I last visited Live Aqua in 2012 right after it became an adults-only all-inclusive resort.  And I have missed it ever since.  That’s why I decided to book it again after reading the resort had undergone some renovations–I had to see what changes had occurred to my beautiful all-inclusive slice of paradise.

While I already knew Live Aqua’s name had been changed back in 2016 to Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun (a new mouthful), I didn’t quite know what to expect since it had been such a lengthy stretch of time between visits, and Cancun’s all-inclusive market is steeped in change.  Prior to arrival I had been staying at Iberostar Tucan, a delightful family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Playacar in the Riviera Maya (to read my resort review, click here).  Since not all areas of the Iberostar were A/C’d (Cancun in August requires a robust A/C system as far as I am concerned), I was looking forward to cooling off at Live Aqua in their public spaces.  So I hopped into my reserved private shuttle to my next resort destination (I always reserve a private shuttle van from USA Transfers–I’ve used their company since 2012 and they’ve never been late, are always courteous, and I’ve always had safe drivers.  I get to my destination faster without the hassle of enduring others’ resort stops along the way).

Arriving at my destination was very much as I remembered–friendly smiling faces of doormen tagging my bags and telling me “Welcome Home” (I love that part), the wonderful eucalyptus and mint spa-like scent permeating the lobby, and being escorted by staff to the Aqua Club Lounge on the 5th floor.  Non-upgraded guests check-in/out on the main floor, while all Aqua Club room and suite guests have a private check-in/out inside the Aqua Club Lounge.  Aqua Club rooms (my room category upgrade) were now on the 5th and 6th floors instead of just the 5th, while the actual lounge was still in the same place in the middle of the 5th floor.  A staircase had also been added between these two floors so that Aqua Club room guests don’t always have to take the elevator.  Also, guests still need their room key card to enter the private lounge since it is just for upgraded room categories.

The Aqua Club Lounge now has a dedicated bar area; the snacks are as prevalent and delicious as ever, while the multiple seating areas were comfortable and had great ocean and property views.  I was offered a glass of sparkling wine while checking-in; the process only took seven to ten minutes in total–this included taking a copy of my passport, signing paperwork, and an explanation of the resort.  Fortunately I was spared the timeshare push since I was traveling solo this trip.

When I got off the elevator to go to my room I noticed something new–a record player in the hallway.  To what purpose it serves I don’t know (music while waiting for the elevator perhaps?), I never heard anyone play it while I was there.  I would imagine the most it gets played is sometime after midnight when guests are returning to their rooms after having imbibed either at the downstairs bar or at nearby clubs–I’m sure you can picture the scene.  It was an original idea and looked cool, though!

Rooms appear to have gotten the most of the renovations and include the following changes:

• the bathroom Jacuzzi tub was gone in lieu of a large counter space with double sinks.
• glass panels and blinds have been added instead of the solid wall separating the bathroom from the bedroom and sitting area.  You can now open the blinds and get an ocean view from the bathroom.
• the toilet area now has a door but the phone was gone.
• the sitting area was larger with a small sofa.
• the decor and coloring was different–I liked the old decor better with the turquoise accents, the rooms are now done mostly in shades of grey and brown.
• they’ve installed automatic blackout drapes–there was a bedside button specifically for opening or closing these drapes so you don’t even have to get out of bed.
• there’s more in-room snacks and a Nespresso coffee maker.
• three different in-room lighting options.
• iHome dock with Bluetooth connection.
• there was a beach bag in the closet.
• you get to take home the slippers.

Room service was still 24-7 and totally complimentary; I ordered twice and you’d be surprised at how tasty the chicken soup and chicken quesadilla are, try them both if you get a chance (guacamole included!)

While I found the bed to be just as comfortable as I remember, the room temperature had to stay at the pre-set number–when I set it for a higher temperature there was an extreme amount of condensation on the windows and floor area.  Just an FYI.

What other changes did I notice, you may ask?  While I make no claims to having a photographic or perfect memory (lol, I wish I did), here’s what I noticed in terms of overall changes throughout the resort:

• the pool table had been moved from the downstairs ground level Aka bar to outside the Egos lobby bar.
• there were multiple food additions, including the Sushi Corner on the downstairs ground level, outdoor restaurants including the Hidden Garden (Thai), Varenna (Italian), and Inlaa’kech (fine dining in an enclosed space for an extra charge, it used to be an open-air steakhouse).  Also, there is a new café downstairs next to the gym which serves sandwiches, snacks, specialty coffees, and if you’re in the mood they offer Starbucks (the café is easy to miss–look for it in the back of the merchandise store downstairs next to the gym).  There was also a new grill area behind the pools which served more than just hamburgers and hot dogs, while paella was offered on several different afternoons–it was located outside of Varenna on the main walkway going to the pools.  There was also a cart which offered various refreshing non-alcoholic drinks located on the main walkway.
• DJ pool party occurred on Saturday in the swim-up pool area.
• occasional live poolside entertainment (singing).
• there was a new photo op spot down on the beach just underneath the round infinity pool–some very large wings with a space in between just meant for posing.  I expected to see Victoria Secret’s models there with the wing theme, but it’s for anyone who wants their picture taken.

Poolside looks just the same–seven great pools heated to different temperatures along with a separate centrally located Jacuzzi which was a great way to make new friends in the late afternoon.  (The swim-up bar is located in its own separate pool on the north end of the property).  I decided to rent a poolside cabana for a day this trip; if you aren’t staying in a suite there is a daily charge to rent one (suite guests get free beach or poolside cabana use).  The price was steep, around $70 USD, but it also included a complimentary 20 minute foot massage.  If you want to book a cabana just ask at the towel stand; I had to book mine a day prior to use.  Also, ask the staff at the towel stand to give you a short tour of the cabana locations, there are several and you want to get the right ambiance for your experience, especially if you are paying that kind of price.  There were additional kinds of poolside lounging, from padded loungers (complimentary) to day beds which were not framed or curtained for privacy like the cabanas; the day beds are an additional cost but are less expensive than the cabanas.

The beach swing bar was still there along with the beachfront restaurant, Seaside Corner (a different name this time).  I loved that restaurant for lunch, especially if you are able to get “front row” seats with a full beach and ocean view.  I still remembered the tasty shrimp tacos I had from there back when I visited in 2012, so I made sure to order them again.  Mmm, you have to try them along with a cold cerveza.  Lunch is also available poolside, just ask your wait staff to bring you a menu.

My only slight disappointment this time around was dinner at the beachfront Azur a la carte restaurant.  I didn’t recognize the menu and there was no grouper offered (it was one of the best dinners at the resort back in 2012), and nothing sounded too tempting.  I had an ocean view while dining but an uninspiring meal for sure.  If you go to the MB a la carte restaurant the habanero soup is a MUST, while dining at Siete is now divided between buffet and an a la carte Mexican menu.  FYI, what’s posted on your resort info and activities sheet you are given when you check-in is not always accurate, be sure to check before solidifying your vacation schedule, especially where dinner is concerned.  The only dinner reservation you need to make is at Inlaa’kech, it’s first-come first-served at the others.

Live Aqua still doesn’t have much nightlife on a consistent basis–there is no theater for nightly performances, but the resort does advertise a resident DJ from 9 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays at the lobby bar.  The good news for those who seek a more active nightlife scene is that the bus stop is on the street between Live Aqua and the Westin Lagunamar on the north side of the resort.   The public bus will take you to the nightclub district which is only a 5-7 minute ride away (depending on the traffic) to the north of the resort.  Bus fare went up recently, but I think it’s around 11 pesos for a one-way fare p/person.  While I’m always up for a travel adventure, even I wouldn’t take a bus back to the resort at 2 or 3 a.m. when you get out of the clubs (Coco Bongo doesn’t finish until after 3 a.m.).  Just look around for a cab and negotiate the fare back to the resort when you’re finished.

It was sad to say goodbye to my slice of paradise, but I hope I will have the opportunity to stay here once again.  Take a moment or two and enjoy the photo gallery below–just click on any of the thumbnails to get a larger view of the picture.

(The comments in this review are those of the author/reviewer.  This trip was paid for in its entirety by the author; at no time were any monies or services exchanged for this review).

Location:  20 min. north of the Cancun airport

Telephone:  52-998-881-7600, or 1-800-343-7821

Email:  conciergeaqcu@posadas.com