Aura Cozumel Grand Resort All Inclusive Adults Only

We enjoyed an incredibly relaxing five-night stay at Aura. And while there was much to enjoy about the property, there are definitely some things that could use a bit of attention. On the positive side: We had a bright and spacious 2nd floor Ocean View room that had a killer view of the pool and ocean. Swim-up room or room one with a rooftop pool? Nice ideas, but not really high on our wish list. Our end-unit room had large windows on two adjacent walls, brightening the room and making it feel even more spacious than it was (and the rooms are quite large). The room was promptly and properly cleaned and our mini-fridge was restocked with water, beer and soft drinks every day without fail. We appreciated the contemporary design, modern furnishings and comfortable bed and liked the fact that the room had a European-style bathroom (toilet in separate room) with a large shower and a large tub. The in-room safe was large enough for all of our valuables, and then some. We were there right before Thanksgiving, when family travel is usually light anyway, but we still appreciated the adults-only atmosphere. Our check-in was easy and courteous (although continuously interrupted by a constantly ringing front desk phone) and dining room and bar service was almost always friendly and well-paced. We never waited for a dining room table or bar service and liked the fact that Aura is a buffet-free zone. Food presentation was generally top-notch. We never had to search for for a quiet and comfortable place to sit on the beach or near the pool (granted, the property seemed less than full). The beach was always well-kept and there was easy access to the ocean from the beach (a bit rocky) or from the end of the wooden pier. We visited the neighboring Sabor sister resort for one meal (dubbed Asian fusion, it was pleasant but heavy-handed on the soy sauce) and for some wonderful service at the beautiful and well-maintained spa. We laughed at the fact that the hotel offered to drive us there, since it was all of a 2-minute walk along the beach. The hotel sits south of town – away from cruise ships and crowds – and we actually enjoyed the distance (our goal was a short, mindless, quiet, all-inclusive vacation). Our dive operator from town met us on the hotel dock every morning (no “dock fee”) and the resort sits minutes from world-class diving and the beach area the operator used for long surface intervals between dives. All told, that’s a lot to like. What needs work? The biggest gripe would be on the maintenance front: one non-working and dismantled hot-tub and one ice-cold at the upstairs bar area, while the hot-tub adjacent to the lazy river pool was constantly overflowing its banks (and comically impossible to enjoy); light fixtures missing or dangling from corridors; rusting brackets and fixtures in our bathroom; half of a broken ladder that lingered at the bottom of our stairwell for the duration of our stay; exposed electrical wires at the beach-end of the wooden pier; broken chairs in the dining room, including one that sent a fellow diner to the ground; and the horrific odor of backed-up sewage crying out for a sump pump at the indoor bar adjacent to the lobby. No one glaring defect, just a collection of small, but noticeable, things that highlighted the gap between an architect’s vision and the reality of keeping it all running. There were some minor glitches in restaurant staffing and service —, especially when a large wedding party arrived en masse and seemed to overwhelm the dining room — and the food, while artfully presented, could use a bit of a “kick” in the flavor department and some simple menu rotation (instead of the same menu in each outlet every night). Our check-out would have been more pleasant had we received an advance copy of our folio under our door (instead of spending our last 20 minutes at the resort trying to resolve a double-charge from the spa) and the front desk agent sat awkwardly and watched as we filled out th

To say this hotel was a slice of paradise would be an understatement. The location and property were post-card beautiful. The staff without exception were extremely accommodating and genuinely friendly. We were pampered and spoiled for 5 days and loved every minute of it. The food was more than adequate, and the drinks kept flowing. The Aura was quiet and romantic, but with plenty to keep us entertained throughout our stay. Overall, the perfect vacation!

The only negative point is that the hotel is looking a little old. Since nearly everything is painted white, it is showing the wear and tear more than usual. With that said, everything was very clean and fresh smelling. For such a humid climate that is no easy task. Overall the resort was great. Its location further down the coast puts it in a prime spot for diving so boat trips to dive sites were quick and painless. The dive operation at the hotel was very accommodating and kept all of our gear clean and ready for our next dive. The service at the resort was absolutely fantastic. The staff was very eager to please but getting to know them by name and always offering a tip made it even better. We rarely ordered something directly off of the menus and the staff seemed to take pride in being able to meet our special requests. The bottom line: This resort doesn't compare to luxury hotels in the States or Europe but for Cozumel it is the best resort we have visited.

Great hotel, great staff, quiet, adults only. Love being able to order off a menu at an all inclusive, no ugly buffet.The Hava grill poolside has some of the best lunches. They will make almost anything for you even if it's not on the menu. There was also two other restaurants available at the neighboring resort, Sabor, that we could use, one Italian and one fusion asian. Both were great food. We have looked at other resorts in Cozumel but I don't think there is one that is equal or better than Aura. Don't be afraid to ask for plenty of bottled water, they sometimes get a little stingy when they stock the refrig in the room. Will go back again next year same time. Be sure and take a taxi to the other side of the island and stop at coconuts have lunch, the driver will wait no worry just tell them thats what you want to do.

We stayed at the Aura from Nov 2-12th. It was our first all- inclusive. Overall I would rate it a 5. The building is older but seems pretty well maintained. I think the value was very good. The location is excellent if you do not want to be too near town. It was expensive to go to town by taxi, fifteen dollars each way. I wish there had been a shuttle as we would have like to have gone another day but it didn’t seem reasonable. The room was excellent. There was a slight smell when we first got there but it went away as soon as we opened the doors for a bit. I just think it is due to the air conditioning and the humid environment. We asked others how their rooms were and everyone but 1 group said theirs was perfect. There was a two bedroom where the women said that the bathroom ceiling had a lot of condensation and dripped on them all the time (but they liked the room otherwise). We had a swim up suite which was wonderful. I was a bit worried for privacy, but it was fine. The young man who cleaned the pool daily was very respectful (with people’s privacy) and incredibly hard working. The rooms were cleaned daily and the ladies did a fantastic job (dry towels always available). They seemed to figure out our schedule and came at perfect times. The beds were incredible (best I have ever slept on and we travel a lot). I found the whole resort very clean. I have to agree, the Luna Lounge had a horrible smell. Partly due to the air conditioning and I think it is just wet all the time. My guess it had mold somewhere in the floors or walls. It was very clean to the eye though. They just needed to keep the doors open and the air off. Food was great!! We found there was plenty to choose from. The veal was excellent. I didn’t care for the prime rib. If you go to the Hava Grill (outside by the main bar) they will give you all three menus and you can pick and choose and it is very casual. While the dress code did say pants and such for men at night, I saw plenty come in with nice shorts and nice shirts. We did try the Italian and Asian restaurants at Sabor. They were very good also. The only thing that would improve the food is if there was some truly authentic Mexican food. Add an authentic Mexican restaurant would be perfect! While they did have some Mexican food on the lunch menus, it was very American style. No buffet though. I hate buffets! I am glad we stayed at Aura and not Sabor as Aura was much quieter, nicer and NOT a party place. If you want that though you can just go next door and play w/ them. We did have one group of 6 that came in the last couple days of our trip that were extremely disgusting with their language and graphic talk. They clearly did not fit the other clientele (but not the resorts fault) and the staff tried to keep those around them happy since they couldn’t really do much about it. It could happen anywhere. Liquor was good just make sure you ask for the brand you want every time! We also brought insulated mugs which kept things cold. They had no problem with us using them. We did bring a floaty and that was great. I think they picked up the others before the storm and so we were the first w/ them, then other showed up. Now for the staff; they were incredible. So polite and trying to make sure everyone was happy from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave (better than any American 5 star resort I have been to). I can think of several names but don’t want to leave anyone out as they ALL were great. We took one hundred in $1 bills and one hundred in $5 if we decided we wanted to tip as other suggested. We were glad we did, they were very appreciative and they so deserved it. The hard part was tipping those who work behind the scenes such as the pool guys and gardeners and such. Next time we go, we will focus on them more, though all staff deserved a tip now and then. Snorkeling was fantastic right from the shore and though there were rocks, they were not the type that cut your feet, just be careful. The g

Included everything you need.......good food, top-shelf liquor, plenty of space and beach seating close to both the pools and the ocean, not mention full access to the sister resort Sabor.

This is a boutique hotel - only 87 rooms - and they are very, very nice - not the usual 3 story town house/vila broken up into rooms. Its quite and peacefull - no kids. You have to check out their spa - top of the line masage - very professional, very thorough - you will be relaxed! The food is not a buffet, but a sit down and order from the menue - good quality, quick and friendly service - nice presentation, good deserts - its not five star dining, but very good. Great diving - dive shop on site - boat picks you up at the dock(at the hotel) the diving is exceptional. The beach is beautiful - lots of trees and shade - BUT the entrence into the water is a bit rough - bring your water shooes - once you are in a about 15 feet its nice and sandy. We went swimiung of the dock, it has a latter to get in and out. Highly recomend the jeep tour - buy your taquilla at the factory during the tour you will not find it anywhere else and the prices are good. -Tipping - for the two of us we tipped $5/meal, $5 each day for the maid, and a $1 for every 1-2 drinks on the beach/bar. If you think about it is only about $20-25/day in tips - don't forget this is not a rich country, and though the staff appreciate it, they don't make you feel odd if you don't - everyone is friendly. Don't forget to drop a treat or two on the floor for the 2 resident cats - Antonio and Aras - but they will not bother you at all if don't pay attention to them. Have a great time.

A great place for couples. Low key. Friendly staff. Be ready to relax!

food was really good. rooms were clean. we had the suite with the roof top pool. well worth the money. beach is clean and with nice white sand. the water is crystal clear. lots of coral reef though so you have swim out a bit to get away from it!!

The facility is top notch and provides a great place to relax, have fun and enjoy. Food was great and plentyful. Staff is warm and attentive.

We had a perfect relaxing trip at a quiet hotel with the right amount of tables, beach chairs etc. No waiting for a table. The staff provided 5 star service.

Have to say this was the best trip we have had in a long time. Room was clean, staff was friendly and the food was great. This hotel has to most comfortable beds we have ever slept on. Went fishing and the chef made a special meal with ceviche and grilled mahi! Thanks to Miguel hotel manager Great job..

My wife and I just stayed at the Aura for 7 days. It started off like a number of reviews have mentioned, that the check in is a bit slow. We arrived around 2:30 and got in our first room about 3:30. It was raining that day and this room had no less then 6 roof leaks. We went back to the front desk where they worked for 3 hours to get us in a lower class room (They did however compensate us with a complementary couples massage). While waiting for another room there were several other couples coming back down looking for a new room due to roof leaks. The next day we were able to to try another of the roof top rooms. This one appears to be leak free, but later that night it started to leak. It was only one leak, so to keep from changing rooms for the fourth time, we just decided to stay in this one. The room minus the leaks was alright. Several light bulbs were out and the patio glass door did not shut all the way, but it was ok. Bar none the two best things about the Aura would be the staff and the food. The location is also pretty good. We tried each restaurant (except Asian on sister property) and they were all good. By day 7 we were tired of the same foods, but they were really good. The majority of the staff is very friendly and helpful. One of the nicest and most helpful guys was Fernando at the front check in. He was Mr. everything from bellhop, to valet, and tons of info. You can tell that this resort was once really awesome, but in my opinion the owners are only putting enough money in it to keep it running until the next hurricane takes it out. Which is really sad because the staff is awesome. The Aura must be on a strict budget because each day they would run out of things like Coke and Captain Morgan, towels (wash clothes) and never any straws. As for location the hotel was great, it is 14 km from the airport and they have a pier where you can go dive or snorkel. The hotel is small and compact so it is easy to get to everything. It was also typically rather quite. If the Aura would repair the roof leaks, cracked walls, replace burnt out light bulbs, and increase the supply budget it would be a much more pleasant stay.

Hotel is very nice, staff was very nice although some of the service was slow. This may have been due to off season, but slow nonetheless. Rooms were very nice and were well cleaned daily. Beach was great, plenty of activities to do right from your lounge chair. Food was very good - even with limited number of restaurants on site we didn't get tired of the choices. You are able to eat at the neighboring hotel as well as use their pool w/ swim-up bar. We would definitely go back - hopefully not during a hurricane next time.

me gudtó mucho su servicio extra de buceo, ya que esta en en excelente precio y tiene gente muy amable y capaciotada para su trabajo

I'm not really sure how the rating system works in Mexico! Resorts that I've stayed at that have a 3 star rating have been much better than this resort with a higher rating. Although there was nothing overtly 'bad', there wasn't anything that stood out as spectacular either. It started at check in which was a desk in an open area that didn't command any presence what so ever. We were confused where to go. It felt more like a guest services desk rather than a check in area. The set up was a multi-tiered with the Aura being the most exclusive. It didn't have the feel since they lumped everyone together due to low season (at least that is what the service staff told us). The people that payed for the lesser experience recieved the same experience that I PAID for... doesn't seem quite right now does it? There were several things that were not repaired. (2 of the 3 hot tubs for example) Several tiles missing on the pool that had not been repaired. The small details were missing. The elevator was so small that no more than 3-4 people could be in at once...forget your bags! I will say that the bed was the MOST comfortable bed I have slept on in a hotel. Also Raul in the Mosaaiac Oriental resturaunt was a stand out! His service was EXCEPTIONAL!