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Travel Report
Captivating Cozumel ©Secret Aura Cozumel
Rafael Nadal’s Secret Escape
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hough I’m not really a tennis fan, it’s hard not to have heard of hunky Spanish superstar Rafael “Rafa” Nadal Parera, ranked 3rd in the world. Apparently, this professional tennis player fell so in love with Cozumel’s Secrets Aura Resort & Spa that he bought it! Sadly, though, he wasn’t on property during our visit. Cozumel Island is just off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a popular cruise ship port but most resorts are tucked away on their own from the main village. Many visitors access it via Cancun – an hour’s drive away – and take a ferry from Playa del Carmen, as we did. If you do, I highly recommend taking transfers by Amstar; they are always highly professional and reliable. Secrets’ signature Unlimited Luxury® program once again did not disappoint. Eat and drink gourmet fare and top-shelf spirits to your heart’s content (no reservations required), and enjoy 24/7 room service, free WIFI and phone calls to North America, and so much more… with no bracelets required. Accommodations include 238 one-
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bedroom suites, some oceanfront, some swimout, and some even with slides down into the pool! We stayed in the new Preferred Club section, which gives you additional offerings, including a private lounge with extra snacks and bar, and a dedicated concierge. There are lots of pools, activities, bars, and even a sky bar and disco on the roof. Our favorite dining was seaside Oceana, and our pool butler service was insanely attentive, as was our beach waitstaff. In fact, it was almost impossible to raise a finger to refresh yourself wherever you were. Service was that good! And though all Secrets resorts are strictly adult-only, you can also dine at the multiple restaurants or use the pools and bars at the family-friendly sister resort next-door: Sunscape Sabor Cozumel. There you’ll also find their shared Secrets Spa by Pevonia (fish pedicures are a specialty) and fitness center. Of course, you also have a private pier and a beautiful sea to spend time in, and even hammocks right in the waves. Rafael chose the perfect spot for a secret hideaway. We loved it! Visit: www.secretsresorts.com/aura-cozumel susan campbell Twitter: @suectravel