Hyatt Ziva Cancun Adopts New Safety Protocols

I noticed several comforting changes as soon as I arrived at Hyatt Ziva Cancun. First, a crisply dressed bellhop wearing a face mask not only opened the car door, he also offered hand sanitizer and directed me to a doormat that would sanitize my shoes before entering the property. It was my first introduction to how an upscale all-inclusive resort can deftly combine attentive service with the safety protocols that have become necessary during the age of COVID-19.

Owned and managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts, the 547-room Hyatt Ziva Cancun is set in an enviable location at the very northwest tip of the city’s Hotel Zone, allowing for scenic water views on three sides, with multiple swimming pools providing lots of space to relax. Architect Ricardo Legorreta created some of the hotel’s iconic modern design as part of the former Camino Real, one of the destination’s first luxury resort hotels.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun thankfully maintains this noteworthy look, enhancing it with handsomely updated decor, amenities and features. The resort has also added several newer buildings that have expanded the hotel’s offerings. 

Nowadays, guests are just as likely to be impressed by the new health and safety measures as they are by the eye-catching architecture and gorgeous views. The property follows the guidelines of both the Playa Safe Stay initiative — which is overseen by Playa Hotels & Resorts — and Hyatt’s Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment. As of press time, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun was operating at 60% capacity, in accordance with Quintana Roo state guidelines, and has upped its safety measures to require masks of guests in public indoor areas and when moving around in outdoor areas. 

This commitment to safety also extends to the guestrooms. I stayed in Turquoize, an adults-only hotel-within-a-hotel concept that features spacious accommodations and amenities such as balconies with Jacuzzi tubs. As the mayordomo (butler) escorted me to my room, I noticed that there was a sticker sealing the door shut, to indicate that no one had entered since it was cleaned and sanitized. Inside, the television remote control and bath amenities had been sanitized and wrapped in plastic, and there was also a small bag with a bottle of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun has options for all ages, ranging from a kids’ club to a spa and fitness center, as well an array of daily activities. All the shops, restaurants, cafes and indoor facilities have shoe sanitizing mats, in addition to plenty of hand sanitizer dispensers. 

The property follows the guidelines of both the Playa Safe Stay initiative — which is overseen by Playa Hotels & Resorts — and Hyatt’s Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment.

Dining options are extensive, and the settings are as beautiful as the cuisine is tasty. Among my favorites was Habaneros, a Mexican ceviche restaurant set on the beach. At El Mercado, the international buffet has been modified so that all food is served by staff from behind protective shields, assuring that guests do not touch utensils or food until they have returned to their table. I especially enjoyed Case del Cafe, a lounge-like coffee shop, and Pasteles, a lovely sweet shop with a tempting variety of treats.

Guests can also satisfy their palate at the Tradewinds steakhouse and at Chevy’s, which is recommended for its burgers and shakes, as well as the photo opportunities provided by the vintage Chevrolet parked inside. For evening drinks, top choices include a microbrewery called Tres Cervezas and the sumptuous Saasil lounge. Guests in the Turquoize section can also savor a cocktail at Punta Vista, a rooftop bar with an adults-only pool.

Travelers looking to spend even more time in paradise may want to consider Work & Learn From Paradise, a Playa Hotels & Resorts program that provides discounted rates and additional amenities and services for guests staying more than 14 nights. As social distancing and working remotely have become the norm, it’s nice to know that there are exceptionally beautiful places to combine productivity with relaxation. 

The Details
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
www.hyatt.com