This will be my last article for a while on the subject, but it ended up being my favorite Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resort of the four I visited. And, there is a very special story behind it.
I LOVED the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta! My very favorite clients went there every year when it was a Dreams resort for the wife’s birthday. I had met them when I was just getting started in the travel business while on vacation in China. They loved the resort and the staff, and were sad when it was sold. Even so, they were open-minded and had booked a stay at the new resort, but unfortunately he passed away before their visit. I made special arrangements to visit here as a tribute to Bob & Jackie.
Here’s my review.
First of all, this is Hyatt’s first all-inclusive resort and anyone is welcome. It’s in a very secluded location, because there are huge rocks on each side of the beach that come down into the ocean, creating a cove and a very nice, wide beach. Also, the entrance is somewhat hidden and hard to access.
Hyatt bought the hotel last year and completely renovated the central lobby building. This is the main building between the two accommodation towers and it’s been completely changed. I hear it used to be one story and you couldn’t see the ocean from the lobby. Now, that building is three stories and you can see the beautiful ocean and feel the breeze as soon as you arrive. It has a nice open feel. A fun feature in the lobby is two “fish spa” stations, where you can dip your feet in and have a pedicure by fish.
There is the main accommodation tower, which had recently been renovated and the club tower. The club tower guests have all concierge privileges and amenities, such as private check-in/out, a VIP refreshment center and private lounge. These have not been renovated recently, but the rooms are awesome.
In the main tower there are French balcony rooms where the sliding glass door is right up against a railing (I had one), balcony rooms (same size as the French balcony rooms, they’ve just changed part of the room to a balcony), four 1 bedroom suites with a plunge pool (no privacy) and a Presidential suite. The room configurations are pretty much the same in the Club Tower, except on floors 6 and above they have a huge tub in the bathroom (you could fit 3 people in them) and a hot tub on the balcony.
One of the things Bob & Jackie loved most about the resort was the wonderful staff. I inquired and it seems most of them are gone. But, the staff there was very friendly, responsive and caring, so I think the hotel is still in good hands.
There are 3 main pools. The one on front of the main tower is the family pool, the center one is the activity pool and the pool closest to the club tower is the adults only pool.
They have a good variety of restaurants (5 plus a buffet) and a Tequila bar open with a Tequila sommelier until 1 AM. I dined around and everything was delicious. The Mexican restaurant was fun, because they have three sections, each decorated like a different state of Mexico. They also have a food cart at the resort that changes its offerings every hour. They serve fruits, tacos, ceviche (a man said it was the best he’s ever had), crepes, hamburgers and roasted corn from 10-5.
They include: kayaking, boogie boards, snorkeling and a jungle tour to the waterfall every morning. Tip for the jungle tour: You must have closed toed shoes. Bring a bathing suit, because you can swim at the base of the waterfall.
They do have a kids club here from 9:30 AM to 9:45 PM for kids ages 3-12. The location for weddings is the beach and a modern looking gazebo.
I ran into a honeymoon couple as they were leaving after a 10 night stay. I asked them if they had a good time, even though it wasn’t an adults-only resort. They said yes; they just stayed mostly in the adults only areas and thoroughly enjoyed their honeymoon. They seemed very relaxed and happy.
The Vita Mar Oceanfront Spa was great. I got a Wine Therapy massage (the lotion smelled divine) there for $87, after a 30% off special they had, which included the hydrotherapy circuit, which was $25 if done by itself. There are some beautiful places to lounge in the outdoor spa areas, so it’s a relaxing place to spend a whole day.
They have a different club style performance on a small outdoor stage every night. The night I was there it was a mime. They also do a flamenco show among others.
There is a 24 hr. deli and room service. I tried the room service and it was very prompt.
This was my favorite of the four resorts I saw earlier this month. It had a much more Mexican flavor than the other resorts I stayed at. I rate the Dreams Villamagna a 6/10, Now Amber & Secrets Vallarta Bay (their on the same property) an 8/10 and the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta a 9/10. The only drawback (which could be a positive for some) was that it was further away from town for site seeing. Oh, and also the elevators were terribly slow.
Jackie, I think you and Bob would still have loved this resort. He wants you to go back and have a good time.
I’m Sheila Cannon and I help career focused couples, who have no time to plan, have the honeymoon, destination wedding or romantic vacation of a lifetime custom designed for them without them having to lift a finger. If that’s you, click here to get started putting me to work for you!
