All-inclusive resorts can be a great option for families. They are easy to budget for, since almost everything is included in the price. Because most families spend the majority of their time on the property, it's also easier overall, typically not requiring a rental car.
Your top consideration when selecting the best all-inclusive resort should be finding one that seamlessly combines the all-inclusive nature of the resort with luxury, excellent service, and outstanding food. AVA Cancun, a relatively new all-inclusive resort, aims to provide a 5-star all-inclusive experience.
I visited AVA Cancun last week on a media trip, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I'm eager to return with family and friends. Keep reading to learn all about my thoughts on AVA Cancun.
Disclosure: My visit to AVA Cancun was complimentary for purposes of review. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links and a purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.
Review of Ava Cancun - A New Luxurious Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort
Location of AVA Cancun
After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is take a long drive to your resort. That's not the case with AVA, which is located just 10 minutes from the Cancun airport. Once you land, you've got just a short ride until you are at your destination.
Arriving at AVA Cancun
I flew on a direct flight from Boston to Cancun, and quickly went through customs at Cancun International Airport. I didn't check a bag, so I headed outside to find my transportation. After a short wait, I was on my way to the resort.
I arrived before my room was ready, so I handed over my baggage to bell services and grabbed lunch at one of the two buffet locations. Within an hour, my room was ready.
AVA Cancun utilizes a fabric wristband with a round chip to access the hotel rooms. I loved the convenience of this, so I didn't have to reach into my bag for a room key every time I needed to go into my room.
The resort is divided into two sections: the North Wing and the South Wing. Because all the rooms have an ocean view, the resort itself resembles a very long promenade, making everything easily accessible. All of the restaurants and shops have interior entrances along this promenade.
Some shops and amenities, like the coffee shop and the gelato shop, have locations along both wings for guest convenience.
The resort boasts a sleek, cosmopolitan ambiance with a distinctly Miami vibe. It's one of the more unique all-inclusives I've visited, and is extremely family-friendly.
Rooms at AVA Cancun
Although I didn't spend a lot of time in my room, I found it very comfortable. All rooms at AVA Cancun feature an ocean view with a private balcony. On the balcony is a spa tub, perfect for soaking after a long day.
While I had a king-size bed for myself, 2-queen bed rooms are also available. King bed rooms have a small sofa bed.
Room amenities include:
- Complimentary WiFi
- Large rain shower
- Stocked fridge with beverages
- Small table with 2 chairs
- Robes
- Single-pod coffee maker
- Television
In addition to the standard oceanfront rooms, other room types are available, including suites and villas.
Food at AVA Cancun
I was most impressed with the food at AVA Cancun. All the food I ate was excellent, although I didn't have the chance to try all the restaurants during my three-night stay. If you are planning a trip to AVA, be sure to make your dining reservations early (before you arrive on property). Black Iron and the two teppanyaki restaurants are especially popular, and I was told those reservations should be made about a month in advance (although walk-ins are accepted).
Dinner restaurants on the property include:
- Bao (Asian Cuisine)
- Black Iron (Grill)
- Chez Moi (French)
- Copal (Mexican)
- Kita and Minami - teppanyaki (same menu, one in the North Wing and one in the South Wing)
- Livo - Mediterranean/Greek cuisine
- Veranda (Italian)
The food at AVA is truly exceptional, with homemade pasta and pitas prepared right before guests throughout the day. The restaurants listed above are open only for dinner. Chez Moi and Bao are adult-only.
Other food outlets include:
- Food District and Plaza MX (Buffet/market style)
- Copal Tacos (small taco stand with exceptional tacos)
- Aroma (coffee shop - one location in each wing)
- Konos (ice cream and gelato - one location in each wing)
- Bayside Cafe (cafe by AVA Bay)
During my visit, I had the opportunity to dine at three of the dinner restaurants: Veranda, Copal, and Livo. The food was delicious, with great portion sizes. I was especially impressed with how the resort handles food allergies, as allergens are listed for every food item on the menu.
Complimentary room service is also available throughout the day. For quicker service in the morning, you can leave a door tag on your door with your preferred choices. Or, you can call in the morning for more flexibility (and options).
On two mornings of my visit, I opted for breakfast room service so I could eat while getting ready. Both times, the phone was answered immediately, and my food was delivered quickly, with great service.
Amenities at AVA Cancun
As a luxury all-inclusive resort, AVA offers a range of amenities and activities for everyone. Here's what you'll find.
Full service spa - (additional fee)
The Spa at AVA spans over 60,000 square feet and offers a range of spa services, beauty treatments, and salon services. Be sure to include the hydrotherapy circuit, which features soaking pools of varying temperatures.
FIIT Fitness Center
Over 11,000 square feet on two floors with pickleball courts, TRX, cardio, and weight machines, and fitness classes (including spin, yoga, and pilates). Personal training is also available.
AVA Kids Clubs
The large kids' club areas include a separate teen club for ages 13-17. Activities and amenities include arts and crafts, trampolines, gaming, ping pong, and more.
Pools at AVA
The highlight of AVA Cancun is AVA Bay, a 2.7-acre natural saltwater pool. AVA Bay offers a variety of non-motorized water sports throughout the day. There are lots of lounge chairs and umbrellas around AVA Bay, so you could easily spend the day there.
Sunny's Waterpark is an excellent option for those with younger kids. It includes slides and splash areas.
Other pools include:
- Aquatico Family Pool
- The Pools at AVA Bay
- The LVC Pool (exclusively for members)
- Dez Pool (adult-only pool)
I spent an afternoon at one of the cabanas at the Dez Pool (cabanas and Balinese beds are available for an additional cost), and loved the atmosphere there. There was a live violinist and a DJ, and with a beautiful pool and a swim-up bar, I had everything I needed for the afternoon.
The resort is situated directly on the beach, although most of the guests I saw throughout the day preferred to spend their time by the pool rather than on the beach.
Activities at AVA Cancun
Had enough of the sun and want to enjoy some time indoors? AVA offers many activities.
The Acto Theater is a live performance venue in the resort. It offers several shows and performances. During our visit, we enjoyed a mariachi band performance, which added a touch of Mexican culture to our experience.
Entertainment and events are offered throughout the day, including things like bingo, arts and crafts, mixology, game shows, and pool activities (including water fitness classes).
For an additional fee, AVA offers an arcade, escape rooms (from Escapology), laser tag, bowling (with four lanes for everyone and four lanes specifically for kids), and simulators.
While you certainly don't have to go off property during your visit, there are some external tours you can book. Concierges are available throughout the resort to assist with booking your activities.
To learn more about AVA Cancun and to book a stay, visit their website.
Leave a Reply