Checking in... EXPLOREAN COZUMEL BY JENNA SCATENA Secluded pool area at Explorean Cozumel Cancún might have cover-worthy megaresorts flanked by white-s<strong>and</strong> beaches <strong>and</strong> pulsing nightlife, but those willing to journey slightly south, to the isl<strong>and</strong> of Cozumel, are rewarded with rustic Caribbean charm, unspoiled turquoise waters <strong>and</strong> seemingly endless ways to be one with nature. <strong>The</strong> best place from which to enjoy these natural wonders? Explorean Cozumel, an allinclusive luxury resort that has recently been upgraded after completing a major renovation in 2014. Perched on Cozumel’s west coast <strong>and</strong> enshrouded in palm trees <strong>and</strong> lush flora, Explorean Cozumel’s 56 casitas offer privacy <strong>and</strong> tranquillity, striking a balance of stunning design <strong>and</strong> natural beauty. Contemporary Mexican architecture comes together with Mayan influences stitched into the colorful carpets <strong>and</strong> wall hangings. <strong>The</strong> backdrop is clean, white minimalism that doesn’t distract from the exotic surroundings, <strong>and</strong> the rooms’ cloudlike beds are rivaled in comfort only by the rainforest showerheads. <strong>The</strong> resort’s on-site restaurant, Lool K’an, pays tribute to the region’s native Mayan culture both in its name (lool k’an means “yellow flower,” a revered tree to the ancient isl<strong>and</strong>ers) <strong>and</strong> its cuisine, which sources ingredients <strong>and</strong> local seafood from the isl<strong>and</strong>’s morning market, making for an ever-changing menu based on the freshest ingredients available. <strong>The</strong> chef uses the plate as his canvas to artfully construct dishes that are best enjoyed in the romantic glow of the restaurant’s thatched-roof ver<strong>and</strong>a as the evening’s tropical breezes float in. Proving perks are not just about luxury spas, swim-up bars or private bungalows (though there’s all that, too), Explorean Cozumel offers a multitude of ways to relax <strong>and</strong> explore. With day beds, hammocks, <strong>and</strong> Eden-esque gardens tucked throughout the property, admittedly, you might not want to leave the confines of the resort. But its lauded Daily Expedition & Adventure Program provides a litany of guided activities ranging on the thrill spectrum from relaxed (sailing the Caribbean) to daring (off-roading on a dune buggy). <strong>The</strong> resort is also home to its very own complimentary scuba-diving school. A popular excursion is horseback riding, which begins at a working ranch, then winds along a jungle path brought to life by tropical birds, flowers <strong>and</strong> tales of Mayan mysticism, before reaching the ancient ruins of El Cedral. An expedition to San Gervasio, the isl<strong>and</strong>’s most significant Mayan site, takes wannabe archaeologists to investigate the ceremonial home of the Mayan goddess of fertility <strong>and</strong> learn about the ruins’ role as a once-thriving trading site. To immerse in the Caribbean’s captivatingly clear waters, head over to the boat dock at the neighboring five-star hotel Fiesta Americana. From there, you’ll depart to the world-famous Columbia Reef on the isl<strong>and</strong>’s southern tip for snorkeling among parrotfish, angelfish, sea sponges <strong>and</strong> Crayola-colored reefs. Post-adventure drinks are in order back at the hotel bar, where guests gather to swap stories over do-it-yourself cocktails using topshelf liquor. But nothing beats a trip to the spa, which is a journey in itself, offering rejuvenating body wraps <strong>and</strong> aromatherapy inspired by the local history <strong>and</strong> culture to help it all soak in. TL CALL US To book your stay at Explorean Cozumel, contact our agency today. WHEN TO VISIT: For the best weather, visit Cozumel between May <strong>and</strong> July. Days hover around 80 degrees, <strong>and</strong> evenings are perfect for staying outside late. 46 Postcards GETTING AROUND: If you’re flying into Cozumel International Airport, keep in mind that there are no taxis, but you can easily take a shared van or rent a private car. MUST-TRY: Cozumel’s chefs like to pull their ingredients straight from the sea. Red snapper (huachinango) <strong>and</strong> grouper (mero) are two local favorites, especially when served on a banana leaf with salsa <strong>and</strong> lemons.
IMAGES COURTESY OF EXPLOREAN COZUMEL Clockwise from top: <strong>The</strong> Explorean Cozumel’s Lool K’an Restaurant; sunbather on the beach; Explorean Cozumel lobby; horseback riding at the resort; fresh red snapper, a local delicacy. Postcards 47
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