Sitting perched over Cozumel’s largest private beach with its iconic Mayan Riviera clear turquoise water, InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort balances polished service with a laid-back island vibe.
The resort first opened during Mexico’s 1970s tourism boom and has long been known by locals as simply “El Presidente.” InterContinental took over management shortly before Hurricane Wilma in 2005 damaged the property. The resort then underwent a major rebuild and modernization.
The 5 star resort overlooks the Arrecifes de Cozumel marine park, which is one of the world’s largest coral reef systems. It’s unique location makes it the perfect hotel stay in the Mayan Riviera for those who like to read a book on the beach all morning and then strap on a snorkel and swim with schools of colourful tropical fish in the afternoon.
Low-rise, linear beachfront buildings maximize sea views and beach access, while interiors feature a calm, contemporary palette including oak and walnut millwork, natural stone, woven textures and high-end fixtures. Artwork is curated from contemporary Mexican artists like Tania Zaldívar.
Before booking your next trip to Mexico, here are a list of highlights that make InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort stand out from the rest:
- InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort offers 218 accommodation options, from entry level garden and ocean rooms to the jaw-dropping Presidential Suite.
- Standard room amenities include flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, Nespresso, 24-hour room service, walk-in rain showers, and oversized soaking tubs overlooking the sea.
- Ikal Spa blends Mayan-inspired rituals with contemporary therapies; facilities include jacuzzi, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, beauty salon, and a temazcal sweat-lodge experience led by a shaman. An impressive fitness centre is perfect for those looking to keep fit on holiday.
- The resort boasts two outdoor pools, a lively beachfront infinity option plus a quieter secondary pool. You’ll also find a long, gently shelving private beach with sandy entries and excellent snorkel spots off the resort’s piers and coves. Private daybeds and cabanas are available at the main pool and Le Cap Beach Club.
- The resort is a serious draw for divers, thanks to on-site Scuba Du, a PADI-certified company that has been operating for over 30 years. They offer easy boat access to the island’s signature wall dives as well as fishing trips.
- Additional resort activities include kayaks, sailing; two tennis courts; and occasional nature and cultural experiences arranged via concierge.
InterContinental Presidente is ranked as the best luxury hotel in Cozumel, with much of the fan fare coming from its four award-winning restaurant concepts making it the perfect getaway for foodies.
- El Caribeño: All-day, toes-in-the-sand venue for Mexican-Caribbean comfort foods like ceviche, tacos, grilled local catch, Yucatán staples and sunset cocktails. The daily breakfast buffet is hosted here.
- Le Cap Beach Club: Spanish-inspired seafood and wood-fire grill (think octopus, lobster, whole fish), set right over the water. It also offers a social beach bar scene with private cabanas. Japanese food fans can also indulge in sushi.
- Trattoria Alfredo di Roma: this Roman-style trattoria offers a signature fettuccine Alfredo and house-made pastas that are paired with a serious wine list. Only serving dinner so expect a more dressier ambiance.
- Faro Blanco: Refined open-air restaurant for seafood-forward plates with a contemporary Mexican twist; a favourite for sunset dinners on the point.
After a relaxing stay at the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort I was keen to explore some of the regions top attractions. I recommend booking with ToursByLocals, an international private tour provider with over 5000 local tour guides in over 175 countries.
What I love most about ToursByLocals is that they provide suggested itineraries but guides are happy to craft a bespoke tour depending on your needs. Our tour began at the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen and ended at the Hotel Avani Cancun Airport as we had a flight home the following day.
On the day of our tour we took the ferry to Playa del Carmen where we met our ToursByLocals guide. He spent the afternoon driving us to Tulum to explore the sites historic Mayan temples. He took us to a local spa in town so we could treat ourselves to a massage before dropping us off at our airport hotel, which was so convenient as it saved us having to organize an airport transfer.
