Secrets Aura Cozumel

Secrets Aura Cozumel is an old run-down resort with not great food, unfortunately. The staff were great, and the snorkelling and diving were extraordinary. I would return to Cozumel for the ocean, but not to this resort. Dreams, Cozumel was a bit better than Secrets, which we found strange, but only two restaurants (often closed, like at Secrets) and one buffet.

Did not have our room ready. Had to stay in another room for 1 night and moved to another room later. They did make it right with a couples massage but this was the second time this has happened to us when booking here.

The facilities were run-down. Broken and cracked tiles. The buildings were obviously old and unkept. No hot water for showers- tepid at best The food portions were very small. There was not much variety in the foods.

Context - my wife and I have stayed at 2 other Secrets resorts and a couple of very nice, newer Barcelo and Rui Adult Only All Inclusive resorts along the Riviera Maya. This was our first time on Cozumel and at the Secrets Aura. Frist, the Positives - No wrist bands, no towel cards - Aura is on an incredible stretch of white sand beach and clear and calm water. Absolutely beautiful setting. Great for swimming or some basic snorkeling around the peer. We arrived the first evening to an amazing sunset. - The staff, especially those working at the bars and restaurants were very friendly and attentive. They also come take drink orders down at the beach which was nice. - Overall property was clean (no trash) and nice landscaping. - The pools were sufficient. A pretty one right next to the beach. Large one in back of resort where we were but hardly anyone used it because the bar was closed, and then another one with a swim up pool bar in the Preferred section. Not huge but this one was fun as most people would end up there in the afternoon. Resort wasnt checking or caring if you were preferred guest or not, which was nice. - Skybar above the lobby was cool place to get a drink, especially at sunset. - Breakfast was good at either the Oceana or Marketplace. Cant go wrong with eggs made to your liking. - Enjoyed grabbing a coffee each morning at the coffee shop - Bordeaux by far the nicest dining experience and best quality food - Spent day at the Palancar Beach club about 10 minutes down from the Aura. This was an even more amazing stretch of beach and body of water and we opted for the more expensive option that included food and drinks, kayaks, etc. - Town of San Miguel is nice and chill. We went to the La Mission restaurant one night and had amazing grilled fish/shrimp/lobster dinner. - Next time we want to rent a car and drive the entire island, which was recommended by a few people. Also do a snorkeling excursion. Now the Negatives - The Aura does not meet the Secrets standard, not even close. It needs a major facelift. Old, outdated and the rooms, grounds, and facilities are showing it. -- We paid a little extra for a swim out pool room, but ours swim out was only 2 ft deep, so not really enjoyable. Note, they do have swim out rooms with deeper water, but they didnt have one available until later in our stay and we didnt want to move. - Multiple guests we met were complaining about lack of hot water or water pressure issues. For our room the rain shower and wand lever needed to be fixed and the plaster on the wall next to the sink was flaking off and getting everywhere. Two couples we met checked out and moved down the beach to the Dreams sister property because they were so disappointed with the rooms and dinning options. - Restaurant options are limited with some not open for dinner every night. - Food quality very average or less than average for the most part. Summary - if you are are not a food or hotel snob, then this might be worth your stay, simply because of the beautiful beach and water. We just might go back again for this and because we want to see more of the island and town next time.

We had a good time at Secrets Aura in Cozumel. The amenities were nice and the service was outstanding! We ate the Market Cafe at least once a day; the Captain, Rosana, and the Hostess, Kenia, were so incredibly friendly and accommodating. My husband wanted something in particular and Rosana got it for him! The waitstaff is very attentive, especially Mario, Ricardo, Alberto, Rene, and Gaspar... if you're in their sections, you won't be disappointed. Please treat yourself to hydrotherapy and massages as well... their spa is fabulous!