Do you love Hyatt properties and are having a hard time choosing between the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Cancun? I’ve been to both and I’m sharing my honest comparison.
This Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos vs Hyatt Ziva Cancun comparison was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I never thought I’d be someone who’d be brand loyal to a hotel chain. I mean, I’m pretty obsessed with Fairmont properties, but those aren’t always within my budget.
But when I looked back on some of our favorite family resorts, I realized that Hyatt pops up a lot!
We stayed at the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos a few years ago for Christmas with our extended family. My kids loved it so much that it was a no-brainer to book their property in Cancun for Christmas this year.
Keep scrolling to get my honest comparison between these two all-inclusive Mexico resorts.
Location and First Impressions
Los Cabos is located on the tip of the Baja California peninsula on the west side of Mexico. The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is situated on the quiet side of Los Cabos (San Jose del Cabo). I’ve got a whole blog post about Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo.
Cancun is part of the Yucatan peninsula on the east side of Mexico. The Hyatt Ziva Cancun is situated just about as far as you can get in the Hotel Zone. But because of the location, it features two incredible beaches.
Accommodations
When choosing between the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Cancun for a family vacation, one of the most critical factors to consider is the accommodation, as both resorts offer distinctly luxurious experiences with unique perks.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos focuses on blending outdoor beauty with indoor comfort. The rooms are designed to be a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring contemporary luxury with touches of warm wood and a soothing palette that reflects the surrounding landscapes.
Families can choose from various suites, including the Ziva Suite, which is particularly family-friendly with its 619 sq ft of space, a king bed, a sofa bed, and two bathrooms.
For those seeking a view, the Ocean View Master King or Double rooms offer 584 sq ft of space with stunning views of the ocean from a private balcony.
Unique options like the Club Oceanfront King or Double provide exclusive Club Level amenities, adding a touch of luxury with additional services such as a private check-in area and enhanced minibar options. Check Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos rates and availability.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
On the other hand, Hyatt Ziva Cancun offers rooms that marry modern furnishings with rustic Mayan-inspired decor, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
Each of the 547 suites at Cancun provides expansive ocean or resort views, ensuring every guest can enjoy the scenery from their private, furnished balconies.
Families might find the Oceanfront King or Double rooms appealing, each spanning 483 sq ft and featuring personalized concierge services to enhance their stay.
For those looking for an adult-only experience, the Turquoize section offers suites with private hot tubs or swim-up infinity pools, emphasizing privacy and exclusivity.
In Cancun, we splurged and got a Club Level room and that was such a great decision. It meant that we had easy access in our lobby to “good” coffee and bar options as well as our own mini buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
This was SO handy with our kids. Check the latest Hyatt Ziva Cancun rates and availability.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos vs Cancun Rooms
Both locations have typical amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, daily restocked mini-bars, and more.
However, the choice may come down to the type of vacation experience you desire: Los Cabos leans towards a tranquil, immersive environment ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation, while Cancun offers a more dynamic, culturally rich atmosphere that may appeal to families looking for both relaxation and adventure.
We liked our rooms in Cancun and Los Cabos. There was plenty of room for all four of us and our luggage. The only downside was insufficient electrical outlets on the side of the room with the beds (making it annoying to charge our tech).
Activities for Kids
When choosing between the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Cancun for a family vacation, the kids’ activities and entertainment options are big factors to consider. Both resorts offer exciting programs for kids, but they each have their own unique flair.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Family Activities
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos truly shines with its variety of family-friendly activities that cater to both younger children and teens.
The KidZ Club is a paradise for children ages 4 to 12, featuring a mini water park with five slides, a kids’ pool, and daily supervised activities. From arts and crafts to video games like Xbox, there’s never a dull moment.
For families looking to enjoy the resort together, there are cooking classes, yoga, volleyball, and water polo.
Plus, every evening, the resort lights up with live entertainment that includes dance shows and music performances, ensuring that the whole family is entertained. Check Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos rates and availability.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun Family Activities
Hyatt Ziva Cancun also offers an impressive range of activities for families. The resort boasts three infinity pools and various non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, perfect for active families.
The KidZ Club here includes a water play area and hosts fun activities such as bracelet making, Spanish and pizza classes, and even a special activity with dolphins, which is sure to be a hit with the kids.
For teens, the exclusive @Moods Lounge and Club provides a cool hangout with video games, a DJ lab, and virtual reality simulators.
Evening entertainment at Cancun is vibrant with theme nights, live DJ performances, and shows that cater to all ages, making each night memorable. Check the latest Hyatt Ziva Cancun rates and availability.
Comparison of the Activities Offered
Both resorts ensure that the kids have plenty to do, which means parents can relax knowing their children are engaged and having fun.
Los Cabos offers a more traditional resort experience with its structured children’s activities and classic evening entertainment, making it ideal for families who enjoy scheduled activities and shows.
On the other hand, Cancun provides a slightly more adventurous vibe with its emphasis on water sports and interactive teen lounge, perfect for families with older children or teens who seek more autonomy and adventure.
In our experience, Los Cabos had more planned activities (like near the pool area) while Cancun had more places for kids to go.
Animal Experiences
Both Cancun and Los Cabos had some interesting animal experiences that I wanted to mention.
In Los Cabos, we saw places to ride horses on the beach. They didn’t seem to be associated with the hotel, and I admit that the horses looked hot and tired. But we saw a lot of guests going on rides.
In Cancun, they have a bunch of dolphin encounters for people of all ages/abilities. We didn’t participate because we’ve done it in Hawaii in the past. You don’t have to book an experience to see the dolphins, though.
Dining Options
The food options at both resorts are very similar. They both offer restaurants that specialize in Italian, Mexican, American, Japanese, and French cuisine. The French restaurants are adults-only. And they have a steak restaurant.
They both offer a pretty mediocre buffet featuring an array of food. This is usually the least-popular restaurant, but it’s good in a pinch if the wait at the other restaurants is long and you have kids who are angry.
At both resorts, the steakhouses were the best options for quality food. And the poolside grills were usually a hit (especially if they had grilled seafood).
There were also kids menus everyone (except the French restaurant) with general food that kids like to eat (like chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese).
Pools and Beaches
When it comes to splashing around and soaking up the sun, both Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Cancun offer amazing pool experiences that cater to every member of the family.
But, each has its own vibe that might sway your choice depending on what you’re looking for in a poolside adventure.
Pool at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
At Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, the pool scene is all about variety and views. There’s a heated infinity pool that stretches seemingly into the horizon, offering breathtaking views and the convenience of the Bar Azul pool bar right nearby.
For those looking for a more relaxed vibe away from the kids, there’s an adults-only pool with its own swim-up Baja Bar, perfect for enjoying some quiet time and a cocktail or two.
The real highlight for families, especially those with energetic kids, is the fun area with five little waterslides, making it a young kid’s paradise. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 AM to 6 PM, so parents can relax knowing their little ones are safe. Check Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos rates and availability.
Pool Areas at Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Over at Hyatt Ziva Cancun, the pool experience is about immersing yourself in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
Here, you’ll find three stunning infinity pools and a pair of generous-sized hot tubs, all overlooking the sea, providing a spectacular backdrop to your swim.
The pools are open from early morning till 8 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the water. This resort also offers a range of water activities like aqua cycling and water volleyball, and there are cabanas for rent if you want a little extra comfort.
Plus, with three pool bars, including a swim-up bar, refreshments are never far away. Check the latest Hyatt Ziva Cancun rates and availability.
Pool Comparison
Our family really enjoyed the pool areas at both resorts. In Los Cabos, it felt like a party was going on with emcees, games, and lots of music.
However, we really appreciated the quieter pool area near the Club Tower in Cancun. It didn’t have as much music or announcements. But there was the option of going over to the louder area if we wanted more excitement.
Both Los Cabos and Cancun had cabana options (for an additional cost). We reserved them at each resort and both were great experiences. Although the ones in Cancun included mini facials and shoulder rubs, which was nice!
Beaches
The beach at Los Cabos is pretty to look at but it’s definitely not a swimming beach. Our kids played in the sand and we had a beach cabana one day.
In Cancun, there are actually two really nice beaches that are great for swimming/playing in the water.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun definitely wins for the best beaches. The water was gorgeous and there were SO many places to hang out. There was even a beach-side restaurant perfect for grabbing lunch or a drink.
Family-Friendly Excursions
When you’re vacationing with family at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos or Hyatt Ziva Cancun, the fun doesn’t have to stay within the resort boundaries.
Both locations offer exciting day trips that can really make your vacation special. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or enjoying beautiful islands, there’s something to thrill every member of the family.
Los Cabo Day Trips
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is perfectly positioned for families looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural sites of Baja California.
You can take a short drive to San José del Cabo, a charming town with art galleries, shops, and a beautiful church that’s great for a leisurely day out.
For a bit more adventure, why not head out on a boat trip to see the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas? This natural rock formation is a sight to behold!
If your family loves nature, you might also enjoy a day trip to the nearby beaches where you can snorkel in clear blue waters. Check out my full list of Los Cabo day trips.
Cancun Day Trips
On the other hand, Hyatt Ziva Cancun offers access to some of the most famous attractions in the Yucatán Peninsula.
A must-visit is one of the the Xcaret Parks, eco-archaeological parks where you can learn about Mayan culture, swim in underground rivers, and watch traditional Mexican shows.
For a taste of history, the ancient ruins of Tulum are just a day trip away. This stunning archaeological site sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and is one of the most picturesque spots in Mexico.
If you’re looking for something more laid-back, take a ferry to Isla Mujeres. This lovely island is known for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and a relaxed pace of life. Check out my full list of Cancun day trips.
Christmas Festivities
Since we stayed at both resorts over Christmas, I figured I’d throw in a section about it. I actually have a whole blog post about spending Christmas in Mexico.
At the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, they had tons of holiday decor, a Christmas parade, and Santa visited on Christmas and handed out presents to all the kids.
At the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, the whole resort was decorated and they had a bunch of Christmas-themed activities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Santa also made an appearance.
Both resorts did a great job of celebrating Christmas.
Using Hyatt Points
If you’ve been racking up Hyatt points, or if you have a Chase credit card that collects points, you might be thinking about using them for a fun family getaway to Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos or Hyatt Ziva Cancun.
These all-inclusive resorts are fantastic for families, offering everything from sandy beaches to kid-friendly activities, and using your points can make the trip a lot more affordable!
Here’s how you can use those Hyatt points to book a stay at either of these awesome resorts.
First, you’ll want to check how many points you need for your desired travel dates.
Both Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Cancun are part of Hyatt’s all-inclusive collection, which means the points required for a free night might be a bit higher than other properties, but it includes everything: your room, food, and most activities at the resort.
To get the best bang for your buck, here are a few tips:
- Book during off-peak periods: If your travel dates are flexible, try booking during off-peak times. Not only are the resorts less crowded, but you’ll also need fewer points per night. You can find off-peak dates on the Hyatt website, and this can save you thousands of points!
- Look out for promotions: Hyatt occasionally offers promotions where you can earn extra points or use fewer points for bookings. Keep an eye on their promotions page or sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop.
And remember, if you’re short on Hyatt points, you can transfer points from your Chase Ultimate Rewards if you have a Chase card. This can be a quick way to boost your balance and secure that dream vacation.
Using points for a stay at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos or Hyatt Ziva Cancun can make your family trip extra special, letting you enjoy all the fun without worrying about the bill.
Just imagine – splashing around in the infinity pool or tasting all the different foods, all paid for with points!
Pros and Cons
When planning a family vacation to Mexico, choosing between Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Cancun can be a tough call. Each resort offers unique experiences that cater to different family preferences.
Let’s chat about what makes each location special and consider the pros and cons from a family perspective.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
This is perfect for families looking for a peaceful retreat where the desert meets the ocean. The resort’s tranquil environment lets you relax and enjoy quality family time without the hustle and bustle often found in more tourist-heavy areas.
The scenery is stunning, with sandy beaches set against a backdrop of dramatic desert landscapes, offering a unique setting for family photos and adventures.
However, if your family is seeking a vibrant cultural experience with lots of local interactions, Los Cabos might feel a bit isolated as it’s more about serene landscapes and relaxing by the sea.
There also aren’t very many solid day trip options for families (besides boat trips). Check Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos rates and availability.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Hyatt Ziva Cancun, on the other hand, is ideal for families that thrive on energy and cultural immersion.
Located at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, this resort is surrounded by the lively ambiance of Cancun. Families can enjoy a variety of water activities, from snorkeling in crystal clear waters to exploring the local marine life.
The resort is also (relatively) close to historic sites like Chichen Itza and vibrant markets, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the rich culture and history of the region.
The downside? Cancun can sometimes get crowded, especially during peak travel seasons, which might be overwhelming for those looking for a more laid-back vacation. Check the latest Hyatt Ziva Cancun rates and availability.
What Does This Mean?
Both Hyatt Ziva locations promise unforgettable family vacations filled with luxury and comfort.
Los Cabos offers a quieter, more relaxing stay, while Cancun provides an action-packed getaway with rich cultural experiences.
Depending on what your family enjoys, one of these resorts will surely be the perfect fit for your next holiday adventure!
Choosing the Right Hyatt Ziva in Mexico Wrap-Up
After experiencing both resorts with my family, I can honestly say that you can’t go wrong with either one. These resorts are very similar in terms of food, rooms, and amenities.
Personally, our family preferred Cancun because of the expansive pool areas, gorgeous beaches, and options for day trips. We fly from Seattle and we agreed it was worth the extra couple hours of flight time.
But, of course it’s really up to you and what you’re looking for in your next family vacation!
Looking for more Mexico travel resources? Check out Hawaii vs Mexico: Which Has the Best All-Inclusive Resorts, 15 Mexico Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts Worth Booking, and Cabo vs Cancun: Navigating Mexico’s Premier Family Destinations!
