Why e book?
For distinctive all-inclusive worth in a bit pocket of paradise—and the form of deep rest that appears like sorcery.
Set the scene
Perched on a peaceable bay inside a bay, the Hyatt Ziva is sandwiched between sharp jungle peaks and the tender buttery sand of its personal personal seashore. The ensuing impact is a resort that feels fully reduce off from the remainder of the world—regardless of sitting only a 10-minute drive from the cobbled streets of Puerto Vallarta’s picturesque previous city.
The seashore—an excellent 1,000 yard stretch of golden sand lapped by the soothing waves of Banderas Bay—is the undisputed star of the present, however the property additionally has 5 ocean-facing swimming pools to select from, together with one with a spirited swim-up bar.
The crowd here’s a wealthy number of ages and backgrounds, from {couples} and multi-generational households to massive pal teams of their 30s—plus loads of marriage ceremony events. Guests are overwhelmingly American, with a robust exhibiting from New York, California, and Texas.
The backstory
The resort turned a Ziva, Hyatt’s all-inclusive household model, in 2014. But its historical past stretches all the best way again to 1969, when it opened as the unique Camino Real—a glamorous blip on the radar of the worldwide jet-set. Over the a long time it’s hosted loads of well-known faces, from Richard Nixon to Sophia Loren, whereas Arnold Schwarzenegger lived right here for a complete month whereas filming Predator within the surrounding jungle. In 2024 an bold multi-million-dollar renovation was accomplished, specializing in the foyer, most important tower visitor rooms, and a brand new high-end Asian restaurant, Tamari.
The rooms
All 335 rooms are massive and ethereal, with even the smallest capable of go as a set in Manhattan. Thanks to the elongated design of the resort, every room boasts an ocean view—framed by floor-to-ceiling home windows and a beneficiant balcony. The decor is clear and breezy: suppose muted whites and lotions with elegant wooden accents and splashes of coloration by way of tasteful woven artwork on the partitions.
The beds are low to the cool tiled flooring however extremely snug, whereas the just lately up to date AC methods are easy, silent, and easy to function—the all-important trifecta in a spot with reliably sizzling temperatures.
Amenities embody a free mini bar replenished every day with snacks, tender drinks, and native beers, plus C.O. Bigelow toiletries within the generously sized bogs. For an additional splash of luxurious (and bonus social media kudos), request one of many 22 rooms with swim-up entry.
Food and drink
You’re really spoiled for selection right here, with sufficient restaurant choices to maintain you sated for a complete week’s trip. Top of the invoice is Tamari, the brand new Asian providing which opened in 2024 and consists of two teppanyaki tables for extra flame-filled aptitude (don’t sit too near the cooks if you happen to worth your eyebrows). Further choices embody the seaside grill BlaZe (at Ziva, they like to emphasize the “Z”), cozy Italian trattoria MelanZane (don’t miss their twist on the normal oven-baked lasagna), and daytime all-you-can-eat hotspot VivaZ—a reduce above your customary all-inclusive buffets.
Mexican eaterie Casa Grande is one other winner, showcasing native Jalisco flavors together with some unforgettably moreish pork tacos. A welcome daytime diversion is Fresco—a thatched seashore hut serving smoothies, small bites, and wholesome poolside snacks, together with ceviche. In a nutshell, it’s not possible to not eat properly right here—your solely comestible concern might be self-control.
The spa
One of the most important spas in Puerto Vallarta, VitaMar goes method past the fundamentals, with a menu longer than a lot of the on-site eating places. Highlights embody the (insanely stress-free) natural coconut deep tissue therapeutic massage and the Mayan ritual physique scrub, an outstanding technique of scouring away stresses initially of your journey. The spa’s hydrotherapy circuit —ending in an infinity pool overlooking the ocean—is a superb solution to spend an hour, and may be loved solo or with a sensei-like information (the latter is suggested, if solely to keep away from taking flight of the all-important chilly plunges). Services begin at $160, however the good cash is on the “Special Reserve”—a pair’s bundle involving 4 remedies every for $620.
The neighborhood/space
The days circulation seamlessly inside the pure edges of the resort and few visitors go away till it’s time to return to the airport. If you could have a hankering for historical past or tradition, although, Puerto Vallarta’s fairly ‘Zona Romantica’ is properly value a go to. A brief taxi or Uber journey away (anticipate to pay round $12), must-sees right here within the previous city embody the enduring Church of our Lady of Guadalupe, a sweeping oceanfront malecón, and a colourful flea market filled with reasonably priced artwork and one-of-a-kind presents.
The service
Impeccable. Ziva prides itself on “service from the heart,” which is strengthened by employees members tapping the left of their sternum after they greet you. The high quality of care goes method past easy gestures although, with employees outnumbering visitors by 20%, leading to attentive, ever-present service. Many of the staff have been right here for many years which results in easy, joyful professionalism, whereas the unusually excessive variety of repeat visitors displays that positivity again.
For households
The resort is secure, straightforward to navigate, and really little one pleasant, with a devoted household pool and everlasting children nook of meals choices on the most important buffet. The onsite Kidz Club will take care of kids aged 4–12 throughout working hours, entertaining them with the whole lot from cooking lessons and bracelet making to card video games and kite flying. For older offspring there’s an adrenaline-spiking smorgasbord of vitality burning choices, from kayaking and snorkeling to seashore volleyball and night music reveals.
Eco effort
The resort has formally banned a protracted record of things with potential to hurt the encircling atmosphere, from Styrofoam to straws. Water dispensers throughout the property encourage visitors to refill their bottles and automatic washbasins reduce waste. The headline initiative, nevertheless, is a sea turtle preservation program, with a protected space for eggs to hatch and juveniles carefully monitored.
Accessibility
The resort is actually one lengthy line, with entry ramps and elevators making navigation easy all through. There are two devoted ADA-compliant rooms with full entry, whereas most traditional rooms function seize bars within the showers.
Anything left to say?
The resort’s secluded seashore is so lovely that famend Mexican singer Juan Gabriel as soon as composed a success track concerning the view from his suite, “La Guirnalda.” If you wish to take a look at the shoreline your self (for songwriting functions or in any other case), Hyatt Ziva has a webcam connected to its beachfront grill, BlaZe, which is accessible by means of the lodge’s web site.
High season right here is November to April, with most visitors staying Thursday to Sunday, so for the most effective costs, look to e book Sunday to Thursday between May and October. There must be loads of flight offers obtainable from mid-2026 too, when Puerto Vallarta’s shiny new airport terminal opens, doubling capability.
Finally, any Predator followers ought to e book a tour to close by Eden, the place the legendary 1986 film was filmed. Props from the set nonetheless survive within the jungle and are actually complemented by zipline and ATV excursions (however sadly, no choppa to get to… but).