This time last year we were preparing for our trip to Cancun! It was a combination second honeymoon and early 5 year anniversary celebration and we were thrilled for a week away at an all inclusive resort! It was also the husband’s first time out of the country, so starting with an all inclusive “Americanized” venue was a hit. On the ride from the airport at one point he exclaimed, “It totally looks like we’re in Florida!” Needless to say it was a success 🙂 As you well know, we like to do things as thrifty as we can if possible. What you might not know, is that the husband is a bit of a wizard when it comes to credit card rewards and finding incredible deals. For airfare plus 5 nights at an all inclusive 5 star resort we only paid the international flight taxes/fees (which was about $150 total for both of us). We were able to use points to cover his flights and then I fly for free as his companion on Southwest. For the hotel, we each got two free nights with the Hyatt card and then points covered the 5th night. And it was WELL worth it! When we got there, there was a slight issue with the rooms, but we were upgraded for the first night to a premium suite with a private beach cabana so it worked out well!
The Hyatt Zilara did not disappoint. When we arrived we were greeted with champagne as we checked in, and treated to cold towels as well. There wasn’t a huge difference in the rooms we had honestly. In the upgraded room there was a Nespresso machine and higher quality stocked minibar, but the view was the same and each had a private balcony (complete with hammock), Jacuzzi, and king sized bed. I really wouldn’t saw it would be worth the extra money/points to upgrade unless you went for a room with the swim up option and semi-private pool. That would be worth it.
There were six restaurants on the property, a coffehouse, five bars, and a snack lounge. Plus room service and the fully stocked mini fridge! Needless to say we never went hungry. Or thirsty! Now, we had just found out I was pregnant about two weeks before we went, so were slightly worried it might not be as wonderful as we had hoped given that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the fruity cocktails poolside and I was pretty nauseated, but it wasn’t a hindrance at all! My favorite bar was the swim up bar because they had fresh fruit they used in their daiquiris and I was able to get them virgin (though this proved difficult) and it was very refreshing! Every time I asked for a drink I would emphatically say “NO ALCOHOL” and every time they’d say “double tequila?”. But once I found a bartender that could remember, it was all good! Our favorite restaurant was Pelicanos for the view as it was right next to the pools and overlooked the ocean. Breakfast was the best at the buffet (which had endless amounts of churros!) and lots of fresh fruits. We tried all the restaurants though, and really you can’t go wrong. It was nice to have the variety! Since we had so many snack options available, I was able to munch too which helped with the nausea.
After the first day in our beach cabana, we would snag a covered cabana poolside so we had easy access to the water and shade which made for the perfect lounging area. Every day there were different activities and classes to partake in for free like margarita mixing and guacamole making, and several others! There was a workout center, the pools- which had an infinity edge and were our favorite spot to claim, and the spa. The husband opted for a massage while I got a facial and we were able to do those together which was quite relaxing.
Every night there was entertainment galore! There was a broadway style show full of dancing and acrobatics early in the evening, and then live music later at night as well. There were several sea turtles that had made nests on the beach, so one evening we were able to set the little guys free into the ocean and that was incredible! They were so tiny! While the scheduled events mostly happened at night, there was plenty of entertainment to be had during the day people watching. As it’s an adult only resort, there were an assortment of people present. Newlyweds, couples on their anniversaries, friends together for a reunion, and what we can only assume was a swingers party. Obviously lots of people watching! There was also opportunities to do activities off the property like snorkeling, boat rides, parasailing, jet skiing, visiting the Myan ruins, etc. but we opted to skip the day excursions this time around.
All in all, I would HIGHLY recommend the Hyatt Zilara for a getaway spot (even pregnant!) for a week of relaxation and being pampered. Can’t wait to plan our next trip that way!
