Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Surrounded by the sea on three sides and sitting on pretty and pristine white-sand beaches, this family-friendly property from the Hyatt brand stands out as one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Options that arguably exceed it, such as Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun and sister property Hyatt Zilara Cancun, are for adults only, making this the best bet for parents with kids in tow.

Formerly the Dreams Cancun, the property reopened as a Hyatt following a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2016. Rooms are housed in three towers surrounded by manicured gardens. The Turquoize at Hyatt Ziva Cancun is entirely for adults only, and it has its own pool, restaurant, and direct access to the spa -- a great solution that allows the resort to adeptly cater to both couples seeking a quiet getaway and families with kids. Expansive grounds feature three large and immaculate infinity pools with plenty of loungers and chic cabanas to while away the day in -- but the hotel's gorgeous white-sand beaches might be the more appetizing sun-loafing option, with clear turquoise waters and palapa-shaded loungers lining the shore. There's even a dolphin habitat on the premises, where willing guests can swim with the creatures (for a fee).

Inside, the spacious, modern lobby is full of light, awash in neutral hues with cream-colored stone walls, gleaming floors, and handsome wooden elements. Comfortable couches, stylish chairs, and chic wooden coffee tables offer a place to relax in this airy space where the clean-lined, Scandinavian-chic decor is peppered with subtle Mayan accents, like patterned pillows and blue area rugs. Glass walls etched with a gossamer lattice design separate some parts of the space, a stylish and elegant visual element that doesn't sacrifice the natural light. The hotel's range of restaurants, lounges, and bars are equally stylish, some adhering to the same type of modern and minimal-meets-Mexican style, while others run the gamut from a traditional style with wood-paneled walls, tufted leather banquettes, and crisp white tablecloths, to casual, beachy spaces, to a classic American diner complete with seating in a turquoise Chevy from the '50s.

Situated at the tip of Punta Cancun, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun All-Inclusive occupies a scenic location on white-sand beaches, while being within walking distance of all the action and nightlife of central Cancun -- without all the noise. Top nightlife spots like Coco Bongo, Senor Frog's, and the Cancun ICC are under a 10-minute walk from the resort, as are various bars, restaurants, and shops. The Peninsula Convention Center is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the port to Isla Mujeres is a 25-minute drive away. Downtown Cancun is around 20 to 30 minutes away via bus or taxi. Cancun International Airport can be reached in 25 to 30 minutes by car.

The resort offers 547 spacious rooms and suites with fresh and tasteful contemporary decor. Glass doors take over one wall, filling the spaces with sunlight and opening onto private furnished balconies -- some with lovely sea views, while others overlook the pools, grounds, or dolphin habitat. Decor is Scandi-chic meets Mexican flair: sleek and stylish modern wooden furniture and a palette of neutral hues are paired with colorful accents, like large paintings and other art, vibrant accent walls in bold hues, or colorful pillows and bed runners. Rooms start at a spacious 483 square feet and have seating areas; suites have separate living and dining rooms (duplex suites are also available). Entry-level Resort View Rooms overlook the gardens and come in two bed configurations: one king-size bed and a sofa bed, or two queen beds.

Marble bathrooms have large walk-in rainfall showers with lovely decorative tile accents walls. Magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, toiletries, and robes and slippers are provided. (The whirlpool tubs found at adults-only sister property Hyatt Zilara Cancun are noticeably absent here, though balcony hot tubs can be found in the Club Oceanfront suites.)

Standard amenities include satellite flat-screen TVs with Bluetooth speakers, free minibars (replenished daily), coffeemakers, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, laptop-sized safes, and free Wi-Fi. Guests staying in Club-level rooms get an array of extra perks and services, including a bottle of sparkling wine, upgraded minibars with liquor, espresso machine, and access to an exclusive Club Level lounge with premium drinks, continental breakfast, and more. Swim-up rooms have direct access to a semi-private pool (no children under 13 are allowed in these rooms).

Turqouize at Hyatt Ziva Cancun is the resort's adults-only beachfront tower, with its own rooftop infinity pool, adults-only restaurant and lounge, and a private check-in and reception area. The Turquoize Ocean Front Master King is the standard unit here, offering a whopping 700 square feet of space that include a living area and a balcony with a hot tub and direct sea views. Swim-up units in the Turquoize Tower are located on the eighth floor or higher, which allows for expansive sea views from both the balcony and the shared infinity pools.

Seven restaurants, three lounges, and six bars offer a wealth of dining and drinking options, plus there are several food carts peppered throughout the property. Guests can opt for Asian or Italian fare, indulge in some beachside Mexican cuisine, or chow down on some classic American diner grub, among other choices -- though overall, the food gets mixed reviews from many guests. El Mercado is the Hyatt’s all-day buffet, while Tradewinds, which turns into a steakhouse at night, is the only other option open for breakfast. Coffee drinks and pastries are available throughout the day at Casa Cafe. The adults-only La Bastille serves up French cuisine in a formal atmosphere. Reservations are not required at any of the restaurants.

Bars include a tequila bar, poolside and beachfront drinks, a 24-hour lounge, and even a microbrewery with homemade artisan beer. Room service is available 24/7.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun’s all-inclusive plan includes dining at all a la carte and buffet restaurants, as well as unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Top-shelf liquor and wine is included in the rate. Additionally, the all-inclusive package covers non-motorized water sports, 24-hour room service, free minibar items (restocked daily), scuba diving sessions, Wi-Fi, and access to the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit. Activities such as tastings and themed parties are also included.

The Hyatt Ziva Cancul's beautiful beachfront grounds include two stunning white-sand beaches complete with loungers and palapas, plus cabanas are available for a fee. Various water sports are on offer, including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Guests can also relax around the resort’s three infinity-edge pools and two large hot tubs, which are surrounded by ample loungers, as well as cabanas available for rent. One of the pools is for adults only and is accessible to guests staying in the adults-only Turquoize Tower. The resort also offers a separate kids' pool.

Other family-friendly amenities include a kids' club for ages 4 to 12, with a large playroom with toys, games, and activities, as well as an outdoor water play area with slides. There's even a dolphin habitat on-site, where guests can swim with the creatures. In addition, the hotel offers an array of activities and entertainment, such as theater shows, water activities, and various lessons including tennis, Spanish, and dance.

The hotel's Zen Spa offers extensive facilities and a full menu of treatments, with 13 treatment rooms (plus beachside treatments available) a steam room, sauna, cold plunge pool, a dual temperature whirlpool tub, massage waterfalls, and a hydrotherapy circuit overlooking the sea -- plus there's a beauty salon on-site. The 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness center is well-equipped with a full range of modern machines, and offers personal training sessions for a fee. Fitness classes like yoga, stretching, aqua cycling, and functional training are available.

Other amenities include a selection of on-site shopping, including jewelry, fashion, and souvenirs. The Hyatt Ziva Cancun lacks a casino, but there are several within a short drive of the hotel. Excursions can be arranged through third parties with the concierge. Parking is available free of charge on-site.

The Hyatt Ziva Cancun wedding facilities are extensive and varied. The hotel features 16,000 square feet of event space, including a 7,857-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests. The hotel also offers plenty of outdoor spaces -- such as a rooftop terrace and ample lawns -- and there are two lovely gazebos for intimate wedding ceremonies overlooking the beach.

The hotel offers the services of wedding planners and can accommodate all types of weddings, whether religious or non-denominational, big or intimate. It also offers various wedding packages for different budgets and styles.

Honeymoon and anniversary packages can be booked and include cakes, sparkling wine, and special room decorations, among other perks.