Nachi, Mr. Sanchos, Paradise Beach, or Playa Mia???

[ktate82]

We will be in Cozumel in Oct and are very unsure which to choose. We are in port from 7-5:45 and would like to see the ruins first, then head to the beach. We will prob take a taxi from port to the ruins, then another taxi to a beach club. There will be four adults, one of which is DBF's mom and will be likely relaxing on the beach, reading. We will also have DD10 and DS9 with us who love to play in the sand and swim. None of us are big drinkers, but may have a few drinks. Looking at the port schedule, it seems that there are three other ships in port besides the Magic (Navigator of the seas, Carnival paradise, and the Carnival Magic).

Pros/Cons
Nachi: limited people coming in, good food reviews, cons would be no water inflatables (don't know how big of a deal this is really), children activities, and read on one review the pool is adult only?

Mr. Sanchos: lots of activities for everyone, could spend a little more and have a cabana, mostly good reviews. cons, worry about over crowding due to four ships being there total, mixed reviews regarding food.

Playa Mia: cheaper than Mr. Sanchos, lots of activities, good reviews. cons, same as Mr. Sanchos

Paradise Beach: cheapest option, only pay for what we want, good reviews cons, worry about over crowding and not finding a spot not in the sun for DBF's mom.

So am I concerned for nothing about overcrowding? How is the food at these places? Any other ideas? Which ones do most people enjoy?

 

[E ticket rider]

There's plenty of sun and shade at Paradise Beach. I've never thought it felt overcrowded there.

 

[AAAG]

I can only comment on Playa Mia.

when we went, there were also 5 ships in port that day. we went on our own by taxi, not with DCL. we were there pretty early, probably before 10, and it was pretty quiet. they seemed to have staggered the different cruise ship excursion arrival and departure times. most of the ship excursions did not seem to stay all day. From about 11-1, yes it was pretty crowded, but I'd say by 2 pm, all the excursions seemed to have left. by 2:30, the place was dead, there was us and maybe 20 others at most. We basically had the beach to ourselves.

The 2 big waterslides would be a pro for your kids. the pools however are absolutely freezing. The day we went it was quite windy and only about 21 degrees C, so the cold pools were not inviting. The rest of the waterpark area (other than the 2 bigger slides) would likely be too young for your kids.

The main Con was that the buffet food included in the all-inclusive package was absolutely horrible. (and I'm generally not that picky). Awful attempts at American-style food, very few Mexican dishes, and almost nothing vegetarian. However, the food that you could order from the restaurant and pay for looked good (although we didn't try it).

 

[MunFam]

Paradise Beach is the only one open on Sunday (I think). One other may be open, but its reservation only and they sell out. Being that we are going on a Sunday, we are going to Paradise Beach. We have a DD with food allergies and they have been wonderful so far in working with us in preparation for our arrival (so she can eat there safely). Also, its not "in your face" publicized BUT, in addition to the admission fee there is a $10 per person food and beverage minimum.

 

[Jerzee73]

A no for Playa Mia.
Was there 2 weeks ago.
Food was very bad & I eat anything.
Bar was OK.
Place was very busy. Pool decent. OK beach. I'd do Nachi next time. Hear it's better food & booze & not as crowded.

 

[canalwondering]

Paradise Beach is the only one open on Sunday (I think). One other may be open, but its reservation only and they sell out. Being that we are going on a Sunday, we are going to Paradise Beach. We have a DD with food allergies and they have been wonderful so far in working with us in preparation for our arrival (so she can eat there safely). Also, its not "in your face" publicized BUT, in addition to the admission fee there is a $10 per person food and beverage minimum.

The addnission is only $3 right? Then a minimum $10 per person in food? I'm thinking to also check out paradise beach instead of the excursion to playa Mia because of the $$$ cost ...

 

[krisinparis]

Paradise Beach is awesome!!!!

 

[Trera]

We did Nachi a few weeks ago while on the Magic and didnt have any real complaints. Our 2 year old DD had much of the water's edge on the beach to herself most of the time we were there which was great as we dont particularly like crowded beaches. The food we thought was good, especially the guacamole............watch out for birds that also think it is good. I was disappointed with the flavor of my frozen strawberry margarita as it tasted like a bottle mix so i switched to beer and it was all good after that.

Since we are not into the slides and other water park activities, we found this to be the best option. However, it is no Castaway Cay!

 

[E ticket rider]

The addnission is only $3 right? Then a minimum $10 per person in food? I'm thinking to also check out paradise beach instead of the excursion to playa Mia because of the $$$ cost ...

Correct. The F&B minimum is "suggested" according to one of the servers we had there, but he said most people spend more and those who don't are usually "close enough". We have a family of 4 and our tab is easily $40 with lunch, volcano nachos and a few adult beverages. The $3 gets you in the facility and a reserved lounge chair. It's up to you whether or not you purchase the "fun pass".

 

[canalwondering]

Thank you! That helps a lot!

 

[tinkerone]

we are going to go to Mr. sanchos so i can do this….http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attrac...ander_Fish_Spa-Cozumel_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

it looks so amazing and the reviews are great.

 

[jmedrew]

We did paradise beach and really liked it! Nachos were sooo good, and it wasnt crowded. About an hr before we left we went up to the pool and still got loungers in the pool.

 

[Dug720]

Paradise Beach is the only one open on Sunday (I think). One other may be open, but its reservation only and they sell out. Being that we are going on a Sunday, we are going to Paradise Beach. We have a DD with food allergies and they have been wonderful so far in working with us in preparation for our arrival (so she can eat there safely). Also, its not "in your face" publicized BUT, in addition to the admission fee there is a $10 per person food and beverage minimum.

Seems like if they are going to have a minimum they SHOULD advertise it. If I go somewhere that doesn't advertise a minimum and then they try to pull it, they will have another thing coming. Talk about entrapment!

 

[jmedrew]

I knew the had a minimum.....i beleive its online. What I think the other poster was saying is they didnt bother or annoy you with it when you are there. I think the guy selling wristbands might have said it but our waiter never did.

 

[baggirl]

We went to Paradise Beach a few years ago and loved it and we'll be heading back next month. Can't wait!

 

[cschaaf]

The Paradise Beach website does say that there is a $10 minimum - it's in the FAQ. Probably not the first place people look for billing information, but it is available:

ARE WE EXPECTED TO EAT AND DRINK WHILE WE'RE THERE?
Yes, just like your home town bar or restaurant, we ask that you eat and/or drink while you are here ($10 minimum per person). It takes money to maintain such a clean and beautiful Beach Club with all these amenities! Kids under 6, however, are exempt from this policy.

 

[MUN]

Seems like if they are going to have a minimum they SHOULD advertise it. If I go somewhere that doesn't advertise a minimum and then they try to pull it, they will have another thing coming. Talk about entrapment!

They do advertise it. It's not entrapment at all. However, when we were there it was not strictly enforced. We loved the place. Their huge pool is awesome!

MUN

 

[HappyPeach]

I have been to Nachi Cocom twice. I really liked it; the food is good, service is attentive, and the limit on number of people is great. I saw kids in the pool there both times I went; if it's adult-only, that must be new. I got a massage there both times and it was sooo nice!

 

[Dug720]

They do advertise it. It's not entrapment at all. However, when we were there it was not strictly enforced. We loved the place. Their huge pool is awesome!

MUN

Ok, the post I'd quoted made it sound like they didn't advertise it at all and then Oops! You have to buy at least $10 worth of crap to get out.

 

[MunFam]

Ok, the post I'd quoted made it sound like they didn't advertise it at all and then Oops! You have to buy at least $10 worth of crap to get out.

I just meant that its not in your face...there are other places in Mexico that have it plastered everywhere and they are very aggressive with minimums. Its only mentioned in one spot on their website (FAQs) and its more of an honor system.