Once we became snorkeling and vacation addicts, William and I researched new spots and discovered the much-lauded Cozumel, an island off the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Because it sits on the world's second-largest coral reef, Cozumel is an ideal location for snorkelers and scuba divers alike. It called to us.
We chose a brand new "all-inclusive" five-star resort. Its website boasted of snorkeling access directly off an infinity pool. Photos enticed us with crystal-clear waters lapping a rocky bank. It called to us.
The resort didn't have a private beach and we were fine with that. We didn't need a beach. With only 175 rooms, each with a large Jacuzzi tub, we figured we would avoid noisy tourists.
Weather reports indicated it was Yucatan's rainy season. Rainy (but warm) was all right and snorkeling in a drizzle is completely doable and actually quite lovely.
We were also aware that hurricane season wouldn't officially end until after November, but Cozumel and neighboring Cancun hadn't been struck since July. As we were already into October, we felt we'd be fine. Entranced by the resort's online photos, we saw what we wanted to see and we read what we wanted to read because: It called to us, and we were willing to take the chance.
We booked a one-week stay and left on an overnight flight Friday, October 14.
A perfectly logical thought ran through my mind: There have been quite enough hurricanes this year; I'm sure they've run out. Even though we'd seen coverage on the handiwork of Dennis, Emily, Katrina and Rita, this was my thinking despite scientists' warnings in May of 2005 that the hurricane season would be "above normal" and active. As it turned out, 28 tropical and subtropical storms formed and 15 of those became hurricanes that year.
We arrived in Cozumel on Saturday, entered the hotel and were greeted with glasses of chilled champagne. Nice touch. We sipped, looked up and gasped. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, there it was: a vista of blue-green ocean dancing in sunlight. Exactly like the photos. Around the infinity pool guests lay on chaise lounges, browning their bodies. Next to them, colorful exotic drinks sat on small tables.
William took my hand and I kissed his cheek. Vacation. We would spend time together. Perfect. We look like the people on the website.
I nibbled a guacamole appetizer and William registered at the desk. I suddenly regretted we'd only booked one week. From our air-conditioned room we stepped outside to a large balcony. Tropical humidity embraced us. A hammock rocked in the breeze and waited for someone with a book. The Mexican Caribbean spread before us in a stunning endless view.
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