Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya: A luxury all-inclusive resort focused on quality over quantity

Situated just 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN), the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is an adults-only, all-inclusive retreat. If you're seeking a serene, romantic escape, this Mexican resort should be on your radar. The upscale destination is designed for couples and those who desire a more peaceful vacation, in contrast to the lively party scenes of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Guests can enjoy their time unwinding by the resort pool or feel the soft, white sand beneath their feet as they take in the stunning views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

I vacationed at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya with my partner, and despite typically avoiding all-inclusive resorts due to subpar food and overpriced offerings, the premium amenities, exquisite dining, and unique experiences here far exceeded our expectations. In fact, we're already planning a return to this resort in 2025 — and revisiting the same destination is not something we usually do.

As an adults-only destination, this resort is ideal for mature guests and couples in search of a peaceful, relaxing getaway. It’s not the place for those seeking a wild, party-filled weekend or a sprawling buffet offering endless choices. At Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, the focus is on quality rather than quantity.

Here’s my review of the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya and everything you should know before booking your stay.

What exactly is Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya?

Located just 20 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is a part of Hyatt’s all-inclusive collection. The resort features 291 rooms and suites equipped with luxury amenities, including a top-tier fitness center, a full-service spa, five dining venues, a large pool, tennis courts, kayaking, nightly entertainment, and more.

Guests at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya will experience a minimalist design, with neutral shades and natural decor elements throughout the resort.

Upon entering the resort, guests are welcomed by over 15 large potted plants, which serve as a striking focal point in the lobby. With the presence of wood, marble, and stone details, I immediately felt a calming atmosphere, much like stepping into a luxurious spa.

Unlike larger Hyatt all-inclusive resorts, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is a more intimate property, offering a boutique-like feel. This resort is perfect for those seeking a luxurious all-inclusive experience, and while it may come at a premium compared to other Hyatt properties in the Quintana Roo area, the extra cost is well worth the elevated privileges guests enjoy.

How to book your stay at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya

During my two-night stay at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, I had the pleasure of staying in an Ocean Front Private Pool King room. This 678-square-foot suite offered several impressive features, including direct access to a private pool and personal butler service. I enjoyed breathtaking ocean views from both the pool and the private terrace.

While there are numerous room options at the resort, the private pool suite provided a more intimate and peaceful setting for my partner and me. We relished the serene ocean views while lounging in our own pool, far from the crowds.

You don’t need to book a luxury suite with a private pool to enjoy a memorable stay at this resort. Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya offers 12 different room categories, from tropical-view rooms with lush mangrove landscapes to ocean-view suites with semi-private pools.

Room prices at Hyatt resorts fluctuate based on peak, off-peak, and standard seasons. For instance, during spring break (March and April), expect higher rates compared to a weekend in August. In August 2024, room rates for two guests range from $363 to $725 per night, depending on the room. In March 2025, rates range from $575 to $1,086 per night.

To secure the best rates, consider signing up for a Hyatt membership—it's free and will help you save money on your nightly rate. Who doesn't love a good deal?

Additionally, if you're a Hyatt Globalist member and book a standard room, you'll receive a suite upgrade. Enjoy those stunning ocean views.

One of the things I love about booking Hyatt hotels is the ability to use points, and unlike Marriott and Hilton, Hyatt still follows an award chart. Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya falls under Category C, where standard rooms range from 21,000 to 29,000 Hyatt points per night, depending on whether it's a standard, peak, or off-peak award rate. Premium Suites range from 42,000 to 58,000 points per night for a Category C hotel.

Thanks to my Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, I can transfer my Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, allowing me to save money and pay for my all-inclusive getaway with points.

However, the availability of points for Premium Suites depends on the property, and it’s common for certain hotels to not offer award nights for these rooms.

When booking your stay at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, consider using one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Hyatt stays, and ideally, one that grants automatic World of Hyatt elite status, unlocking additional perks and benefits.

• World of Hyatt Credit Card: Earn 4 points for every dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts; enjoy automatic Discoverist status; and receive five elite night credits each year towards achieving a higher membership tier.
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts; automatic Discoverist status; and five elite night credits for every $10,000 spent annually.

Ziva Los Cabos, an All-Inclusive Resort

Rooms with a natural minimalist design offer breathtaking views

Staying true to the resort’s theme of blending natural elements, such as stone accents and greenery, the rooms at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya boast a minimalist style. Expect natural wood, soft beige, neutral tones, and an organic atmosphere throughout.

In the 678-square-foot Ocean Front Private Pool King room, you'll find a 55-inch HDTV, blackout curtains, a Nespresso coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, bathrobes and slippers, a sofa, a small table with two chairs, an in-room safe, and a minibar stocked with Tecate beer, water, and sodas. I was a bit surprised by the limited snacks — there was just one bag of plantain chips in my room.

The room features a spacious rainfall shower and Lanvin Paris bathroom essentials, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Additional bathroom amenities include bug spray, mouthwash, and C.O. Bigelow dental and shaving kits.

Step out onto the terrace and you'll find your own private pool and daybed, offering stunning ocean views and a perfect place to unwind. This is a unique feature, as the resort pool is further back and doesn’t have ocean views. Additionally, unlike other rooms, you'll have direct beach access from your suite, ideal for guests who prefer to lounge by the sea without walking to the resort’s main beach area.

Certain suites, including this oceanview room, offer butler service. Whether you need assistance with reservations, want to know about the day’s activities, or simply want to order a drink, just text your butler with your requests and they’ll take care of the rest.

One thing to keep in mind, particularly for guests staying on the resort’s ground floor, is the presence of coatis—long-tailed, raccoon-like creatures—that are known to open room back doors and search through your belongings for food. A sign near the back door advises guests to always lock their doors, especially at night. Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any coatis during my stay, though some neighboring guests did.

Resort amenities and activities

While Hyatt Zilara is smaller compared to larger Hyatt all-inclusive properties like the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, it strikes me as a perfect spot for adults seeking a serene, luxurious escape. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to relax and enjoy upscale amenities without the overwhelming crowds and expansive grounds typical of bigger resorts.

Although party-goers can certainly enjoy themselves at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, during my stay, the atmosphere was more laid-back with minimal loud music and no rambunctious poolside crowds. As a couple on vacation, I truly appreciated this peaceful environment.

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya pool and beach

At Hyatt Zilara, you'll find a spacious beach-entry pool with a swim-up bar, a hot tub, and two basketball hoops for guests who want to shoot some hoops during their swim.

Around the pool, you'll find lounge chairs with umbrellas and cabanas available for an additional fee. Depending on whether you choose a poolside or beachfront cabana, prices range from $119 to $139, which includes two coconuts and butler service.

Unfortunately, the pool doesn’t offer a view of the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, if you enjoy having multiple pool options to choose from, this resort might not be ideal for you. While I did spend some time by the resort pool, I preferred the beach. The hotel offers not only beach lounge chairs and cabanas but also unique beanbag-style chairs for added comfort.

There were numerous seating options available, and even though the resort was quite busy, I never had trouble finding a place to sit — a common issue I’ve encountered at other resorts.

While some may hesitate to splurge on a cabana, the price is quite reasonable, especially for groups. I opted for a beachside cabana, which offered a great respite from the sun with its overhead cover. The cabana also included two lounge chairs and a dedicated butler, who checked in periodically to see if I needed food or drinks. Service was prompt, and everything was delivered on time. Keep in mind that beachside cabanas are in high demand — they were fully booked during my stay. If you’re planning to reserve one, I’d recommend securing it at check-in.

If you’re visiting the Quintana Roo area between April and August, be mindful of sargassum, the red seaweed that tends to wash ashore each year. At Hyatt Zilara, crews worked daily to remove the seaweed from the beach.

Daily entertainment activities

In comparison to other all-inclusive resorts I’ve visited, this one doesn't overwhelm guests with a packed schedule of daily activities. So, if you’re someone who enjoys constant interaction with staff and non-stop entertainment, this may not be the ideal choice for you.

However, there were still plenty of activities and refreshing poolside drinks available during my stay. We had access to scheduled events like kayak tours, beach volleyball, water aerobics, dance lessons, and even cooking classes.

In the evenings, I visited the hotel lobby before dinner to enjoy a violinist playing popular songs. On one night, the theater hosted a karaoke session, and there was also an acrobatic performance on stage.

For some casual fun, head to Legends Sports Bar where you can enjoy drinks and play games like Jenga, darts, foosball, and even some retro video games.

Zen Spa at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya

If you’re visiting Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, you might want to indulge in their spa offerings. While the spa treatments come at an additional cost and can be on the expensive side, the experience goes far beyond just a standard 50-minute deep tissue massage, offering a more immersive and luxurious service.

Zen Spa offers a range of services, including facials, massages, and body treatments. During my stay, I treated myself to a 50-minute Mayan massage, priced at $169. Located in the jungle near the resort entrance, getting to the spa requires a quick golf cart ride. The spa's design reflects the resort’s natural style, with stone accents, marble floors, and wooden decor that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

What sets this spa experience apart from others is the opportunity to enjoy an hour of hydrotherapy before your scheduled treatment. Upon arrival, you're guided to a locker room where you change into a robe over your bathing suit and slides. Then, my group of five was taken to a spacious indoor-outdoor spa, featuring plunge pools, a sauna, steam room, and showers, all with views of the lush Mexican jungle. It was a truly elevated and unforgettable experience.

We began our hydrotherapy session in the sauna for 10 minutes, followed by a refreshing rinse in the outdoor showers. Next, we spent another 10 minutes in the steam room, after which we walked through two knee-high pools—one cold and one warm—for a few laps. We then plunged into a cold pool, warmed up in a jets-equipped lukewarm pool, and concluded by relaxing in the hot plunge pool.

Spa hydrotherapy treatments are often a chance to unwind, but this was the first time I had one that was truly unforgettable.

After completing the hydrotherapy session, my massage therapist escorted me to the treatment room. During the 50-minute Mayan massage, she used a variety of techniques to ease my back pain and tension, incorporating hot stones for added relaxation. I really appreciated that she checked in with me throughout the massage to ensure the pressure was just right, as I often find it hard to speak up if the pressure isn't perfect.

This spa service went beyond the usual 50-minute massage, offering a full experience, which made the $169 price tag feel completely justified.

Delicious food options

Let’s be honest—dining at all-inclusive resorts often falls short. Thankfully, the food at Hyatt Zilara exceeded my expectations. It was fresh, flavorful, and there were plenty of healthy choices for when I wanted something lighter, steering clear of fried foods or indulgent desserts.

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya offers a variety of dining options including three à la carte restaurants, a buffet, a coffee bar (which also serves light snacks and desserts), and three bars: a sports bar, a swim-up pool bar, and the lobby bar.

During my stay, I had the chance to try most of the dining options available at the resort.

Tempest

My top pick for dining at this resort is Tempest, which specializes in Asian cuisine and sushi. While no reservation is needed for hibachi, if you prefer to dine at the sushi bar, you'll need to book in advance due to limited seating.

The sushi bar offered a concise menu, but it covered all the essentials—tuna, salmon, and white fish sashimi, plus a variety of rolls. It was more than enough to satisfy my sushi cravings.

As the chefs prepared my sushi platter right in front of me, I was admittedly a bit skeptical about how it would taste. However, I was pleasantly surprised—this sushi was fantastic. The presentation was top-notch, the fish was incredibly fresh, and the sushi rolls struck the perfect balance of heat and salt.

Alongside the sushi, I also enjoyed shrimp and vegetable lo mein, along with crispy spring rolls dipped in a delicious coconut sauce. For dessert, I tried banana and chocolate spring rolls, and a rich chocolate brownie with nuts and berry sauce. If I had to choose again, I'd skip the brownie—it was a bit too dense and dry for my taste.

Lola Beach

Although I didn't manage to have dinner at Lola Beach, I did enjoy lunch there every day. As an à la carte option by the pool, Lola Beach gets quite busy in the afternoons. While I never had to wait for a table, be ready for a bit of a wait when it comes to food and drinks. The restaurant also features a beachside patio with quicker service options. Both areas share the same bar and food stations, so things can get a little backed up at peak times.

On our first visit to the sit-down restaurant, it was packed with guests. The restaurant was so busy that my appetizers arrived before my drink. If you're in a hurry or prefer a quicker bite, consider grabbing a pizza or something from the beachside bar instead.

Lola Beach's lunch menu offers a delicious variety of ceviches, salads, tacos, and other dishes. One of the highlights was a fish tiradito made with the "catch of the day," paired with creamy avocado, onions, and sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.

I couldn’t get enough of the crispy quesabirria tacos and the spicy mussels cooked in a flavorful garlic, chile, butter, and lemon sauce.

Capri Grille

For a more intimate dining experience, Capri Grille offers a selection of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, complemented by an impressive wine list.

Though the pasta seemed homemade, I found the noodles a bit too thick for my taste, especially the pappardelle with mushrooms and truffle oil, as well as the shrimp ravioli, which had a texture closer to pierogi.

What I appreciated about Capri Grille is its diverse menu, which features not only various pasta dishes but also steak, seafood, pork, and even eight different vegetarian options.

El Comedor

While many vacationers enjoy the convenience of a large buffet, I'm generally not a fan. Compared to a la carte dining, I often find buffet food overcooked from sitting in a warmer, bland, and lacking in overall quality.

When I entered El Comedor, the resort's international buffet, I was surprised by its size. It offers a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with multiple cuisine stations. However, compared to other Hyatt resorts, this buffet is somewhat smaller, and I appreciated that it didn’t have an overwhelming selection of fried or pre-cooked dishes.

For breakfast, there's a station where you can customize your own omelet, plus a hot food line serving bacon, potatoes, pancakes, and hash browns. However, what stood out to me at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya was its focus on healthier options, with an abundance of fresh fruit, smoked salmon and tuna, a variety of parfaits, and even a juice bar.

If you’re a fan of sweets, the buffet also features a selection of pastries, a full donut station, and even Kellogg’s cereal.

While I opted for lunch at Lola Beach instead of the buffet, you can still grab salads, deli meats, cheeses, and a variety of hot dishes at the buffet.

At dinner, the Hyatt Zilara buffet featured standout dishes like salmon and tuna sashimi, a custom fried rice station where guests could select from steak, chicken, or shrimp, and six dessert options including mango mousse, chocolate cake, and crème brûlée. The crème brûlée was one of the best desserts I tried at the resort. Crème brûlée can be tricky to perfect — it’s either too runny or too thick — but this one was smooth and not overly sweet, with a crisp caramelized sugar shell that wasn’t burnt.

Overall, the smaller buffet at this hotel seems to offer a higher quality of food and contributes to a more enjoyable guest experience.

Other snack spots and bars

The resort offers a rotating quick-service lunch option, such as a panini station, taco bar, or grilled seafood. My favorite was the seafood station, where you could enjoy large prawns and octopus. However, this service location changes daily, so be prepared to explore the pool area to find it — I once had to ask where it was.

If you find yourself up late at Legends Bar, the sports bar serves hot appetizers and snacks, like popcorn, which guests can enjoy at their own convenience.

While you can brew your own coffee in your room or grab a cup at the buffet, if you're craving a specialty coffee such as an iced latte or cappuccino, head over to the hotel’s Coffee Republic for a crafted brew.

In addition to coffee and tea, you can treat yourself to a cup of gelato or a fresh pastry to satisfy your sweet cravings.

For a top-tier drink, I recommend trying a craft cocktail made by the expert mixologists at the lobby bar, Social.

If you're looking for a drink with a view, head over to Lola Beach’s cabana bar, just a few steps from the beach and located behind the sit-down restaurant.

If you're lounging by the resort pool, grab a refreshing drink at the swim-up bar, Olas, where you can enjoy the fun of swing seats by the pool or in-water stools for added comfort.

Room Service

Just like other Hyatt all-inclusive resorts, this hotel offers room service throughout the day and night, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night cravings. For breakfast, you can enjoy favorites like waffles, French toast, avocado toast, smoked salmon bagels, omelets, and fresh juices. For lunch and dinner, choose from fajitas, salads, soups, tacos, or a smashburger. And if you're in the mood for a late-night snack, options include chicken wings, nachos, Caesar salad, quesadillas, or even dessert. Though I didn’t use room service during my stay, I was impressed by the variety of choices available. Whether you're staying in all day or get a midnight craving for a burger, you can easily order through the Hyatt app, with no phone call needed.

Accessibility

This resort does offer accessible rooms, which are equipped with roll-in showers and lower beds, though the availability of such rooms seems to be quite limited. When searching for accessible rooms on multiple dates, I often received the message: "No rooms available with the selected criteria."

When I reached out to the resort via their online chat, I was informed that accessible rooms are available, but they may not be open for the dates I selected.

If you're specifically looking for an accessible room, I recommend calling the hotel directly to check availability for your dates.

Although this resort does have an elevator, it’s somewhat out of the way from the main lobby and pool area. Additionally, there are no chair lifts in the pool area, though the pool does feature a beach-entry design, which makes it a bit more accessible.

Why Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya May Not Be the Right Fit for You

• If you're someone who loves expansive resorts with numerous amenities, like multiple pools and a wide variety of dining options—or if you're seeking a lively, party-driven atmosphere—this might not be the resort for you.
• While I’m not a smoker myself, I was informed upon check-in that if guests are caught smoking outside of the designated smoking zones, they’ll face a $500 fine. These designated areas are located at two distant corners of the hotel: one by the beach, far from the pool area, and the other near the lobby, down a path. So, be prepared for a bit of a walk if you're looking for a smoke break.
• This resort is located between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, about a 20 to 30-minute drive from either city. If you’re planning to explore the town, expect to pay around $40 for a taxi ride to Playa del Carmen (and even more for Cancun). While some may enjoy the resort’s secluded vibe, others may prefer to experience the city nightlife and shops.

If you're seeking a similar adults-only experience but prefer to be closer to the action in Cancun's Hotel Zone, consider Hyatt Zilara Cancun.

Bottom Line

Located away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, this adults-only resort offers a peaceful Mexican beach retreat. With an impressive selection of dining options and luxurious amenities, I thoroughly enjoyed my two-night stay here. Although I’m not usually a fan of all-inclusive resorts, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya surprised me with its paradise-like ambiance, blending organic design with stunning beachfront views to create a serene environment that made for a truly relaxing experience.