Getting closer to our favorite resort, The Avalon Reef, on its own islet connected by a wooden bridge to Isla Mujeres at the north end.
Touch down in Cancun and then head over in a sunny yellow and blue UltraMar ferry, sitting on the top deck, of course!
First decision: taxi to the resort or walk through town with luggage carried alongside by a "bicycle guy"? Let's walk!
A mile or so and then across the bridge to the Avalon Reef.
Check in at the front desk in the "tower."
Then beyond to the "villas" where we will be staying.
How about a walkabout the property?
The pool, with in-water loungers.
The beach! This is one of two bay-side beaches on the resort, conveniently located next to the free drinks for "owners."
The other, next to the bridge, looking off toward the famous "Playa Norte," "North Beach."
The Caribbean side; no swimming here. . .
But great for relaxing beside in a hammock. . .
Or snorkeling in "The King's Bath," a protected, reef-enclosed natural pool.
The dock that goes out really far. When I walk out to the end, I feel as though I should be in a boat. (Beware gusty days!)
A view of the villas from the dock. At the point, the open Caribbean meets the bay which lies between Isla and Cancun. See the gazebo?
Here it is again, all decked out for a wedding!
The location is what I love most about The Avalon Reef. With 360 degree water views, glorious displays of sunrises AND sunsets, and a charming, welcoming village just across the bridge, anything else is icing on the cake. Have a look. . .
The view out "my" office window. Mornings, I like to sit at one of the glass-topped tables off the lobby with my laptop.
The rugged, Caribbean coast with its sunrises. . .
And mesmerizing views.
The interesting stone house sitting on the water just across the way; supposedly a base for Jacques Cousteau when he was diving in the area.
Bayside activity
Cancun in the (far) distance
And off the balcony, sunsets, my favorite.
Review of The Avalon Reef
From Trip Advisor
Date of stay: January 2010
Reviewer in the 25-34 age bracket
(My sentiments are echoed here. Remember, this is Mexico with a slower pace and less attention to detail in terms of customer service and perfection of buildings than what we are accustomed to in The States. Key features are air-conditioned rooms and eggcrate mattress toppers on request to soften the typically ultra-firm island beds. Jane)
As the date of our departure approached, we began to see more and more negative reviews regarding this hotel. It appeared that various components of the hotel were being shut down, and we grew wary of our selection. We contacted our travel agency, who called the hotel and made inquiries. Apparently those issues had been largely resolved, but we still remained apprehensive. We arrived at Isla Mujeres with fairly low expectations. However, over the coming days those fears were replaced with utter contentment.
I will begin with the grounds and exterior of the hotel. The hotel itself is located on a private island off of Isla. So, you have to cross a bridge to get there. Reading some of the other reviews, they seem to present it as some sort of dangerous rickety bridge like something you would see out of an Indiana Jones movie. It is just a regular bridge, one that easily supports the weight of taxis. You may have to watch where you step, but it is a small price to pay to have your own island.
As far as the grounds, I am unsure of what people are complaining about. We delighted in walking about the island and found no end to the scenic views and photo opportunities. Throughout the grounds, there are a number of pavilions and lounge chairs for couples that want to sit together without a lot of people around. The hotel beaches looked a bit small to us at first. But then, we realized that the only people that use them are those staying in the hotel. Thus, we never had a problem finding a spot on one of the many lounge chairs the beach attendants provide (a far superior method to sunning yourself on the beach while lying in the sand, in my personal opinion).
One of the most amazing aspects of this location is that a series of rocks and coral connect the side of the private island to mainland Isla, forming a natural enclave filled with coral reefs and fish galore. This also prevents the water from getting rough and makes for pleasant swimming. We had been snorkeling on previous trips but have found the fish to be skittish and slim in number. Here, schools of them will swim right alongside of you, inches from you at times, as you snorkel around the various coral patterns. It was amazing and very convenient. We brought our own snorkeling masks, but it looked as if the hotel also provided them (Whether this is a free service is beyond my knowledge). On our original itinerary, we were going to go to the somewhat costly Garrafon Park in order to snorkel, but upon our discovery of this unique aspect of the hotel, we did not bother. Why pay when you can get it for free? Around the back of the hotel is a smaller, more isolated enclave called the King’s Bath. It is basically a small natural pool filled with minnows and other fish and is also great to snorkel in or merely soak.
As for the hotel itself, it is architecturally interesting and any rust stains on the back of the building that some reviewers have commented on are inconsequential since 1) the hotel is built on a small cliff, under which the rough ocean surf sprays against rocks in a very mesmerizing sort of way. So, aside from a porch where you can stand and watch this, you can’t see much of the back of the hotel anyway, and 2) Who goes to an island resort surrounded by beautiful blue water and breathtaking sunsets in order to stare at the back of a hotel? Any wear and tear that shows is an inevitable consequence of the hotel’s close proximity to the ocean with its wind, ocean spray, and occasional rough weather. So, cut them some slack, because although some paint may chip, the building is solid and the views more than make up for it.
As to the interior of the hotel, it was perfectly fine and there were various nooks located near windows to sit and look out at the water. (comments on the tower rooms omitted as non-applicable since our guests stay in villa units)
The service was great. Our lack of Spanish was not a problem. Located across from check-in is the desk of an extremely cheerful and helpful woman who is there to provide information on the island and the hotel. We strongly recommend speaking with her!
As far as the food goes, we opted not to do all-inclusive and only paid for breakfast. We highly suggest this approach. There is no reason to eat all of your meals in the hotel when you have streets filled with amazing food of all varieties mere blocks away. Do not be afraid to explore! It is not a large island and feels very safe to walk around. The breakfasts ranged from adequate to great, depending on what they had on the buffet line, and there is always an omelet station, tasty pastries, or cereal to fall back on if you do not care for what they are serving that day. The best part is that you can sit and eat overlooking the water while enjoying the fresh air.
Overall, for the price this place is amazing. Expect some wear and tear, it is inevitable. The staff is friendly and tries to accommodate everyone to the best of their abilities, but try to remember, they are human. The views and sunsets are awe-inspiring. The location is incredible! The snorkeling is amazing! Do not come here if all you want to do is sit in your room; there are better places for that. Come here if you are looking for sunshine, to snorkel, and to explore everything that Isla Mujeres has to offer.
