AVA Moment in Mexico
Despite only opening in September 2024, the hotel, a short drive from Cancun airport, has already gained a reputation for being among the best in the area, and that satisfying new smell hits you as soon as you enter the cavernous lobby. The 1,622 chic accommodations at AVA range from ocean front kings to five-bedroom panoramic villas, and each has an unobstructed balcony sea view, meaning you can delight in the mesmerising sunsets and sunrises. The resort's layout is based around a huge concourse running from north to south, where you'll find cafés, bars, shops and à la carte restaurants.
DINNER TIME
The kitchen staff at the 17 eateries have been trained by top chefs from around the world, and it shows. During the week, I sampled fish quesadillas and beef fillet at modern Mexican eatery Copal, French nouvelle cuisine at Chez Moi and dry-aged ribeye at Black Iron Woodfire Grill. However, my favourite meal of the week was at Bao, where I enjoyed Vietnamese spring rolls, Japanese sushi and Korean-style fried chicken and pork. During the day, if you're not tempted to lounge around and order the in-room dining, there are two Food District areas, where you'll find tacos and wraps on another level to the stuff in those yellow boxes at home. The Pods is AVA's snacks and small bites menu, perfect for those lounging by the pool days.
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FACILITIES
If you're a gym bunny looking to stay fit while you're away, head to AVA'a state-of-the-art fitness centre Fiit, next to the 90,000-square-foot spa where I checked in for a detoxifying 50-minute massage.
For families, or honeymooning adults craving some fun, there is a bowling alley, an escape room and an F1 driving simulator. But the hotel's pièce de résistance is AVA Bay, the sprawling 2.8-acre sustainable lagoon, powered by state-of-the-art technology, surrounded by cabanas, and plentiful sun and day beds. Providing you slip on a lifejacket, you can also have a go at SUP, kayaking and paddle boarding, while the floating obstacle course is great fun for adults and kids who have outgrown the smaller water park.
Just down the road is Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts, with its all-inclusive course expertly carved into the local terrain's natural contours by Jack Nicklaus. I played 18 holes on the challenging mangrove-lined course which can devour your spare balls, if you have a tendency to skew your tee shots. After the round, Hole 19 restaurant serves delicious lunches, while Jorge at the club shop is your man for any golfing goodies. While there is a chilled vibe through the day at AVA, there is plenty of fun for night owls later on.
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
I pulled up a chair at the Digit Bar and The Cocktail Bar for drinks, and made a beeline for Zen nightclub, depending on my energy levels. On my final night in Mexico, I had a ticket for the world-famous Coco Bongo nightclub in Cancun. It was a bonkers evening of singing, dancing and theatre, inspired by movie characters like Beetlejuice and Captain Jack Sparrow, and rock stars Freddie Mercury and Axl Rose.
The following day, with a sore head and a heavy heart, it was time for one of my least favourite moments of the holiday – that bittersweet final glance down at AVA's staggering pool from my balcony. Cancun and Riviera Maya have changed a lot over the past half a century, with a Mexican wave of all-inclusive resorts popping up, ready to host fun-seeking holidaymakers, in particular, those celebrating their wedding or honeymoon. But I doubt many compare to the revamped 'Mex-level' Hard Rock Riviera Maya and the gleaming AVA Resort Cancun. And once you see the pools, you can't help but AVA moment, as I did.
Less than an hour away from AVA, up Highway 307, is Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. TUI operates direct flights to Cancun International Airport from seven UK airports, meaning Mexico is within convenient reach for British honeymooners looking for picture-perfect beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, five-star hospitality and buzzing nightlife. It's no wonder this resort is near the top of most honeymooners' lists.
A number of impressive upgrades have taken place over the last two years, including new restaurants and the introduction of swim-up rooms. I spent three nights in a Rock Royalty Ocean View Suite, in the adults-only Heaven section, next to the Hacienda Azul hub. With a huge living, dining and kitchen area, as well as two fridges stocked with beers, juices and sodas, and complimentary in-room dining, you may not feel the need to leave the room. I would often sit on the ocean-facing balcony with a cold Corona in the evening or Nespresso coffee in the morning, watching people (as well as the odd agouti and iguana) sauntering past.
DINNER TIME
The room's iPad also gives guests information on, and access to, the many restaurants and bars. I enjoyed a bountiful breakfast at the new Faro Gastro Market and lunch at the funky La Isla, which serves American street market-style food around vintage VW vans. During the evenings, I was booked in for Mexican Yucatan cuisine at Umo; Thai dishes at Wai; and a teppanyaki show at Zen.
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FACILITIES
While I spent my mornings jogging on the 5km loop around the grounds and the afternoons at the central pool's swim-up bar, during my first day, I headed to the Rock Spa for a refreshing men's facial.
I also took on Hard Rock Campo de Golf's spectacular water holes and mammoth 600-yard par fives alongside Larry, a retired tailor from Toronto, and his wife Adele. Although it is clearly a place for grown-up couples, the kids that are on the resort are kept entertained by bowling, laser tag, video games, a trampoline park and climbing area in the new, Vibe City building, as well as flumes at Rockaway Bay water park. When the sun sets, there is entertainment in the two main Hacienda buildings, while the adults-only Heaven Bar turns into a nightclub where couples and singles dance the night away.
WEDDING BELLS
During my stay I saw a fair few wedding-themed parties taking place. There was a lavish ceremony in the bay, a more relaxed pre-wedding get together with everyone dressed in black, and couples enjoying intimate torchlit dinners on the beach. Upon arrival at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, loved-up couples can also enjoy a few special touches courtesy of the resort.
The complimentary 'In Love' Honeymoon Package includes sparkling house wine, sweets, a romantic dinner, in-room breakfast and a pampering hydro spa tub experience. Alternatively, couples can upgrade to the 'Honeymoon' Package for $500 and receive VIP check in, personalised concierge service, mini cake, round-trip airport transfers, a bottle of sparkling wine, two honeymoon T-shirts, chocolate covered strawberries, bathrobes, slippers and in-room aromatherapy.
In short, if you're looking for a combination of fun, pampering, romance and excitement on your honeymoon or wedding break, then Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya should be top of your list.
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Written by Richard Jones
