We got off to a bit of a rough start with this hotel but they redeemed themselves 100 fold. First off the entrance is not impressive at all and the hotel is designed completely different from the usual Cancun resorts, so that took me aback. Normally, Yucatán hotels are more open with fresh air and a view directly to the ocean and/or pool area. This is more closed in with more of a city hotel feel. The check-in—I had asked in advance if we could use a discover card for the room at the hotel. And we couldn’t so that was a bit of a scare because we had planned on using that card but it worked out by using other cards. Be aware that what the reservations tells you and what happens at the hotel is different. They put us into a garden view room, what we booked. The room was big and beautiful with a really nice big terrace that felt very private because of the landscaping. We were on the ground floor which is really convenient to getting outside and to the restaurants. The automatic curtains are hypnotizing and we didn’t value just how wonderful they were until later in the trip. The bed and linens are comfortable. There were a couple broken things in the room: the night reading lights, cold water in the shower and a drawer. I was ok with the room until the 1st morning when I woke up and there was a lot of construction going on next door. I sleep with the balcony open because air con makes me get a cold, not fun. So, that was a problem. But ok. We normally book an ocean view room because it is my favorite thing in the world to sleep to the sound of the ocean but the price difference was too big for the same room but just the view, so I figured we got what we paid for… The one thing that did piss us off was that they state that they have a pillow menu (this is important to us). But when we called to order, they had none except for one airplane pillow, literally the one that goes around the neck but in a pillowcase. Oh and every time we walked down the hallway to go outside there was room service left out. Multiple rooms with food left out, which made us a bit nervous about animals and it just wasn’t nice. On the 2nd day, they sent us an email asking for feedback and I wrote about these things. This is where the entire trip turned around. The customer service manager, Sophie, came to check on us while at the beach the 3rd day. We talked about our experience thus far and she was sincere in her desire to improve our experience. I expressed that I didn’t get the hype about the hotel. I didn’t get how there was no signage for the restaurants and how there was very little outdoor seating at the restaurants. I just didn’t get it… And she said that she wanted me to get it and she would do everything she could to make that happen. (“We’ll see” is what I thought) She very generously put us into an ocean view room. The same room overall without the broken things (except the safe was very sensitive had to hold it shut to secure it). The view was gorgeous. The plumbing made gurgling noises but it was not a problem. Magically, memory foam pillows arrived!!! Now, we were smiling. It took a day but I did get it. This hotel is not a resort. (Maybe I should have started with this) Live Aqua is designed like a boutique hotel but they have more rooms so they can’t officially be called a boutique, but still, that’s what it is. And boutiques are my favorite because of the attention to detail, because of the more intimate feel, because of the more personal interaction with the staff. For example: The toiletries are Molten Brown. The towels are big and good quality. The robes… well I wanted to steal one, they should sell them in the store downstairs. These are small things, but make the experience more welcoming. The restaurants are all gourmet. Each chef is a master. And I cook and I do the shishi restaurants throughout the world. This is a very different food experience compared to any other hotel I have stayed at in Yucatán, which is many. The first night we came upon a taco stand while walking to the restaurants through the outdoor path. And I will say I was a bit frustrated at how we didn’t even know that was there! No notice, no signage, nothing. But, as we got into the groove of the hotel, I realized, the entire outdoor area experience is designed to feel like food trucks/stands. Which I absolutely love!!! There are stands for tacos, barbecue meats, hot dogs and such, and my man’s favorite— a crepe stand. Even the seafood corner overlooking the beach—it just feels like a food stand on the beach with your feet in the sand. I literally scheduled my day out eating different things though out the day. I ate a small breakfast then at 12 had my tuna sopes (a hard flat taco with fresh tuna sashimi on top with garlic alioli, this was exquisite), then at 2ish bbq stand (not Texas bbq with the sauce, just fresh beautiful meats done by a real grill master) then between 4 to 6 crepes, and finally the tacos start at 6. There are also a couple of restaurants available for lunch—Italian, Azur and I am pretty sure the buffet is open but there was no need for that, plus it was inside seating which I don’t do on the beach if I can avoid it. Sophie introduced us to the chefs and we were offered to do chef tastings at the restaurants. If you can do this, please do. MB is more of an American nouveau restaurant with Mexican and French influences. Do not leave without trying the habanero bisque soup, divine. The Mexican restaurant is not Tex Mex, this is fine Mexican dining. I told the chef that I adore the Mexican ajís (pepper sauces) and he brought us out the most delicious ajís with these naan-like breads that melted in our mouths. Lamb shank, small quesadillas that melted in our mouths, tortilla soup that was possibly the best I’ve ever had (I am salivating thinking about it now). Hidden garden was also good, but not our favorite. Italian… I don’t like to do Italian in Mexico. In my experience I have found Italian restaurants in Mexico to be a far cry from what we can get at home. So, I normally avoid it. But, Sophie had introduced us to the chefs and they pushed us to go on our last night. I am now kind of pissed we didn’t go earlier, let’s just say that. All of the pasta was freshly made and divine. Divine I tell you. You Must have the artichoke salad, It is more of a mezze to be dipped into with bread. Sophie had introduced us to the chefs and everyone that could have an impact on our experience. And each of them were personable and invested to make our experience great. And that right there is everything. Each person gave us their whats app and would contact us to ask us where we were eating, what we wanted to eat, the chefs even shared recipes with me! (Love!!) Everyone speaks English. Our waiter at the beach told us about his experience going to and working in the US. They made us feel like friends welcoming us to their home. Now, I will talk about the beach. This is one of the best beach set ups ever. They do have bali beds available for rental, I think they cost about $65 for the day. And we had already planned to book one every day to be comfortable. But the 1st day we just wanted to get the lay of the land and then book going forward. The first line to the ocean is filled with cushioned beds for 2 with pillows and a cloth cover and umbrellas. These, in our opinion, were heaven. Bali beds are wonderful but I am sensitive to the sun and they don’t always block, but umbrellas can be shifted(!!) Sophie had introduced us to the beach/pool area manager the first day and he had offered us a bali bed, generously, but we loved these beds so much that we just stayed there for the duration of the trip. Beach service was attentive and frequent. Important to us— the ocean. The water was beautiful. The waves are jumping waves, there are some times throughout the day where the water is calmer and you can just float around, normally earlier in the day, but overall the water is a bit choppy. There is a sandbar where the water is lower, but I prefer to immerse. It is a long strip of beach so there is nothing to break the waves. One late afternoon a couple got stuck out too far and the lifeguard went in and did his thing. I like jumping waves so I was very happy. This was a concern for me because I did read in other reviews some questionable statements about the water, if you are comfortable in the ocean it is beautiful. We did one day at the pool, as I mentioned, and the service there is excellent. They come throughout the day with moist towels (keep one to clean up after eating as they have a pool menu—the wings and calamari are excellent order multiples they are small portions). The hot tub is hot. And there is a “party” pool nearer to seafood corner with louder music and a more raucous crowd. The entire team there went above and beyond to make our experience amazing. The 4th day was my husbands birthday. An entire group found us at the seafood corner (stalkers =D!) with signs (with his name written on some) and they sang happy birthday to him and we had a little party there. Can I just say how wonderful this was? At first I thought that we were special. Then I started noticing that each party had someone checking on them. We sat at the pool another day and another customer service rep came out to make sure that the group next to us would be able to dine together. They were a bigger group and that can be a challenge getting big enough tables to accommodate all of them. They brought them a selection of cakes at one point because I think one of them liked sweets. And they came out to the pool to sing happy birthday to another entirely different couple with the signs and party all over again. The elevators are slow, just fyi. The stores have very good quality items, the clothes and bags. I have to go back because there was a purse that I meant to buy but missed my opportunity. I don’t normally write such long reviews. But this hotel merits it. I would absolutely return to Live Aqua. I sincerely hope that it will be as special of an experience. Overall, the beach, the food, the quality and the customer service was excellent.

We just returned from our 3rd stay at Live Aqua (2014, 2017, 2020) and we couldn't be more pleased with our decision to return. During the middle of a pandemic, it is not an easy decision to decide to travel for leisure, and to decide where to go and feel safe. From our prior experiences at Live Aqua, and reading recent guest comments, we were convinced that the best possible vacation getaway would be to return to Live Aqua; it's like returning home. They are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of their staff and guest at all times. We observed employees in every space of the hotel consistently wearing 3 layers of PPE (medical mask, eye goggles, and plastic face shields). They are gently offering hand sanitizer to guest at every location on the property, and sanitizing every seating location after each guest (both the table and all chairs). No one enters your room except you and your daily housekeeper, who does deep sanitization during the daily cleaning. Room service and any other request comes to your door and stops theirWe actually felt more safe on the property at Live Aqua than we feel going to the store or to a restaurant here in Atlanta, Georgia. From the moment I sent an email noting our pending return, I began receiving amazing service and communications from Monserrat Villarreal. When Live Aqua says "Your Wish My Wish" they truly mean it. Monserrat prearranged spa appointments prior to our arrival, reserved dining for our first two nights, and provided every advance detail that we might have interest in during our stay. She was also there in the lobby to greet us upon our arrival. This is exception service, as we are not Fiesta Club Members. We are just avid travelers that are loyal to the many properties around the world that have been amazing host over the years. Since our visit in September 2017 the hotel has gone through a renovation/upgrade, and the rooms are beautiful and modern, with many Smart Room features added. Was hasn't changed is the genuine staff. They are amazing people who clearly love accommodating people. I must mention a few specifically. Christian in MB Restaurant is an attentive and warm head waiter who delivers excellent personal service. We had the pleasure of being seated at one of his tables on two different nights. Oscar at Siete Restaurant is not only a great waiter, but has an excellent baritone voice that beautifully sang happy birthday to my wife; what a surprise! Sophie Minasarova is the Public Relations Manager, and everywhere we turned, we saw her! She is literally in 5 places at one time, and is extremely engaging with guest to ensure that they are enjoying their stay, and are feeling the "love" of Live Aqua. Last but definitely not least is Jorge Noriega. He is the Food & Beverage Manager, and he must also go to the same magic school as Sophie, because he is everywhere. He attends to every detail, and every food and dining experience seems to reflect his dedication and joy in what he does.

Me and my wife recently returned from our honeymoon at Live Aqua. I consider my self well traveled especially when it comes to staying at all inclusive resorts. There are 4 categories that I believe make or break a resort, location, property, staff and food. Live Aqua is located about 20 minutes from the airport and about 10 minutes away from the clustered hotel zone. They have a manicured private beach that's not overrun by vendors. Across form the hotel is La Isla shopping village that's has everything from high-end clothing to H & M there are plenty of restaurants if you get bored of the food at the resort which I highly doubt. Don't make the same mistake we did if your shopping for souvenirs go to LA Isla avoid the flea market in town where you might think you can bargain better deals. We found the most reasonably priced things there without the pressure of haggling. Now the property at Live Aqua is stunning probably the cleanest resort I've stayed at. With all the covid protocols in place the could teach us something here in the states. Temperature checks and hand sanitizer before entering any restaurants shoe sanitizing mats at every entrance every staff member is masked up. The entire hotel is sanitized daily I personally witnessed on multiple occasions staff members walking around and spraying everything down from the pool area to the elevators. This property has 8 restaurants, 7 pools, spa, gym, gift shops, photographer and if you're lucky enough and upgrade to aqua club you get access to their aqua club level lounge which includes premium drinks and a variety of finger foods all day. Now to the staff they were simply amazing very accommodating very professional and very easy to communicate with as everyone I ran into spoke English which makes for a stree free vacation. As it was our honeymoon and they were aware of it we were constantly surprised with random shots by the pool, beautifully plated deserts at dinners and even a bottle of champagne and deserts to our room. While the entire staff was amazing one person in particular stuck out and that was Rodrigo the pool supervisor but should be hotel manager he made our trip so much more enjoyable from accommodating any request at the pool to places to eat things to do places to go. He was always checking on us either by chatting us up at the pool or a simple text to see how we were doing or if there was anything we needed. On to the food Delicious. You can get anything from a simple hotdog to veal. Options are unlimited and all amazing beautiful platted creations with a little twist on them. The habanero soup from MB was our absolute favorite. Overall I give Live Aqua a 10 out of 10.