Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana Hotel Review

For the previous couple of years, we’ve been saying that all-inclusive resorts are making a giant comeback — and main manufacturers equivalent to Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt are working to revamp the expertise to buck the concept that the know-what-you-pay-upfront type of trip means unhealthy meals, cheesy rooms and a lackluster expertise.

Hyatt, particularly, is without doubt one of the main manufacturers making adjustments within the area and, again in 2021, added greater than 100 all-inclusive properties to its Inclusive Collection with the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group.

But earlier than that, Hyatt already had a handful of its personal upscale all-inclusive properties branded because the adults-only Hyatt Ziva and the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva.

On a visit to the Dominican Republic, I stayed on the larger-than-life, adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, which is a part of a dual-branded beachfront complicated that additionally homes the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. What’s nice a few keep at Zilara is that adults touring with out youngsters, like me and my companion, can benefit from all of the eating places and facilities, together with a wonderful water park, provided on the Hyatt Ziva.

Children, however, are restricted from accessing the Zilara.

My expertise on the sprawling resort was close to good. As somebody who has stayed at many all-inclusive resorts through the years, I used to be actually blown away by the stylish design of the property, the attractive seashores, the general high quality of the meals and drinks and the way stylish the expertise felt as an entire, particularly in comparison with different all-inclusive stays I’ve had through the years.

Here’s what it was like staying on the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana in Punta Cana — and why it finally earned a spot on TPG’s checklist of the very best all-inclusive resorts on the earth.

Cost

With dozens of all-inclusive resorts within the Dominican Republic, prices can vary from downright low cost to very costly. The Hyatt Zilara falls on the dearer aspect of the spectrum, if you happen to’re reserving with money, however is taken into account by many — myself included — to be an unimaginable use of World of Hyatt factors contemplating it covers most foods and drinks, plus leisure, sure actions and entry to a extremely enjoyable water park.

If you are reserving with money, anticipate to pay upwards of $550 per night time for 2 adults and extra throughout busy instances like winter holidays.

To redeem factors, World of Hyatt members ought to anticipate to pay between 35,000 and 45,000 factors per night time, based mostly on double occupancy, as it is a Category E property in Hyatt’s all-inclusive award chart. Before March 28, 2023, the property was Category C and value simply 25,000 factors per night time for the standard award night time, however was upgraded a whopping two classes in Hyatt’s annual class adjustments introduced early this 12 months.

Using a company World of Hyatt account with Globalist standing on the then-Category C pricing, I used to be booked right into a club-level, junior suite king room with a balcony providing views of the resort, pool and ocean.

With the Globalist standing, my companion and I had been whisked away to a non-public check-in space within the membership lounge and provided an ice-cold margarita whereas we waited. During the check-in course of, we acquired rubber bracelets that labored as our room keys and bought us entry to the unique membership bar and pool (with premium drinks).

Other Globalist perks included free worldwide calling, 10 items of free laundry, butler service, reductions on sure wine and spirits, reductions on romantic dinner experiences and entry to “exclusive access” on the Shutters and Chinola eating places, amongst different perks.

Pros

• Beautiful, up to date resort on a surprising seashore with an enormous pool.
• At this dual-branded resort, adults can benefit from all the property whereas youngsters are restricted to only one part.
• Large and comfy suites with loads of area to unfold out in.

Cons

• This continues to be among the best redemptions within the World of Hyatt program, although the resort that beforehand value 25,000 factors per night time now prices 45,000.
• Restaurants and bars can get busy and require a wait to be seated.
• Getting lounge chairs close to the pool or on the seashore might be troublesome if you happen to do not rise up early to say a spot.

Vibe: Adults-only (type of)

Overall, the vibe of all the Hyatt Zilara and Ziva complicated is totally upscale, stylish and nearly has a European flare. The complicated, which opened in 2019, is fantastically designed, with a big, open foyer rising above the primary pool set beneath and previous a dramatic staircase filled with little seating nooks, with the pristine seashore out additional down. It’s fashionable, full of lovely greenery and the type of place that is simple to get misplaced in simply absorbing the views.

During my keep, I discovered company to be from everywhere in the world, effectively mannered and easily searching for an elegant place to spend just a few days enjoyable fairly than taking full benefit of limitless booze, like I’ve skilled at different all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. In the mornings, of us had been sipping espresso or a Bloody Mary whereas studying or suntanning. In the evenings, because the sundown and ambient lighting began to glow, folks disappeared from the pool and seashore and reemerged in fashionable outfits to go out for cocktails at one of many many bars earlier than dinner at one of many practically dozen eating places.

At the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva aspect, only a fast stroll however a world away, company may need a special expertise contemplating that swimming pools full of youngsters have a really totally different vibe. But even in my excursions that led me previous these swimming pools, issues appeared comparatively calm, save for the sounds of laughing and splashing kids who all appeared to be totally having fun with their visits, too.

For a multigeneration household trip, this dual-property resort hits all of the marks, as households with youngsters can e-book a room on one aspect whereas grandparents (or, say, a childless uncle like me) can keep on the opposite. I’d simply spend just a few hours with my niece on the waterpark after which retreat to the adults-only pool for some quieter, calmer pool time later within the afternoon.

Room

During my go to to the Hyatt Zilara, I stayed in a 600-square-foot junior suite king that was vibrant and colourful, ethereal and, most significantly, snug.

Walking in from the indoor-outdoor hallway, I instantly observed how lengthy the room was. And the lavatory to the left was large. The rest room was separated from the entry hallway with a wise closet system with doorways accessible from either side. There was a separate room for the bathroom, twin vanities so two folks may simply prepare on the identical time and a glass bathe that regarded into the bed room space. On the surface of the bathe, sliding doorways could possibly be positioned to dam the views from the dwelling space into the bathe and toilet. (I’m unsure why these open-concept showers have grow to be such a pattern, however I’ve observed them at different resorts as effectively.)

The bathe provided nice water stress, a bench beneath the showerhead, colourful tiles and Ozone bathtub facilities.

In the big dwelling area there was a loveseat with a espresso desk; an extended desk with a chair, a lamp and a writing mat; a completely snug king-size mattress; and a fridge.

One factor I beloved concerning the design of the room was how colourful it was, from multicolored patterned rugs to a darkish picket wall panel contrasted with a row of colourful elaborations that nearly regarded like books on a shelf.

Flanking either side of the mattress had been nightstands, energy shops that labored with customary American-style plugs and USB ports and lamps.

In the fridge had been Sprites, Coca-Colas, Coca-Cola Lights, Presidente beers from the Dominican Republic, varied juice bins (good for me and my companion, who’re each diabetic!) and bottled water. Above the fridge had been snacks like Pringles, M&Ms, granola bars and a espresso maker.

But the actual star of the room was the balcony, which had a snug, cushioned lounge chair and had views straight on that dramatic staircase resulting in the foyer, varied seating areas and the pool and ocean off to the aspect. It was exceptionally lovely at night time when the resort was aglow with shade.

Dining and ingesting

Whether you wish to have a fast meal whereas pool hopping, sit down for a craft cocktail or gown to the nines for a flowery dinner, there is a restaurant for you between the Zilara and Ziva — and doubtless extra eating places and bars than you may expertise throughout a keep.

There had been actually greater than I may take a look at throughout my two-night go to.

Here are some fast highlights from my meals.

The buffet at The Pier

My first meal was at The Pier, the resort buffet that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I visited the buffet solely as soon as throughout my keep, after checking in and whereas ready for my room to be prepared. Tired after an early morning flight and ravenous, I did what I do greatest at buffets: grabbed somewhat little bit of every little thing.

While nothing was spectacular, I did benefit from the sashimi counter, the place uncooked cuts of tuna, scallops and salmon ready to order.

With a glass of rose wine and an odd collection of noodles, cheese, sashimi and ice cream, I used to be lots full after eating at The Pier, however general the meals was fairly customary for an all-inclusive buffet — although the setting was considerably nicer due to its broad, ethereal eating room with a up to date, industrial really feel.

Italian at Noodle & Thread

Since I like to have fried rice flung into my mouth throughout a showy hibachi dinner, my companion and I ventured throughout to Ziva for dinner at Tempest Table solely to be taught there was an hour-plus anticipate a seat. I used to be bummed I did not attain out to my assigned butler (included with my Club Level-room) forward of time to see if I may make reservations, however we shifted gears and rapidly grabbed a desk on the resort’s Italian outpost, Noodle & Thread.

This restaurant was large and busy, with tables scattered round a brick-walled, bistro-like setting that felt extra Brooklyn than the seashore. For dinner, we shared a salad with corn, cucumbers, feta cheese and tomatoes earlier than digging right into a hen parm served over spaghetti with pink sauce and the recent fish of the day served on a carrot puree.

On the Ziva aspect of the property, this restaurant was for everybody — and I observed a big household with youngsters gathered collectively to rejoice a marriage, {couples} on a romantic date and everybody in between.

Shutters Beachside

For breakfast on each mornings of our keep we ended up at Shutters Beachside, an open-air, coated restaurant that faces out to the seashore. Shutters was a fantastic cease within the morning as a result of we had been capable of seize towels and declare seats earlier than sitting down for espresso, breakfast cocktails and ocean views to start out the day.

For our meals, we loved a light-weight egg frittata served on a crabcake, inexperienced juices and a wholesome portion of bacon that would’ve been somewhat crispier however nonetheless tasted scrumptious. On the second morning, to assist cushion my abdomen for an additional day of sipping rose within the solar, I opted for completely runny eggs over simple. I’d advocate breakfast with full service right here over a cease on the buffet to get your day going.

French polynesian at Brando’s

For our final dinner, we had our butler make our reservations at Brando’s, an over-the-top, upscale restaurant serving French-Polynesian fusion meals at tables with big, woven baskets suspended overhead and surrounded by black-bottomed swimming pools.

There, the meals was simply as intricate because the decor, and the menu may depart you scratching your head merely since you do not acknowledge many of the phrases (myself included). We determined to go all out and ordered the Tahitian cru ceviche served in a coconut; a Niçoise Salad with seared tuna with anchovy emulsion and quail eggs; grilled shrimp in coconut-and-vanilla sauce; and a Tahitian cake with coconut for desert.

Overall, the meals at Brando’s was recent and attractive, particularly contemplating what I’ve had at different all-inclusive resorts.

Did it stand as much as an equally fashionable feeling restaurant in New York or Miami? No. But I’d say it was an unimaginable expertise contemplating it was all included.

Other eating places and bars

While on a two-day journey to an all-inclusive resort, the precedence might be spending as a lot time as potential on the seashore, close to the pool or benefiting from the resort’s different facilities. That mentioned, we spent most of our days lounging by the primary pool and getting nice cocktails and glasses of rosé from The Reef, Zilara’s most important swim-up pool, or from the numerous servers strolling round.

With our membership wristbands, we often went to Las Mareas, the membership pool, for top-shelf drinks, however loved the power of the primary pool space extra.

We additionally grabbed a refreshing salad for a fast lunch at Presto, the snack bar, one afternoon and had an ordinary, always-hits-the-spot membership sandwich delivered to our room utilizing 24-hour room service.

Before dinner at Brando’s, we additionally hit up One Eyed Cat, a moody martini bar, for pre-dinner libations. One Eyed Cat was crowded with folks dressed up, chatting and having fun with one another’s firm. It felt considerably extra upscale than most all-inclusive bars I’ve visited earlier than and would cease again for a grimy gin martini on any go to.

There’s additionally a foyer espresso bar that I visited a number of instances. Though the espresso at all times hit the spot, the lengthy traces to get it didn’t.

Activities

If you get FOMO (concern of lacking out), take into account reserving a week-long keep, as a result of there’s lots to do and expertise on the Hyatt Zilara.

For starters, I’d say the Zilara pool is one in all my favourite resort swimming pools of all time — and I’ve been fortunate sufficient to spend time at some insane swimming pools (it is my job!). The infinity pool is very large, and it takes a couple of minutes to wade from one aspect to the opposite. It’s flanked by loads of lounge chairs, however I did discover folks claimed their seats early, so be certain that anyone will get as much as snag just a few within the morning. There are additionally scorching tubs on both sides of the pool.

During the day, varied occasions occurred within the pool, together with a water aerobics class that was extra enjoyable to look at than to affix.

It was my first time within the Dominican Republic, and I used to be actually shocked by the attractive seashores — the tall palm timber stretching up into the sky and curving as if dancing, and the picture-perfect water in varied hues of blue. Guests can use seashore chairs offered by the resort, but it surely did not appear folks claimed them as early as they did these by the pool.

The value of your keep contains entry to nonmotorized watersports equivalent to aqua-cycling, although I did not see many individuals benefiting from this.

The resort provides a 14,000-square-foot fitness center together with health lessons like Zumba, Pilates and spin, however I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I attempted one for myself. Instead, I bought my exercise in by operating across the water park.

At the Canapolis Water Park, each the younger and younger at coronary heart can take pleasure in just a few hours of water-filled enjoyable by floating alongside the lazy river or sliding down one of many adrenaline-pumping slides starting from entry-level choices that youthful youngsters beloved to an anxiety-inducing drop that felt like being shot out of a cannon.

For smaller youngsters, the water park additionally has a splash pad with smaller slides and a giant water bucket that fills up and dumps out.

For some pampering (at an extra value), company can hit up the cenote-inspired Larimar Spa. There, company will discover the Dominican Republic’s first Himalayan salt lounge, a hydrotherapy pool that appears like a cave and a therapy menu starting from a fundamental 50-minute therapeutic massage ($190) to a 90-minute physique wrap that mixes a cooling physique wrap utilizing Dominican Noni fruit with a coconut milk scalp therapeutic massage, silver ion face masks and chilly stone therapeutic massage ($242).

And it’s a must to take a look at the resort’s nightly leisure. On the primary night time, we discovered a duo within the courtyard enjoying up to date pop hits in a classical type on a violin and French horn, adopted by a stage manufacturing known as the “Royal Fantasy Show” that was principally a small-scale Cirque du Soleil present full with aerial dancers, reside music and a crowd of all ages clapping alongside.

I additionally bumped into some “Transformer”-like robots whereas crossing into the family-friendly Ziva.

Recommendation

Since my keep on the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, I’ve not stopped speaking about returning. For me, it was an all-inclusive expertise higher than any I’d had earlier than, due to its upscale environment, lovely swimming pools and seashores, a stellar water park and better-than-expected meals.

But what actually received me over was the worth when redeeming factors. Fortunately, I visited when an award keep value simply 25,000 World of Hyatt Points for the standard redemption. But I’d argue that an award keep value 45,000 factors continues to be a fantastic deal contemplating it covers all of your meals and drinks for 2 folks in a good looking suite that is spacious, fashionable and comfy.

All-inclusive resorts are altering — and I hope that new ones look to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana for example of do issues proper. I am unable to converse for the opposite Zilara and Ziva properties, however my colleagues have raved about just a few, especially the situation in Jamaica, and I am unable to wait to go to extra sooner or later and see how the model continues to broaden in different places.