Every summer, about 20 of us pack our swimsuits and sunscreen and head to Cozumel for sun, scuba, and memory-making. After more than a decade of going to the same resort, we decided to shake things up this year and try something new: Secrets Aura Cozumel, an all-inclusive further down the island.

Spoiler: we’re probably going back to our old spot next year.

☀️ What We Loved

The swim-up room Mr. B and I had was actually amazing. It was ground-level with a lazy river right outside our patio — we could just step into the water and float our way to meet up with friends a few doors down. Honestly, that setup made for some of the best, most chill afternoons.

The staff was super kind (while they were on shift). When they were available, service was great. The beaches were stunning — no surprise there — and the scuba diving with our guy Julio? As epic as ever. He took us to Cielo Beach after each dive where we lounged in waist-deep water with sting rays and ate fresh guacamole, conch ceviche, grilled chicken, and all the chips. That tradition alone is reason enough to return to Cozumel.

We also had plenty of food options at the resort — from sushi and seafood to a beach grill and a French restaurant. There was even a Coffee & Snack Bar, which became a little daily ritual. And the Wi-Fi? Surprisingly solid. Though I suspect that had more to do with our room being right next to the front desk.

🫤 What Missed the Mark

Let’s talk about the room. We were placed in a wheelchair-accessible suite — which turned out to be roomier than others, but also way more dated. Cracks in the walls, wobbly furniture, barely-there water pressure, and a shower that couldn’t commit to a temperature. A few times I felt like I was bathing in indecision.

There was also no welcome drink in our room like everyone else got. When I asked about it, they said they’d send something. Nothing ever arrived. Not a dealbreaker, but still… kind of annoying.

And housekeeping skipped us three times. After a long day in the ocean or pool, we burned through towels fast, and Mr. B had to track someone down to refresh our room — and then again to bring towels they forgot the first time. It started to feel like our room didn’t exist.

Evening entertainment was a bit of a letdown, too. Some of the shows required an extra $50 per person, which felt odd at an all-inclusive — especially since every other resort we’ve stayed at includes that.

The main pool wasn’t the cleanest, the shower water ran hot and cold (literally), and let me just say… eating breakfast outside in 90% humidity is a full-contact sport. I had sweat dripping into my omelet at 9 AM. Thank goodness for the personal fan I packed — that thing earned its place in my suitcase.

Final Thoughts

Was it a bad trip? Not at all. The diving was incredible, the food hit the spot, and floating around the lazy river with friends was a highlight. But for a group that’s used to a certain level of comfort, Secrets Aura just didn’t deliver.

We’re already talking about going back to our original spot next year, and honestly, I’m ready for it. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.

Also — let’s be real — Bruno and Louie missed us, and we missed them too. It feels good to be home… for now. But Belize? We’ll see you soon.