- Accommodations All rooms and suites offer oceanfront views, private terraces, spa-inspired bathrooms, and amenities like free high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, minibars, smart TVs, and Bluetooth sound systems . - Dining & Beverages Access to over 17 bars and restaurants, including fine dining venues like Black Iron and casual spots like The Food District . Unlimited food and beverages, encompassing specialty cocktails and gourmet meals. - Pools & Water Activities Multiple pools, including an adults-only pool and a children's pool, with swim-up bars and poolside service Access to AVA Bay, a 2.8-acre man-made lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, offering activities like sailing, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking - Entertainment & Nightlife Live entertainment at LIVELY, featuring music, dance, and theater performances AVA Resort Cancun Nightlife options for adults, including nightclubs with local DJs and themed events. - Family & Kids' Activities AVA Kids Club for children aged 4–10, offering arts & crafts, marine life discovery, trampolines, and more The Lounge for teens aged 11–17, featuring basketball, ping pong, video games, and a snack bar. - Wellness & Fitness Access to the FIIT Wellness Center, including personalized group classes . Spa services available at The Spa at AVA, encompassing over 66,000 square feet of spa and beauty treatments (additional charges may apply) . - Additional Amenities Golf opportunities with ocean views (additional charges may apply) . Free calls to the continental U.S. and Canada . Please note that while many amenities are included, some services like spa treatments & golf may incur additional charges. For the most accurate & up-to-date information, it's recommended to contact AVA Resort Cancun directly or visit their official website.
Yes. AVA Resort Cancun requires a $100 USD PER NIGHT security deposit, which is typically held on a credit card at check-in for incidental charges. Key Details: • Purpose: Covers incidentals such as spa services, upgraded dining, or any damages. • Release: The hold is released upon checkout, though it may take several days to reflect on your statement. • Can I decline it? While you cannot fully opt out of the policy, some guests have shared that they were able to decline placing a card on file by agreeing not to charge anything to their room, while others have reported being unsuccessful. Please keep in mind that AVA Resort Cancun is still a newer resort, and processes and policies may continue to evolve as they work toward consistency. • Payment Methods: The resort accepts credit cards and debit cards. Recommendation: To ensure a smooth check-in experience, we strongly recommend providing a credit card or confirming that sufficient funds are available. Using a credit card typically results in faster refund processing. If you choose to use a debit card, please note that refunds may take 7–10 business days, depending on your financial institution. We also encourage guests to contact their bank in advance to plan accordingly and avoid any potential delays.
**Please note that there is a $120 USD fee for lost wristbands. Guests are kindly asked to keep their wristbands secure at all times and return them to the front desk upon check-out.
If you plan to attend the adults-only boat party on Sunday, May 17 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST, tickets must be purchased directly through the booking link below. The cost is $105 per person. We kindly ask that all tickets be purchased no later than April 30, 2026, as we are traveling as a large group and availability may be limited if tickets are purchased last minute. Book here: https://www.viator.com/tours/Cancun/Rockstar-Boat-Party-Hip-Hop-Sessions/d631-5511P18 If you plan to attend, please make your dinner reservations for after 8:30 PM that evening to allow time to return to the resort and get ready.
Please note that the quoted rate does not include airfare. In order to secure the best possible room rates and provide guests with the maximum amount of time to make payments, accommodations were booked as early as possible. Unfortunately, airfare cannot be purchased until approximately eleven (11) months in advance. As a result, the timing of the room bookings and flight availability did not align, requiring accommodations to be secured well in advance of airfare.
Flight Booking Flexibility You are not required to book your flight through the travel agent. You’re welcome to make your own travel arrangements. If you choose to book your flight independently, please be sure to send your flight details to the travel agent so she can coordinate your airport transportation accordingly.
Yes, airport transportation is included. Once your flight arrangements are booked, please forward your flight details to our travel agent, LaQuita Warner, so transportation can be coordinated accordingly for all guests. Email: laquitawright3802@yahoo.com
No. You will not receive your airport transfer information immediately after booking your flight and sending the details to the travel agent. Because we are traveling as a large group, the travel agent is monitoring everyone’s arrival and departure times in order to group guests together for transportation. This helps ensure an efficient process and prevents drivers from making multiple unnecessary trips between the airport and the resort. Once a sufficient number of guests have booked their flights and submitted their information, the travel agent will begin arranging airport transfers and will share the details with everyone accordingly.
If you're flying to Mexico, you must present a valid U.S. passport book. A passport card is not valid for international air travel.
- First-Time Passport Book Fees Adults (16 and older): Application Fee: $130 Execution (Acceptance) Fee: $35 Total: $165 These fees apply to routine processing, which typically takes 4–6 weeks. - Passport Renewal Fees Adults (16 and older): Passport Book Renewal: $130 Renewals can be completed by mail or online if you meet eligibility criteria. Note that the $35 execution fee is not required for renewals. - Optional Services Expedited Processing: $60 (reduces processing time to 2–3 weeks) 1–2 Day Delivery: $21.36 (for faster delivery of the issued passport book) - Passport Validity Adults: 10 years - Payment Methods Application Fee: Payable to the U.S. Department of State via check or money order. Execution Fee: Payable to the acceptance facility (e.g., post office) and may be paid by check, money order, or, in some cases, credit/debit card.
As of May 2025, the estimated time to receive a U.S. passport book depends on the processing option you select: Routine Processing: Approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited Processing: Approximately 2 to 3 weeks, with an additional fee of $60. Urgent Travel: If you have international travel within 14 calendar days, you must schedule an appointment at a passport agency or center. Please note that these processing times refer to the period your application is at a passport agency or center and do not include mailing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for your application to arrive at the agency and up to 2 weeks for you to receive your completed passport after it's mailed. Therefore, the total time to receive your passport could be: Routine Processing: 6 to 10 weeks (including mailing times). Expedited Processing: 4 to 7 weeks (including mailing times). To receive your passport more quickly, you can opt for expedited service for an additional $60. Additionally, you may choose 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book for an extra $21.36. If you need your passport urgently, you must make an appointment and have international travel within 14 calendar days. For the most current information and to check the status of your application, visit the official U.S. Department of State website: travel.state.gov.
While a REAL ID is not required if you already have a valid U.S. passport for international travel, it is strongly recommended to obtain one. A REAL ID provides added convenience for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities, making it a valuable form of identification to have on hand.
Dinner reservations at the specialty restaurants are not required, but they are strongly encouraged and highly recommended. While these restaurants are included in your all-inclusive rate, select premium menu items may be available at an additional charge. Please note that the buffet restaurants are open for breakfast and lunch only. Buffet dinner service is offered only if the resort is operating near maximum capacity, so specialty restaurant planning is extremely important. If you missed our original email deadline and did not submit your dinner selections through the Google Form, you must contact the pre-arrival concierge directly at prearrivalconcierge@avacancun.com to secure your own reservations. The resort has over 1,600 guest rooms and is currently operating at approximately 90% capacity (subject to change). With occupancy already high and May approaching quickly, reservation availability is becoming more limited by the day. The longer you wait, the greater the chance your preferred restaurants, dates, and time slots will no longer be available. We strongly encourage you to take care of this as soon as possible to avoid disappointment upon arrival. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.
Yes. We kindly ask guests to follow a destination/resort-formal dress code for our wedding events. Welcome Dinner (Friday, May 15 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Guests are asked to wear all white. Please avoid pops of color, with the exception of silver or gold accents. Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour & Reception (May 16 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM): To complement our wedding aesthetic, guests are asked to wear elegant attire in shades of nude, tan, champagne, or gold. Women: Long dresses or elegant gowns Men: Tailored suits (lightweight fabrics are highly recommended) Given the warm Cancun climate, breathable materials, dress shoes, and polished accessories are highly encouraged to keep you comfortable while looking your best. ✨ You can also find these guidelines under the Schedule of Events, along with inspiration photos in the Photo Gallery to help with color coordination. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jasmine or Tirone.
Yes, Cancun, Mexico does have a time difference, depending on where you're comparing it to and the time of year. Key facts: Time zone: Cancun is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone year-round. Unlike many parts of Mexico and the U.S., Cancun does not observe Daylight Saving Time. This means: From March to November, Cancun is on the same time as U.S. Central Time (e.g., Chicago). From November to March, Cancun is one hour ahead of U.S. Central Time.
While we love having children around, please note that for this event, attendance is limited to children who are members of the wedding party.
Yes, your cell phone can work in Mexico, but it depends on a few key factors: 1. Carrier and Plan International Roaming Plan: If you're with a major U.S. or Canadian carrier (like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Rogers, etc.), many include free or affordable roaming in Mexico—especially in North American or international plans. Check your plan details. Pay-As-You-Go Rates: Without a plan, roaming in Mexico can be expensive, so confirm rates with your provider. 2. Phone Compatibility Mexico uses GSM networks (like AT&T and Telcel). Most modern smartphones (iPhones, Samsungs, etc.) are GSM-compatible and should work. Unlocked phones can use a local Mexican SIM card for cheaper local rates. 3. Local SIM Option You can buy a Telcel, Movistar, or AT&T Mexico SIM card at the airport or convenience stores. Requires an unlocked phone. Great for longer stays or if you want to avoid roaming charges. Quick Tip: Before you go, check with your carrier: Is your phone compatible? Is Mexico covered under your plan? Are there any roaming charges or limits?
Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is included in the all-inclusive package at AVA Resort Cancun. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, including in all guest rooms, ensuring you can stay connected during your stay.
Optional specialty activities that require an additional fee include the bowling alley, laser tag, simulator experiences, escape rooms, golf course, and on-site shops such as the convenience store and apparel boutiques. Everything else -- including meals, drinks, and standard amenities -- is fully covered in your all-inclusive rate. Please refer to the Things to Do page on the wedding website for current pricing of these special activities.
Some of the restaurants at AVA Resort Cancun require Resort Evening Attire, which is a dressier look than beachwear but still relaxed and comfortable for a tropical setting. Here’s a quick guide on what to wear—and what to avoid: ✅ Do wear: Lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, or blends Dressy tops or collared shirts Long pants or elegant dress shorts (knee-length or longer) Cocktail dresses, maxi dresses, or dressy jumpsuits Dress sandals, wedges, loafers, or closed-toe shoes 🚫 Avoid: Beachwear, swimwear, or cover-ups Flip-flops or rubber pool slides Casual T-shirts, athletic wear, or caps Ripped jeans or cargo shorts Ultra-formal evening wear (tuxedos/gowns not required) Think “dinner out on vacation”—stylish, polished, and breathable! Most restaurants at the resort enforce this dress code, especially during the evening hours, so packing at least one or two outfits like this is a good idea.
Ava Resort isn't considered great for beaches primarily due to significant sargassum (seaweed) issues, brown/murky water year-round, a narrow beachfront, and it's location near mangroves/ocean traffic making it more of a "pool" resort with excellent aquatic amenities rather than a classic clear-water Caribbean destination, though staff work hard to clean the seaweed daily.
We chose this resort because of the amenities it offers our guests, especially compared to other options that had little to no amenities. It’s also a fairly new property and is considered a 5-star resort, which was important to us.
Our ceremony will be an unplugged ceremony. We kindly ask that all guests turn off their cell phones or place them on silent (not vibrate) and be fully present in the moment. We have a professional photography and videography team capturing every detail of our ceremony. Feel free to pull your phones back out during cocktail hour to capture and share the celebration!
Yes, at AVA Resort Cancun, you can generally stay on the property past the 12 PM checkout to use facilities, but you must vacate the room; they provide a checkout pass for access to pools, bars, and restaurants until your transfer, with paid late checkout options for room access, and luggage storage is available. After officially checking out (leaving your room by noon), you'll receive a pass to enjoy the resort's amenities and even use courtesy showers, with options to extend room access for a fee or even pay for another night if needed.
Please note that AVA is a part of the Hard Rock Hotel family. We have been informed by several guests that upon arrival, you may be approached by a sales team inviting you to attend a presentation to become a “Hall of Fame” or “Legendary” member. This presentation is a timeshare sales pitch, which is completely optional. As with most timeshare presentations, complimentary gifts may be offered in exchange for your time, and the session typically lasts around two hours. You are not required to attend or participate. If approached, you may simply decline. However, if you are interested in learning more about the membership program, you are welcome to do so at your discretion. The choice is entirely yours.
AVA Resort Cancun operates as an eco-friendly, strawless resort, meaning straws are not routinely provided at the pool or beach. While some guests have reported occasionally finding paper straws or being able to request them at limited locations (such as cafés or the bakery), availability is not guaranteed. If you prefer using a straw—especially for frozen drinks—we highly recommend bringing your own reusable or metal straws. Additionally, bringing a personal tumbler or covered cup is encouraged to keep your drinks cold and avoid the small, single-use cups commonly used at the pool.
While gratuities are included as part of the all-inclusive experience at AVA Resort Cancun, tipping is always appreciated for exceptional service and can enhance your overall experience. We highly recommend bringing small bills (USD is widely accepted) to tip staff throughout your stay. Suggested tipping moments include: Bartenders (especially during pool/beach service and events) Servers at restaurants Bellmen handling luggage Housekeeping staff Shuttle drivers and excursion staff Tipping is completely optional, but a little goes a long way in showing appreciation for great service.
You can absolutely tip in USD, and it is widely accepted and appreciated at AVA Resort Cancun. There is no requirement to convert your money to Mexican Pesos. However, if you prefer to use Pesos, they are also accepted throughout the resort. The most important thing is to bring small bills (such as $1s and $5s USD), as this makes tipping quick and convenient. If you need to break a larger bill, some guests have shared that the front desk was able to break a $20 USD bill or smaller. However, others have reported that the front desk was unable to break bills at all. This can vary depending on the staff member assisting you, so it is not guaranteed. Because of this, it is highly recommended to come prepared with small denominations ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience. In short: USD = perfectly fine and easiest option Pesos = optional, not required Bring small bills in advance to be safe
Exchange rates can fluctuate daily, but as of now, $1 USD is approximately equal to about 17–18 Mexican Pesos. If you plan to tip in Pesos, here’s a quick reference: $1 USD ≈ 18 MXN $5 USD ≈ 90 MXN $10 USD ≈ 180 MXN Please note that exchange rates may vary slightly depending on where you exchange money. At AVA Resort Cancun, both USD and Pesos are accepted, so converting currency is completely optional. Many guests find it easiest to simply bring USD in small denominations for tipping.