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 Cozumel Trip Report
Posted by Joyce on 01/04/02

Villa Francesa

Day 1, Monday. We flew the last flights on Suncountry out of Minn. Our family of 5 were more than a little excited about this trip. It's our first family vacation in 6 yrs, and the first one the boys would really remember. Our kids are ages 15, 11,9.

We decided to rent a house for a few reasons. It was cheaper than getting two rooms at any resort. We wanted quiet, and more room than a hotel room. We wanted to be able to make our own afternoon snacks, and having the pool to ourselves was just the best.

Getting though the Cozumel Airport went very smoothly. If you have all your docs in order you shouldn't have any problem. We got the green light and we were off. We had a representative of the rental property meet us. He directed us to a transfer bus and within a few minutes we were HOME in Coz!! The house is in a residential neighborhood, we were just a little leery at first...but were very quickly at ease after we saw how friendly everyone was, and how secure the house was. We were about 8 blks from town and just a couple blocks from a grocery store, gym and gas station.

Our rep. went over all the houses' amenities and briefed us on where we could get groceries and gave us some maps. (although our can-do map was all we needed).

We got settled and familiar with things...and immediately took off for the grocery store for some munchies. We went to the smaller one.(MEZ)..it's orange, I really liked it there, even though I don't speak much Spanish...everyone was very helpful and tried hard to understand. ;-) Prices are really good here too. I liked the bakery they had in the back. ;-) YUM!!

Back to the house to rest a little and decide on a place for dinner. We decided that ElMorro would be our first night out. We were all really hungry early since there is virtually no food service on the plane anymore! We headed out around 530pm and we were the only patron there! Our waiter was so accommodating, he let us try different things...and we had a wonderful meal. I had the shrimp and conch cerviche...absolutely wonderful!! The kids had scrambled eggs and ham with beans and tortillas...they thought that was so kewl! LOL. Everything was delicious and for 45.00 +tip, I thought it was a great deal.

We headed back to the house...it had been a long day. We were up at 330am to catch a 7am flight...so we had a swim before turning in.

Day 2, Tuesday. Today we decided we would go to Dzul Ha for snorkeling. We headed out early and had breakfast there. Food was okay...they were out of a few things...and the waiter forgot a few things too. 30.00 for the 5 of us...and we are off to snorkel for the day.

We brought our own snorkel gear, and the kids rented some there. This was their first time out...they were a little nervous...but little troopers. They got out there and loved it, getting in and out of the water was a little difficult, the water was a little rough...and there are some rocks. This is a great place to go though. The water is clear and there are tons of fish to see, and you don't have to go very far out to see them.

Around noon the cruise tours were coming in. Bus loads of people...so we packed up and decided we would go over to Sanfrancisco beach. We had gone there 6yrs ago on our first vacation when we stopped on a cruise. The kids had loved it there...so for old time sake we wanted to see it again.

We sat down to have lunch...and I was shocked at the prices. $6 for a hamburger or chicken sandwich! ?? Wow...I thought this was high...we had a quick lunch...not very tasty...and decided to try and snorkel again. The water here is so cloudy, and if you want to see anything....you have to swim pretty far out...and then visibility isn't that good. So we played in the water, rented some floaty's (4$) and just had a good time on the beach. There are lot's of watersport activities you can do here. The water trampoline looked fun, and there are wave runners. No wonder the water is cloudy!

It's getting to be late afternoon...and we decide to head back to the house. AHHH!! It's so good to be home! We made colada's, had a nice swim....a hot shower...and we were off to dinner. This time we decided on Casa Dennis. We had a table on the sidewalk and people watched. We had to try the seafood platter that everyone raves about. Oh gosh!! HUGE! and what a variety! I had never had octopus before! LOL It looks terrible..but tastes good!! LOL can't even believe I tried it! We had a great dinner...and decided we should go play mini golf. I finally got to meet Sally and Scott, we dropped some things off for the kids. Everyone should play at least one round of mini golf. The kids loved it, and just the scenery is worth it! What a great place they have there. We are all tired...so we head back to the house for a late night swim....and a good nights rest on those wonderful beds!! AHHH!!!

Day 3, Wednesday. Today we decided to head over to the east side and see if we can find any tortugas. It's a nice drive, and our first stop is Mezacallitos. Of course it's only 10am and they are not open, but we take in the scenery and shop a little. I found a beautiful wool blanket...(I use it for a decorator rug). It's all ivory, and I finally get it for 20.00 us . Not too bad considering it's a large one. We are on our way again. We finally stop and ask about the tortugas...and to our disappointment...they tell us they have already been released, it's too late in the season. ;-( So...we move on and decide to stop at Playa Bonita. There is only one other family there, and we are thrilled to enjoy the beach on such a beautiful day! The boys rented boogie boards and surfed for hours. My daughter and I took a long walk down the beach...and we scarfed on the wonderful nachos! It was a great afternoon. Around 1pm the cruise ship people arrive...so we head out. We start back and decide to stop at Coconuts for lunch. I had heard allot about this place...and while the view is wonderful and the food is good....I could have done without all the pesky flies and the dogs! They never leave you alone! I did notice too that prices here were a little higher than I was told just a couple of months before we left. It seemed that way everywhere...and I'm sure they are just having to compensate for the slow down in business. We rush through lunch...and we are headed back to the house to enjoy OUR pool!! LOL . Renting that house was the best thing we ever did! I can't think of when we have had a more relaxing vacation.

We got cleaned up and headed out for the evening. We decided to walk through the plaza and see the sites. The kids were amazed and in awe of everything. Keep in mind that we are from a small Iowa town, and this is a rare treat for them to see another culture. The guys who spray paint the pictures caught their eye, and they must have watched them for over an hour!

We decide on Morgan's for dinner, and we sit outside to people watch. There is an older lady sitting among her baskets. She sits by herself and eats a banana for dinner. I don't see anyone stop, and she looks as if she has been there for years. I admire her for her patience, and her seemly simple way of life.

As we wait for dinner...we see groups of kids running through the street. They all carry some sort of ornamented tree branch and of course a tip bucket. They ask if they can sing us a song...and we say of course!! ;-) They sing with all their might, and I take a picture. They are soo cute! We give them some pesos and they are off to the next person who will listen. We learn later that this is a Christmas tradition, and this is how they earn money to buy Christmas presents. Of course the night wears on...and we have to continually turn away more kids 8 to 10 sets of them!

The food is good at Morgan's. The portions were small, but I did try the Chix mole here, and I thought it was good. We strolled around the plaza more and stop for churros on the way home.

Day 4, Thursday. Today we decided to try Jeanie's waffle house for breakfast. I'm scheduled to meet Lisa from Cozumel Vacation Rentals, she is picking me up and we are touring a few other homes that I can suggest to clients. (I own a leisure travel agency). Breakfast was very good...the portions were large, and the bill also! Over 40.00 for the 5 of us! My daughter and I went with Lisa to look at homes...and the guys went back to the house for a swim. I have to say everything that Lisa showed me, I would be happy to place any of my clients in. They were all beautiful homes in many price ranges and all very well maintained. We spent a couple hrs with her and she dropped us back at our Villa. We were stumped on where to go snorkeling next, and I remembered that Lisa had said that the Presidente had great snorkeling...but she wasn't sure that they let the public in. So I call over and talk to them. I explain that I am an agent on vacation with my family and would they alow us to pay to come and use their beach today. She explains that they don't usually let anyone but guests of the hotel use the property, but they would be happy to let me come for the day because of my agent status. HOW NICE!!! Coral is just the best. She greeted us there, (took my agent ID of course) and allowed us full access to the beach and pool area! I have to say...that if we hadn't of rented a villa...this is where I would want to stay. WOW! So beautiful, and QUIET! No music playing in the background, just the sound of the ocean. Everything is so clean and beautiful. A reef room here would just be the best!! The kids had a wonderful time at the beach, and watching the fish over by the beach restaurant. The waiters come out and feed them leftover bread...they jump and play...and what a site to see them in that crystal clear water. Jeff and I decide to go out and snorkel, he found a sunken barge right off the beach and we head out. The water is perfect here...warm and there are a ton of fish. We spend about 45 min. out there...and we head back in for some lunch. The service here is wonderful, of course we are practically the only ones here! The food is even better, little sandwiches, tostadas with seafood spread, plenty of chips and salsa with yummy guacamole. We eat every bite and leave the waiter a nice tip. Lunch was about 64.00 with a 10.00 tip. But we thought it a bargain for such a wonderful day and awesome snorkeling. Jeff and I go back out to snorkel and then we pack up and thank Coral for such a wonderful day, and we start back for the villa.

We always take our time getting ready for dinner. Our villa is so comfortable, and has everything we needed and more. The terry robes in every room were such a nice touch. We loved being able to pick a movie to watch at night b/f bed, and there are candles, incense and wonderful CD's to play. Watching my kids play in the pool and have such a great time...is just the best. All week long we have felt so relaxed, at ease and so at home. It was amazing to both of us that we didn't think of work, or anything else for that matter. All the daily grind problems melted away...and we were just there...in paradise, enjoying being a family.

Later that night we head out for dinner...we are strolling the plaza and so many people...trying to drag you into their place...offering discounts...free desert...you name it! We end up at El Foco. I wish we would have kept walking. Although this place is kinda cute...the bathrooms are terrible, and the fajita's are worse! I couldn't even eat mine. So...moving on...we stopped at the Diamond cafe for chocolate cake and ice cream...YUM!!! We have to leave tomorrow, but this has been our best day...and we all decide...that we WILL be back someday soon!

Day 5. Friday.

We are all packed by 845am and out the door to breakfast. We stop at a little place a few blocks from town called Caffelia (?) they have omelets, eggs and crepes. SOOO YUMMY!! Coffee is good and the homemade bread melts in your mouth. The portions are large and the kids get hot cocoa, total for 5 is $20.00 plus a tip. Not bad! We love this place and wish we would have found it sooner!

We head back to the villa to wait for our ride, and enjoy a few more minutes by "our" pool. We hate to leave...it has been a perfect vacation and we all feel we have found our home away from home. Our flight home went pretty smoothly, and we are sad to learn that Suncounty has officially halted service with our flight being the last.

If anyone wants more info on the home to rent in Cozumel you can email me with any questions. Thanks! Joyce

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