The Best Kept Secret…Heaven on Earth

Imagine this: It’s morning time and you just started to open your eyes because a small break between the curtains is letting a ray of light shine in your room, hitting your eyes just enough to tell your brain that it’s time to wake up. It’s a little warmer than you remember it being when you fell asleep, but that doesn’t bother you because the peaceful sound of the ocean plays continuously among your ears and when you lick your lips you taste the slightest hint of salt. Your ears start to catch bits of a sound that you can’t yet put together, but within moments you recognize that it’s the sound of seagulls flying along the oceans edge. Without effort, a smile dances across your face as you turn slightly toward your husband and wrap your legs around his; only to notice that although his eyes are still closed, he is wearing a subtle grin as he sleeps…

At this point you may be asking yourself “Is she describing Heaven?” The answer is No. I’m describing:

Ventanas Al Mar in Cozumel, Mexico.

The Best Kept Secret…Heaven on Earth.

Shhh!

This private, intimate hotel is located on the East Coast of Cozumel, Mexico on the road less travelled where the rugged ocean splashes against the natural rock and if you’re lucky, it sprinkles the sand balcony of your room while you lay peacefully in your hammock. Ventanas Al Mar sits beautifully atop the only natural cliff on Cozumel Island, facing the big, blue ocean next to a small, white sand beach where sea turtles climb the sands every summer to lay their eggs. Ventanas is not only the ONLY eco-friendly hotel on the island, but they also participate in the “Sea Turtle Protection Program” providing the sea turtle babies safe passage to the ocean once they hatch.

INTERESTING FACT: Did you know that mature, female sea turtles travel to the place that they were born every summer to lay their eggs? They lay about 300 eggs per year and out of every 300 eggs, about 90% will successfully hatch and only 5% will make it to the ocean due to predators like Vultures. Okay, I’m a little off topic, but I’ve become so interested in protecting our sea life and my interest all started at Ventanas Al Mar when I got an up-close experience with sea turtles in their natural habitat… so cool!

As I mentioned above, Ventanas Al Mar is the ONLY eco- friendly hotel on the island. This means they conserve energy as much as possible, resulting in electricity and air conditioning being available only from 8 PM to 7AM every day. But, who needs AC when you’re on such a beautiful island filled with white sand beaches, free spirited islanders, and the MOST beautiful snorkeling you could ever imagine. (We had the privilege to snorkel with sting rays in their natural habitat on a private, guided tour of El Cielo). Honestly, I don’t even remember if there is a TV in the room or not because it’s so unnecessary. One of the many luxuries of Ventanas is that it is a private, family owned property (with MAYBE 30 rooms) that is for ADULTS only and they have a small, intimate heart shaped pool that screams “ROMANCE”!

Unlike all the big Resorts and Chain Hotels, Ventanas staff is small and honestly, not ALWAYS within eyesight. I remember at “Check In” we walked up to a small bar-like desk and after a few minutes a man walked up in a T-Shirt and asked if we had a reservation. We told him we booked online, and he made a quick phone call (there was no computer at “Check In”) and then asked us if we needed anything. My husband said, “A beer would be nice” and he reached his hand into a white cooler and handed my husband a can of beer. No register to ring it up, no fancy drink menu, no credit card to start a tab…just a beer. He walked us up a small flight of stairs right to the front of the hotel and lead us to 1 of the only 2 beautiful, ocean view suites they have on the property…it was dreamy. Before he left, he told us that WIFI was available in the lobby (which is a 10 foot by 10 foot area next to the “Check In” desk…so cute). He also said that if we needed him that we could just knock on his door and he gave us his room number (which we ended up using a couple times). I think he lives on the property.

When my husband and I visited Ventanas Al Mar we spent our mornings sipping coffee in 2 lounge chairs next to the pool while we watched the sun rise and waves roll in, covering the tracks that the sea turtles left behind the night before. We got ready for the day by dipping in the pool and sometimes greeting what seemed like the only other guests on the property as they walked by. We rented a jeep (which I highly recommend) and spent our days exploring the island. The islanders are so welcoming and delightful. The island is safe and beautiful. In Cozumel, the whole island shuts down at 8 PM so we would head back to the property around 7 and spend our evening dining on sight. We were told at check in that dinner is served at 8 PM so we had to arrive by 7:50 to be served at a table. In the dining area there are maybe 6 to 8 tables and everyone who was staying on the property was there. So, I think 4 tables were filled. Keep in mind, that this is not an All-Inclusive Resort or A Luxury Hotel. Our dinner menu was presented to us verbally as “what they caught that day or had in stock” and we were offered three different ways to prepare it. It was again, a freaking DREAM! The Waiter (who was also the man at the check in desk) happened to be the Cook as well. He was excellent and did everything! I wish I could remember his name…

Ventanas Al Mar is not Luxury at its finest…not at all.

Ventanas is Romance. Its peace and serenity. Its intimacy and relaxation. It’s an appreciation of nature. Ventanas Al Mar is an experience and it’s my FAVORITE place on earth…so far.

A Few Notable “Go To” Spots on Cozumel Island:

“Miami Bar and Restaurant” is a HUT style diner and bar that sits on the East side of the island, right off the coast. The sea breeze is delightful while enjoying a cocktail and a fresh cut mango on a stick. (This is where my mangos and Tajin obsession began). The staff is unbelievably welcoming and joyful making the whole experience that much more memorable. They serve the ABSOLUTE BEST tacos on the island. I highly recommend the chicken tacos. We purchased a FRESH caught lobster that the server speared right in front of us for $50.00. It was exceptional and tasted so fresh and clean. Miami Bar is THE SPOT to order a hand crafted, TOP NOTCH Mojito. I have never experienced anything so delightful and refreshing while traveling and you will not be disappointed in this decision. Its also always nice to support the local islanders, so my husband and I buy our gifts from the store located next door. And on the way “To” or “From” Miami Bar, make sure to make a pit stop at Rastas.

“Rastas and Freedom in Paradise Bar” is our favorite spot to hang out on the island. This is just a short drive down from Miami Bar. It is owned by a wonderful, local family and the staff in AMAZING, specifically Victhor who has become a great friend to our family. All of the drinks are great and if you love peanut butter then you have to try Rastas famous peanut butter shot while visiting. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, so give it your best shot. Although the drinks are amazing and the coconut shrimp is out of this world, it’s the atmosphere of Rastas that draws us back. Bob Marley plays endlessly at the bar along with the sound of the ocean. We walk along the rocky edges for hours, looking for seashells and treasures and our family name hangs on a Texas license plate above the bar, because this is our second home.

“Coconuts” is a restaurant that is in walking distance from Ventanas Al Mar and sits on top the same beautiful cliff that Ventanas Al Mar rests upon. After climbing a little distance, you will experience a WONDERFUL atmosphere of fun and great margaritas. The decor gives off a party vibe with pieces of visitors clothing hanging along the ceiling. Now, the tacos at the restaurant don’t quite compare to Bar Miami or Rastas, but nothing really does, ya know? The food is good, the drinks are amazing, but that’s not why Coconuts is on the “Must Visit” list. We visit coconuts for the fun atmosphere and that unbeatable view from the top of the cliff while enjoying the evening with loved ones. This is hands down the BEST view on the entire island and… no shoes? No shirt? No Problem!