Experienced traveler (have stayed at 10+ all-inclusive resorts) and self-proclaimed hotel/restaurant critic.
This was our second visit to Hyatt Ziva Cancun. We originally visited shortly after its initial opening (roughly 10 years ago). As "World of Hyatt" members, we have stayed at several "Hyatt-affiliated" all-inclusive resorts across Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Overall, our stay was excellent. Our experience was just as memorable as our initial stay. However, I did notice a few areas for improvement.
Atmosphere:
Hyatt Ziva Cancun offers the perfect blend of relaxed luxury and comfort. The atmosphere feels thoughtfully curated, with intentional design details that create a sense of tranquility, elegance, and comfort throughout the resort. The resort has something for everyone. It stands out as my top recommendation for multigenerational (or mixed-age) groups.
Rooms:
We were fortunate to experience the "Adults-Only Experience at Hyatt Ziva Cancun" (AKA the Turquoize Tower), which comes with access to a private, adults-only (rooftop) pool and butler service (which we did not make use of). We stayed on the top floor ("Turquoize Sky Oceanfront Master King"), and the views were breathtaking. I advise you to refrain from booking this room if you are afraid of heights. Tip: Ask for a room ending in 15 for even more expansive views. The rooms were incredibly spacious and offered a refined sense of luxury. However, they were (ever so slightly) outdated. Additionally, I found the "butler service" to be unnecessary. Preferences will naturally vary by traveler, but my suggestion would be to offer it as an (optional) "add-on" rather than automatically including it in the price.
On the other hand, the rooms in the "Pyramid Tower" (facing the dolphins) were quite outdated and had an extremely unpleasant, sewer-like odor.
Service:
(Almost) every staff member was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and eager to elevate our stay. Oliver, the Front Office Manager, was especially friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure we had a stellar experience. That's not to say that there weren't a few unfriendly individuals, but the good strongly outweighed the bad.
Food:
I want to start by saying that the food at Hyatt Ziva Cancun was some of the best I've had at an all-inclusive resort (in terms of variety and quality). In addition to the 15+ bars/restaurants, little "food booths" were conveniently located throughout the resort (at all times), ensuring you never went hungry. MOONGATE was my favorite restaurant. Jorge and Balthazar provided exceptional service. They were both very friendly and professional, which providing speedy service. Additionally, Aylin, the hostess, was incredibly welcoming. The food was delicious. My "must-try" menu items are: Pad Thai, Teriyaki Salmon, (Omakase) Salmon Nigiri (which can be made "seared," upon request), and Banana Mille - Feuille (dessert). Additionally, Moongate offers a "Teppanyaki" (hibachi-style) dining experience, which you will need a reservation for. My second-favorite restaurant was LA BASTILLE, which is an adults-only (French) restaurant. The interior screamed "elegance." Alejandro provided excellent service, perfectly suiting the vibe of the restaurant. The food was lovely. My "must-try" menu items are: Petit Filet & Foie Gras and Apple Mouse (dessert). The food at TRES CERVEZAS was phenomenal (as well as the service). Chef Bryan prepares fresh, authentic guacamole (upon request). Tip: Ask for "Chef Bryan's Guacamole" (it's not an official item on the menu). My "must-try" menu items are: Pork (Carnitas) Tacos (Lunch Menu), Green Enchiladas (Dinner Menu), and Quesabirrias (Dinner Menu). Ask for Alexis. Alexis provided fantastic service; he was incredibly sweet and attentive. We loved Ivan too. Tip: Skip HABANEROS and eat lunch at Tres Cervezas. Habaneros may have the "beachy vibes," but the food is lacking. Our dining experience at LORENZO'S was unfortunate. The food was abysmal. We visited TRADEWINDS for (à la carte) breakfast daily. It was pretty good. Unfortunately, our dinner there was subpar. Our waitress exhibited shifty behavior, and the food was lackluster. However, we loved the Brioche Bread.
The Bad:
One recurring drawback was the persistent push to purchase add-ons. Constant upselling. It was ridiculous. This was probably the most "sales pressure" I've encountered at a resort. Seemed like they were really trying to make a few extra bucks. And don't get me started on the CABANAS. They've practically taken over the entire resort, limiting the (regular) seating options available around the pool/beach area. This isn't the type of resort where you can truly "relax on the beach," given the close spacing of the cabanas/beach chairs.
However, the good strongly outweighed the bad.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun takes first place as my personal favorite "Hyatt-affiliated" all-inclusive resort, surpassing Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana (in terms of food quality and service). read more