded aboard a modern dive boat. Then they cast off to make a much shorter trip to these premier sites. This is just one of the reasons why divers give top marks to these premier beach resorts.

Secrets Aura and Sunscape Sabor Cozumel are members of the AM Resorts Group, which includes a number of the finest all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean and Mexico. Both properties are located on Cozumel's southwest coast, well away from cruise ships and other development. On an island of limited beaches, were a number of waterfront hotels perch on limestone bluffs, these two resorts occupy prime real estate facing the sands of San Francisco Beach. With packages that combine first-class diving services with all the perks of an upscale all-inclusive vacation, the question for divers isn't should I stay here, but rather, which resort is best for me.

Sunscape Sabor is sometimes referred to as the best family-friendly resort in Cozumel. And this title is certainly justified, as the resort delivers a wide range of amenities and activities to suit guests of all ages, including nanny services, a top-rated kid's club and teen-centric happenings such as pool DJs and foam parties. But don't think summer camp, because it isn't just the younger generations who get the perks. Everyone has access to a range of complimentary land and water sports, and adults have many opportunities for personal time.

The resort's second pool is designated as a quiet zone, there are quiet lounges and social areas, and dining options extend beyond the buffet to include upscale seating at a trio of themed a la carte restaurants and private dining in the resort's wine cellar. Accommodation choices also run the gamut, with everything from cost-effective garden view rooms to oceanfront suites and adjoining rooms with kitchenettes that are ideal for families or groups. A signature feature of Sabor is the fitness center and on-site Spa by Pevonia, which is the largest on Cozumel. In addition to offering a full range of treatments and services, this spa is home to a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy center.

Located right next door to Sabor, the Secrets Aura resort elevates the vacation experience to the five-star level. This adults-only destination treats guests to large rooms and spacious suites, some with private rooftop pools and ocean views. The grounds include pools with swim-up bars, beach cabanas, a nightclub, and seven specialty restaurants. Guests also enjoy full dining and activity privileges at Sabor, including access to the spa and fitness center.

The all-inclusive luxuries and services of Secrets and Sabor deliver all the ingredients needed for a first-class Caribbean beach vacation. What makes these properties especially attractive to divers are the on-site services of Dive House, which is one of Cozumel's top-rated and best-respected dive operations. The beachside dive shop includes classrooms and a 12-foot-deep training pool — Dive House is a PADI Five-Star facility and TDI training center — along with personal gear storage facilities. But if they so choose, divers don't even need to visit these facilities, as they can take advantage of Dive House's concierge diving services, and simply show up at the pier to find their gear waiting and ready aboard one of the operations modern dive boats. After the day's diving is done, the staff will also take care of rinsing and storing the gear. Another hallmark of Dive House is the Experienced Diver Program, which organizes individuals, buddy teams and small groups aboard boats based on their personal diving experiences and preferences. This provides new and more causal divers with appropriate levels of in-water guidance while giving more seasoned divers and photographers the freedom needed to discover more of the underwater environment.

Secrets Aura, Sunscape Sabor and Dive house all work with us to offer special packages for single, couple, families and groups. Whether you are looking to make a few easy dives mixed in with beach and spa time, or want to take full advantage of these resort's prime south coast locations to fully explore the reefs of Cozumel, we can custom tailor a trip that will meet and exceed your expectations. To learn more and start planning your Cozumel dive vacation, talk to our dive travel specialists at 800-330-6611 or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.