Aventura Spa Palace All-Inclusive
- ladybugsea
- First Reviewer
- 5 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 140
- Reviews
-
10
- Photos
Definitely worth the visit!
- April 6, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Great pools, good food, great service, friendly staff, nice rooms, very accomodating to any request.
Our tips: The Restaurants are very good for an all-inclusive, but certainly not U.S. 4-stars so just manage your expectations. Italian was our favorite, goat cheese filet at the French restaurant was great. We are Mid 30's and traveled with another couple. We definitely suggest that you request the South building as that pool has music, activities and the other is very quiet - but that may be what you are looking for. The size of the resort surprised us so it is important where your room is located depending what you are looking for. $5-$10 tips go a long way for better poolside service. Be friendly and give a decent tip early and you will be taken care of for the day, its not required but we were partying with friends so it improved our days. Drinks are great, most top shelves when you ask course have to ask. Many great people around also made the trip a blast.
Head in to Playacar for a day, only a $16 cab ride both ways avoids the shuttle wait. The resort has a small beach and is not as nice as Aventura, but it is downtown and heading to 5th Avenue shopping and bars after the pool/beach stop is worth a day and/or night or two. Public beach and bars surrouding them offer good people watching and cheap beers.
We will go back again but only in a group. We missed being able to walk on the beach, but the outstanding pools made us forget about it most of the time. Thanks Aventura!
Treated Like Royalty
- April 2, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
sly_mm from Omaha, Nebraska
We stayed at ASP March 6 - 10th, 2008. From the moment we arrived we had outstanding service. We took advantage of the included tours. We also did an extra excursion to the Xcaret Ecopark - it's like a combination of a water park and a zoo. Many animals and water activities. The coolest thing was the underground river you can snorkel. Our room was spacious and cleaned very well every day. The all-inclusive rate says not to tip but we would tip a few bucks here and there when the service was excellent. They remembered us the next day and we got even better service! Walking away from the buffet, the waiters would carry our dishes to our table for us! There was nightly entertainment and a disco. The drinks were outstanding, not watered down or cheap stuff either... and we only used our in room bar once wasn't necessary. This resort does not allow anyone under the age of 18. We had an incredible time without dodging kids running wild away from their parents. My only "wish it was better" was our room location...it was more important for us to have a non-smoking room and when we checked in it was the only one available. At the very south end of the property, a new hotel is being built directly next door to Aventura. So, what would have been a beautiful view of the sea was covered by a new hotel going up. But I must add, the constuction workers must be limited on their working hours because we were never awakened early by them and for building a huge hotel, they were very quite as well. The meals were all great and we never had to make a reservation - just walked right in and sat down. Also, the dress code wasn't strictly enforced...bring them just in case - but we didn't have any problems with any of our casual clothes. The breakfast buffet was amazing....everything was amazing! Can't say enough about the place. We are already planning our next trip back to ASP.
Editor Pick
Simply Paradise
- March 19, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
mandyandnick from chickasha, Oklahoma
We decided (June 2007) to try out the ASP. It's absolutely breath-taking. The amenities are endless and the service was very good. We are going to try to write an unbiased review
We booked a room on the North (spa) side. We did book a king bed & ended up with a double room. The problem was corrected within the first 18 hours of being there. All we had to do was notify the front desk, and the next morning we were off to our new room. We were there when construction was going on to "hurricane proof" the rooms and at first it was a little noisy but after awhile it just fades away and you don't even notice it anymore. They only worked during the day for a couple of hours and where almost complete with the bldg. The rooms are nice, spacious, and most have an ocean view. Every room has a Jacuzzi in a location where you can see the ocean and landscape from the inside of it. You can get in and then open your sliding door (dividing your room and balcony) for the tropical breeze and nature. Your room will be supplied with your own liquor cabinet and LCD TV. The bathroom is a standard toilet and big walk-in glass shower. There is a separate vanity area where the sink is located along with a blow dryer and hand towels. You also have control of the temp in your room and have a mini fridge that is stocked everyday. The bed is comfortable and the room is nicely decorated. Overall, very satisfying and comfortable.
The food is endless! There are many buffet meals that have something for everyone. There are many restaurants, and we tried them all. Actually, we even tried room service, which was delivered in a timely manner. Personally, our favorite place to eat was La Huerta. There are different types of food offered (by culture, style and course). There is plenty of fresh fruit and guacamole and chips too. Realize it’s not American before you go (responding to people who has bad reviews on the food).
You must be crazy if you think that crystal clear, tranquil blue waters are not desirable. We weren't sure what we would think about not having an actual "beach"... but let me tell you... you do have a beach. The lagoon provides a break so the waters are completely calm. There are many fish and crabs to feed, observe and take pictures of. We do not see this as a downside at all now and may prefer it.
Everything is immaculate; there isn't a piece of grass out of place here. Everything is kept very clean and tidy and the landscapes and views are gorgeous. This is a big resort, but they keep it localized by having it in two parts. There are 2 “sides” to the resort, the North Lobby (the Spa side) and the South Lobby (the party side). The North Lobby is a calmer, relaxing, lounge around surrounding; while the South Lobby is more active and sporty. The South Lobby is where the Andromeda Club and Thai Lounge is located. The Thai Lounge has a laid back atmosphere with beautiful lighting and the Andromeda Club is more like your typical night club with the dance music, and dance floor with a light show. The Resort offers a Lobby to Lobby Shuttle that leaves every 15 minutes. We decided to walk the resort along the lagoon waters as we watched the sun set for the night. It is only about a 15 minute walk and was so peaceful and beautiful. Also, this way you get to see the resort as a whole. The Resort offers many activities to keep you busy if lounging isn’t your thing, like: a garden style labyrinth, a rock climbing wall, Dive tank, Meditation pond, obstacle course, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court (and in pool), kayaks, paddle boats, snorkeling, bicycles, billiards, ping-pong and other table games, & daily activities/games (many are in the pools). At night, if going to one of the night-spots isn’t your cup of tea, you can watch some of the Theme parties/shows. We watched the Fire Dancers, absolutely captivating. We recommend this show, hands down. The Resort has many features that are beautiful and attractive such as the many waterfalls and fountains. Of course being encrusted by the tranquil blue crystal waters is just awing anyway.
The Fitness center is well maintained and offers up to date exercise/weight machines, free weights, personal training, treadmills and elliptical machines that over-look the Indoor Sound Pool. We were actually very impressed by their state of the art equipment. We spent an hour in the gym, & used about half of the equipment that was offered, and could've easily spent about another hour or so using the rest. There were also specific rooms/bldgs that offer aerobics, spin classes, yoga & a sauna.
If there is one thing that you don't have to worry about, that's finding a pool to get into. The pools wind their way through the resort grounds and are plenty big enough to accommodate everyone but, are only about 5 ft deep, so you don't want to dive in. Each pool offers at least two Jacuzzis and very spacious but are not "hot" water, it's more of a luke warm water. There is also an "indoor" sound pool that is located on the North Side with most of the "walls" being retractable that are mostly always open and underwater sound therapy. The Indoor Sound Pool also offers two Jacuzzis and a "cold plunge" refreshing pool with waterfall. Here you can also get a wide variety of fruit smoothies @ the smoothie bar. There is also a cardiovascular pool with a waterfall sitting area in the middle. This pool has a current that you can either swim against for exercise or float with.
The Staff is overly accommodating. We were never treated rudely or NEVER had one problem with the staff, but we believe in "treat others as you would like to be treated" and we remember that we are guests to their country so, we don't freak out because they can't speak fluent English. Even Chaza travel (located in the lobbies) proved to most helpful and would go out of their way to accommodate us. All of the staff made sure that our stay was as stress-free as possible and truly pampered us above and beyond. We did take 100 US dollars (in ones) to use as tips/gratuities, as the staff is more than appreciative to receive. You are not required to do this, but it is always a nice gesture.
The ASP is about a 7-10 minute taxi ride from Playa Del Carmen. We definitely recommend going to this beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches. The white sand and turquoise gem colored waters are picture perfect. You can do a lot of shopping here and take in some of the culture. Sr. Frog's and Carlos and Charlie's have locations here. This is where the Playacar Palace is also, so you can stop in use the amenities and eat lunch here. XCARET is also in very close proximity, only about a 5-7 minute taxi ride. We did go to Xcaret, the aquarium there is magical, and the underground river is amazing. You can also swim with the dolphins here, but there are many locations close to the ASP that you can do so. Cancun is about a 40-45 minute taxi ride from the ASP. You can do a lot of shopping there and go to the Sun Palace, Beach Palace, and Cancun Palace. On the way, you could always stop and visit the Moon Palace Resort, Spa and Golf Club. I have been to all of those resorts and all are gorgeous. Cozumel is a 30 minute ferry ride off of the dock in Playa Del Carmen. We have stayed there too, and it is a quaint little island. Shopping is good and you can also visit the Cozumel Palace. We went there on this trip and the food is amazing. Again, I have to admit, we were ready to get back to the ASP by the end of our outing. We have heard that the little town of Puerto Aventuras offers a little bit of shopping and culture. There are many other options to visit, like XEL-HA, and if you talk to your Chaza Tour Guide, they will be more than happy to tell you your options and help you plan them.
We've rebooked for July 2008 too, who knows maybe we'll see you there.
Honeymoon in Paradise!!
- February 21, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
When one thinks of any place near Cancun, one thinks of the drunken debauchery of the Spring Break crowd. Yet just a forty minute drive away from Cancun, lies a romantic honeymoon paradise fit to make you feel like a Mayan king or Queen! The grounds of the Aventura Palace are breathtakingly immaculate. When you walk in you are given a color coded bracelet that allows you access to the various amenities Aventura Palace has to offer. If you are a honeymooner, your bracelet is pink. You will also have a personal concierge who will plan your activities for you and call you with reminders. As a honeymooner there are things they set up especially for you: a dinner in one of their restaurants, a complementary bottle of champagne, a cocktail reception where you can meet other honeymooners to name a few. Best of all, as a guest you have your choice of SEVEN amazing restuarants on the premises and the option of dining at restaurants at the other Palace resorts. Believe me when I say, there is more than plenty to eat on site and you may not even find the need to visit anywhere else. I might also add that the service is amazing. Better than any other five star hotel that I've been to. Everywhere you go you are greeted by friendly staff that make you feel that serving you is a pleasure. They take absolute pride in serving you. One night my husband and I dined in La Hacienda, their Mexican restaurant. We're not typically fans of Mexican food but it was unexpectedly excellent. The chef even came to our table with the recipe!
The Jacuzzi rooms are nice but not spectacular.
Stay clear of the "tour" it's a timeshare offer that will waste your day.
Aventura Spa Palace
- January 10, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Fantastic value for price....
The resort is beautiful - located on the Carribean Coast. Puerto Aventuras (closest town) is what Playa Del Carmen used to be before it grew into a city - lots of small shops, a great dive shop, a very nice Marina, very friendly people and lots of safety (gated entrance), lots to see and do.
A few things to note about Aventura Spa Palace:
-Beds are pretty firm - be prepared.
-There really isn't a beach - they have created a lagoon that has good snorkeling, but not a white sand beach exactly. Other beaches close by.
-Pools are C-C-Cold this time of year (Jan). They don't heat the pools, so colder weather means colder water in the pools. The sea was actually quite a bit warmer than the pools for some reason.
-No kids was FANTASTIC!
-Spa is terrific - get a massage (at least one) and use the spa facilities.
-Close to Tulum, Xcaret, and other things that make the Riviera Maya absolutely amazing.
-Rooms are cleaned 3 times a day - maids make your bed in AM, visit/restock refrigerator in the afternoon, then turn down in the evening.
-Restaurants - dress code is kind of dumb. Three restaurants require long pants in the evening. You can be wearing a $300 Tommy Bahama shirt, nice shorts and shoes and they will turn you away and let someone in jeans and tennis shoes in. The best kept secret as far as the restaurants is the Asian restaurant - its as good as P.F. Chang, but desserts aren't all that good. Have dinner at Asian restaurant and dessert elsewhere. The steak house will give you a decent steak, but top quality beef does not come to Mexico. Service was better at the other choices.