When you’re the new kid on the block, size matters.

Forgive the cheesy opening line, but it’s true. When you’re the latest all-inclusive property that opens in Cancun, you must stand out and be remarkable since this section of Mexico’s Caribbean coast is already bursting with accommodation choices.

AVA Resort Cancun opened in the summer of 2024. It’s owned by RCD Hotels of Mexico and is the second exclusive brand from a company well-known for its 35-year hotelier history that includes UNICO 20°87° on the Riviera Maya, a five-star resort for adults.

Designers and architects created this hotel and resort for discerning, fashionable families.

Street cred: It’s all about location

When landing in a tropical destination, the last thing you want to do is to take a 45-minute (or longer) bus ride to your resort. You’re in luck with AVA, especially if you’re traveling with small children. The transfer is only between 10 and 15 minutes. Once settled in your room or suite, there’s an unobstructed view of the Caribbean since all accommodations have guaranteed sea vistas.

Who hangs here: Is this hotel for you?

I saw mostly multi-generational families there, whether it was at the swimmable salt-water lagoon (extending to an astonishing 120,000 square feet), or any of the five pools, or at the many upscale restaurants. There is one restaurant (Chez Moi) and a sixth swimming pool reserved for adults. Otherwise, families with children, from toddlers to teens, can experience a plethora of activities designed for them.

Striking artwork abounds, from temporary exhibits on promenade walls, to shops that offer Mexican sculptures, statuary and fine jewelry. No matter where you walk, you’re steps away from views of the azure Caribbean Sea.

The straight goods: What’s in the room?

I sent a photo of my king-bedded guestroom to a friend who is also a hotel addict and we agreed on the same description—upscale minimalist. Every oceanfront room has a private terrace, with some equipped with a two-person spa tub. I found the king bed to be extremely comfortable with plush pillows and bedding.

The bath had a rain shower in its own room with a separate hand-held shower nozzle. For fall prevention, the bath includes a seat and a rubberized bathmat. Plush, white absorbent towels and facecloths were plentiful. Over one of the two sinks was an illuminated makeup mirror (also handy for men who shave), the main mirror and a full-length mirror outside the bathroom. The water pressure was fine and one wouldn’t need an engineering degree to understand how the shower apparatus worked.

The promised twice-daily housekeeping was a little inconsistent, but that may be more a result of my erratic schedule during my four-night, three-day visit. Housekeeping provided towel changes and amenity refills, including bottled water, and readily switched the regular beer in my fridge to the non-alcoholic version at my request. Staff also replenished a basket of locally made potato chips, nuts and cookies daily. I appreciated the Nespresso machine and the real creamers in the fridge.

All room categories have a Smart TV installed so guests can stream content from their phones. There were at least two English-language network stations programmed. Each TV has USB ports. Multiple electrical outlets with 110 voltage, as well as USB charging stations, were well situated.

The temperature control and air conditioning worked quickly, but I noted condensation could occur on the floors and even the linens, causing dampness. If you’re not a fan of A/C, perhaps keep your room at a consistent temperature throughout the day and night.

There was ample space to store luggage and an easy-to-use, in-room safe ideal for a laptop.

Bragging rights: What else has it got?

The spa and wellness facilities were unsurpassed. The gym offered daily classes and you could arrange consultations with a trainer. Both are included in the all-inclusive price. The fitness area had several state-of-the-art machines and free weights.

Covering 22,000 square feet, the spa’s facilities were massive. I tried an invigorating hydrotherapy session for 50 minutes, along with hot and cool-water plunge pools, followed by an aromatherapy body scrub. A valet guides you through all the steps and the spa has separate locker facilities for women and men. (Note that the spa charges the treatments separately from your hotel bill.)

Good eats: Cocktails and cuisine

While I don’t drink alcohol, the restaurants where I dined in the evenings offered mocktails. (And judging from the popularity of the promenade bars, the pool bars and the nightclub, I would imagine the bartenders are very proficient at whipping up smart beverages!)

The cuisine at every outlet I tried never failed to impress. (Okay, I wasn’t crazy about the vegan carrot cake at one, but I’m nitpicking.) When you have 27 restaurants, cafes, bars (and 24-hour room service) included in the all-inclusive price, you will never be hungry or thirsty. The evening dinners at Chez Moi (French), Veranda (Italian) and Black Iron (steak and seafood) were delicious and offered top-notch service. AVA’s website states gratuities are included in the all-inclusive price, but I believe bellhops, waitstaff, bartenders and spa staff deserve extra tips for excellent service.

A few of our favorite things: what stood out?

I lacked the time to sample all the restaurants for dinner during my brief visit, but the cuisine I tried impressed me. If I were to return, I’d reserve a seat at Bao (Asian fusion), Copal (modern Mexican) and Kita Teppanyaki for the Japanese food and chef show. I loved the two Aroma coffee shops with enticing pastries under glass. (I’m still salivating for its sachertorte.)

Parting shot: If we could change one thing

The bellhop who shows you your guestroom for the first time should remember the guest is new and not familiar with everything. The bellhop could explain the lighting switches and the TV features. Information on the air-conditioned golf carts that can transport you from one end of the resort to the other, with stops in between, would be valuable. Everyone knows walking is fine and healthy until you want or need to return to your room quickly.

We found rooms in September 2025 starting at USD$574 (one king bed and one day bed, sleeping four), including taxes and fees.

Bruce W. Bishop stayed as a guest of AIC Hotel Group. The hotel did not have editorial approval for this review.