A sign in front of the AVA resort with blue skies in the background

Where to Stay in Cancun

AVA Resort
All-Inclusive Review

Ocean view and beach front attached to an all inclusive resort in Mexico

Just like staying at a dream resort in Hawaii, AVA is a fantastic option that blends luxury, eco-friendly design, and endless experiences right in Cancun.

Key Takeaways

  • AVA Resort (rhymes with lava) is one of Cancun’s newest upscale all-inclusive destinations with oceanfront views in every room.
  • Families love it because there are dedicated kids’ and teens’ zones
  • Adults can enjoy stylish spaces, cocktails, and spa treatments.
  • With 17 restaurants, a buffet that feels endless, and beachside views, it’s a foodie and relaxation dream.
  • The resort operates with 3,600 solar panels, recycles 95% of its wastewater, and incorporates eco-conscious design throughout.
  • Between the bowling alley, wellness center, and beachfront location, it’s a resort you won’t want to leave.

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Why AVA Resort is Different

When people ask me where to stay in Mexico or Cancun, the list is usually long. Cancun is full of beautiful hotels, villas, and resorts, and it can be overwhelming to pick one.

Pool side, bungalows overlooking a large sized pool with the ocean behind it

But after my familiarization trip to AVA Resort, I can honestly say this property deserves to be at the top of your list. I am still in awe of how wonderful and ergonomically built this place was. They thought of everything.

Ava resort in Cancun Mexico

From the moment I arrived, AVA felt like more than just another all-inclusive. It combines style, intuitive service, and eco-friendly touches that make the stay feel modern without losing the classic “Cancun getaway” vibe.

Upscale Entertainment: F-1 Racing, Bowling, and Beyond

Yes, there’s a bowling alley at AVA Resort, and it’s not the kind you’d expect. Sleek, stylish, and upscale, it’s a fun space for adults who want a break from lounging by the pool.

F1 Simulation game room for kids in AVA resort
F1 Simulation Ava Resort

At the same time, AVA has considered families, offering kid-friendly bowling sessions, along with an entire Kid Zone and Teen Zone area where parents can drop their kids off to play and relax while they enjoy a spa appointment, dinner, or simply some quiet time together.

This balance makes AVA stand out: adults can fully enjoy their vacation without worrying, while kids get their own spaces designed just for them.

AVA Resort outdoor balcony area

You can be in the same resort with your children and not even see them for the rest of the day, from the kids’ zone to a teen zone, to other areas designated for kids to play and stay occupied.

Rooms That Feel Like a Retreat

AVA Resort King Size ocean Front

The rooms at AVA are stunning. Spacious, bright, and modern, they’re the kind of spaces you look forward to coming back to after a day of activities.

Ocean View King Size Room Balcony at AVA Resort

Cancun resorts sometimes blend when it comes to rooms, but here it felt intentional and well thought out; every detail was designed for comfort.

Ocean View King Size Room with Ocean Front

Whether you’re in your room to sleep off a long travel day or just want a quiet evening in, the rooms feel like a private, spacious retreat within the resort.

Dining: 17 Restaurants and More Food Than You Can Imagine

If you’re a foodie, this resort will spoil you. 

Chefs in the kitchen one of the Ava resort buffets

Given the resort’s large size, there are food options available on both ends of the resort that are similar to each other, including buffets and restaurants.

Freshly cooked food at the buffet at a resort in Mexico

The buffet deserves its own mention-it had more options than I could count, but what made it stand out was the quality. Instead of tasting flavourless mass-prepared food, most of the dishes were individually made, and you can watch them being prepared.

One of the Seventeen restaurants inside of Ava resort Mexico
One of the Seventeen restaurants inside of Ava resort Mexico
Sauteed skewer chicken

With seventeen different restaurants, you can spend an entire trip here and never repeat the same dining experience twice.

AVA Resort Bars

The specialty restaurants were equally impressive. From modern Mexican at Copal, to authentic Italian at Veranda, to the creative drinks at the Cocktail Bar by award-winning mixologist Fátima León, there’s variety for every mood.

Girl with her hand in front of the camera and a drink blurred in the background

And for those who love a good cocktail, the bars across the property served drinks that were refreshing, well-balanced, and fun.

Baked goods at a buffet in a Cancun resort

And don’t forget to try all the baked goods! They do not disappoint.

Spa and Wellness: Hydrotherapy, Massages, and Fitness

Cancun vacations for me are now about relaxing, not partying like I did in my early 20s, and AVA takes that seriously. Their 66,000-square-foot spa and hydrotherapy center was one of my favorite experiences- a mix of hot, warm, and cold pools, water jets, and spaces to unwind that leave you feeling brand new.

Indoor gym at a Mexican resort

Add to that a wide selection of luxury massages and relaxation treatments, and it’s hard to imagine not booking a spa day while you’re here.

And if you’re the type who likes to keep a balance, the 11,000-square-foot fitness center is one of the better ones I’ve seen at a resort, with plenty of equipment and even personal training options.

Why AVA Resort is Kid-Friendly

AVA is a standout choice for families traveling with kids. I noticed right away how much open space there was for children to enjoy themselves, and it felt safe for them just to be kids. Parents don’t have to stress about keeping them entertained, as the resort offers a variety of options built in.

Kid water playground at AVA resort

The AVA Kids Club (for ages 4–12) is full of activities to keep younger kids busy, while The Lounge is designed for teens who want their own space. Add to that the Kid Zone and the massive 2.8-acre Crystal Lagoon saltwater pool, and you’ve got a resort where kids can spend hours having fun.

It’s not just about structured activities; there’s plenty of room at AVA for kids to move freely. From the pools to the play areas, the resort feels built with families in mind.

For parents, that peace of mind means they can step away for a spa treatment, dinner at one of the restaurants, or even just a cocktail at the bar, knowing their kids are having a great time.

Eco-Friendly Travel in Cancun

AVA souvenir shop

One of the most impressive aspects of AVA is the considerable thought that went into making it sustainable. 3,600 solar panels power the property and recycle 95% of its wastewater. Instead of disposable paper products, reusable hand towels and greener practices are integrated into daily operations.

It’s rare to find an upscale all-inclusive in Cancun that takes eco-friendly practices this seriously, and AVA manages to do it while still feeling elevated. For travelers who care about sustainability, this makes a big difference.

The Beach and Outdoor Spaces

Of course, a Cancun resort wouldn’t be complete without the beach. AVA sits right on the water, giving you instant access to soft sand and ocean views. With all the space the property has, it never feels crowded, making lounging by the beach or pool areas even more enjoyable.

A girl in a black dress being dragged away on the beach
Girl, lounging by the pool a few steps away from the beach on a resort

The outdoor spaces felt designed for both quiet relaxation and social moments, even if that’s sipping a cocktail with friends or finding a quiet corner to read.

With the beach right there and the ability to eat without leaving the property, you may never want to. I sure didn’t.

Why You Should Stay at AVA Resort

AVA Resort isn’t just another place to stay in Cancun. It was designed for all kinds of travelers: families, couples, solo travelers, and groups.

Sunrise watch at AVA resort from a balcony overlooking the water

So if you’re wondering where to stay in Cancun, put AVA Resort at the top of your list. Check them out on Instagram for more real experiences and reviews here.

What do you think? Leave a comment!

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