Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

First impressions are everything and the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos makes a good one -- thankfully, it's a feeling that continues throughout much of a stay here. Past the marble floors and shabby-chic clusters of seating, through the swirling sculptural details and amid the small groups of couples and families are the first glimpses of this lovely property. A massive freeform pool sparkles all the way to the wide, white-sand beach, and the glimmering Sea of Cortez beyond. Decor throughout the resort is fresh and modern, with tastefully employed Mexican design details like natural woodwork and terra-cotta stone, along with bolder style choices -- we especially love the vibe around the fire pits and ponds between the resort's main building and the pool.

It's a feat when a resort is able to cater to guests of all stripes without excluding one group or another. Yes, the Ziva brand is Hyatt's family-friendly line of resorts, but this Cabo outpost is readymade for romantic couples, young groups of friends looking to party, and mature travelers wanting to relax in the sun as well. The vibe throughout the resort was lively during our visit, but well-mannered -- we didn't spot any screaming partiers or packs of rambunctious kids. The Hyatt Ziva allows guests to tailor just how refined they'd like their vacation -- one can snack on burgers and fries next to the pool all day or unwind in the chic spa. While laid-back vacations are the name of the game at this property, it's worth noting that the resort also hosts large business gatherings and wedding celebrations, during which the resort can become crowded.

It's worth noting that while safety is a top concern for the property, there was a shooting at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos in March 2017. Police had been pursuing two men, and one of them led the cops into the hotel’s lobby. Tourists were not targeted or harmed in the incident.

The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos sits on a lovely, but perilous, stretch of sea just outside of charming San Jose del Cabo. The busy road in front of the hotel isn't exactly pedestrian-friendly, though it has sidewalks and there are a few restaurants a 10-minute walk northeast of the hotel. As this is the Hotel Zone of San Jose del Cabo, the resort's immediate neighbors are other hotels and resorts, some of which are a bit rowdier than the Hyatt. The closest stretch of sand with generally swimmable water is at Costa Azul, a five-minute drive down the coast. The charming and artsy downtown area of San Jose del Cabo is a 10-minute drive from the Hyatt, and its weekly Art Walks are popular with locals and tourists alike in high season. For those wanting to party, Cabo San Lucas is a 30-minute drive from the resort. The drive from Los Cabos International Airport to Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos takes 20 minutes.

Along a stretch of coast where plenty of all-inclusive resorts feel less-than-fresh, the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos rooms are a nice change of pace. Don't come expecting artisanal spaces, but everything is attractive and contemporary, with just the right touch of Mexican style. Furniture has clean lines and mid-tone wood-veneer surfaces, while terra-cotta tile floors are complemented by lots of soft blue and beige tones. Sepia-tone photos of agave plants hang on the wall alongside large wood-frame mirrors that up the class factor. Despite differences in layouts, the style is uniform across all categories.

Standard features include minibars, large flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, air-conditioning, Nespresso machines or filter coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and ceiling fans. Each also includes a furnished, roomy balcony, the best of which offer views of the ocean or direct access to a long and narrow pool. Keep in mind that during our visit, noise from the neighboring Decameron property was audible in the Hyatt's southernmost building.

Bathrooms are a treat, even for a hotel of this caliber. They are mostly clad in travertine and dark-brown mosaic tiling. They have separate jetted soaking tubs and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads plus high-end KenetMD bath products. The pebble in-lay floors in most bathrooms are a particularly lovely touch.

Certain rooms include separate bedrooms and living rooms, and all include at least a small sitting area with chairs and a loveseat. Swim-Up Suites are popular for their direct pool access. Ziva Suites are 619 square feet (57 square meters) and located near the kids’ club, plus they have two bathrooms and a sofa bed, making them a good family pick. Club Level guests get private check-in, upgraded in-room amenities, and access to a Club Lounge with snacks and drinks.

Most potential guests ask, “does the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos have a swimmable beach?” Unfortunately, as is the case with the large majority of hotels in Los Cabos, the beach here is not swimmable. On the plus side, the hotel does have lounge chairs and cabanas for lounging by the ocean. A volleyball net is also set up in the sand.

Like any good all-inclusive worth its salt, the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos has a layout that emphasizes one of its best assets -- the large bodies of water at the center of the resort. From the chic pond that's peppered with island-like fire pits to the massive freeform pool, there's plenty of space for everyone to relax in the sun or take a dip. The main pool is ringed with loungers and stretches nearly to the beach. A walkway separates this pool from an infinity pool that overlooks the sand; it also includes a hot tub and a poolside bar. A pool concierge helps keep everything in order, and poolside waiters are available. There's also a separate, slightly boozier adults-only pool on the south side of the resort.

For an alternative way to unwind, the hotel's fitness center is spacious and outfitted with modern cardio and weight-training equipment. Tennis courts are also available. As a family-friendly resort, it's no surprise that the kids' and teens’ features here are solid. The children's pool has waterslides and a jungle gym at the center of the shallow water. The KidZ Club -- packed with toys and games -- is directly adjacent, and the teens’ club has video games and table games like foosball.

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos daily activities include water aerobics, dance classes, beachfront yoga, and movie trivia contests. Live music takes place next to the pool and fire pits later in the day. It keeps things lively, but provides the appropriate vibe for when the sun is going down. For additional entertainment, there's also a theater that puts on live shows with various themes in the evening.

Other standard features include free valet parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. There is an office on-site to help arrange any tours, activities, and excursions in the area. Shops sell various sundries along with souvenirs and jewelry as well. The hotel also has a wealth of meeting space -- 35,000 square feet to be exact (3,251 square meters) -- and is a popular destination for corporate gatherings. During those times, the property can feel a bit crowded. Wedding services and packages are available as well.

The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos spa, Zen Spa, is another standout feature, with the sound of rushing water and the scent of soothing herbs greeting guests as they walk down the curving staircase. Hydrotherapy pools are immediately conspicuous -- as is light marble and stonework -- and there’s a total of 18 treatment rooms, three of which are in outdoor cabanas ringed by ponds. Treatments include massages, facials, and scrubs.

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos restaurants are varied, and each space has its own style and personality. Offerings range from higher-end a la carte restaurants to massive buffets and fast food. The Japanese and French options -- DoZo and Bon Vivant -- are particularly lovely, with sleek interiors that feel spot-on for the menus. The hotel's Mexican buffet restaurant, El Molino, is a sharp rustic-chic space with lots of woodwork and stone details that serves up local fare.

Keep in mind that breakfast is only served in the resort's two buffet restaurants. There are snack bars near both pools, as well as Italian dining next to the beach. A 24-hour cafe comes in handy for late-night cravings, and drinking options include a piano bar and a sports bar in addition to bars in all of the restaurants and near the pools. Room service can be ordered 24/7.

Those staying in Club Rooms have access to the exclusive Club Lounge, a quiet space with snacks, drinks, premium self-serve liquors, and sweets available throughout the day.

The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos all-inclusive plan here is one of the area's best, and includes unlimited dining in all of the resort's a la carte and buffet restaurants. Reservations are not necessary and the theater shows are included, as are access to the kids' and teens’ clubs. Snacks are available all day and night, and the plan includes Wi-Fi, valet parking, 24-hour room service, top-shelf liquor and wine, and gratuities. Spa services cost extra, as do any off-site activities.