HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA 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 adultsonly 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. 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. HONEYMOONS 85 GET IN TOUCH AVA Resort Cancun, Blvd Kukulkan KM 26, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico www.avaresortcancun.com (+52) 998 630 3200 booknow@avacacun.com Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Carretera Playa del Carmen – Tulum Km 72 Puerto Aventuras, 77710 Riviera Maya, Q.R., Mexico https://hotel.hardrock.com/riviera-maya (+52) 984 875 1100 booknow@rcdhotels.com
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