Stormy weather and cancelled snorkeling excursions in typically sunny Cancun? A bummer, sure, but easier to shrug off when you’ve checked into the all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Cancun.
Located on Punta Cancun, the resort celebrated its grand opening Jan. 12 — and grand it was, with a lively party befitting the resort’s own splendor.
Formerly Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, Hyatt Ziva Cancun has made its $85 million expansion and renovation count. Guests choose from 547 rooms and suites, all of which feature private balconies and complimentary Wi-Fi access. I stayed in a standard room, the 483-square-foot Hyatt Ziva Ocean Front King, which came complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, a complimentary minibar and a beautifully tiled rain shower. The view of the turquoise ocean — which flanks the resort on three sides and provides two swimmable beaches — didn’t hurt, either.
Among the many other options, a Hyatt Ziva Dolphin View Master King room jumps to 598 square feet, while the two-story Hyatt Ziva Pyramid Suite is 1,316 square feet. Guests 18 and older can take advantage of adults-only accommodations in the brand-new 17-story Premium Tower, which includes swim-up suites and balconies with private hot tubs.
Like all Hyatt Ziva properties, the resort hits the mark for being family-friendly. I witnessed children practically dragging their parents into Pasteles, the colorful dessert parlor that feels like a scene straight out of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (as I, a grown adult, carefully picked out my third bag of gummies). Little ones can also splash the day away in the pool and waterpark or stay dry with video games or arts and crafts. An on-site dolphin habitat is also in the works, which will allow guests to swim with the friendly marine mammals.
Adults also get plenty of TLC from Hyatt Ziva Cancun. While children play under staff supervision, adults can stroll to their own playground of sorts: the oceanfront Zen Spa. Thirteen treatment rooms, six beach palapas, a sauna, a cold plunge pool, a whirlpool tub and a steam room round out the Maya-inspired haven, and its considerable size makes availability and that namesake Zen much easier to find. Luxe treatments, ranging from traditional Mexican techniques to a caviar facial, are also available.
However, a shining — and perhaps the most unique — example of the property’s adult-focused initiatives is its very own microbrewery and sports bar, Tres Cerveza’s. Though the hops are imported from the U.S., the craft beer is distilled on-site in small batches. There’s a wheat beer, a pale ale and something the staff refers to as hidromiel, or mead — perfect for washing down spicy chicken wings in between rounds of foosball. Guests who prefer something stronger can visit Juana Margarita, a tequila bar, or dive into one of three infinity pools to reach swim-up bar Dips & Sips. There are five other bars and lounges to choose from, including Punta Vista, the bar at the adults-only rooftop pool.
As for more substantial sustenance, adult guests have the option of heading to the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cancun, where they have access to all restaurants starting at 6 p.m. — but the short taxi ride won’t even be necessary. With nine restaurants that run the gamut, in addition to 24/7 room service and food carts, the Hyatt Ziva property has more than enough options to satisfy guests.
Resembling a classic American diner with red vinyl booths and neon lettering, Chevy’s serves up shakes and burgers. The best seat in the house is inside a turquoise vintage car. Asian restaurant The Moongate satisfies cravings for teppanyaki-style eats, while charming French brasserie Bastille’s offers elevated dishes such as oysters, beef tartare and more.
I made a beeline for tacos, tostadas and ceviche at Habaneros, an open-air Mexican eatery on the beach. If your enthusiasm results in arriving a smidge early and having to wait for the restaurant to open, I would recommend you handle it as I did: seated on a swing by the bar, fresh margarita in hand and without a worry in sight.
The Details
Hyatt Ziva Cancunwww.cancun.ziva.hyatt.com
