Hyatt Ziva Cancun: Best Of The Yucatan Peninsula

Photos courtesy of Hyatt Ziva Cancun. 

Cancun and the Mayan Riviera are popular vacation destinations for Canadians. At the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, the newly refurbished Hyatt Ziva Cancun provides another great reason to keep going back. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on three sides, this family friendly all inclusive resort encompasses three towers (Pyramid, Club and Premium), two beaches and numerous room options for couples or larger groups. Offerings include two story family suites and swim-up suites with infinity pools. The rooms feature spectacular views of Caribbean Sea and Hyatt’s brand of high end, classy, signature service. The design incorporates a contemporary feel with a bow to Mayan traditions and colour.

The lobby design features a glass and coral stone theme that leads to a grand staircase cleverly designed for dual use as seating for the live entertainment at the resort's outdoor amphitheatre. Amenities include free resort-wide Wi-Fi, room service and TV’s with a great selection of channels. Rooms have espresso makers, beach butlers and access to the Bar del Mar Lounge for tapas and cocktails. You can easily spend most of the day on the beautiful beach or at one of the three lagoon-style infinity swimming pools which have lots of beach chairs and a really comfy, cool vibe. The resort staff is terrific and you’ll never wait for a cold drink. Young families can take advantage of the Kidz Club while adults can visit the resort's seafront Zen Spa for a mud rap or caviar facial before going into the hydrotherapy pool or resting under the shaded huts on the beach. All non-motorized sports are free including bicycling, yoga classes, the weight and workout gym, snorkelling, aerobics classes in the pool, paddle boarding and water basketball and volleyball. You have the option of renting two-story wooden cabanas (USD$150-$240 per day with swim-up bars and a big hot tub) and there are fees for motorized water sports which is the norm throughout the Caribbean. Patrons take full advantage of the Ziva’s six bars located poolside and throughout the hotel. They offer everything from fine wines to tequila, beer, mojitos and margaritas. I was drawn to Tres Cervezas with its onsite micro-brewed beer and delicious nachos, wings and guacamole.

The Hyatt Ziva Cancun has nine restaurants serving a variety of choices including Italian (Lorenzo’s), French (Bastilles) and American fare (Chevy’s Diner) with a flare. If you are in the mood for Asian food, try Moongate. The resort also has an excellent Spanish steakhouse called Tradewinds. Early risers will enjoy the coffee house Casa Café.  I'm a big fan of Chiapas coffee in Mexico and the café didn't disappoint. If you are off schedule you can go to 24 Horas and have a snack 24 hours a day. A nice touch is the pleasant staff who roam the resort with fruity crepes and spicy pineapple on a skewer. Families will find that their kids will be dragging them to Pasteles for yummy deserts of chocolate, gooey gummy bears, gelato and cotton candy.

A lunch spot favourite at Zivia is Mercado, which offers buffet style services of seafood (smoked fish), chicken, beef and vegetables along with an assortment of dessert pastries. Unlike a lot of buffets, where everything is precooked, a lot can be cooked fresh for you like: Omelets, Eggs, pancakes, crepes, sea bass, salmon and shrimp.

The hotel is close to many shopping facilities such as Plaza La Fiesta (a decent place for souvenirs). Chedraui Selecto is a supermarket that offers local fare and souvenirs, sunblock and beachwear if you left anything at home. The area has lots to offer within walking distance. Public transit or local taxis and both are offered in Cancun. Taxis are available at the hotel or you can walk down the street towards the shopping centre where you can get a taxi at a much cheaper rate.

The Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a perfect getaway for your next trip to Cancun. It has friendly, professional staff, great room offerings, superb restaurants and bars and wonderful onsite land and water activities in a spectacular and relaxing environment.