Amelie1

We are looking for a very relaxing, off-the-beaten-path vacation over the winter holidays. We'll be getting out to see the ruins, snorkel, fish, and hike, but want a small, low-cost B&B or hotel close to the beach and away from the hustle and bustle, but near enough that we can get into town to get a bite to eat or check out shops. Does anyone have suggestions in either Akumal or Cozumel, and are there any suggestions about which destination would be a better fit for "our speed" of vacation?

TC

Amelie, I'm partial to Cozumel. There are those who don't care for it, however, because of the cruiseship trade. You will have access to more ruins and probably better hiking from Akumal. Better snorkeling and fishing from Cozumel. I think Cozumel is a bit more hustle, bustle too, but there are plenty of places for getting away. A quaint place in Cozumel is Hacienda San Miguel (www.haciendasanmiguel.com). A good source of information for Akumal is Loco Gringo (www.locogringo.com) or (http://casatropical.com/)

Good luck.

Diana

If you are looking for relaxing and off the beaten path, I would suggest Akumal, Puerto Morelos or Tulum.

The ruins are easily accessible from any of those, and there is great reef snorkeling at Akumal and PM, and really cool cenote snorkeling in Tulum.

In Tulum, look at Los Lirios, Ana y Jose or Cananas la Conchita.

In Akumal, there are many choices. We like Villas on the Reef, Vista del Mar and La Joya.

In Puerto Morelos, there are a lot of choices, and almost all of them are low cost.

I think any one of those three, or a combination of two would be a great fit for what you are wanting.

We went to Cozumel every year from 1993 to 2003, and it has gotten too busy for our tastes at this point, but there is some of the best snorkeling and diving on the planet there.

Check out locogringo.com for a great overview of the area South of Cancun. It will give you a good feel for all of the above destinations.

blondlady

I agree with Diana. Off the beaten path --Tulum takes the prize. Ana y Jose was fabulous September 3 & 4, 2005. Visit ruins. Walk down the beach toward rocks and snorkel.

Cozumel has by far the most outstanding snorkeling, but it is more expensive.

Akumal used to be quaint, but I hear about a lot of new hotels.

altarose

Hi
Last winter we stayed at Akumal Beach Resort which is only shown as a 3* but is very clean right on the beach our room was 30 feet from shore. The big bonus is the amazing snorkelling 5 feet from shore. The reefs went out 1 mile or more. Swam with turtles, rays, barracuda's. The staff is great. It is also in a central location for attractions such as Tulum, Playa Carmen,Xel-ha etc.