Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya Review: Finding my Zen Through Simple Luxuries:
Step into an adults only, all-inclusive resort that allows you to peel back the layers and completely decompress. One of the very few resorts in this part of Mexico that has a long, white sandy beach, perfect for swimming. My stay at the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya was filled with moments of zen. I forgot all my troubles and soon, you will too. Follow my travel adventures on IG: @SallyGolanTravel
Miami Life Is Overrated, Time To Escape The Dullness:
Life in Miami can be so dull. I cringe every time someone’s eyes widen with glee when I tell them I live in South Beach. “Oh my gosh, so glamorous! I want to live there soooo badly. You’re so lucky!” Ugh. Then why don’t YOU move there?
Miami’s reputation precedes itself and I mean that in a negative way. Please be my guest. Enjoy the horrendous traffic, overpriced restaurants, debilitating humidity, lack of cultural activities and relentless rains. You know what’s GREAT about Miami? The airport. (You knew that was coming).
Lately, the airport has been calling. Begging me to check in a bag, enjoy a cafecito in the lounge and board a flight to Mexico. So what’s a girl to do when she hears the soft whispers of the travel Gods egging her on? She. Books. That. Trip.
Choosing Simple Elegance at the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya:
I wanted sophisticated elegance and most of all: peace. That is why I chose the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya. I landed in the October rain at the CUN airport just in time for lunch. A short 40 minute drive and we pulled up to the grand lobby of the Hyatt Zilara.
After a breezy checkin, I settled into my “ocean view” room and immediately re-connected with all things Mexico. The sounds of gentle rain. The Spanish tiles. The beauty of the Mayan people.
My first meal was at Lola Beach Club. Chicken fajitas, tuna tartare and house made guac. All of it hoovered within seconds as I enjoyed the view of the Caribbean.
Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is anchored by one main swimming pool, dotted by white sun loungers with plenty of umbrellas. The resort grounds are not so big that you need a buggy to get around, however you will still get your steps in. While this is an all-inclusive resort, it’s a little bit on the higher end with almost all menus featuring a-la carte items.
This is a true beach front property. The Caribbean is literally steps from the pool where one can go back and forth between both options, all day long. It’s an understated luxury that’s hard to find.
An Overview of the Restaurants on the Property:
El Comedor: Breakfast, Dinner
- Daily breakfast buffets
- Eggs your way
- Both “naughty” and healthy options
- Also open for dinner: sit down a la carte mixed with soup and salad buffet
- A fusion of cuisine, great seafood options
Coffee Republic: Daily Treats
- Open from morning to late at night
- Beautiful interior design
- Great for sitting with friends and escaping the heat
- They even had a donut wheel
Lola Beach Club: Lunch + Dinner
- Situated between the pool and the beach
- Great view of the caribbean while you eat
- Open for lunch and dinner
- Fusion of Mayan and Oaxacan flavors
- Loved my chicken fajitas and tuna tartare here
- If dining here at night, wear bugspray!
Capri Grill: Dinner- Italian Restaurant
- Excellent restaurant, probably one of their best
- Order the Carbonara and their steak, it was incredible!
- Features pastas and main courses with plenty of protein options
- Fantastic presentation
Tempest: Dinner – Hibachi and Sushi
- Make reservations for the Hibachi show, great for couples or a group
- Expect flames and ninja skills
- Only open for dinner
- Sushi bar
- Asian fusion
Legends Sports Bar: Drinks and Bar Bites
- Classic American sports bar
- Karaoke and game nights
- Cocktails, beers and wine
- Watch the game with your pals
All restaurants feature attentive, fast and friendly service. They are on it. I have to hand them that.
The Zen Spa: Inspired by Mayan Traditions:
Lately, I have been lost in my head about my life in Miami after so many years abroad. Whenever I have a big life decision to make, I go to the spa;) I booked a hydrotherapy session at the Zen Spa to see if ancient Mayan Rituals can help point me in the right direction.
The spa design is simply elegant. The focus is on the services. Enter the hydrotherapy section: a freezing cold plunge, a steaming jacuzzi, a hydrotherapy massage pool and a thermal foot circuit with contrasting cold to hot waters. All centered around a buddha, under a simple palapa.
My favorite was the Mayan thermal foot circuit, sometimes called a Mayan reflexology pool or contrast foot ritual. It’s a beautiful fusion of ancient Mayan healing traditions and modern hydrotherapy, designed to ground, detoxify, and rejuvenate the body through the feet. This was actually addictive.
What Did I Love About my Stay at the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya?
Non pushy staff: No one is there to bother you or to convince you to sign up for something or purchase something. The staff respects your peace and is there to improve your stay, not squeeze you.
Elevated cuisine: I love me a free-for-all-buffet, but the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya impressed me with some creative dishes that I am still thinking about. For example, stuffed sea bass with shrimp and Oaxacan fish with creamed corn. I actually devoured every plate I ordered. Which is rare.
Swimmable beach: This is a huge bonus if you’re looking to compare to other resorts. Having the choice between the ocean and the pool is a luxury. The beach is large, clean, swimmable and pretty! There is plenty of seating at both the pool and beach.
Quality Rooms: The rooms are not overly designed but they are quality. The bed was perfect. I slept every night like a baby. The showers are huge with great water pressure and there’s plenty of space to move your luggage around and chill.
What do I Think Needs to be Improved on?
Limited buffet options: I sometimes found the buffet options at El Comedor to be slim, especially in the salad department. Sometimes even repetitive things like offering burgers and hotdogs a few times too many. They still have their elevated menu options available at the same time, however.
Aesthetics of the resort grounds: more greens, plants, flowers and general aesthetics would do the resort grounds some good. I hope to see them expanding on a garden or something to create more visual pleasantries.
Creating more of a mood or vibe: Some of the restaurants like Capri Grill and Tempest (though the food and service was 10/10) could use some mood and vibe enhancements. Music, lighting and general decor could be improved.
Some Other Things to Note:
- Make sure to lock your patio doors at ALL times because of the Coaties
- I highly recommend this resort for couples
- The resort is super close to Playa Del Carmen, great for nightlife options
- The pool waters were at a perfect temperature
- The resort offers star gazing at night if they sky is clear enough, which I find very unique
I personally loved my stay at the Hyatt Zilara and found myself in a bit of a vacation mode for a few days after. I loved waking up early and watching the sunrise right over the Caribbean and even enjoying a swim before everyone wakes up. Follow them on IG Here: @HyattZilaraRivieraMaya
I would then have a slow coffee by the pool and then have a leisurely breakfast at El Comedor. My afternoons were spent sprawled on the loungers, going back and forth between the sea and the pool. I loved the friends I made at the resort too as everyone was in a chipper mood. Dinners were delicious no matter where I ate. For me, there was not a failed dish. I just didn’t love the buffet so much.
Considering a stay at the Hyatt Zilara and got some questions? Send me a message, I always respond.
Sally@sallygolan.com and follow my travel adventures on IG: @SallyGolanTravel
