Hyatt Inclusive Collection is in growth mode. Following its acquisition this year of Playa Hotels & Resorts, the company continues to expand its presence in the all-inclusive segment, with new and upgraded properties in new and established destinations alike.
In this interview, Ana Tomicevic, vice president of global brands for Hyatt Inclusive Collection, shares insights about the company’s growth in the all-inclusive segment, as well as the evolution of the concept in Mexico and beyond.
Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts was a big move, adding 15 all-inclusive resorts to your portfolio. What was the strategy behind this?
Hyatt has been at the forefront of the all-inclusive segment since launching the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara brands in 2013. Since then, Hyatt has continued to expand thoughtfully, strengthening its leadership through major milestones, such as the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group in 2021; a joint venture with Grupo Pinero in 2024 to integrate Bahia Principe’s 22 resorts into Hyatt’s all-inclusive portfolio; and, most recently, the acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts.
The Hyatt Inclusive Collection growth strategy has always been rooted in making smart, intentional moves that add long-term value, and bringing Playa Hotels & Resorts into the Hyatt portfolio was a natural next step in our ongoing evolution.
How would you describe the overall evolution of the all-inclusive concept, as well as Hyatt’s approach?
The perception of “all-inclusive” has evolved dramatically. It’s no longer about buffet lines and spring break crowds; today’s travelers want elevated, authentic and personalized experiences, and Hyatt Inclusive Collection continues to lead that transformation within the all-inclusive segment.
Travelers and travel advisors choose Hyatt Inclusive Collection because it goes beyond the expected. Across every brand, they can count on a consistently elevated experience, but what sets it apart is how boldly it reimagines the all-inclusive experience. From striking, design-forward accommodations and immersive culinary journeys led by top chefs to spas that rival the world’s best wellness destinations, every touchpoint is crafted with intention.
Mexico is an important region for Hyatt Inclusive Collection. How do the newest properties strengthen your competitive edge?
Mexico has long been a cornerstone of our growth, and these new openings reaffirm our commitment to expanding strategically in key leisure destinations. The recently opened Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort & Spa brings 487 modern rooms and suites — many with oceanfront or plunge-pool options — to Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Additionally, the reopening of the AAA Four Diamond Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort this month strengthens our presence in the Mexican Caribbean, offering an adults-only, all-suite experience alongside a world-class Greg Norman–designed golf course.
Hyatt offers design-forward accommodations and immersive culinary journeys for travelers.
Credit: 2025 HyattIn the Riviera Maya, Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen — added through the acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts — expands options for adults seeking an all-suite resort experience. Together, these resorts illustrate how we’re layering our brands across Mexico to meet a range of guest expectations, from adults-only to family-friendly.
Hyatt is also expanding in the Caribbean with properties such as Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa and Secrets Baby Beach Aruba. How does the all-inclusive scene differ in the Caribbean?
Mexico and the Caribbean are both high-demand key markets for Hyatt Inclusive Collection, but each plays a distinct role in our growth story. Mexico is a more mature all-inclusive market, with travelers often returning for its established brands, resort variety and convenient airlift, making it ideal for innovation and brand differentiation. Guests traveling to Mexico tend to look for seamless, amenity-forward resorts with strong culinary and wellness options.
The Caribbean, by contrast, offers opportunities to introduce new brands and experiences in distinctive island settings and secluded locales. In these destinations, travelers are often seeking more intimate resorts, reflecting their natural surroundings — for those who value a strong sense of place.
Our approach is to expand with intention in both regions, focusing on the right projects, in the right places, at the right time.
The company is also growing in Europe, with properties such as AluaSoul Sunny Beach in Bulgaria and Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina in Portugal. How does Europe fit into Hyatt Inclusive Collection’s strategy?
Our approach in Europe mirrors what has driven our success in the Americas: introducing thoughtfully designed resorts that reflect local culture while delivering elevated service and personalization. Looking further ahead, destinations across North Africa and the Middle East could present strong opportunities for future all-inclusive resorts.
Mexico and the Caribbean are both high-demand key markets for Hyatt Inclusive Collection.
Credit: 2025The “Time Here Is Worth More” campaign, inspired by Hyatt's “Time Rich Report,” highlights travelers’ desire for quality moments with loved ones. How are you translating that insight into product design across Hyatt Inclusive Collection portfolio?
The Time Rich Report is a national consumer survey we conducted in collaboration with Wakefield Research to examine how people perceive and manage one of their most valuable resources: time. What travelers are asking for is simple but profound: less stress and more opportunities to create meaningful time.
While that idea has always been central to the Inclusive Collection, we’re taking it even further now with our first portfolio-wide campaign, “Time Here Is Worth More,” featuring a collaboration with author Deepak Chopra. The goal is to help guests be even more intentional with their time, feeling grounded and reflective during their stay.
How has the way the Hyatt Inclusive Collection works with agents evolved?
Hyatt Inclusive Collection has always valued advisors and the essential role they play in crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests. Providing best-in-class education, resources and rewards to support their success remains a top priority. That’s why we launched Confidant Collective in 2023 — Hyatt Inclusive Collection’s award-winning global advisor community platform designed to empower travel professionals with the tools, training and support to book personalized all-inclusive experiences.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’ll continue to enhance and update our resources to help advisors deliver experiences that are tailor-made for every traveler.
