Most people have not heard of this place that is right next to Coconuts on the other side of the island. (the side with no electricity) I first visited Ventanas Al Mar in February 2004. I absolutely fell in love with this place! We had two ocean view rooms on the same level as the suites for $75 a night. The rooms are neatly decorated with mexican wood furniture, ceramic tile, white walls and large sliding glass doors opening to the oversized balconies. Views are incredible overlooking the cliffs. The couple that run the place, Veronica & Ricardo make the stay so welcoming like a bed & breakfast. We were served a delicious full breakfast with the choice of eating in our rooms or eating at tables out in the sand near the lobby. We opted to dig our toes in the sand. :) The beach here is like no other place on the island - truly incredible. But most of the year - the waves are too strong to swim in. The wind generators never went out anytime we were there. This is the perfect place for romantic, ultimate seclusion as very few people venture over to the beach area here. Hearing the waves crashing into the cliffs at night is amazing.

I loved it so much that I returned there in October 2004 and stayed in Suite #1 for $130 a night. I HIGHLY advice to try this one out - this suite is two levels - with a spiral staircase that connects to the upstairs bedroom. Downstairs is a futon, dining area and kitchenette. Both levels have huge balconies with PERFECT views of the sunrise.

I went back to Cozumel again for New Year's Eve (2005) but they were all booked up. When I arrived - I was given a hug by Veronica and she remembered me from previous visits. They are working on building an observation deck beside the hotel and plan to give nighttime turtle watching tours during nesting season. This used to be the primary location for the turtle hatchery - but now they keep the eggs at Punta Sur.

I am happy to tell you that I'm returning to Cozumel on March 18, 2005 and will be staying at Ventanas Al Mar for two of my nights. If Ventanas is booked then stay in town at Palapas Amaranto instead for another truly unique experience.

My only negative comment about Ventanas - and it didn't bother me too bad...was the bathrooms are very small. I didn't spend much time in there though but if you expect a luxury bathroom then forget it. It's small & simple. The rooms themselves are quite large along w/ big balconies. The beds were nice & comfy and everything was very clean.

The resident dogs - Taco, Tequila & Margarita belong to Coconuts - next door. They're very friendly but tend to jump on kids at first. Be sure to go next door to Coconuts & tell Gustabo & Kuko that Kelly sent you there. :) Enjoy the cliffside tables at Coconuts!