A Quick Jaunt to Hyatt Ziva Cancun

It’s hard to believe that in a matter of hours from JFK to Cancun you can be sitting seaside at Hyatt Ziva Cancun…and not just on one side. Located at the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, the hotel is literally surrounded by turquoise waters, so no matter which direction you walk, you encounter ocean. The result is pretty dazzling, and for an all-inclusive resort, you can do no wrong with a short…or long…visit.

My Stay at Hyatt Ziva Cancun

I was recently invited to Hyatt Ziva Cancun for a brief visit to experience everything the resort has to offer. Coming from NYC weather, which has been pretty volatile as of late, it was a pleasure to get into 80 degree temperatures and shed my winter garments. The resort’s design, having undergone recent renovations, reflects modern day and is both compelling and helpful. The property is big – really big – but the design has landmarks and meeting points that make it easy to meet up with family and friends. There are multiple pools, restaurants (the beauty of the resort is that it’s all-inclusive, so you can safely lock up your wallet in your room and drink and eat to your heart’s desire), a first-rate spa, swim-up bars, several walking paths and of course, the beach, which goes on for as long as wish your stroll to be.

Here’s a wrap-up of where I slept, ate and played.

Where I Slept

The resort has 547 guest rooms, all offering great views of the Caribbean and lush gardens. I was most taken with my balcony. Not only did I have a view from heaven, but I had my own hot tub, which I used daily. My room itself was big and comfortable, with a spa-style bathroom with a rain shower, my favorite kind, and warm robes in the closet. I had my own sitting room with complimentary refreshments and daily treats delivered such as a shot of tequila. The bed was big and cozy, with feather pillows lined up behind my back at all times. For guests in more upscale rooms, I was told it’s possible to sign up for butler service and swim-up suites. My only complaint was that there are a lot of light switches in the room, which had a very long hallway (making me feel very regal), and it took a bit of getting used to, as well as the cable TV settings, but by day #2, I was a pro.

Where I Ate

The resort offers nine gourmet restaurants, with a good amount of options, particularly for a vegetarian like me. There is very casual to very elegant, and if you are in the mood to bring fancy clothes, you will feel right in place. I enjoyed a Mexican meal at Habaneros, situated right on the beach, where they serve delicious ceviche and fish tacos. At Tradewinds, I enjoyed daily healthy breakfasts and an Argentinian lunch. At The Moongate, I had a lovely serving of green curry with tofu, and watched the hibachi chefs hard at work, with fire rising in all directions. At Lorenzo’s, we grazed on Italian fare – pastas, pizzas and yummy cheese as starters. There are other options, as well, including room service, French cuisine, a dessert parlor, food carts, and plenty of bar and lounge options where you can drink endless cocktails. I indulged in many margaritas over the few days I was at the resort, and they were pretty much a dose or two of perfection.

What I Did

As mentioned above, I did indulge in a spa treatment, and was easily transported to another place in the process. The spa features treatments in ocean view rooms and the result is nautical and spiritual at the same time. I had a deep cleansing facial, which calmed my skin and took me to a very calm place. The scents of the natural creams and my hygienist’s holistic approach were transforming. After the treatment, I used the sauna, steam room and whirl pool.  I am not lying when I said I floated out of my treatment – even a fellow colleague commented on the satisfied, dreamy look on my face.

Other than that, what did I do? I took long strolls on the beach. I read by the pool. I went swimming in the beautiful ocean. I had a pina colada by the pool. Granted, I was only there two days, and one was windy, so I didn’t get to partake in their water sports but they do offer a plethora of options from stand up paddle-boarding to paddle yoga to kayaking to water basketball and snorkeling. They also offer land activities from bike tours to tours of Mayan ruins. In the evening, they had a fire show, music, a tequila tasting, a beer tasting and several lounges to hang out at.

I could have spent many more days at the property, I assure you, but home beckoned. Here is more info if you are planning a visit:

Getting There

Hyatt Ziva Cancún is located just 25 minutes from Cancún International (CUN), which offers daily nonstop flights from all major gateways in North America.

For reservations, call 1-855-822-2802 (United States and Canada) or visit Cancún.ziva.hyatt.com.

Disclosure: I was at Hyatt Ziva as part of a press trip doing research for other outlets, but all opinions are my own and I wanted to let you know about my experience.