Old name - new concept!

So another well known hotel chain has joined the ranks of the all-inclusive! Welcome to Hyatt’s Ziva and Zilara Resorts!

Hyatt spent four years researching the all-inclusive market and carefully partnered themselves with Playa Resorts in an effort to create a brand for the upper-market clientele. A series of resorts not looking to compete with the mega RIU’s and Barcelo’s but offering a smaller more secular experience with an emphasis on specialized tours and exquisite food, beverages and accommodations.

The chain will feature two definitive experiences. ZIVA is for families and the upper-scale ZILARA is an adult’s only option. Hyatt has chosen to purchase hotels in prime locations, offering the very best in destination experience. Multi-millions of dollars in upgrades and renovations bring each resort to the expected calibre of the Hyatt experience. Emphasis will be on deluxe room furnishings, décor and amenities. The Food & Beverage department will offer 24-hour, in-suite dining, top end liquors and a dining experience more tempered to the European plan variety but all within the all-inclusive packaging. In an effort to be proactive in today’s consumer desire to truly immerse themselves in destination, Hyatt is pairing themselves with exclusive local tour suppliers who are creating excursions specifically for the Hyatt guest. No more cattle-call bus tours for the Hyatt clientele.

Hyatt’s first two purchases were the former Cancun Royal Resort now Hyatt Zilara Cancun and then the Barcelo Los Cabos which is now known as the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. Both these resorts were opened to rave reviews in November 2013 but have now been closed for planned massive upgrades and are not accepting reservations for arrivals prior to April 2015.

The next Grand Opening is for the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall and the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, located on the former Ritz Carlton properties in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Reservations are being accepted for arrivals November 23rd, 2014 and later. A dual offering with an amazing shared central village offering restaurants, bars, retail shopping as well as a large outdoor amphitheatre. Entertainment at the new Hyatt’s promises to be of an exemplary calibre as well.

For those of us on the West coast, stay tuned to the December 20th Grand Opening of the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. Located on the private bay of the former Dreams Puerto Vallarta, this resort will be an excellent choice for those groups or families who want to avoid the “tourist bubble” of Riviera Nayarit. Located just 10 minutes outside the Romantic Zone of Old Vallarta, the Hyatt Ziva offers both the fabulous walking beach of Nuevo and the proximity to the cultural flair of the heartbeat of the original Vallarta soul. Unique family activities such as s’mores on the beach with bonfires and tents for the kids are just one example of the “out of the box thinking” used by the Hyatt team.

So if swim up beachfront suites, interactive 7 course dining experiences, personal “Romance” concierges and in-house rum and/or tequila sommeliers are your idea of the “ultimate” service …… be sure to check out the new “Z” chain.

All-inclusive Hyatt resorts are offered through Westjet Vacations, AC Vacations as well as Sunwing Holidays. Special “Grand Opening” pricing for hotel only stays are currently available for both the Jamaica and Puerto Vallarta locations.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.