My experience at Hyatt Ziva Cancun — my first all-inclusive resort

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’ve historically been a “never inclusive resort” type of person.

 I’ve always felt that traveling requires immersion in culture, historical sites, and mingling with locals. I still feel this way. But when my cousin mailed me a wedding invitation to Cancun, I decided to give an all-inclusive resort a fair shot. 

The overall verdict is that I was pleasantly surprised! I liked it more than I thought I would. All-inclusive resorts may not be for everyone, but the amenities cater to a broad audience of different personalities. 

In this article, I share my experience as well as my likes and dislikes to give you the full picture, and hopefully offer some guidance if it’s your first time at an all-inclusive resort. 

But first, here’s a quick overview of the resort in case you’re in a rush:

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Overview of the Hyatt Ziva Cancun

🔷 Who Should Stay Here:

• Couples & Newlyweds
• Families
• Large Groups 

⭐ Highlights of the Resort:

• Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea
• Three infinity pools 
• Adult-only rooms and rooftop pool 
• Private beach area 
• Oceanfront spa services 
• Fitness Center 
• KidZ Club Pool for small kids & toddlers
• 17 restaurants, bars, and lounges
• Swim-up bars

✔️ Pros:

• Very family-friendly 
• Attentive & friendly staff 
• Dolphins on premises 
• Diverse cuisine 
• Adults-only areas
• Incredible views from all hotel rooms
• Very safe and secluded 

❌ Cons: 

• Not much of a party scene 
• Food quality can vary 
• Drinks watered down 

Leaving Cancun International Airport was hectic 

Deboarding the plane at Cancun International Airport, I was tired and droopy-eyed from an early morning flight and had a cheap energy high from a small coffee. 

My sister guided the way, and our initial experience was pleasant with a very short TSA line and friendly airport staff. This was mainly due to visiting during the off-season, but you can expect long lines during the spring and summer. 

Being accustomed to New York City’s hustle culture, everything moves fast. In Cancun, the airport operates at a slower pace, which is fitting for a tropical destination designed for relaxation. The conveyor belt took about 45 minutes for us to get our luggage. We both had a spotty Wifi signal, which was a bit anxiety-inducing as we got our bearings in the place. 

We weren’t yet bothered, but the chaos of exiting the airport and getting a cab wasn’t what I had prepared for. The Cancun Airport transportation companies are competing for riders, and you’re met with screaming salespeople holding fare signs as soon as the airport doors open. 

I chose the Flex Shuttle Eco taxi and made sure to get a receipt and the driver’s information. They were transparent and friendly, but it was a gamble. We paid $120 for both of us for transport to and from the hotel. 

If I were to return, I would consider booking transportation in advance to avoid dealing with the airport chaos.  

My first impression of Hyatt Ziva Cancun 

Hyatt Ziva Cancun is roughly a 20-30 minute drive from the airport, similar to most all-inclusives on the peninsula. The ride was pleasant enough, but there could be traffic during peak summer seasons. My trip was at the end of March, far more ideal for less tourism and lower temperatures. 

The guest experience at the hotel was excellent, and I got the sense that safety is paramount as the hotel staff were ready at the entrance to check the identification of vehicles. The check-in process was equally smooth, with a bellhop bringing our luggage to our room. The entire resort is clean and well-maintained, with staff readily available. 

I knew we were in good hands. 

An all-inclusive might be the best option if you’re traveling with kids 

If there’s one group that benefits the most from staying at Hyatt Ziva’s all-inclusive resort, it’s the parents of young kids. 

I was impressed by how well-designed the facilities were to accommodate families. A+ for beachside architectural planning!

The KidZ Club is open from 9 am to 9 pm for kids aged 4 to 12 and features dedicated pools and a shallow-water area, taking the pressure off parents in a safe and secure setting. There are pools with slides and babysitting services available on premises as well. The staff are well-dispersed throughout the resort, so you can get served a margarita while keeping a watchful eye on your child. 

I can only imagine how difficult it is to relax on vacation with young children. An all-inclusive resort like Hyatt Ziva is definitely ideal for everyone to have a good time.

The food was somewhat mediocre…

I have to be honest, the food throughout the resort was average, with the quality ranging from plain to very good. I don’t blame the hotel, since food is available 24/7 and is more than likely imported. 

Cancun is fairly isolated on the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. You’re paying for convenience more than quality, so keep that in mind.

That’s not to say the hotel doesn’t have an impressive selection, though. With 17 separate restaurants, the quality does vary. The resort offers both buffet-style selections and private, sit-down restaurants. 

I will note that I didn’t try all the food. There simply wasn’t enough time. 

That being said, my favorite eatery was Lorenzo’s for its fantastic wood-fired pizza and Italian dishes. Mercado, located on the ground floor of the hotel, offered a massive buffet-style dining space open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I loved going here for breakfast and admiring the ocean from afar. 

If you visit for a romantic trip as a couple, La Bastille is an adults-only French restaurant I didn’t try, but my cousin said it was her favorite. Also, there’s no shortage of Mexican food! 

You’re paying for everything when you book, so I recommend skipping any self-imposed dietary restrictions and sampling as much as you can. 

The best thing about all-inclusives? The stunning views 

By far, the picturesque beauty of the Caribbean Sea, with its medley of blue hues from the moment the sun rises, was worth the trip alone. 

My hotel room was on the ground floor and had a semi-private pool accessible from the patio’s sliding doors. Hyatt Ziva offers different rooms for a range of high to low prices you can choose from. For example, Turquoize is an adults-only tower, perfect for a honeymoon. 

The hotel offers a selection of suites with oceanfront swim-up pool, dolphin pool, and resort views. Some are suited to couples, others to families, and mainly to your preferences about what you want to see when you wake up in the morning. 

I paid roughly $500 per night for two queen-size beds in the swim-up room. However, prices go up during peak season, so expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1,500 per night depending on the amenities you’re looking for. 

Some of my family members booked rooms with views of the dolphin pool and the resort. While all were equally stunning, my hotel room felt better for privacy. I enjoyed the pool outside the back door as much as the resort pools! 

The host company, Delphinus, operates separately from the hotel if you want to swim with dolphins. The prices range from $87 to $350 for solo and group swimming packages. 

All-inclusive resorts cater to groups over solo travelers 

I’ve mentioned that an all-inclusive resort is better for groups, families, and couples. I personally would not visit an all-inclusive as a solo traveler; I would stick to more immersive destinations, such as big cities. 

Most of the people I met on my visit were in other groups traveling for a celebration or couples on a romantic getaway. As a solo traveler, it may feel isolating or even melancholy. There are many other incredible places in Mexico that are better suited for solo traveling.

Another point to add, this was my first destination wedding, and I needed a case study to decide if I’m a fan. Of course, my cousin said the planning was as intense as any wedding planning, but the trip felt like a vacation for the bride and groom once we all arrived. 

We were able to spend plenty of time at the bars, pools, and beach before the wedding day. I’ve been to weddings back home where the couple spent the entire time thanking the guests, and the night ended before they could relax. This trip felt far more intimate with a smaller group. 

I wouldn’t stay more than a few days to avoid feeling “trapped”

Some people could live in an all-inclusive resort. I’m not one of them. The brain always craves novelty, and I felt the mental switch to “what’s next” after a few days. 

My suggestion is to book 3 or 4 nights at an all-inclusive and then travel elsewhere. We did three nights at the Hyatt Ziva and then flew to Mexico City for an additional adventure. 

However, it’s worth noting that my cousin with young children disagrees with me, and she said she could have stayed for two more weeks. If you’re a parent needing a break, a week on a beach with nowhere to escape might just be a dream come true. 

A few final thoughts about Hyatt Ziva Cancun 

It’s true what they say about all-inclusives: the drinks are watered down to prevent dehydration and intoxication. 

I heard a group asking a bartender to add more tequila to a margarita, and he politely refused. I understand this may bother some visitors, but the resort is family-friendly and wants to keep guests safe and well hydrated in the hot sun. 

On that note, only drink bottled water. We never had an issue getting water, as the entire resort is well-equipped. But Montezuma’s Revenge is no joke, and you don’t want to spend your whole trip in the hotel room! 

I somewhat regretted not experiencing more of the bar scene/nightlife in the resort, but the sun takes so much out of you during the day that I turned in early. However, a few of the guests in my group frequented the resort’s bars and had a great time. My cousins spoke highly of Sassil Bar and Juana Margarita, raving about their tequila selection and live music. 

The wedding reception at the Punta Vista Terrace Venue on the roof was my chance to experience the nightlife. With a dreamy ocean backdrop, a DJ, and unlimited food and drinks, it was the best finale for the trip. 

The hotel staff also did a great job of including children in the celebrations and even allowed a few to sleep in an empty rooftop cabana so their parents could stay out later. 

If you’ve been near the ocean, you know it can get windy due to temperature differences between land and water, especially at night. If you have long hair, be sure to pick a style suitable for the beachy weather! It was almost impossible to take decent photos with hair down. 

Also, pack plenty of sunscreen. You can purchase bottles at the resort, but they cost extra, and they’re not exactly cheap. I ran out, and one bottle was 650 Mexican pesos (about $35). Pack carefully to avoid spending extra. 

***

Overall, the benefit of having everything in one spectacular place far outweighs the cons of an all-inclusive resort. I would rate Hotel Ziva Cancun a 9/10, and highly recommend the resort to families, couples, and large parties.