Published Jun 26, 2018

The under-the-radar healthy havens to relax and recharge in Chicago

We tapped Chicago local and wellness obsessive Addie Martanovic of Chickpea in the City to share her fave places to eat, sweat, and relax in Chicago. Plus, she shares her skin care essentials, like Cannuka, the buzzy beauty brand that blends healing CBD and Manuka honey.

The under-the-radar healthy havens to relax and recharge in Chicago

Published Jun 26, 2018

In Partnership With

Cannuka

Written by

Well+Good Editors

Published Jun 26, 2018

In Partnership With

Cannuka

Written by

Well+Good Editors

One of the best parts of road trips and weekend escapes is discovering your favorite cup of supercharged coffee or cauliflower-crust pizza in a brand-new-to-you place.

Which is why we tapped wellness blogger Addie Martanovic of Chickpea in the City—who’s constantly on the lookout for the best midday pick-me-up (oat-milk matcha, please), invigorating workouts, and coolest places to grab a lavender-infused cocktail with a view—to share her hometown travel guide to Chicago.

It’s all part of our summer travel series with Cannuka, the buzzy beauty brand that infuses skin care with a nourishing combo of hemp-derived CBD and Manuka honey (check out the Austin guide, too).

“Some of my favorite places in Chicago are hidden gems that don’t get enough love or recognition, and nothing makes me happier than when someone visits them,” Martanovic says. Find the 411 below.

Scroll down for her specially curated recs for a weekend in Chicago—and the wellness gems she can’t live without.

Favorite fitness studio:SoulCycle and [solidcore]. I can’t just pick one because they’re both so essential in my life. I started going to SoulCycle regularly in 2016 and fell in love with the community and music. And [solidcore] just came to Chicago this year and I can’t get enough—it tones my muscles and gives me a break from all of the cardio.

Favorite coffee shop: Intelligentsia Coffee. My absolute favorite pick-me-ups are the oat-milk lattes and matcha, unsweetened.

Favorite outdoor hangout:Washington Square Park in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood is a hidden gem and one of my favorite parks. I always walk through it on my way home from work. I love to sit and zone out for a few minutes. I listen to a playlist of mine, which calms me down after a long day.

Favorite juice or smoothie bar:Real Good Juice Co. This has been my go-to since I moved to Chicago back in 2013. They have juices, smoothies, almond-milk lattes to go, and just recently came out with “noyo froyo,” a dairy-free frozen yogurt made of almond milk and coconut nectar. You can find me here weekly!

Favorite meditation spot: Chill Meditation + Massage is located in River North, right downtown near a ton of offices and corporate buildings, which makes it a great spot to go to right after work or on your lunch break to chill out.

Favorite healthy restaurants:Range (everything is locally sourced and there are tons of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options), Lula Cafe, Kitchfix’s grab-and-go storefront with smoothies and paleo-friendly meals, Ella Elli (offers small plates and an amazing atmosphere for dinner and cocktails), and The Allis on the first floor of the Soho House Chicago.

Favorite grocery store: The Dill Pickle Food Co-op in Logan Square.

Favorite chill-out spots: I absolutely love C.C. Ferns coffee bar for the quiet and intimate setting (their lattes are Instagram-worthy) and the rooftop lounge at The Robey, which has one of the best views in Chicago at night.

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30, $36; bkr water bottle $48; Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar, $25; Manduka high line leggings, $70; Spindrift Orange Mango Sparkling Water, $25 for 24-pack; Cannuka CBD Calming Eye Balm, $38; Alaffia’s Everyday Shea Fair Trade Shea Butter Body Lotion , $15

Favorite wellness essentials: I keep things super simple with my skin-care routine. I start the morning by washing by face with a simple face wash followed by a light moisturizer and foundation. At the end of the day, I’ll use gentle face wipes to take off my makeup and then I’ll add Cannuka’s CBD Calming Eye Calm to my eyes before I go to sleep to reduce the puffiness under my eyes. Usually twice a week, I’ll do a chlorophyll-based face mask to calm my skin.

My skin has always been super sensitive and as I’ve gotten older, it’s become a bit worse. I’ve had keratosis pilaris, a common skin disorder, on my arms since I can remember. I use the Cannuka CBD Cleansing Body Bar in the shower, which helps soothe my skin. I try to be extremely selective with my body washes due to this skin condition—having a product infused with CBD has really helped.

In partnership with Cannuka

Photos: Samantha Parquette

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Lifestyle Travel

Published Jan 29, 2025

20+ Romantic Airbnbs Across the U.S. Perfect For Your Next Couple’s Getaway

From the rocky coast of Big Sur to the mountains of the Catskills, these hand-picked romantic Airbnbs are perfect for your next getaway.

20+ Romantic Airbnbs Across the U.S. Perfect For Your Next Couple’s Getaway

From the rocky coast of Big Sur to the mountains of the Catskills, these hand-picked romantic Airbnbs are perfect for your next getaway.

Published Jan 29, 2025

Written by

Francesca Krempa

Photo: W+G Creative x Airbnb

Published Jan 29, 2025

Written by

Francesca Krempa

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

There’s something undeniably magical about a romantic getaway—whether it’s the chance to escape the daily grind or just the thrill of having your partner all to yourself for a few days. It’s the perfect excuse to disconnect from the outside world, forget about the laundry pile, and focus on what really matters: good food, even better company, and a setting that makes you feel like the only two people on earth. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure in a cozy cabin or just lounging in luxury in a villa, a change of scenery in a romantic Airbnb can do wonders for your relationship. (Vacation sex, anyone?!)

From the rocky coast of Big Sur to the peaceful mountains of the Catskills, these hand-picked romantic Airbnbs are perfect for anyone ready to level up their escape. So, grab your partner and pack your bags (and your high expectations) for a retreat that’s as relaxing as it is stunning.

Northeast

Catskill Postcard Cabin

Location: Catskill, New York

Price per night: $136/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Just two hours from NYC, Postcard Cabins in Roscoe, NY, is your gateway to the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Nestled on 69 private acres in the Western Catskills, each tiny cabin (formerly Getaway cabins) features a queen bed, kitchenette, en-suite bathroom, and a private outdoor space complete with a fire pit and Adirondack chairs. Bonus: your stay comes with s’mores provisions and fresh coffee, so you can focus on stargazing, exploring nearby trails, or soaking up the serene Pepacton Reservoir.

Top amenities: S’mores kit, firepit

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Timber Stowe Guesthouse

Location: Stowe, Vermont

Price per night: $318/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Tucked beside Stowe’s Cady Hill Forest, this timber-frame straw bale home is a stunning mix of sustainable design and modern comfort. Built using locally sourced materials, it features an open layout with a cozy pellet stove, a luxurious rain shower finished with Moroccan tadelakt plaster, and a fully equipped kitchen with retro-style appliances. Relax in the thoughtfully designed living space, or step outside to explore the trails just 300 yards from your door—no car needed. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or simply unwinding, this unique retreat promises a memorable Vermont getaway.

Top amenities: Mountain views, indoor fireplace

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Marblehead Cottage

Location: Marblehead, Massachusetts

Price per night: $199/night

Beds + baths: 2 beds, 1 bath

Escape to Marblehead, Massachusetts, and enjoy the charm of a seaside town in the off-season. This cozy Old Town cottage blends historic character with modern updates, featuring hardwood floors, shiplap walls, and a sleek kitchen with brass accents. With two bedrooms, a decorative stone fireplace, and front and back decks for taking in the salty breeze, it’s the perfect spot to recharge after exploring nearby Crocker Park or Fort Sewall. Bonus: off-street parking makes it a breeze to come and go as you please.

Top amenities: Close to shop and dining, 2 decks

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Adirondack A-Frame Cabin

Location: Jay, New York

Price per night: $294

Beds + baths: 4 beds, 3 baths

For a mountain escape with plenty of creature comforts, the Black Pine Lodge in the Adirondacks is a dreamy retreat. This modern A-frame cabin features 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and luxe amenities like a hot tub, panoramic barrel sauna, and pool table, making it perfect for a couples getaway. Situated in the High Peaks region, you’ll have access to nearby hiking, kayaking, and charming towns like Wilmington and Lake Placid. End your day relaxing on the deck by the gas fireplace or stargazing by the outdoor fire pit in total tranquility.

Top amenities: Sauna, hot tub, fire pit

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Southeast

Old Fort Treehouse

Location: Old Fort, North Carolina

Price per night: $250

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

For a dreamy woodland retreat, this top-rated treehouse (yes, treehouse) near Asheville is the perfect romantic getaway. Perched among native laurels on 14 private acres, it features a swinging bridge entry, a deck for morning coffee, and a hot tub tucked under the trees. Inside, you’ll find cozy touches like luxury bedding, an LED fireplace, and a well-equipped kitchenette. Just 20 minutes from Asheville and 10 minutes from Black Mountain, it’s the ideal spot to unwind, reconnect with nature, and soak in the canopy of the forest.

Top amenities: Hot tub, outdoor shower, valley views

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Savannah Cottage

Location: Savannah, Georgia

Price per night: $137/night

Beds + baths: 2 beds, 1 bath

This charming Savannah cottage is the definition of “romantic retreat.” Nestled under towering Spanish moss, the 2-bed, 1-bath home combines the best of Southern history with modern comforts. Start your day with coffee on the front porch surrounded by gardens, then explore nearby spots like Wormsloe Historic Site or take a scenic stroll through the Savannah Historic District. Inside, the cozy farmhouse vibe pairs perfectly with a fully equipped kitchen, comfy living spaces, and a bit of quiet charm that makes it feel like home.

Top amenities: Backyard, fire pit, front porch

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Smoky Mountain A-Frame

Location: Seymour, Tennessee

Price per night: $135/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Abram’s Loft is a secluded A-frame cabin perfect for couples looking to unwind or adventure. With a king-sized bed, a cozy living area with a 55″ Smart TV, and a romantic outdoor shower and hot tub, you’ll have everything you need for a vacation. The kitchenette is great for whipping up a meal, and the deck with a BBQ pit is perfect for dinner under the stars. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back weekend or a getaway packed with activities, this mountain retreat has you covered.

Top amenities: Hot tub, record player, deck

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Carolina Forest Bathhouse

Location: Fairview, North Carolina

Price per night: $160

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Escape with your lover to this ultimate wellness retreat in North Carolina. With private cedar hot tubs, a luxury barrel sauna, and soothing forest trails, it’s truly the perfect place to get your R&R. Thoughtful touches like luxe bedding, heated toilet seats (!!!), and calm lighting create a truly restorative experience. Trust—you’ll never want to leave.

Top amenities: Hot tub, sauna, outdoor shower, heated toilet seats

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Midwest

Lake Superior A-Frame

Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota

Price per night: $148/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1/2 bath

Tucked away on the shores of Lake Superior, this lovely A-frame is about as romantic as it gets. In the winter, Guests can snowshoe private trails, unwind by the fireplace, or stargaze from the wraparound deck—it’s situated in an official dark sky sanctuary. The open floor plan and wide windows give it a light, airy feel, and it’s loaded with amenities. Sweat in the wood-burning sauna, read in the hammock, or roast s’mores over the fire pit.

Top amenities: Sauna, hammock, fire pit, close to Lake Superior

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Lake Michigan Retreat

Location: Michiana, Michigan

Price per night: $229/night

Beds + baths: 3 beds, 1 bath

Just 90 minutes from Chicago, Hüüsli is the perfect retreat for couples looking to escape city life and unwind by Lake Michigan. This cozy, Swiss-inspired cabin blends modern updates with vintage charm—think soaring ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a four-season room where you can sip coffee surrounded by nature (minus the bugs). Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just craving a quiet weekend away, Hüüsli offers the kind of charm and tranquility that makes you want to stay just a little longer.

Top amenities: Lake access, deck

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Arbor Crest Cottage

Location: Darlington, Wisconsin

Price per night: $81/night

Beds + baths: 2 beds, 1 bath

Located about an hour’s ride from Madison, this farm stay in Darlington is the perfect place for couples to get back to nature. Wake up to the sound of wind chimes, sip coffee with local raw honey, visit the playful goats, or simply soak in the quiet countryside. When you’re done, watch the sunset on the west side of the farm and climb into your cozy loft for a good night’s sleep.

Top amenities: Fire pit, patio, Adirondack chairs, baby goats

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Southeast

Cave Creek Guest Suite

Location: Cave Creek, Arizona

Price per night: $120/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, this private retreat is made for couples looking to slow down and soak in the romance of the Southwest. Start your mornings with coffee on the porch, watching the sunrise over the mountains, then spend the day exploring Cave Creek or just lounging in the desert breeze. Fire up the BBQ for a sunset dinner, then end the night stargazing under the wide-open sky. Quiet, private, and seriously relaxing—this is the kind of place where time slows down (and it’s just the two of you).

Top amenities: Desert views, hammock

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Taos Skybox

Location: El Prado, New Mexico

Price per night: $165/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Want to jump on the “noctourism” train? Book a stargazing getaway for you and your lover at the Taos Skybox. Perched at 7,000 feet, this high-desert escape is all about the views—endless sagebrush, mountain horizons, and some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see. The modern, eco-conscious studio is designed to blend into the landscape while offering total comfort, from a dreamy Casper mattress to a well-equipped kitchen and rare-in-Taos air conditioning. Spend your days exploring Taos or just soaking up the scenery from your deck. At night, get cozy and watch the Milky Way put on a show—it’s pure magic.

Top amenities: Desert views, hammock, deck

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Adobe Retreat

Location: Kanab, Utah

Price per night: $268/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Are you and your partner hungry to see the National Parks? This Adobe-style retreat has you covered. This gorgeous home blends seamlessly into the red rocks in Kanab, Utah, and offers the perfect stay just a short drive from to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. When you’re not adventuring, unwind in the cozy Tuft & Needle mattress, enjoy a Nespresso on the deck and take in the views, or do some yoga—there are Manduka mats for you to use.

Top amenities: Yoga mats, desert views, grill, radiant floor heating

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West

Northwest Montana Cabin

Location: Troy, Montana

Price per night: $195/night

Beds + baths: 1 beds, 1/2 bath

Tucked at the edge of Flathead National Forest, this rustic tiny cabin offers a rare chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. With direct access to hiking trails, lakes, and the stunning Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, it’s the perfect base for outdoorsy couples. Enjoy the simplicity of off-grid living with a wood stove, outdoor fire cooking, and a forest sauna, then relax in the tranquility of a secluded pond surrounded by lush forest.

Top amenities: Sauna, firewood, wood stove

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Bellingham Treehouse

Location: Bellingham, Washington

Price per night: $250/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Escape the hustle and bustle in this Bellingham treehouse, which is completely surrounded by the peaceful forest. Enjoy luxury amenities like a hot tub, home theater, and a spacious deck with 360-degree views (including a waterfall). It’s a cozy, eco-friendly spot with a queen pull-out bed fit for two people, and there’s even a shuttle service up the steep hill if you need it.

Top amenities: Home theatre, hot tub, deck, river views

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Big Bear A-Frame

Location: Big Bear, California

Price per night: $321/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

Californians—this A-frame is a cozy, newly remodeled retreat just a mile from the San Bernardino National Forest. Only 15 minutes from Big Bear ski resort, you’re close to adventure but far enough to escape the crowds. And although it’s nestled in nature, it’s got plenty of creature comforts, including a full kitchen, a comfortable Queen bedroom, a smart TV, hot tub, and more. And on nice days, you can get the best of both worlds—open up the French doors to let the light and fresh air in.

Top amenities: Hot tub, deck, grill

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Rio Del Mar Beach Cottage Getaway

Location: Aptos, California

Price per night: $313/night

Beds + baths: 1 bed, 1 bath

If you’re more of a beach couple, this cottage is a dreamy retreat perched on a cliff above Rio Del Mar Beach, offering 180-degree ocean views and the chance to spot dolphins and whales seasonally. With Big Sur nearby, this spot is perfect for a romantic beach getaway. Enjoy the sound of the ocean and beautiful sunsets from your California King Bed, or relax on the patio with a propane fire pit and grill. The cottage is peaceful and private, yet just a short walk to Hidden Beach Park for easy access to the shore.

Top amenities: Ocean view, patio, fire pit

Shop Now

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Lifestyle Travel

Published Jan 17, 2025

This Cancún Resort Helped Get Me Out of My Comfort Zone and Face My Fear of Failure

This 5-star resort in Cancún is great for all-inclusive travel. Read our editor's full Ava Resort Cancún review here.

This Cancún Resort Helped Get Me Out of My Comfort Zone and Face My Fear of Failure

This 5-star resort in Cancún is great for all-inclusive travel. Read our editor's full Ava Resort Cancún review here.

Published Jan 17, 2025

Written by

Danielle Zickl

Photo: W+G Creative/AVA Resort Cancun

Published Jan 17, 2025

Written by

Danielle Zickl

Let me start off by saying: I hate being bad at things. If I’m not immediately good at something new, my gut instinct is to never do it again. Throughout my life, I’ve started and quit so many activities—ballet, gymnastics, diving, horseback riding—and told myself it was because I’m a person who simply gets bored too easily. I suspect this attitude has something to do with “being a pleasure to have in class” all throughout school; I got good grades, never got in trouble, and everything came pretty easily to me. Failure just wasn’t something I was accustomed to.

Rest assured, I’ve been working on adjusting this rigid way of thinking (shout out to my therapist), and when I was invited to stay at Ava Resort Cancún in Mexico for their grand opening, I knew I’d be angry with myself if I didn’t take advantage of some new-to-me activities they had to offer. Sure, sitting by the pool all day is lovely—and impossible to fail at—but I wanted to put my therapy skills to the test. My goal: Try things I’ve never done before, and truly be okay with not being perfect on the first go.

But first, a bit about Ava Resort Cancún

Ava Resort Cancún is an all-inclusive, five-star resort that recently opened in October 2024. It’s located in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico, right on the Caribbean Sea and only a 10-minute drive from Cancún International Airport. An Ava shuttle was waiting for me at the airport when I landed, but any guest can arrange transportation services through the resort.

The property has 1,700 rooms, all of which have oceanfront views (yes, really). When booking, you can choose from three options, with prices starting at $600 USD at the time of publishing:

Oceanfront king or queen room ($600/night):Features a king bed or two queen guest rooms, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a private terrace with a small spa tub.
Ava Gala Suite ($1,900/night): Features two bedrooms, two double beds, a living room, a workspace, a master bath, and a private terrace.
Ava Penthouse Suite ($2,500/night): Features a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and private terrace, a second bedroom with a private terrace, two bathrooms, a living room and kitchen, and a main terrace with a 6-person spa tub.

I was in an oceanfront king room for four nights, which featured the above amenities. While on the expensive side, it was honestly exactly what I would expect for $600 a night—better than any Hilton or Marriott I’ve stayed in. The private terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea really sealed the deal for me. Even if you were to spend the whole day lounging in bed (which I certainly did not), you still feel like you’re in Mexico, thanks to the massive sliding glass door to the terrace where you can still see the beach.

My Cancún highlights

First up, a breathwork class

If you’re not familiar, breathwork exercises involve a combination of deep and shallow breathing, usually at fast paces, with breath holds in between. Because this type of breathwork activates your parasympathetic nervous system—which is responsible for relaxing your body, per the Cleveland Clinic—it’s supposed to help calm you down. (LOL at me being anxious about trying something meant to be soothing.)

Our instructor, Ben Smith, a certified breathwork and performance coach, had us lie face up on our yoga mats and put on eye masks to create a bit of sensory deprivation (research¹ has shown sensory deprivation can help reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and pain). Not going to lie, I was immediately uncomfortable. And even though Smith kept repeating that it didn’t matter how silly we looked or felt, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d be judged for the next hour, even though no one could even see me.

Next, EDM music began blasting—I could feel the bass pulsing in my body. Soon, Smith began taking fast, deep belly breaths that we had to follow along with. It was hard to keep up with, and as the breaths got faster, I thought I was going to hyperventilate. I knew I had to stop thinking so much.

But then I remembered I was outside on a terrace facing the ocean—and while I couldn’t see it at that moment, smelling the salty water and feeling the cool breeze snapped me out of panic. It was a much more calming atmosphere than, say, a workout studio in a landlocked U.S. state. At a certain point, I really did let go of any intrusive thoughts and forgot about how awkward I felt.

We spent the last few minutes of class in corpse pose (Savasana) letting our breathing get back to normal. In my own dark little world, I felt the calmest I had in a long time. (Seriously, I had a spa session the day before and didn’t even feel as relaxed afterward as I did after the breathwork class.) After we took our eye masks off, I had tears in my eyes—sure, most of it was from how bright it was without the masks, but there was a small part of me that felt so moved and changed.

Then, taking a class with Julianne Hough (yep, that Julianne Hough)

If you’re like me, you probably remember watching Julianne Hough on Dancing With the Stars in the mid-2000s. Now, she has her own workout method called Kinrgy, a dance class that incorporates elements of strength training, yoga, and meditation.

Hough taught this class specifically for the resort’s grand opening, and it was on the same terrace overlooking the ocean where the breathwork class had been held. Unfortunately, this also meant I’d be sweating profusely, as it was 80 degrees and humid (though the provided cold towels and cucumber water helped a tiny bit).

I was intimidated as hell to take this class. The thought of dancing in the same space as a professional genuinely made me want to back out at the last second, but it was too cool of an opportunity to pass up. So in I went, taking a spot toward the middle of the pack.

Hough began the class by demonstrating a few key moves that would be repeated throughout and had us follow along. Despite her going through them slowly, I wasn’t picking them up as fast as I wanted to, which I knew would be an issue when we did the moves for real. As I looked around, most people looked like they were naturals. Great, they’re probably looking at me like I don’t belong, I thought. Cue the anxiety.

When the music turned on and we officially got started, the first few sequences were rough for me. It felt as though my limbs and brain weren’t connected as I went from one move to the next, always off by a beat or two. But surprisingly (or maybe unsurprisingly), the same thing happened here as it did in the breathwork class: Somewhere between a grapevine step and a hip thrust, I stopped caring how I was being perceived. I was letting myself have fun, and I felt like a kid again.

Toward the end of the session, we stopped dancing and Hough had us close our eyes and think about everything we were grateful for in our lives. The song “Rise Up” by Andra Day was playing in the background (if you know, you know), and when we all opened our eyes, there wasn’t a dry eye in the class. I went from feeling awkward and embarrassed to feeling such a connection to a bunch of strangers (a mix of resort guests and those specially invited to Ava’s opening) in literally 60 minutes—something I didn’t think would be possible, and it wouldn’t have been if I’d sat the class out like I originally wanted to.

Enjoying the super-expansive food selection

One thing I had no reservations about on this trip? Eating. The resort’s all-inclusive nature means unlimited food and drinks throughout the whole resort for all guests, regardless of which room you choose. There are casual buffets, ice cream shops, taco stations (truly the best tacos I’ve ever had), poolside food and beverage service, and 17 fine dining restaurants (only open for dinner) that offer cuisines like Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, French, and more. Fun fact: All the chefs were trained by top chefs from around the world—and it shows.

Exploring the resort’s activities

Even though I traveled by myself, I genuinely think that Ava Resort Cancún would be great for families and solo travelers alike. There are six pools—one that’s adults-only—with three swim-up bars, private cabanas, deck chairs, sunbeds, and lounge chairs. There’s also the Ava Bay, a 2.8-acre manmade body of water on property where you can do water activities like sailing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

If you want to break up your poolside lounging, there’s a free gym and a few activities you’ll have to pay extra for:

A full-service spa
A golf couse
Laser tag
Bowling
Arcade games

There are also free kids and teens clubs on site where they can make friends and you can have some alone time. Not to mention, you can book private or group excursions outside the resort (for an added cost) to see the ruins of Chichén Itzá, go scuba diving, swim with dolphins, do a jungle tour, and more. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do any of this due to the short period of time I was there and an already-packed schedule of events *in* the resort, but I totally would have done all of the above if I had the time.

A few notes

While my stay at Ava Resort Cancún was truly lovely, I do have a few notes that might be helpful to consider before visiting. The first is the resort’s location. While it has easy airport access, it’s more than a 30-minute drive from Cancún’s central “hotel zone” and downtown area. This means it’s tough to explore the restaurants, bars, and clubs the city has to offer, as you’d have to pay for a cab or Uber to get there, so it has the potential to feel isolating if you’re there for a long period of time.

This leads me to the fact that because of the resort’s location, the beach isn’t as good of quality as the others in the hotel zone. My shuttle driver from the airport said to avoid going in the ocean because it’s more “swampy” than the other beaches in Cancún. (Hence the manmade bay I mentioned earlier.) So you can walk along the beach, but that’s pretty much it.

I also found there wasn’t much to do in the resort itself, unless you have excursions booked or want to pay extra for the spa, golf, bowling, laser tag, or arcade games. But in terms of entertainment, shows, or live music, you’d need to leave the resort to find it. So although there’s definitely stuff to keep you occupied, I would say that Ava is very much a resort for people who need a break from life and want to mostly just lounge around.

Final thoughts

While I’m not inherently an all-inclusive resort girlie—I’d rather sightsee on my own in a less extravagant way and not be confined to one space—I still had a great time and recommend it to anyone looking for a luxurious getaway who wants to relax by the pool with a taco and margarita in hand.

The resort is definitely on the expensive side, but if you can afford it and enjoy all-inclusive vacations like this, I would say my experience was worth it. The activities I did during my stay got me out of my comfort zone, and I’m proud of myself for trying something new.

Resort rates:

Rooms start at $600/night. The Ava Gala Suite is $1,900/night and the Ava Penthouse Suite is $2,500/night.

Book directly at Ava Resort Cancún or on Booking.com.

Book now

Kjellgren A, Westman J. Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation in flotation-tank as a preventive health-care intervention – a randomized controlled pilot trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Oct 25;14:417. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-417. PMID: 25344737; PMCID: PMC4219027.
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