PHOTO: Located on the point, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun affords beautiful views of the Cancun hotel zone from the adult-only pool. (photos by Theresa Norton Masek)
The Hyatt Ziva Cancun celebrated its grand opening with style and flair last night, treating hundreds of travel agents, local dignitaries and journalists to live music, Mexican food, fire dancers and fun.
Located on the point in Cancun, the stunning resort is surrounded by ocean on three sides and has two swimmable beaches. The all-inclusive resort includes the Pyramid Tower, a five-story structure that originally was built as the Camino Real four decades ago, and the 18-story Triangle Tower that was part of the property when it was part of the Dreams brand.
When it was acquired by Playa Hotels & Resorts, the property underwent an $85 million expansion and renovation before opening under the Hyatt Ziva all-inclusive brand with 547 rooms and suites. The massive project included building the 17-story, adults-only Premium Tower.
The property has three huge pools, including one rooftop pool - the water is visible from the lobby through three plexiglass windows. It also has nine restaurants and six bars and lounges.
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To say that Playa and Hyatt executives are proud of the Hyatt Ziva Cancun is an understatement.
"We like to think of this as the only resort in Cancun. Everything else is a hotel on the beach," said Bruce Wardinski, chairman of Playa Hotels & Resorts.
The grand opening concludes the first phase of the Hyatt all-inclusive expansion.
Besides Hyatt Ziva Cancun, the brand in recent months has opened an adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta and Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos in Mexico. A Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara also opened in Rose Hall, Jamaica.
There is more to come. "Our goal is to absolutely grow the Hyatt Ziva and Zilara brands," Wardinski said at a press briefing. He revealed that they're looking at more locations in Mexico as well as globally, noting that the Asia-Pacific region is a "great opportunity."
Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a beautifully decorated resort. The contemporary Mexican architecture and interiors feature local woods and fabrics, with geometric artwork and panels that pay homage to Mayan culture.
Some highlights include an on-site microbrewery - the only one in a resort in Cancun and the Riviera Maya - and a tequila bar. A sweets shop features pastries and chocolate fountains next to a coffee bar (yes, it's all included).
Accommodations are huge. The smallest are 463 square feet, most range in size from 483 to 695 square feet and the Presidential Suite sprawls across an entire floor at 4,381 square feet. Most rooms and suites offer ocean views, but some overlook the grounds. Seventeen swim-up suites feature a pool right off the terrace.
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The resort expects to open a dolphin pool in a matter of weeks. Five dolphins will live in a pool that was deepened to give them more swimming space. Twenty-four suites designed for families will give close views overlooking the dolphin pool. Dolphin encounters will be available at an additional cost, which hasn't been determined yet but probably will be in the $100-$150 range.
PHOTO: The Hyatt Ziva Cancun offers 17 suites with a pool just steps off the terrace.
What really sets this resort apart to the five-stars-plus level is the "high touch" level of service, said Kevin Froemming, executive vice president and CMO of Playa Hotels & Resorts.
"It comes down to being able to make long-lasting memories," he said. "We accommodate specific requests. It's as simple as pushing the concierge button. One size doesn't fit all."
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