There’s a certain ache that comes with revisiting a place tied to a beautiful memory. For my husband Sebastian and me, that place is Cancun.
It was 2008 when we honeymooned here—sun-kissed, in love, and hopeful about everything ahead of us. And young! When we got married, he was 30 and I was shy of turning 27.
To this day, Cancun holds a special place in our memories. That trip was filled with fun, clinking glasses over yummy drinks at the resort’s different bars, and moments that led to a lot of silly laughter. It’s been years since we got married, but the feeling of Cancun’s energy never left us. AVA Resort Cancun, and their kind invite to cover the property, gave us the perfect opportunity to have us return to Mexico together and have some time to relax.
What we found at AVA Resort Cancun was the type of place where guests can enjoy soothing turquoise water views, balanced mezcal cocktails (especially our favorite, the mezcalita!) and a vast selection of activities, dining and entertainment.
Balcony Ocean and Pool Views
Every single room at AVA faces the sea, and ours had a sweeping view that proved how the property takes its room’s locations seriously. Let’s just say that the balcony might become your second home. It was here that we talked and relaxed, clinked glasses with beverages from their stocked in-room fridge at sunset, and where we at times simply sat in silence enjoying the breeze. I promise you—this is the perfect place to read a book. Bring two.
In a world constantly rushing forward and one that feels stressful at times, we felt like AVA invited us to pause. Those who know us personally know that pausing is not generally our thing. But that’s exactly what we did—relax, often side-by-side in the resort’s expansive pool or while exploring the shops and restaurants, and while enjoying a different meal each time. You have the chance to never eat the same dish twice here, so expect no boredom when it comes to meal selections.
Flavors That Tell a Story
AVA’s dining scene is thoughtful and inspired, with more than 17 restaurants and bars that feel curated rather than chaotic.
The AVA team made us dinner reservations for two of their signature restaurants, Black Iron and Veranda, and we loved them. We could see why they are popular among visitors, so we highly recommend making these reservations early so you do not miss any of the unique spots that offer dinner.
At Black Iron, it was all about smoky, wood-grilled dishes. This means steaks with a nice char, fresh vegetables, and cocktails that balanced a lot of spice and citrus. It was rustic and refined, with a vibe that said: stay a while. The wine list was also well-curated, so we chose the perfect one to go with our meal, one that was recommended by their attentive staff.
The other restaurant that we enjoyed was Veranda. Expect handmade pastas, fresh burrata, and crusty bread served with butter at this Italian restaurant. Some of our favorite dishes that we recommend are the cozy and classic chicken parmesan and pasta Bolognese. We ended the night with tiramisu, and a chat with their extremely talented chef, Jesus Vamj. His passion for his job and food stood out, as he beamed and was excited to talk to us about his experience leading the restaurant’s dining program.
For a quick bite there’s The Pantry, a charming grab-and-go spot filled with pastries, fresh juices, and even coconut milk lattes. There’s something about grabbing a warm croissant and strolling through the resort together that just feels right, but it’s also nice to grab a seat and enjoy a little people-watching while you eat.
The Spa That Healed More Than Just Muscles
I’ve been lucky to visit many spas in my life, but nothing quite prepared me for the experience at The Spa at AVA; this was less a spa and more a temple of relaxation. At more than 66,000 square feet, it’s easy to get lost, but in the best way.
I began with a full hydrotherapy circuit, slipping between cold plunges and hot pools, letting the water lull my body into calm. Then came a massage that unraveled every knot, physical and emotional. Warm oil, rhythmic hands, soft ambient music—at one point, I think I was just floating. I left glowing, inside and out, the kind of glow that doesn’t come from a facial but from finding peace. Especially for this girl, one that feeds from a hectic environment in her career. It was bliss.
The spa also features a beauty salon, serene relaxation areas, and a wellness-focused menu that includes facials, scrubs, and full-body rituals. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to forget the clock entirely. I decided to also treat myself to a polish change on my toes, to add a brighter color that really complemented the color of my sandals. It’s Cancun after all. I was living off sandals, the way that you are supposed to in tropical paradise. The polish was needed.
From Sunrise Yoga to Champagne Pool Parties
What I loved most about AVA was its myriad of activities geared toward everyone.
You could start your morning with aqua yoga, and by afternoon, you’d be sipping Moët at a themed Champagne pool party, dancing to beachy and nostalgic remixes spun by a DJ while you take a dip and a seat at the pool bar, which was one of our favorite spots on a hot day. During our stay, AVA’s Summer Festival brought extra flair at this pool party. We spotted floaties shaped like flamingos, servers in sequins, and ice-cold cocktails garnished with edible flowers.
AVA’s selection of events and activities will have your head spinning as you try to pick what to do. It’s great that the resort seems to offer themed activities during different days and times of year, so that those who want to visit can maybe even plan their stay during a time where there’s a little something new and of interest happening at the resort.
A Taste of Mexico, Without Leaving the Resort
As much as people enjoy a little luxury, they also crave authenticity. And AVA didn’t disappoint with their shops.
One of the most delightful surprises was Plaza MX, a market-style boutique showcasing local artisans and traditional crafts, such as embroidered blouses, colorful ceramics, silver jewelry. Each item told a story. Each piece felt like a bridge between resort life and real Mexico. I ended up leaving with some unique and authentic gifts for friends and family, which was a goal of mine.
At CJ Cantina, we tasted rare tequilas while listening to their stories of origin. We met a bartender who shared that his family had been making mezcal for generations. There, between sips and shared stories, we felt deeply connected to the bartender, who did not shy away from telling a story about each brand of tequila, as they described the different brands, their stories, and flavors.
A Staff That Made Us Feel Like Family
Service can make or break a luxury stay. But AVA didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them with warmth and grace. Everywhere we went, we were greeted by name, often with a smile that felt like it belonged to an old friend. Expect servers who remember your favorite drink from the night before and are quick to prepare it as soon as you sit down. A concierge gave us a note with personalized recommendations for our stay as soon as we asked.
An Immersive and Relaxing Journey
When we left after two very fun filled days, I can honestly tell you that we were ready to recommend the resort and this type of visit to everyone that would listen. Or we would make them listen.
For those who want a little relaxation, or to celebrate a special occasion such as a family reunion, an anniversary, bachelor or bachelorette trip, or to even host a beautiful wedding, this is the place to consider. AVA Resort Cancun reminded us that luxury isn’t just about amenities. It’s about how a place makes you feel. And all we felt was joy.
Visit avaresortcancun.com.
