New kid on the block: Hyatt Ziva Cancún

Thanks to the Hyatt Ziva Cancún, agents looking to provide their resort-bound clients with ‘something different’ for their winter getaway don’t have to look too far this year.

While the destination of Cancún is a long-time favourite for Canadian snowbirds seeking warmer climates, this latest addition to the Hyatt all-inclusive family (a joint venture between Hyatt Hotel Corporation and Playa Hotels and Resorts) just goes to show that no matter how established the destination, there’s always potential for growth.

In the case of Hyatt Ziva Cancún, formerly a Dream’s property located on the tip of Punta Cancún - and settled beside the adults-only Hyatt Zilara - the act of growth isn’t so much about breaking new ground, but rather, redefining the experience itself (although an $85 million expansion and renovation certainly does the trick as well).

Location, location location

The Hyatt Ziva Cancún’s location at the very tip of the Yucatan peninsula means it’s not only surrounded by water on three sides, it also feels quite remote, in spite of being minutes away from a popular shopping district and a mere 20 minute drive from CUN.

What’s more, smart landscaping has resulted in knee-deep, turquoise-coloured pockets ideal for peaceful snorkelling and child-friendly wading.

PAX Pointer: While strolling along the property’s waterfront, keep an eye out for authentic Mayan ruins, which have been incorporated into the gardens and are presented as ancient monuments.

Design

In keeping with the brand’s goal to exemplify the culture within each property’s destination, Hyatt Ziva Cancún delights again with an eclectic and stylish variety of interiors.

While the lobby and other communal areas boast a colourful and contemporary Mexican design, the restaurants and bars each embody their own unique motifs, from the futuristic candy shop Pasteles to the European elegance of its Italian and French bistros - making even the simple act of exploring the resort grounds a singular experience.

PAX pointer: Don’t fail to check out the 1950s-inspired diner, Chevy’s. Complete with a blue ’57 Chevy ‘booth’ with working headlights, this mom & pop-style malt shop is in a class all its own.

Accommodation

With 15 different room categories (all of which include an ocean view of some kind) there’s something for everyone on this 547-room property.

The adults-only Premium level tower features balcony soaking tubs, while the Ziva Sky swim-up rooms provide access to a semi-private infinity pool above the lobby. The lavish Hyatt Club Level acts as a resort property all its own, with two bars, a lounge, snacks counter and pool overlooking the water. Guests in Club rooms are entitled to private check-in, beach butler services, lots of extra perks like calling cards and spa discounts.

PAX pointer: Taking a late flight out? Request a late checkout from your beach chair using @HyattConcierge, a Twitter-based customer service that’s quick to respond and eager to please.

Dining

Although it adheres to culinary crowd pleasers of the Italian, French and Asian variety, the Hyatt Ziva Cancún has still managed to carve out a niche for itself with a wide variety of menu items as well as customizable dining options.

For breakfast, guests can choose between room service, the buffet at Mercado, or an a la carte meal at Tradewinds.

Lunch is wasted unless it takes place at Habaneros, the resort’s authentic Mexican beachside spot, serving up tacos, ceviche and killer margaritas.

Groups seeking an intimate experience can hole up in one of the restaurants’ glass-walled private dining rooms, and request set menus from the chefs ahead of time.

PAX pointer: Don’t bother ordering dessert; Pasteles, the brightly lit sweets shop, is all you need with its chocolate fountains, gelato sundaes and mutli-coloured, multi-flavoured cotton candy bar. Adjacent to the roomy and expertly-run Casa Cafe espresso bar, this pairing allows for a caffeine boost after the sugar rush wears out.

Fun for everyone

Toeing the line between a mega resort and an intimate oasis, Hyatt Ziva Cancún has a shopping plaza, 24-hour gym and multi-level spa, complete with salon and hydrotherapy waters.

Rather than tucking its entertainment venue inside, the stairs leading from the main lobby also convert into an amphitheatre overlooking the grounds, for evening shows under the stars.

Perhaps the pride and joy of the Hyatt Ziva Cancún is Très CerveZa’s microbrewery, which, under the expertise of brewmaster Juan Jose Garcia, produces three craft beers (amber, wheat and stout) and serves them alongside what are arguably some of the best chicken wings south of Buffalo. Private beer tastings and tours of the glass-enclosed brewing room are available upon request, as are customized labels and bottling services (an ideal and fun party/wedding favour).

PAX Pointer: Although tucked discretely away beneath the lobby/amphitheatre stairs, visitors would be remiss to pass up a tequila tasting session with the staff tequilier, Eduardo Urbina. Don’t let the baby face fool you - this agave aficionado knows his stuff, and has a flair for entertaining while educating.

Wishlist items:

While the resort has indeed nailed its attempt at offering creative dining experiences, it could stand to do the same with its teen entertainment offerings, as activities beyond the Kids Club and poolside games seemed somewhat lacking.

There are plenty of comfy, open-air spots for business travellers to work the sunny day away, but the WiFi connection is a tad spotty, even en-suite.

Top takeaway:

A welcoming-yet sprawling space with lots to see and do, the all-ages Hyatt Ziva Cancún aims to please on a very personal level, and is ideal for multigenerational getaways with small children.