When I was invited to attend the 2020 Playa Spotlight Awards, I was so excited to find out that this year’s event was going to be held at the brand new Hyatt Ziva and Zilara properties in Cap Cana! These resorts were on the top of my list to get to and they did not disappoint! I had my eye on the construction progress throughout 2019 so there was no way I was going to miss seeing them for myself.

If you are looking for an adults only getaway, then head to Hyatt Zilara (shown below on left), but don’t worry, you’ll have access to all of the amenities and restaurants at the Hyatt Ziva family resort next door (shown below on right). Families staying at Hyatt Ziva are welcome to take advantage of the KidzClub and the parents can have some pool time or a date night at Hyatt Zilara!

This unique setup makes this location GREAT for destination weddings, groups, etc. because there is a perfect spot for everyone!

Here’s the scoop on both resorts!

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
All-Inclusive Family Resort

- All-Inclusive Resort (includes dining, drinks, watersports, activities, entertainment, etc.)
- 6 restaurants (El Mercado buffet, Noodle & Thread Italian cuisine, Tempest Table Asian cuisine, The Chinola beachside restaurant, Navigator Grill, and Prontoz poolside)
- 5 bars / lounges
- Live entertainment, fitness classes, cooking demos, and non-motorized watersports
- KidZ Club included

Adults staying at the Hyatt Ziva will have access to all restaurants and amenities at the Hyatt Zilara.

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort

- All-Inclusive Resort (includes dining, drinks, watersports, activities, entertainment, etc.)
- 6 restaurants (The Pier buffet, Brandos French / Polynesian cuisine, Journeys Indian cuisine, Shutters beach-side, Waves steakhouse, and Presto pizzeria)

-Club and Butler level room categories!
- 5 bars / lounges
- Live entertainment, fitness classes, cooking demos, and non-motorized watersports

Guests staying at the Hyatt Zilara will have access to all restaurants and amenities at the Hyatt Ziva.

The Location

Hyatt Ziva/Zilara is located in the gated community of Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. Just 15 minutes from the airport, your travel day will be a breeze! Cap Cana has something for everyone. Between water sports, outdoor activities, multiple pools, and fantastic restaurants, there is something for everyone. It is also home to three miles of spectacular white sand beaches, a protected harbor marina, eco park and an award-winning golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Soooo… now on to the fun stuff. My top 5 favorite things about these resorts!

Andrea’s Top 5

#1 - The Lobby...

The Ziva/Zilara brand knows how to "wow" you from the moment you walk through the lobby. The open air concept puts you in vacation mode before you ever get to the pool. I love the view and it's as pretty at night as it is during the day. I absolutely think they took the best of all of their other properties and included them when designing these resorts. Guests will be blown away the moment they step foot in the lobby and take in stunning views of the pools and beautiful Juanillo Beach. You will not be disappointed in the stunning architecture and attention to detail at this gorgeous resort.

#2 - The Orient Express Dining Car

I was so excited to get a peek into this restaurant before it opened for dinner. The restaurants on property are fantastic but there is something special about this one! Besides having such a cool atmosphere, I was able to get my fix of Indian food. The Goanese Shrimp Curry was a favorite of mine!

#3 - Pools & Water Park

Not only does the Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva have amazing pools, they also include an expansive on-site water park featuring seven slides and a lazy river. Food trucks are close by for a quick treat before you head back to the slides. The KidZ Club and Teen Zone are also steps from the water park so kids will be fully entertained while the adults find some time to relax!

#4 - Gym

Ok, this gym blew me away... I have NEVER been to any resort that has a gym as fully equipped as this one. There is absolutely something for any fitness enthusiast. From a cycle classroom to bags for boxing, this gym is off the charts. The two resorts share this 14,000 square-foot fitness center modeled after an industrial boxing gym. Check out this video... yes, I took it at night after a cocktail or three, but I wanted to capture it while there weren't sweaty bodies all around!

#5 - Beach

The 40-acre resort is located on a half mile stretch of shoreline on one of the most expansive beaches in the Caribbean. I don't know that I've been on a beach that is as expansive as this one is. It's absolutely stunning!! Plenty of chairs to go around, and when I was there in January, it was seaweed free! YAY!! Now let's hope mother nature keeps it that way this summer. Fingers crossed!

Add this resort to your list of places you MUST SEE! It’s definitely my new favorite within the Playa brand!

Cheers to all things travel!