'Wow, what a hotel – Dubai quality, in Cancun'
Travel Counsellor Nikki Pennington was one of the first UK agents to visit the brand-new AVA Resort Cancun as part of a European fam trip group
AVA is a hotel like no other in the area. Just 10 minutes from Cancun airport, the wow factor starts the moment you step inside the beautiful lobby with very modern and high-end décor. It has an almost ship-like feel inside with the restaurants, bars, cafés and boutiques lining a boulevard that stretches the 1km length of the ground floor. The hotel has two wings – every bedroom is ocean-facing with a two-person spa tub on each balcony – the views are fabulous.
I’ve stayed in many all-inclusive properties, and this does not feel like an all-inclusive when it comes to the quality of the food both in the casual and fine dining outlets, which was outstanding. I enjoyed the Gastro Market, made up of live cooking stations, as well as the Teppanyaki, Mexican, Italian and Grill restaurants which all have their own top chefs from around the world. All the bars have top brand drinks, and the coffee shops and ice cream parlours are part of the all-inclusive, along with 24-hour room service, which I also sampled.
There are six pools and the unique 2.8-acre AVA Bay by Crystal Lagoons – this is a man-made, natural saltwater lagoon that consumes less energy than a traditional swimming pool and needs fewer chemicals. Here you can swim, sail, SUP and kayak, and it feels very safe. Children are well catered for too with their own pool with waterslides and the most amazing sensory indoor play area. The stunning spa has 55 treatment rooms, and I can highly recommend the signature massage.
AVA Resort Cancun caters for all – families, couples, and group of friends – with family and adult-only areas to keep everyone happy. And if you like to post on Instagram, you will be in your element! The resort will also appeal to Middle East fans, who love a large super luxe hotel with great food and service but are looking for a change of destination.
We also had the opportunity to visit RCD’s other hotels in the area, which are all fabulous properties in their own rights. Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is perfect for nightlife lovers being a stone’s throw from the main strip, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is ideal for families and couples alike having areas for both sets, and Unico 20°87° is an adults-only boutique resort suitable for couple or groups of friends.
Whilst in Cancun, I also visited the legendary Coco Bongo’s – what a night that was! I would highly recommend, and my top tip is to upgrade the ticket to include a seat, as it’s a long night! Another must is the Xoximilco theme park, a unique all-inclusive dining experience onboard a boat that takes you through the canals enjoying traditional dance, music, and games throughout the night!
I was familiar with the RCD brand prior to my trip having sold their Hard Rock all-inclusive properties over the years and AVA Resort Cancun is a fabulous new addition to their portfolio. This was my first trip to Mexico, despite selling the destination for more than 26 years, and I loved every moment.
Book it: Tui offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the five-star AVA Resort Cancun from £4,768pp. Price is based on two adults sharing an oceanfront double room with sea view and balcony with two-person spa tub, and includes return economy Tui flights from Gatwick. Based on select January 2025 departures; tui.co.uk, avaresortcancun.com
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