The Hyatt all-inclusive properties have become one of my favorite ways to redeem my World of Hyatt points. They include the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva’s in Montego Bay, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, as well as the adults only Hyatt Zilara’s in Montego Bay and Cancun. I personally have only stayed at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun and absolutely loved my stay. My family has actually visited twice (and a third trip is coming soon)! It provides all-inclusive experience done well experience. They offer awesome rooms, a great kids club, nice pools and many really good restaurant options.
Earlier this year, Hyatt announced the expansion of their all-inclusive properties with two new hotels in the Dominican Republic. This includes the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana and the adults only Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana. When the hotel was originally announced, a Nov. 1, 2019 opening date was set. And up until that date, both Playa Resorts and Hyatt were promising that both resorts were opening on time with all amenities up and running. Unfortunately though, that did not happen. 
The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana
Ziva is behind, Zilara is on track
The Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana did in fact open on time, but the Hyatt Ziva has been delayed. As of now there is no date of when the resort will actually open and the reservation calendar has been blocked off for the entire month of November.
Fortunately though, all guests who were booked at the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, they were accommodated at the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana. The resorts are right next to one another and they share facilities. This means for the month of November, the Zilara might not be an adults only property and there will be families. While this is fine for families, those looking for an adults only getaway might not be too pleased. Note: I have read reports that Hyatt will put you up at a hotel next door if you prefer.
Although the Ziva is closed, the water park is still up and running (so I’ve been told). The kids club, unfortunately will not be open, but they will run kids activities throughout the day in a separate area.
I have already been told from Hyatt directly that not all restaurants will be up and running, but I am not sure if that will change due to the two resorts combining into one. This means that the Zilara will have a higher occupancy rate than originally anticipated, assuming guests do not cancel or change their stay.
About the Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana
The two properties are right next to each other on Juanillo Beach—about 15 minutes away from the Punta Cana International (PUJ) airport. Between the two properties you’ll find 12 restaurants and bars, swim-up bars in the pool, a water park with a lazy river, tennis courts, daily games and fitness activities, and nightly live entertainment. Since this property was built from the ground up, I expect the rooms and the facilities to be top notch.
One of the best aspects of both properties is that the lowest level room is a 614 square foot junior suite bedroom. This is great for families who need some space to stretch out. You can even book a standard room with two queen beds and a queen pull out sofa. Of course there are larger rooms, including two-bedroom and swim-up suites. The best part about the rooms is that minibar items are replenished daily and there is no extra fee. You can also always order room service 24 hours a day and that is also part of the all-inclusive experience.
Booking a room at the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Both properties are a category 6 and cost 25,000 points a night. This is for two guests occupying the room. Any extra guest will cost an additional 12,500 points a night. (Kids 2 and under are free).
If you are looking to go before the December holiday takes place, rooms are pretty reasonable. They are also offering a 5th night free promotion which can help offset the cost. Not only that, if you have either one of the Hyatt co-branded credit cards you can take advantage of the $250 statement credit promotion.
Due to low occupancy, especially at the beginning, I also wouldn’t be surprised if those with status receive a nice upgraded room.
Overall…
Despite a potential delayed opening on the Ziva side, I am extremely excited about opening day of this property. I am personally not surprised by the delayed opening. This is quite common with resorts, especially those in the Caribbean. I have been watching this property closely since it was announced and pictures from a few weeks ago did not look promising. I originally was planning on going for opening day on Nov. 1, but with the uncertainty, I canceled my hotel room two weeks ago.
With that being said, I am looking forward to visiting this property at another point in the near future as I am sure my kids will absolutely love it. The resort looks beautiful and the amenities appear to be top notch. A water park is also a really nice addition to the Hyatt all-inclusive brand.
Will you be vacationing at this property? Has your reservation been changed?
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Sadly not sure that’s true about the suite upgrade. I called yesterday to try and apply a suite upgrade to my reservation, and the representative said that that would put me in an ocean view room only.
@Justin – Really, that is interesting. I wonder if it is because all of the rooms are considered “suites” although they are really junior suites. As of right now, the suites are not labeled standard suite vs. premier suite. I will reach out to my Hyatt contact to get some clarification on that. That would definitely be unfortunate. At the Hyatt Ziva Cancun you are put into an awesome suite with a hot tub on the balcony, so this would definitely be a disappointment at the Cap Cana property.
I called and was told they can’t upgrade anyone “until the hotel opens.”
@steve – Interesting. I emailed my Hyatt contact with many questions, so hopefully she can get me some information regarding this.
I have the latest version Hyatt credit card.
What is the easiest way for me to obtain Globalist status?
TIA
@DaveD – For every $5,000 you spend on the card, you’ll receive 2 nights towards status. Since you need 60 nights for Globalist you can theoretically earn it all on credit card spend. You also receive 5 nights towards status by just being a card member. Ideally, the best is to earn status by regular stays combined with spend.
Hi, thanks for the info! Per your statement: “I assume an extra adult in the room or children 3 and over will cost an additional 12,500 points a night.”, is there an age limit to the child/ren? I have a 2 year old, and this (Ziva) being a family resort, I can’t imagine Hyatt will charge an additional 12,500 for our baby as the 3rd person in the room, or will they? Have you personally or known anyone booking as 2 adults at a Hyatt all inclusive but showing up with a baby at check in but only to have issues? Thanks!
@Tigris – They only charge for kids 3 and older. So if you have a 2 year old and a baby, no extra costs for you!
I sure hope it’s better than Ziva/Zillara Rose Hall which has become an absultultly horrible property.
Interesting. My wife and I adored the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and spoke with three other couples back home who have separately gone there and felt similarly. The room was gorgeous, service was top notch, the beach and pools were lovely and the food was superb. I’ve been to a lot of all-inclusive hotels and this was hands down the best. Exactly what did you not like about it?
Are you sure the Zilara and Ziva were built entirely from the ground up? I thought I saw that there was a resort here that Hyatt bought and was doing a combination of renovation and new buildings.
am planning for December stay, wondering about hurricanes and question for food. Most Americans love beef, what kind of meat plates are offered
What do you guys think if we make a teservation for mid November, the chances of delay in opening 50/50?
@Matt – My personal opinion is that it will not open on time, but that is solely on the status of many other Caribbean Hyatt properties in the past. With previously situations, Hyatt has been very accommodating for folks, so I would hope for the same.
I’m hearing that the Hyatt Zilara cap cana will not open on November 1 2019 as stated. How far behind is the construction and when is the new property going to open?
@Steve – I’ve been trying to reach the resort myself, but have confirmation from Hyatt directly that the hotel is still on target to open Nov. 1. Where did you hear this information? Very curious!
We had a very disappointing stay at the Hyatt Ziva in Cancun – right after it opened. Most everything was up and running but I felt several things were sub-standard, including the food – just so-so at most venues. The one thing we were looking forward to the most – swimming with the dolphins on property – was not to be. The dolphins had not yet arrived. The front desk staff offered to take us to an alternate location to have our dolphin experience but there was a separate fee associated with this, whereas had the dolphins been on property at the Ziva, this would have been something included in our nightly rate. Having said all this, we are “Hyatt people” and will continue to give them a try any chance we get.
@Ro L – Thanks for sharing your experience. The dolphin experience at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun is an extra fee and not included in the “all-inclusive” experience. It is run by an outside company as well that has locations off property. That is where they probably sent you.
Staying at Ziva the week of November 3rd. Oddly, they are advertising 5th night free and $100spa credit but reservations can not find anything about the spa? Reservations implied the spa,may not open. Since we are 7 days out from opening, has anyone seen any real pictures of the hotel, pool or spa? Also having only one restaurant open would be very concerning. Anyone have any updates……
Returned last night from the greatest stay I’ve ever had! Cap Cana was relaxing, beautiful, and the staff was fantastic!