El Cantil Oceanfront Condominiums - San Miguel, Cozumel, Quintana Roo Review

This year we decided to join my family on their annual Cozumel spring break vacation. We hadn't been on a vacation in well over 5 years and were looking forward to resting and relaxing. My father booked 3 condo units for us at El Cantil Oceanfront Condominiums. They stayed there last year, loved it, and couldn't imagine going back to their usual resort several miles outside of town. After spending a week in unit 7B in the South Tower, I share their sentiments.

These condos are billed as a "luxury" complex. They have air conditioning, GE appliances, large flat screen TVs, Direct TV, and a jacuzzi on the terrace. I believe that each unit is individually owned so there is some variation between condos in terms of furnishings. Our bathroom had marble floors which looked lovely but were an incredible hazard when you stepped out of the shower.  Each of the two buildings has a doorman on duty 24 hours a day. There also is a management office on the premises to assist you with room issues, Jeep rentals, and basically anything else that you need.  Six of us stayed the week in a 3-bedroom unit for about $2200, which worked out to be something like $375 per person for the week.  I have absolutely no complaints about that price!

El Cantil is located right in the heart of San Miguel, the largest city on the island of Cozumel. You can easily walk to the shops, restaurants, the Playa del Carmen ferry and to their Walmart-type superstore, Chedraui. Fishing and scuba boats will pick you up right at the El Cantil dock. Anything else is a short taxi or Jeep ride away.  It was very convenient to be right across the street from  Chedraui.  We were able to buy beer, snacks, beer, fruit for breakfast, beer, extra SPF, more beer, and anything little that we forgot to pack.  You just load up the cart, pay, and then push the thing across the street.  The doormen will actually wheel the cart right into the elevator and unload everything when you get into your room.  They were all incredibly friendly, helpful, and willing to do anything that they could for us. 

El Cantil Oceanfront Condominiums has a large freshwater pool that is literally right next to the water. I spent many hours sitting at the edge of the pool simply enjoying the view. There also are dozens of lounge chairs around the pool and two sandy "beach" areas with more lounge chairs in the shade under palapas. I am not a weekend warrior and had no interest in covering every square inch of the island while we were there. My plan was basically to get lots of sun, read a few books, and drink my fair share of beer. Mission accomplished.

This was no ordinary vacation for the family for my boyfriend and I became engaged after we booked the Cozumel trip.  We decided to get married right on the waterfront at the El Cantil complex.  The manager, Albert, was happy to provide us with all of the information we needed months in advance and to order the flowers.  The staff were all willing to set things up wherever and whenever we chose.  In short, it was a beautiful, perfect sunset ceremony and something that the family will never forget.  After the wedding, we went upstairs to The Wynston which is their top floor restaurant.  We had a delicious meal and an incredible ice cream wedding cake (coconut and chocolate ice cream with melted Lindt chocolate in the middle!) that was made on-site.  Although most people who plan to stay at El Cantil will not have their wedding there, I think that my story is a good example of how accomodating and wonderful the staff is.  It is also worth noting that we did not pay anything extra for their wedding planning or set-up services. 

We had a wonderful vacation to Cozumel and staying at El Cantil Oceanfront Condominiums was a big part of that.  Although my husband and I went fishing, shopping, and to other places around the island, hanging out in the pool and under the palapas was our hands-down favorite part of the trip... besides the wedding, of course.  We are already planning our return trip!