It felt pretty good to set my bags down in room 4327 of the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica this past week. The grand opening was to culminate one of the most anticipated Caribbean resort openings this year, and for me provided a much-appreciated opportunity to briefly escape another harsh New York winter.
Within minutes of arriving I eased the sliding balcony doors open and absorbed some natural antidotes for cabin fever: sunny, cloud-free skies, tall palm trees with fronds nodding easily under occasional breezes and a white-sand beach framing blue Caribbean waters. Winter's icy grip quickly faded into memory.
The Hyatt Zilara incorporates its adjacent sister property, the Hyatt Ziva, to form the newest all-inclusive resort in a destination that has increasingly embraced the concept.
In fact according to one Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) official in attendance at the resort's official opening on March 20, Jamaica is the birthplace of the all-inclusive format. In any event the resort shares at least one feature in common with the latest generation of upscale Caribbean all-inclusive property: it looks fabulous.
Built to incorporate the former Ritz Carlton Rose Hall hotel, the new resort represents major expansion over the ex-Ritz Carlton property. Connecting wings were built on previously undeveloped land on either side of the original building. The additions resulted in an extended structure linked by interior corridors and landscaped outdoor paths.
The 234-room Zilara is an adults-only wing positioned on one side of the central building, while 387-room Hyatt Ziva, which accommodates families, is located on the other side. Large courtyards in front the Zilara and Ziva wings each feature a large, rectangular central pool that extends hundreds of feet from the open-air lobby nearly to be beach.
A central pool's waters cascade down from terraces into smaller pools, creating a series of oases dotted with half-submerged lounge chairs. Large white umbrellas make shade for other lounging areas around the pool.
The walkways extend to the beach, which every room or suite faces. The Horizons restaurant is located directly on the beach and another beachside eatery, the Jerk Center, is reminiscent of Jamaica's many roadside eateries.
Overall the landscape is picture-perfect; so much so that just strolling across the grounds provides a strong visceral pleasure. The resort was fully occupied but never seemed crowded, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Most Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva accommodations are finished in contemporary style with stone floors, bleached white walls and high ceilings. Accommodations in the former Ritz Carlton wing are done in a slightly more traditional style. Ten room categories range from ocean-view and ocean-front rooms to swim-up suites with connected wading areas and four types of butler suites. Facilities include 11 a la carte and buffet restaurants; a spa, wellness center and beauty salon; beach cabanas and comfortable lounging areas and fire pits that glow with flame each evening.
PHOTO: The Hyatt Zilara features a picture-perfect view of the Caribbean Sea. (Photo by Brian Major)
If successful, this Hyatt resort may one day be regarded as a watershed in the ever-expanding all-inclusive resort category. Hyatt and Playa are attempting to replace what had been one of the Caribbean's best-known five-star hotels with what Kevin Froemming, Playa's executive vice president and chief marketing officer, calls a "six-star" all-inclusive property.
The resort's facilities and services arguably live up to Froemming's description. Complimentary Wi-Fi access and 24-hour room service are provided across the resort, and all rooms are equipped with mini-bars.
Every guest receives a complimentary round of golf at the nearby Cinnamon Hill and White Witch golf courses, two of the Caribbean's finest 18-hole courses. Guests also receive private transfers to and from nearby Sangster International Airport, where the company maintains a lounge for arriving guests.
The resort's soft opening occurred weeks ago, and did not transpire without some shortcomings that were noted by guests who complained on social media about facilities and services being unavailable or inconsistent.
Some of that was reflected during my own stay. While the wide majority of accommodations and facilities appeared to be in top condition, some guests encountered small problems with hot water and non-working electrical outlets. The cuisine was largely excellent, but service in some restaurants was at times inconsistent.
None of the problems seemed significant enough to obscure what was overall an enjoyable experience. Almost every hotel encounters similar early difficulties and I expect the performance will improve with time.
Meanwhile the operators are looking to creating a strong future for their newly formed brand. "We are trying to build as many Hyatt Ziva and Zilara properties in the region as we can," said Bruce Wardinski, Playa's chief executive, during a briefing for media. "These resorts will feature the highest quality service, facilities and food.
"We also want to add more outlets in the countries we are already in," he added. "There is no reason we can't have a Hyatt Ziva/Zilara in Ocho Rios."
The Hyatt Ziva/Zilara is located within sight of the shuttered Palmyra resort, which remains for sale after failing to attract bidders at auction in 2012. At the press briefing I asked Wardinski why he expects his property to succeed where another large new resort sitting yards away failed.
"We believe we have the right recipe to make this a success," he said. "We believe in our product and our company and what we are trying to achieve. I look next door at the Palmyra and think there is an opportunity for Playa."
He added, "Hyatt is the first big hotel player to enter the all-inclusive market. The percentage of travelers who have stayed in an all-inclusive property is still in the single low digits. We have a tremendous opportunity to expand."
Time will tell if Wardinski's words prove prophetic. However based on a first brief stay the property is well positioned to build on a strong start and carve out a new niche among within the maturing all-inclusive category.
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