Jose + Miguel,

On the East side there are some smaller, secluded hotels on the beach. We didn't see any cabanas but I suspect they are there, but not many.

We were there the busiest week of the year, it never felt overly busy, we never felt inundated with Cruise people, or any "entitled" tourists for that matter. It was mellow, beautiful, and very easy to find our space. Cozumel is a totally different animal than Playa del Carmen or Cancun - the waterfront has a senor frogs etc. but walk a block in and you're in Mexico. It's an easy place to find your escape.

The all inclusive resorts are relegated to their own areas and won't interfere with your experience. They've laid the place out very nicely to allow everybody to enjoy their own style.

Tulum will have the Beach Huts like you are looking for. The ocean diving will not be as spectacular but Cenotes are in their own league. No cruise ships, only a couple big resorts. Tulum may well be more your speed. The beaches are certainly nicer. There's no good reason you shouldn't spend time in both places, unless you only have like 3 days or something.

-S