One of four Avalon resorts in the Cancun area, the Avalon Reef Club sits apart from the others in neighboring and quaint Isla Mujeres. This all-inclusive resort is a quiet, relaxing retreat. Couples will love the slower pace and picturesque vistas at every turn. Families traveling with children will appreciate the extensive children's program included at no extra charge.
The location of the Avalon Reef Club sets it a world apart from the hotels of Cancun's popular and overbuilt Hotel Zone. Situated six miles off the coast of Cancun on the small island of Isla Mujeres, the Avalon occupies its own tiny peninsula. A short wooden bridge connects the resort to the rest of the island, so shopping and restaurants are a stroll away.
Isla Mujeres, unlike neighboring Cancun, has none of the large American chains so popular with Spring Breakers. This relatively unspoiled island has restaurants, shops and attractions that are interesting and quite reasonably priced. Navigating is simple, as the town covers about three square blocks. Vacationers can easily cover the entire island with a rental motor scooter or golf cart; both are popular transportation choices. In the evenings, we walked across the bridge to dine in one of the local restaurants.
Getting there takes a little patience and advance planning. The all-inclusive plan at the Avalon Reef Club includes airport transfers, which makes the process much easier. From the Cancun airport, a shuttle van takes you to "Fast Cat" ferry to the Avalon Reef Club's pier. Allow about an hour from the airport to the resort.
Isla Mujeres, unlike neighboring Cancun, has none of the large American chains so popular with Spring Breakers. This relatively unspoiled island has restaurants, shops and attractions that are interesting and quite reasonably priced. Navigating is simple, as the town covers about three square blocks. Vacationers can easily cover the entire island with a rental motor scooter or golf cart; both are popular transportation choices. In the evenings, we walked across the bridge to dine in one of the local restaurants.
Getting there takes a little patience and advance planning. The all-inclusive plan at the Avalon Reef Club includes airport transfers, which makes the process much easier. From the Cancun airport, a shuttle van takes you to "Fast Cat" ferry to the Avalon Reef Club's pier. Allow about an hour from the airport to the resort.
The resort is all-inclusive, so meals, drinks and many activities are covered in the cost of your stay. I was pleasantly surprised to find room service included, although the menu is rather limited. Breakfast is served in your room and can be pre-ordered the night before if you so desire. Lounges and umbrellas by the beach, lounge chairs in the pool, daily towel service, non-motorized water sports, buffet meals, al la carte meals in two of the three on-site restaurants, and premium mixed drinks were all included. The resort also hosts special events which are included as well. One night, a Mexican beach party complete with live entertainment and games for the kids entertained guests. On Sunday, it was "Fajitas and Margaritas" night.
The Avalon Reef Club shares all-inclusive privileges with two other nearby Avalon properties, the Avalon Grand and the Avalon Bay. Both have beautiful beaches, pool areas, and restaurants that are quite different from each other. If you have concerns about being stuck at an all-inclusive resort for an extended period of time, this really opens up your options.
Guest rooms at the Avalon Reef Club are located either in the main tower or the villas. Tower rooms mainly have queen beds.
There are six one- and two-bedroom condo suites in the tower, all with Jacuzzi tubs, kitchenettes and a balcony overlooking the Caribbean.
Rooms in the villas have either king or double beds, ceiling fans, a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, toaster and microwave, and a terrace overlooking the Caribbean. There are seven one- and two-bedroom suites which include a living room with a sofa bed, and a dining room.
All guest rooms are air-conditioned and include color satellite television, stand-alone showers, coffee makers and bottled water.
Our room was a studio in the villas. The room was comfortable and fairly large. The décor was rustic Mexican, with tile floors and an iron headboard in the shape of the rising sun. Our large terrace had two chairs and overlooked the rocky shoreline on the North side of the resort with a view of King's Bath. We had ample closet space, although the hallway where the closets were located was a bit dark. The bathroom had plenty of room, and the oddly-shaped but large shower was built into a corner. The room had one king-sized bed, a desk and chair, and a small sitting area with two chairs and a table.
Rooms in the villas have either king or double beds, ceiling fans, a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, toaster and microwave, and a terrace overlooking the Caribbean. There are seven one- and two-bedroom suites which include a living room with a sofa bed, and a dining room.
All guest rooms are air-conditioned and include color satellite television, stand-alone showers, coffee makers and bottled water.
Our room was a studio in the villas. The room was comfortable and fairly large. The décor was rustic Mexican, with tile floors and an iron headboard in the shape of the rising sun. Our large terrace had two chairs and overlooked the rocky shoreline on the North side of the resort with a view of King's Bath. We had ample closet space, although the hallway where the closets were located was a bit dark. The bathroom had plenty of room, and the oddly-shaped but large shower was built into a corner. The room had one king-sized bed, a desk and chair, and a small sitting area with two chairs and a table.
Air conditioning was provided by a window unit next to the sitting area, which made conversation difficult. We had a color television with satellite TV (some channels were in English, with Spanish subtitles) and a clock radio with a CD player next to the bed.
