Hey there, fellow travelers! My family and I just got back from an incredible 5-day escape to Hyatt Ziva Cancun, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of sun, sea, and some of the best food we’ve ever had at an all-inclusive. This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a memory-making marathon with our kids (ages 7, 10 and 12) and my husband, filled with laughter, a few hiccups, and endless plates of tacos. Here’s our personal story, complete with our daily itinerary, tips, and a few “don’ts” to help you plan your own Cancun getaway.
Getting There: From Airport Chaos to Resort Bliss
After a smooth flight, we landed at Cancun International Airport, buzzing with excitement but bracing for the notorious arrivals scene. Tip: Pre-arrange your transport with a service like USA Transfers or Canada Transfers (we booked ours through the Hyatt website for ~$50 round-trip). It saved us from the chaotic gauntlet of timeshare reps and taxi hawkers. Our driver whisked us away in a comfy van, and after a 25-minute ride through the Hotel Zone’s twinkling lights, we pulled up to Hyatt Ziva’s glowing entrance around 2 PM.
Check-in was a bit of a wait—about 20 minutes, as the lobby was hopping with new arrivals. But the staff kept us hydrated with chilled water and handed out Champagne to the adults, which was a classy touch. The kids got fruit punch and were already eyeing the lobby’s tropical decor. Tip: Have your booking confirmation handy to speed things up, and don’t stress if check-in takes a sec—the staff are super friendly. Once we got our keys, we were escorted to our ocean-view suite, and the Caribbean Sea sparkling outside our balcony had us forgetting the wait in a heartbeat.
The Vibe: Why Hyatt Ziva Stole Our Hearts
Hyatt Ziva is a beachfront paradise on Punta Cancun, surrounded by turquoise waters on three sides. The private beach is perfect for chilling, with cabanas and waiter service, while the nearby public beach (Playa Gaviota Azul) is great for volleyball and people-watching. The three infinity pools (including a dolphin-viewing one) kept us cool, and the food? Oh man, it’s next-level for an all-inclusive—think gourmet tacos, French fine dining, and a bakery that had the kids raiding desserts like pirates. Nightly shows lit up the outdoor amphitheater, and the all-inclusive perks (unlimited food, drinks, Wi-Fi) made everything stress-free, minus a small ~$31 MXN/night environmental tax.
Don’t: Skip pre-booking airport transfers—walking the airport gauntlet isn’t worth the hassle. Also, don’t bother with the “swim with dolphins” experience. It’s more like standing in water and petting their noses, not actual swimming, and costs a pretty penny. We loved watching the dolphins from our room’s balcony or the dolphin pool for free instead.
Our 5-Day Itinerary: Sun, Fun, and Food Galore
Day 1: Settling into Paradise
After Check-in: Took a leisurely stroll around the grounds, marveling at the lush gardens, infinity pools, and the dolphin habitat (so cool to see them flip from a distance). We wandered to the public beach at Playa Gaviota Azul, just a 5-minute walk, and let the kids chase waves while we snapped pics of the “Cancun” sign.
Late Afternoon: The beach goers had mostly left, so we set up on the private beach with lounge chairs and ordered margaritas from the roving waiters (included!). The kids built sandcastles while we relaxed under an umbrella.
Evening: Dinner at Habaneros, the beachfront Mexican spot, where the shrimp tacos and fresh guac had us in love. Post-dinner, we hit Pasteles, the all-inclusive bakery, and loaded up on churros and macarons. The kids called it “dessert heaven.” Wrapped up with the nightly show—a vibrant Mexican dance performance with mariachi tunes. Don’t: Overdo the buffet on day 1; save room for the restaurants!
Day 2: Poolside Chillin’ and Sports Court Action
Morning: Woke up to ocean views and hit El Mercado for a buffet breakfast that was a feast—freshly made chilaquiles, pancakes with Nutella for the kids, and a smoothie bar that had me blending mango and pineapple.
Tip: Get there early (around 7:30 AM) to beat the rush and grab an oceanfront table.
Late Morning: Explored the main infinity pool, where the kids splashed in the shallow end while we sipped piña coladas at the swim-up bar. Took a quick peek at the dolphin pool—those dolphins are mesmerizing!
Tip: Pool chairs fill up fast—stake your spot by 9 AM.
Afternoon: Headed to the sports court for some family basketball. My 10-year-old showed off his 3 point attempts, and we had a blast cheering each other on. Later, we joined a beach volleyball game on the public beach—super fun, though I’m still sore from diving for the ball! Don’t: Forget sunscreen; the Cancun sun is no joke.
Evening: Dinner at Lorenzo’s for Italian—wood-fired margarita pizza and creamy fettuccine Alfredo were kid-approved. Grabbed desserts at Pasteles (that chocolate fountain is dangerous) and caught the nightly show—acrobats doing flips that had us gasping.
Tip: Sit close to the stage for the best view.
Day 3: Cancun Day Trip and Bakery Bliss
Morning: Wanted just a quick breakfast at El Mercado but the buffet just kept calling. Huevos rancheros and fruit platters fueled us up.
Tip: Grab to-go coffee from the buffet’s espresso machine for the road.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Took a day trip to Cancun’s markets (pre-arranged taxi through the resort, ~$15 each way). First stop: Mercado 28, a colorful maze of stalls where we bargained for a sombrero and beaded bracelets. The kids loved the maracas and street corn from a vendor. Next, we hit La Isla Shopping Village, a swanky outdoor mall with canals. We shopped for souvenirs, sipped smoothies, and posed by the waterfront. Back by 4 PM for pool time at the main infinity pool.
Tip: Bring small bills (MXN or USD) for market haggling. Definitely try to get Mexican Pesos from your bank before you go as every vendor’s exchange rate is questionable.
Evening: Dinner at Habaneros for more tacos (seriously, they’re that good) and ceviche. The kids begged for Pasteles, so we loaded up on churros and brownies. The nightly show was a Cirque-style spectacle with acrobats swinging from silks—pure magic under the stars.
Day 4: Beach Vibes and Family Bonding
Morning: Buffet breakfast at El Mercado again—can’t get enough of those fresh tortillas and salsa bar. The kids discovered the waffle station and went to town.
Late Morning: Another stroll along the grounds, stopping to snap pics by the private pier. We wandered to the public beach and played tag with the kids in the surf.
Tip: Wear water shoes; some areas have sharp rocks.
Afternoon: Claimed a cabana on the private beach (free if you get there early!) and ordered ceviche and beers from the beach waiters. The kids snorkeled in the calm waters while we read and relaxed. Later, we tried paddleboarding (included)—I fell twice, may not be my thing.
Evening: Dinner at Bastille’s, the adults-only French restaurant, while the kids hit the KidZ Club for a movie night. The beef bourguignon was divine, and we felt fancy sipping wine by candlelight. Rejoined the kids for Pasteles dessert runs (éclairs for the win) and the nightly show—a pop music extravaganza with dancers in neon costumes.
Day 5: Last Hurrah and Soaking It All In
Morning: Final El Mercado breakfast—went all-in with chilaquiles, pancakes, and fresh mango juice.
Late Morning: One last stroll around the grounds, pausing to watch the dolphins from the pool deck. We hit the public beach for a final volleyball game—our team won, and the kids high-fived everyone! Don’t: Wait until the last day to explore the grounds; there’s so much to see.
Afternoon: Lounged on the private beach, sipping margaritas and watching the kids look for shells. We tried kayaking (included) and laughed as my partner nearly tipped us over.
Tip: Book water sports early; slots fill up.
Evening: Dinner at Moongate for Asian fusion—spicy tuna rolls and teriyaki chicken were hits. One last Pasteles raid for chocolate cake and macarons, then we cheered at the nightly show—a Mexican fiesta with fireworks that had the kids screaming with excitement.
Final Thoughts: A Trip We’ll Never Forget
Hyatt Ziva Cancun was our family’s happy place. The food was a game-changer—those tacos, pizzas, and Pasteles desserts were worth the trip alone. The private beach, pools, and nearby volleyball kept us active, while the nightly shows brought us together under the stars. Skipping the dolphin “swim” was a smart call (petting their noses didn’t justify the cost), and our market day in Cancun added local flavor.
Tips: Pre-book transfers, arrive early for beach chairs, and pace yourself at the buffet. Don’t: Stress about small hiccups like check-in waits; the staff make it right.
This trip was pure joy—our kids are already begging to go back, and I’m dreaming of those churros. Hyatt Ziva, you’ve got our hearts!
Book with Booking.com: Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Mexico
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