LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY

Situated in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, AVA Resort enjoys prime beachfront positioning while remaining just 15 minutes from the international airport. The property’s location offers easy access to popular attractions like La Isla Shopping Mall and the Cancun Interactive Aquarium.

While the beach is within easy walking distance, it is not the beautiful beaches that are in the traditional hotel zone. This beach is much windier, much rockier and I only saw a few people visit the beach the entire time I was visiting the resort.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The resort’s 1,743 rooms, suites, and villas showcase thoughtful design with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Ocean-view rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame spectacular Caribbean vistas. The Premium Club level rooms offer additional perks including dedicated concierge service and exclusive lounge access.

Standard room amenities include:
– Smart TVs with streaming capabilities
– High-speed WiFi
– Premium bedding with Egyptian cotton linens
– Rainfall showers and luxury toiletries
– Private balconies or terraces

The accommodations are truly spectacular. The rooms feel large and the beds are soft without hurting my back. The best feature of the rooms was the large balcony that looked out over the pool and the beach.

While the rooms were pristine, the hallways were still under construction as of Fall 2024. There were pain splatters, small holes, and windows that had paint on them. I hope that will be fixed soon.

DINING & BEVERAGES

The culinary program stands out with 8 distinct restaurants:
– Black Iron (steak house)
– Livo (Mediterranean)
– Bao (Small plate Asian)
– Chez Moi (French dining)
– Veranda (Italian fine dining)
– Copal (Modern Mexican)
– Minami and Kita(Hibachi)

In addition to the fine dining restaurants there are a dozen other places to eat including: 2 buffets that are open from breakfast to dinner, ice cream, bars, poolside cafes, and my personal favorite the taco stand!

The taco stand is so good, that I ate there multiple times a day. My other personal favorite was Copal which was a modern Mexican restaurant that had some flavors I had never tasted before.

The food is very strong at AVA Cancun. It is a step above most all-inclusive resorts and even the foodiest foodie will love the offerings.

AMENITIES & ACTIVITIES

While the food is the high point of the AVA resort for me, the fun doesn’t end there.

The resort excels in its recreational offerings:
– Three infinity pools with distinct atmospheres (family, activities, adults-only)
– Full-service spa with traditional Mayan treatments
– Modern fitness center with daily classes
– Kids’ club with supervised activities
– Non-motorized water sports
– Escape rooms (extra fee)
– Bowling (extra fee)
– Golf (extra fee)

The pools are outstanding, and I spent a good part of my time at AVA swimming and reading.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the spa. The hydrothermal spa was on par with spas I have visited in Icelandand Norway. The 1-hour loop includes saunas, cold rain showers, scrubs, a jacuzzi, jetted tubs and heated loungers. It was a wonderful start to my day and I added a massage, and can honestly say it was the best massage I have ever had. Don’t miss out on the spa!

SERVICE & STAFF

The staff consistently delivers attentive service while maintaining a warm, approachable demeanor. The concierge team proves particularly helpful in arranging local tours and special requests.

IS IT WORTH IT?

While room rates trend higher than some neighboring properties, the resort’s comprehensive amenities and special dining justify the premium pricing. I have stayed in many all-inclusive resorts, but none that had as many dining options with such excellent food. It isn’t cheap, but it is worth the price you pay.

This is a very large resort, if you crave something a little more intimate this isn’t the one for you.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

– Beach seating can become competitive during peak season.
– Restaurant reservations sometimes require planning ahead.
– Lap swimming is hard to do in the pools as it is so shallow.
– The resort is huge and there weren’t any maps. I wish they would provide them for their guests.
– Convenience Stores in the resort are ridiculously expensive. I paid $35 for a bottle of sunscreen!

FINAL VERDICT

AVA Resort Cancun earns a strong 4.5/5 rating. It successfully delivers a luxury resort experience while maintaining the authentic charm that draws visitors to Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The property particularly suits couples and families seeking an upscale all-inclusive experience with diverse dining options and well-maintained facilities.

Perfect for: Luxury travelers, couples, families with older children
Less ideal for: Budget travelers, party-focused guests, those seeking intimate boutique atmospheres

Update: I thought about my trip so much and loved it, so I spent my birthday there this year with a bunch of family. It was so loved that several of them went back already!

 

This trip was sponsored by AVA Cancun but all the thoughts are my own.