A Closer Look at Two Newer Hyatt/Playa Properties

TravelPulse recently visited two newer all-inclusive resorts operated by Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Playa Hotels & Resorts - the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, which opened in December 2022, and the all-ages Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun, new in fall 2021. Here's a quick look at some of the properties' features.

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, located in the former Secrets Capri property right on a lovely white-sand beach, offers 291 suites in numerous categories. The Hyatt/Playa renovation added 46 swim-up junior suites and six Oceanfront Junior Suites with private plunge pools. The Resort-View Junior Suite Swim-Up King suite measures 603 square feet and includes quick access to a semi-private pool as pictured.

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya sits on 1.5 acres of white-sand beach along the clear Caribbean Sea. The property features nine restaurants and lounges, including a buffet and some eateries on the beach. Food options include a sushi bar and teppanyaki, and Mexican, Latin American, and Italian menus.

The Zilara pool features wooden loungers with umbrellas set around a zero-entry pool. There's also a swim-up bar and hot tub.

Groups can arrange for a special dinner with colored lights and perhaps even an angel with glowing wings.

Oceanfront Junior Suite King rooms measure a spacious 474 square feet. All suites at Playa Zilara Riviera Maya include All suites include Wi-Fi, a mini-bar restocked daily, a flat-screen TV, vanity mirror, bathroom amenities, in-room safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, rainfall showers, and robes and slippers.

Onto the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun! This property welcomes all ages, unlike the adults-only Zilara. The 438-suite resort opened under the current branding in September 2021; formerly the property was known as Secret Silversands. It's located on the water about a half-hour from Cancun International Airport, between the Cancun Hotel Zone and Playa del Carmen. The resort offers a Kidz Club with organized activities as well as water sports, yoga, water aerobics and a 3,800-square-foot fitness center.

No worries, grown-ups who want some quiet relaxation can head to the adults pool (or the adults-only French bistro). Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun has nine pools throughout the property (we're told the one near Towers 10 and 11 usually is the least crowded).

The two-story, 16,000-square-foot Zen Spa has 13 indoor and eight outdoor treatment rooms, as well as the hydrotherapy pool.

The Miyako Japanese and Asian restaurant offers teppanyaki, sushi, stir fry, curry, ramen and more. It is one of 10 dining options at Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun; reservations are not required except for teppanyaki at Miyako. Other eateries include Habaneros for tacos, Ki for modern Mexican food, La Parrilla for an al fresco meal, and Casa de Café, known for its delicious house-made gelato. There also are 10 indoor and outdoor bars throughout the property. During the day, food carts serve Mexican eats poolside.

Club Oceanfront Master Suite measures a whopping 1,377 square feet has a private bedroom with a king-size bed, a separate living room with a queen sleeper sofa, a private balcony with jetted tub, and a bathroom with tub and shower. If that suite is not in your budget, don't worry - the smaller suites that make up the majority of accommodations here are a massive 668 square feet. All accommodations have spa-like bathrooms, large HDTVs, and refreshment centers with soft drinks and premium spirits. They include a private, furnished balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea or lush gardens - or with walkup access to a pool.