Protected small coves punctuate the blue coast while tall palm trees swaying in the cool wind line the beaches. A few steps away from the beach are sizable pools, some wide open and some bedecked with oversized overwater cabanas. Everywhere you look are brightly colored trimmings that seem fitting for a Jamaican resort such as this.
There's no denying Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall's appeal. Tucked along Jamaica's northeastern shore, about 20 minutes from Sangster International and Montego Bay, it has an absurdly stunning location. And the resort itself is beautiful and idyllic, arguably the brand's best property so far. It's certainly an ideal base whether you're looking to laze off or you're planning on a vacation filled with Instagram-perfect moments.
The resort is more than just a pretty face, however. Staying there for a few days, I've come to find out that the 387-room, plantation-style resort is also brimming with amenities you'll need for a proper vacation - for kids as well as adults. There are, of course, the usual fixings like the fully stocked minibars, 24-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and private balconies. But there are the less conventional ones too: dance lessons, sports tournaments, a coffee bar (my personal favorite) and an impressive theatrical water show, to name a few.
The resort's rooms and suites are even more impressive. They are spacious, airy and comfortable, beach-y in vibe yet global in standard. There are six categories in all-from standard rooms to junior and butler suites, each room well appointed with modern amenities and flourishes.
There are some stark differences among them as well. The standard and view rooms, for example, boast typical island furnishings, while the higher category rooms flaunt the more upscale, contemporary fixtures. Additionally, Club Level guests enjoy extra privileges like a private check-in, a personalized concierge service, and access to lounge drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
There's very little not to love about the resort; and among the many things I adored was my Junior Suite. It was decorated with mid-century classics; a stylish bathroom with a massive stand-alone tub and a separate walk-in shower; and a terrace with an oversized day bed. And it came with the plushest, most divine king bed on which I enjoyed many delicious afternoon naps. It's the suite's best feature, to be perfectly honest.
One thing to love is the resort's onsite Zen Spa, which is essentially made up of an indoor one, located down the hall from the resort lobby, and an open air one, set on the beach in the neighboring adults-only Hyatt Zilara.
Naturally, for my treatment, I opted for the latter. Breathing in the gentle sea breeze that was coming through my open-air beach hut, I settled into my treatment bed and waited for bliss. You're not doing a spa massage properly if you're not doing it right on the beach.
You will love the food as well. All-inclusive resorts may be notorious for having subpar food, but Hyatt Ziva is among the few exceptions. The resort has adopted Jamaica's culinary talent, resulting in a few onsite restaurants that serve delicious fares. Start your day at Caribbean seafood restaurant Calypzo where a terrific omelet with a side of potatoes may be enjoyed while listening to the lapping waves. Also stop by the 24-hour coffee bar Grindz whenever you need refueling, and sample one of those sliders they have on offer. For dinner, try the risotto at Diroza Italian Restaurant or the tender and well-seasoned meats at guest favorite Brazil Steakhouse.
Whatever you do, make sure to stop by Barefoot Jerkz, the colorful little shack by the beach. Sit on one of the equally vibrant picnic tables there and feast on the jerk chicken (your choice of white or dark meat), slathered with yummy barbecue sauce and served with rice and peas, like I did. It is to die for. Stop by as often as you can, anytime of the day so long as they're open. Stop by anyway, even if you've already had desert. You're in an all-inclusive resort, after all. And it is Jamaica.
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