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We like resorts that convey a sense of place. Each night at turn down, housekeepers leave a brief summary of a Mayan legend. Kids like learning about Alux, an elf-like creature, who protects the jungle as well as how the gods brought music and dance to the earth.
College age children and adults may want to try the spa's temazcal, a traditional Mayan steam bath that resembles a Native American sweat lodge.
The Mandara Spa also offers Yspa, massages, scrubs, facials and pedicures geared for ages 13 to 17. The program includes mother and daughter as well as father and son massages as well.
Getting There
American, Continental and Mexicano are among the airlines flying into Cozumel International Airport. The Presidente InterContinental is a 15-minute taxi ride (about U.S. $9 per person fare) from the airport. The cruise ship pier is also about 10 minutes from the hotel. If the port of Cozumel is at the end of a cruise, some families might consider extending their vacation with a land stay.
It would be cumbersome, but possible to fly into Cancun, take a 40-minute taxi or bus to Playa del Carmen and then a 40-minute ferry to Cozumel. By the time you arrive at the hotel, however, you'd be likely to need a Margarita or two.
The Art of Smart Timing
The resort has several different rates during the year. The highest are during Christmas and New Years. The second highest rates are for a two-week period during April's Easter/Spring break. Rates drop from January 5 to April 04,2009, a period when it's cold in the north and warm in Cozumel. Rates drop again after spring break, April 20 to August 16, 2009 and rise a bit during the Ironman race, November 25 to December 1, 2009.
For Mom and Dad
The adult pool offers a quiet, kid-free oasis. The Mandara Spa, constructed like a series of inner chambers suggestive of the swirls of a conch shell, has only five treatments rooms but features a range of pampering massages, wraps and treatments.
There's a Tanya Moss shop in the lobby. For those who have not yet discovered jewelry by this well-known Mexican artist, the small shop provides a taste of Moss's creative mix of modern design and stones, some rough cut. Moss has two, bigger shops in Cozumel.
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