My Honest Personal Review of The Haven on Norwegian Aqua, OKC Sandals Resorts Travel Agent Near Me-Luxury Advisor

After years of helping clients plan unforgettable cruises, I finally experienced Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, and stayed in The Haven—specifically, cabin 14822. As a travel agent and a frequent cruiser, I had high expectations. I’m thrilled to say The Haven exceeded every one of them. Here’s my honest, positive review for anyone considering this exclusive “ship within a ship” experience.

First Impressions: Effortless Luxury from the Start

From the moment I arrived at the port, The Haven experience was apparent. Priority embarkation whisked me past the crowds, and I was personally escorted onboard. The dedicated concierge and butler team greeted me with genuine warmth, setting the tone for a week of personalized service and relaxation.

The Suite: Spacious, Modern, and Thoughtfully Designed

Cabin 14822 is a true sanctuary. The modern design balances comfort with style—plush bedding, a pillow menu, L’Occitane bath products, and a tranquil color palette. The suite’s layout maximized space, with a king-sized bed, a spacious living area, and a bathroom that rivaled luxury hotels. Storage was ample, with plenty of room for luggage under the bed and in the closets.

The balcony was a highlight—furnished with comfortable wicker chairs and a table, perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails. Every evening, my butler delivered treats and replenished the fruit bowl, and I loved the Nespresso machine for a quick pick-me-up.

Exclusive Haven Spaces: Your Private Oasis

The Haven’s private areas are truly what set it apart:

The Haven Lounge: A serene spot to relax, read, or enjoy a cocktail. The atmosphere was peaceful, and the staff quickly learned my preferences, making every visit feel personal.

The Haven Restaurant: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offered a consistently excellent menu. The French press coffee at breakfast and the surf-and-turf at dinner were standouts. While the menu doesn’t change daily, the quality and service made every meal a pleasure.

The Sundeck & Infinity Pool: Two levels of exclusive outdoor space, with plush loungers, day beds, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the aft, and hot tubs. It was never crowded, always tranquil, and the servers were attentive without being intrusive.

Private Bar: Expertly crafted cocktails and a friendly, social atmosphere—perfect for meeting fellow Haven guests or unwinding after a day ashore.

Service: Above and Beyond

The Haven’s staff are the true stars. The butler and concierge made every request effortless, from securing prime dining reservations to arranging in-suite specialty dining. Snacks and drinks appeared just when I wanted them, and the team handled every detail—from laundry to shore excursion advice—with professionalism and a smile.

Perks & Amenities: Small Touches, Big Impact

Priority embarkation, disembarkation, and tendering

Complimentary in-suite movies and room service

Welcome bottle of bubbly and daily treats

Plush bathrobes and slippers

Mobile phone for onboard use

Priority seating at entertainment venues

Who Should Book The Haven?

The Haven is ideal for anyone seeking a more private, pampered cruise experience—families, couples, or solo travelers who want the amenities of a large ship with the intimacy and service of a boutique hotel. Whether you want to relax in exclusive spaces, enjoy gourmet dining, or have every detail handled by attentive staff, The Haven delivers.

Final Thoughts: Worth Every Penny

Staying in The Haven on Norwegian Aqua was a game-changer. The combination of luxury, privacy, and personalized service made my cruise unforgettable. If you’re considering The Haven, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment for a truly elevated vacation at sea.

If you have questions or want to book your own Haven experience, reach out—I’d love to help you plan a cruise you’ll never forget!

Ready to experience The Haven for yourself? Contact me today for exclusive offers and expert advice!

We had the privilege of staying at AVA Resort Cancun on its opening day. Here’s our firsthand review of this highly anticipated, family-friendly, brand-new luxury all-inclusive resort in Cancun.

AVA Resort Cancun opened on June 1, 2024 in Cancun, Mexico.

#1 - The videos and pictures you see online do not capture the spectacular size of the resort.

Grab a coffee and take a quick read of my review of my stay at AVA Resort Cancun. Here’s an overview and my insight of this beautiful resort.

The resort has a very modern luxury yacht feel with Mexican riviera inspiration, but also reminds me of a higher end luxury resort with cohesion but great separation of activities based on ages.

Truly, AVA has it all!

As AVA had a soft opening on June 1st, I had the pleasure to arrive for my first glimpse of this new hotel and brand. With the understanding this is a soft opening and various elements and parts of the resort will open in segments in the next 60-90 days. This is a chance for the hotel operations and staff to begin a fluid operation and continued training.

First and foremost, I love the feel and the vision. The cohesiveness, thoughtfulness and care for client experience already shows.

The north tower features 5 specialty restaurants:

Plaza Mx (gourmet stations)
Black Iron (steak house)
Kita (Teppanyaki)
Veranda (Italian)
and Copal (Mexican)

I had the pleasure to try Veranda and Black Iron and absolutely loved it. The best Burrata and the best filet I’ve ever had at an all-inclusive.

Casual spots that were a highlight were the Copal Tacos stand (hand made tortillas and spits), Komos frozen yogurt and Aroma Norte, this is an upscale a coffee shop.

Currently, two main bars are open. The Mixology bar, called The Cocktail Bar and Digit our digital art/sports bar, which is the only element located on south tower open, right near lobby. Must try “The Sombrero” it rivals the Carajillo.

@vincentvacations.com The Spa and Fitness Center at AVA Resort in Cancun. The spa is over 66,000 square feet and the fitness center is over 11,000. #avaresortcancun #avaresort #allinclusiveresort #vincentvacations ♬ Dile - Los Inquietos Del Vallenato

Ava Bay is gorgeous in person. As the resort adds activities and entertainment, I see it being very vibrant and fun for all ages. AVA will offer pool parties, soft music, floating games and more. Suny pool is the kids pool and there AVA will do fun kids foam parties and kids club activities.

Dez day club and out adults only pool areas will open later on which are located in the south tower front area.

The gym is incredible, lots of classes will be offered. The spa is beautiful and boasts some amazing common areas and cabins.

For entertainment, AVA has art classes for all ages, cooking classes, wellness activities, theme nights for adults, mixology classes and some extra spa activities. This is apart from on site entertainment at speakeasy, nightclub, around the promenade and of course daytime by pool.

The kids club, teen lounge, daycare facility, theater and south tower are currently not open we will share updates as we get them.

From the moment I arrived, the sheer grandeur of the resort immediately stands out. Nestled along the stunning Caribbean Sea, every single one of the 1,622 rooms, suites, and villas boasts breathtaking ocean views. The attention to detail in the room decor and amenities is impeccable, providing a perfect blend of comfort and luxury.

You will not find a resort that is closer to the airport. However, during my stay the noise from the air traffic was minimal. With its proximity, this location will be perfect for corporate retreats, destination weddings and similar large group travel, as it is so easy to access and boasts 90,000 square feet of event space.

A quick rundown of the main points of AVA.

Oceanfront Accommodations

Important to know: Every hotel room offers unobstructed, oceanfront views with mesmerizing sunsets, even from the lowest floors. The accommodations are luxurious and inspired by the pristine white sand and turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean.

Online, you will read it's a 10 minute transfer to the resort from the airport, but mine was more like 5 minutes.

It features 1,622 rooms, suites, and villas, all with ocean views of the Caribbean Sea.

The resort has 17 restaurants and bars offering global cuisines like Peruvian, French, Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican.

2.8-acre sustainable saltwater bay powered by Crystal Lagoons technology, providing a unique swimming experience.

AVA Resort has a 90,000 square foot spa, beauty, fitness, and wellness space.

There are dedicated clubs and activities for kids (AVA Kids) and teens (The Lounge) to keep them entertained.

Other amenities include a nightclub, speakeasy bar, bowling alley, escape room, theater, and water park.

The resort is offering introductory rates up to 30% off, free kids stays, and complimentary airport transfers for bookings made before the opening.

AVA Resort Cancun offers a diverse array of unique dining experiences with over 17 restaurants and bars showcasing global cuisines.

Some standout restaurant options include:

- Aji - Modern Peruvian cuisine

- Chez Moi - Classic Parisian-style French restaurant (adults only)

- Copal - Modern Mexican cuisine with an outdoor taqueria

- Kita North and Minami South - Classic teppanyaki grill and sushi bars

- The Food District - International gastro market with various global food stalls

- Plaza Mx - Authentic Mexican snacks and street food

- Aroma Cafe & Bakery - Locally sourced coffee and housemade pastries

- Konos Ice Creams - Gourmet ice cream parlors

The resort also offers unique dining settings like poolside service, in-room dining with 24/7 room service, rooftop dining, and the ability to organize private dining events.

Additionally, there are several bars including a nightclub with guest DJs, a speakeasy bar, swim-up bars, and more for evening entertainment.

The resort features diverse culinary offerings across its 17 restaurants and bars showcasing global cuisines.

AVA Bay

AVA Bay is the perfect idyllic water playground.

The lagoon features signature and unique AVA floating cabanas for the best relaxation on your vacation.

AVA thought of everything as the lagoon is comprised of sustainable artificial saltwater that serves as a water playground catering to both kids and adults.

The lagoon allows for various non-motorized water activities:

For Kids:
- Water park with slides and play areas
- Swimming in the crystal clear turquoise waters
- Kayaking and paddleboarding

For Adults:
- Sailing
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
- Kayaking
- Relaxing in the floating cabanas

The lagoon is powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, using less water and energy than a traditional pool while requiring fewer chemicals, making it environmentally friendly. Both kids and adults can enjoy the water playground at AVA Bay through these diverse offerings.

AVA Kids Club

There is a dedicated AVA Kids Club that offers supervised activities like indoor slides, trampolines, and access to the water park and AVA Bay lagoon. There are full time lifeguards/staff monitoring kids in the water areas.

Best Rooms for Families

For families, the best room types at AVA Resort Cancun are:

Friends & Family Oceanfront Suite

This spacious suite features a master bedroom, TV room with a daybed that sleeps two children, and a living area with an L-sofa. It comfortably accommodates 2 adults and up to 3 children under 12.

Friends & Family Sundeck Suite

With an expansive sundeck and outdoor living room with sun-tanning beds, this suite offers ample space for families. It overlooks the Crystal Lagoon and sleeps 2 adults and up to 3 children/teens.

Two Bedroom Panoramic Suite

Designed like a second home, these suites have spacious walk-in closets, a TV room, dining for eight, kitchenette, spa-inspired baths, and private terraces with daybeds and spa tubs. They can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children.

Three or Four Bedroom Villas

These villas are exclusively for LVC members and can sleep 8-12 guests, making them ideal for larger families or multi-generational travel. They offer abundant space and luxurious member-only amenities.

The resort's family-friendly accommodations and amenities like the AVA Bay, kids' and teens' clubs, and diverse dining options, make AVA Resort Cancun an excellent choice for families seeking a luxurious all-inclusive vacation.

Family Friendly Spa Experience

AVA Resort Cancun offers an extensive spa experience that caters to families in the following ways:

Family-Friendly Spa Amenities

- The Spa at AVA features a dedicated hydrotherapy circuit area where families can enjoy therapeutic water experiences together.

- There are 24 double spa cabins designed for couples or families to receive treatments side-by-side.

- The spa has a spacious restoration lounge where families can relax together after treatments.

Kid-Focused Offerings

- The spa menu includes kid-friendly treatments and services tailored for younger guests.

- There is a beauty salon within the spa complex where kids can get hairstyling, manicures, etc.

- The spa likely offers family packages or specials for parents and children to enjoy services together.

Wellness Programming

- In addition to the spa, AVA has a large 11,000+ sq ft fitness center with group fitness classes that families can participate in together, like yoga or pilates.

- The resort's focus on holistic wellness means there are likely educational programs or activities around healthy living that are family-inclusive.

AVA Resort Cancun has designed its extensive spa facilities and programming to be an immersive wellness experience that accommodates families looking to relax and rejuvenate together during their vacation.

Event Spaces

AVA Resort Cancun offers a wide range of event spaces and services to organize various types of events and gatherings for guests.

Private Events and Celebrations

- The resort has flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces that can be customized for private events like weddings, parties, and celebrations.

- They have a dedicated event planning team to assist with all details before, during, and after the event for a smooth experience.

- Custom menus can be crafted by the resort's master chefs for private dining events.

Corporate Events and Meetings

- AVA Resort has over 90,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space across 52 meeting rooms, with the largest room spanning 53,223 sq. ft.

- The event spaces are fully wired and adaptable for corporate gatherings like conferences, meetings, and workshops.

- Audiovisual technology and support is available for business events.

Recreational Activities

- The resort organizes private and group excursions/tours to nearby cultural attractions and natural destinations.

- On-site, they offer various activities like watersports (kayaking, paddleboarding) at the AVA Bay saltwater lagoon.

- Other amenities for guest activities include a nightclub, speakeasy bar, bowling alley, escape room, theater, and water park.

AVA Resort Cancun is well-equipped to host private celebrations, destination weddings, corporate functions, recreational outings, and custom-designed events tailored to guests' needs, supported by dedicated event planning staff and facilities.

Contact us today to book your stay at AVA or to learn more:

https://www.vincentvacations.com/get-a-quote?loc=AVAresort

Is Greece on Your Bucket List?

Greece regularly ends up in articles and lists for things such as top destination, top searched country, and most beautiful. But for a first-time visitor to Greece, deciding on which town or island to visit can be overwhelming. Each has its own historical significance and beauty.

Of course, Athens is a must-visit city with the famed Acrop-olis and Parthenon as pictures don't do them justice. And on mainland Greece, you can also see Mount Olympus and Thessaloniki.

Some parts of the country can be reached as a port of call on a cruise. Or you can make your own cruise itinerary by taking advantage of hydrofoil ferries that have routes be-tween the more know islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Islands give you a great mix of historical archaeo-logical sites as well as relaxing beaches and unforgettable sunsets.

There is something for every kind of traveler in Greece which is why it deserves to be on every travel bucket list.

places to know in Greece — Places to Know in Greece

Where to visit

Greece is a top destination for many people. It is no wonder why with its creation of the Olympic games, ancient ruins, beautiful islands, and fabulous food. But how do you decide where to visit on a vacation to Greece? Here are eight regions of Greece to help you pick your top options for your next vacation.

Ionian Islands
Located west of mainland Greece, the Ionian islands are most known for Corfu and Ithaca. Corfu is a lush green island and has influences from its Venetian, French and British rulers of the past. This is where you want to go for cultural heritage, music and art. Ithaca, though not a typical Greek vacation stop, is most famous for Homer’s Odyssey. You can see Ithaca and how it inspired Homer on a day trip via boat.

Northern Mainland Greece
The northern mainland region of Greece is best known for historical and religious connections such as Thessaloniki and Mount Olympus. Thessaloniki is considered a cultural capital and is a popular destination on most Greek vacations where you can enjoy great seafood, beautiful coastlines, and historical experiences like the Byzantine Baths, see a statue of Alexander the Great, and dig into religious history. Mount Olympus is known as the home to the 12 Greek gods in mythology and is also home to beautiful flora and fauna throughout its hiking and trekking trails.

Greece packing list — Greece Packing List

Attica
Attica is the birthplace of western civilization rich in history. This region is famous for its archaeological sites and monuments. This region is home to Athens, the capital of Greece, where you can access the Parthenon, Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and many great museums.

Peloponnese
This region is most famous for Corinth and Olympia. Corinth has a rich history of being at the center of many political and religious battles. It was a Roman colony established by Caesar in 44BC and is known to Christians because of Paul’s letters in the New Testament of the Bible. A trip to see the ancient city ruins is worth your time. Olympia, as you likely know, is home of the Olympic games which began in 776BC. Olympia is home to the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Apollo, and the Archaeological Museum. See where the original games took place and marvel at where the temples of the gods once stood.

Saronic
The cluster of islands in the Saronic region are a picturesque image of Greece. Think no cars, island hopping by boat, private coves, and cobblestone pedestrian-only streets. Aegina is the most popular island in this region with its close proximity to Athens on the mainland. It is also home to the famous Aphea Temple, one of three sites in the “holy triangle.” This site is part of an equilateral triangle formed with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon.

Greece Itinerary Sample Idea — Greece Sample Itinerary

Cyclades
The Cyclades region is one of the more popular regions for vacationers as this is home to Santorini and Mykonos. But don’t limit yourself to just these well-known islands. There are 33 different islands in this region. Mykonos is known for its luxury holiday experience with both a bustling cosmopolitan city life as well as its breathtaking views of the coast. Santorini has a bit of everything including excellent gastronomy experiences, the famous white buildings with blue rooftops that are the perfect backdrop to unforgettable sunsets, and an active volcano.

Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island and has a bit of everything for the traveler. On this island, you can see ancient archaeological sites, enjoy perfect sandy beaches, and hike through steep gorges. Two of the most popular towns to visit include Chania, the capital town closest to the Samaria Gorge and Heraklion that is home to the Koules fortress.

Dodecanese
The Dodecanese islands are the southeastern set of Greek islands. The more popular places to visit in the region include Rhodes, a popular cruise stop for its beaches and gastronomy. Those looking for that perfect Instagram photo will want to include Symi in their travels. This island is known for how its village has such a traditional architecture of two-and three-story stone houses.

So, what kind of Greek experience are you seeking? Do you have visions of that perfect photo with the white buildings with blue rooftops in Santorini? Do you want to see ancient cities and ruins like Athens?

I would love to chat with you about Greece and help you decide on which regions are just right for your next vacation and how to best pair them together.

Top Greek Food to Try

Greek food is something special! Even the most discern-ing traveler can find something that is worth the calories. Here are the top dishes and drinks that are a must try on your next trip to Greece.

Moussaka this is a traditional dish made of spiced meat, usually lamb or beef, cooked in tomato sauce and then layered with fried eggplant and bechamel sauce.
Souvlaki - this popular dish is a marinated meat (chick-en, pork, beef, or lamb) served on a skewer and often eaten with warm pita bread
Tzatziki - a simple dip made with yogurt, dill, cucumber, olive oil, and lemon. This dip is a fantastic addition to any appetizer or main dish.
Choriatiki - this is a Greek salad served with almost ev-ery meal. A classic version of this salad has cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. It is served with oil and vinegar on the side to accommodate each person's dressing preference.
Kleftiko - a traditional slow-roasted lamb dish that in-fuses lemon, olive oil and garlic.
Spanakopita – A popular savory pie made with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and eggs, all wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo dough. It's perfect as a light snack or an appetizer.
Dolmades – These stuffed grape leaves are often filled with rice, pine nuts, and sometimes ground meat, seasoned with lemon and herbs. A refreshing and satisfying starter!

Top Greek Drinks to Try

Ouzo – This iconic anise-flavored spirit is often enjoyed as an aperitif. When mixed with water, it turns a milky white color and pairs well with meze (small appetizers).
Retsina – A traditional Greek wine that has been flavored with pine resin, giving it a unique and earthy taste. It's perfect for pairing with grilled meats and seafood.
Greek Coffee – Strong, thick, and served with foam on top, Greek coffee is typically enjoyed slowly. Don’t forget to savor the grounds left at the bottom of the cup—it’s all part of the experience!
Metaxa – A smooth amber spirit that blends brandy with muscat wine and a variety of botanicals. It's often sipped neat or over ice as a digestif after a meal.
Mastika – A liqueur made from mastic resin, harvested from the mastic trees on the island of Chios. Its aromatic, slightly sweet flavor is best enjoyed cold.

Ready to explore the beauty of Greece? Start planning your adventure today and check out our other posts for more tips on navigating this stunning country!