Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is the strongest all-inclusive option in the PV market for families and World of Hyatt loyalists. The cliffside setting on a semi-private cove beach beats every Hotel Zone competitor, and 25,000-point nights deliver exceptional value. Casa Grande alone is worth the trip. Couples wanting pure romance should look at [Casa Velas](/resorts/casa-velas-puerto-vallarta/) or Garza Blanca instead, but for everyone else — especially anyone sitting on a pile of Hyatt points — this is the pick.
Quick Verdict
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is the best all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta for families and points enthusiasts, and it is not particularly close. Set on a cliffside above a semi-private cove beach, this 335-room resort delivers what the Hotel Zone properties cannot: calm, uncrowded water on a genuinely attractive stretch of sand. A $20 million renovation completed in 2025 brought the North Tower rooms into the modern era and added two new restaurant concepts. If you have World of Hyatt points, this is one of the single best redemptions in the entire Hyatt Inclusive Collection portfolio — you are looking at 2+ cents per point when booking off-peak nights that would cost $350+ in cash. The resort has real flaws (the timeshare pitch, the cabana fee situation, uneven restaurant quality), but its strengths are significant enough to earn a firm recommendation.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best beach in the PV all-inclusive market — semi-private cove with calm water | Aggressive timeshare sales pitch at check-in |
| World of Hyatt points value regularly exceeds 2 cents per point | Cabana rental system limits free lounge chair availability at pools |
| $20M renovation (2025) modernized rooms, lobby, and dining | Not walkable to downtown PV — 10-15 minute taxi every time |
| Casa Grande is a legitimately great Mexican restaurant | Italian (Melanzanne) and Asian (Tamari) restaurants disappoint |
| Adults-only pools with butler service | Standard rooms lack true balconies |
| Seasonal whale watching from the beach (Dec-Mar) | Outdoor bars reportedly close at 6pm despite 8:45pm sunsets |
| Tequila sommelier on property | Pool bars sometimes serve watered-down cocktails |
| Swim-Up Suites and Plunge Pool Suites are spectacular | Slow elevators, especially in the North Tower |
The Resort at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 335 (renovated 2025) |
| Restaurants | 5 a la carte + 1 buffet |
| Bars | 5 |
| Pools | 6 (including adults-only and swim-up suite pools) |
| Beach | Semi-private cove (Playa Las Estacas) |
| Spa | Vita Mar Spa (extra cost) |
| Kids Club | KidZ Club, ages 4-12 (included) |
| Airport | ~35 min from PVR |
| Chain | Hyatt Inclusive Collection (operated by Playa Hotels & Resorts) |
| Opened | 2013 |
| Last Renovation | 2025 ($20 million) |
Location: Beautiful but Isolated
This is important to understand before you book: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta sits at Km 3.5 on the Carretera Barra de Navidad, in the Conchas Chinas area south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. The cliffside setting above Playa Las Estacas is the resort’s greatest asset — a secluded cove wedged between two rocky outcroppings, backed by jungle. It feels a world away from the Hotel Zone.
The trade-off is real. You are not walking anywhere. Downtown Puerto Vallarta’s malecon, restaurants, and bars are a 10-15 minute taxi ride away. There is no strip of shops or neighboring resorts to stroll to. You are on this property, and that is it until you call a cab. For most families spending a week at the pool and beach, this is a non-issue. For travelers who want to explore Puerto Vallarta’s excellent restaurant scene, plan on budgeting for taxis.
Rooms and Suites
The 2025 renovation poured most of its $20 million into the North Tower’s 244 rooms, and the upgrade shows. New AC systems, Smart TVs, Nespresso machines, custom woodwork, and upgraded sliding glass doors that open to (small) balconies or, in standard rooms, just a railing with ocean views.
Ocean Front King (Standard)
The base category. These rooms are clean, modern, and perfectly fine — king bed, marble bathroom with rainfall shower, ocean-front views. But they lack two things that would make them great: a true step-out balcony (you get sliding glass doors with a railing instead) and a bathtub. For a five-star property charging $250-350/night, the absence of both is noticeable. Still, the post-renovation finishes are sharp, and the ocean views from the higher floors are genuinely beautiful.
From $250/night.
Swim-Up Suite
This is the room category that sells out first, and for good reason. At 473 square feet, you get a king bed, a terrace, and — the main event — semi-private pool access directly from your door. Step out, sit on an in-pool lounge chair, and watch the Pacific. These are adults-only (18+) and feel like a completely different tier of resort experience. If you are traveling as a couple and can swing the premium, book this category.
From $350/night. Book early — these go fast.
Club Ocean View Suite King
704 square feet with a private balcony, Pacific views, and Club Level access. Club Level gets you into a private lounge with upgraded food and drink, plus private check-in and check-out (which means you skip the lobby entirely — and the timeshare pitch). The Club Level lounge is genuinely worthwhile for couples who want a more curated, less chaotic experience.
From $380/night.
Club Ocean Front Hot Tub Double
Double beds, a private balcony with a hot tub, ocean-front views, and full Club Level perks. Popular with families who want the Club upgrade. Your kids will not stop talking about the hot tub on the balcony.
From $400/night.
Two-Story Plunge Pool Suite and Presidential Suite
The top of the house. The Two-Story Plunge Pool Suite (1,250 sq ft, from $600/night) is a two-level stunner with a private plunge pool and panoramic ocean views — one of the best room products in Puerto Vallarta at any price. The Presidential Suite (1,500 sq ft, from $700/night) adds a separate sitting area and the biggest plunge pool terrace on property.
Our Pick
The Swim-Up Suite is the sweet spot. It delivers 80% of the top-suite experience at half the price. If you are a couple, this is the move. For families, the Club Ocean Front Hot Tub Double gives kids a thrill and parents a private lounge to retreat to.
Food and Dining
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta has five a la carte restaurants, one buffet, and five bars. The quality is uneven — one restaurant is genuinely excellent, two are solid, and two are mediocre. Here is the honest breakdown.
Casa Grande — Mexican (The Standout)
This is the restaurant that elevates the entire property. Set in an antique hacienda-style space, Casa Grande serves two menus: traditional Mexican and contemporary gastronomy. The rubbed chicken is exceptional. Housemade tortillas arrive warm. A four-sauce quartet includes a spicy tomatillo that has real kick. The mezcal selection is curated by the resort’s tequila sommelier and is genuinely impressive — not the usual suspects. This is not “good for all-inclusive.” This is a good restaurant, period.
Reservation required. Book for dinner on your first night — it will be the meal you remember.
Blaze — Seafood, Steak, Latin Grill
Open-air seaside grill with sunset views over Banderas Bay. Breakfast here is the best on property — the corn fried tortilla with chicken was described by one guest as among the best meals of their stay. Dinner is another story: steaks arrive overcooked and inconsistent. Stick to the seafood and Mexican-inspired options at dinner. The setting itself is spectacular — you may spot dolphins or, during winter months, humpback whales from your table.
Reservation required.
Tamari — Asian Fusion and Teppanyaki (New in 2025)
Added during the renovation, Tamari features teppanyaki tables with chef performances, sushi, Pad Thai, and fried rice. The teppanyaki experience is entertaining, especially for families and groups. The sushi is fine — passable, nothing remarkable. The dedicated cocktail bar within Tamari is a nice touch. Note that Tamari sometimes closes for private events, which is frustrating when you have planned your dinner around it.
Reservation required.
Melanzanne / Trattoria — Italian (New in 2025)
The weakest of the a la carte options. Fine dining format at dinner (Melanzanne) and casual trattoria outdoors at lunch. The ocean views from the dining room are stunning, but the pasta dishes are bland and the service can feel stretched thin at peak times. Skip this if you only have a few dinner reservations to allocate — Casa Grande and Blaze breakfast are better uses of your time.
Reservation required.
Pureza — Healthy, Pan-Asian, Plant-Based
Located poolside, Pureza serves vegan ceviches, wraps, poke bowls, and lighter options. This is a lunch spot, not a dinner destination. Good for a healthy mid-day option with Pacific views when you want something other than burgers.
No reservation needed.
Vivaz Buffet
The all-day buffet operates from breakfast through dinner with minimal gaps. Quality varies by station. Highlights: fresh tropical fruits and juices, standout chicken dishes, and surprisingly good cactus preparations. The kids’ corner has a lowered service area so children can serve themselves — a thoughtful touch. The buffet is not destination dining, but it is reliable and convenient.
Bars and Drinks
Five bars, headlined by the swim-up bar at the main pool (the social hub), Bar Tortugas at the adults-only pool (with butler service), a sports bar with TVs, a coffee shop, and the Tamari cocktail bar. All international and domestic spirits are included.
Here is the honest truth about drinks: some guests report pool bar cocktails as watered down. If you care about your margarita, head to Casa Grande or ask specifically for premium spirits at the specialty restaurants. The tequila sommelier sessions are a genuine differentiator — interactive, educational, and a highlight that most resorts simply do not offer.
Food Quality Verdict
Casa Grande carries this resort’s dining program. It is excellent. Blaze breakfast is a strong second. Everything else ranges from decent (Tamari, Vivaz) to disappointing (Melanzanne). The two new renovation restaurants have not yet found their footing. For a five-star all-inclusive, the dining is good but not elite — you are coming here for the beach, the points value, and Casa Grande, not for a Grand Velas-level culinary experience.
Beach and Pools
The Beach — Best in Puerto Vallarta
This is Hyatt Ziva’s killer advantage. Playa Las Estacas is a secluded cove beach bookended by two rocky outcroppings and backed by cliffside jungle. The water is calm and protected. The beach is effectively private — the cliffside location means no random walk-up traffic from other hotels. Palapas and lounge chairs are plentiful. Free kayaks and boogie boards are available.
Compared to competitors, this beach wins decisively. Secrets Vallarta Bay, the main adults-only alternative in PV, has a notably poor beach. Hotel Zone properties deal with boat traffic and public access. Here, you get what feels like your own cove.
Two caveats. First, the sand is light with some pebble mix — this is the Pacific coast, not Cancun’s Caribbean powder. Second, the cushioned daybeds on the beach cost extra. During humpback whale migration season (December through March), you can watch whales breach from your beach chair. That alone is worth timing your trip for winter.
Pools
Six pool areas give you plenty of options:
- Main Infinity Pool: The social center. Infinity edge overlooking Banderas Bay, swim-up bar, pool aerobics. Gets crowded. Here is the frustration: many of the best chairs are tied to paid cabana rentals, which limits free seating. This is a real complaint, not a minor gripe.
- Family Pool: Kid-friendly depths, adjacent to the KidZ Club zone. Where families naturally congregate.
- Quiet Kidney-Shaped Pool: Mid-property, lower-key option when you want water without the scene.
- Adults-Only Pools (x2): Two 18+ pools, one with butler service via Bar Tortugas. The best option for couples who need a break from the family atmosphere at the main pool.
- Infinity Hot Tub: Pacific views, rejuvenating. Simple and perfect.
- Swim-Up Suite Pools: Semi-private pools accessible only from the Swim-Up Suite terraces. Exclusive to those room categories.
Activities and Entertainment
Daytime Activities
The daily programming here is extensive and mostly included. Fitness classes rotate through Zumba, HIIT, paddle yoga, aqua-cycle, jump-fit, and stretching. Pickleball courts were updated in the 2025 renovation — a smart addition given the sport’s explosion in popularity. Cooking classes, beach volleyball, and tequila tasting with the on-site sommelier round out the schedule. Non-motorized water sports (kayaks, boogie boards) are free.
What costs extra: motorized water sports, scuba diving, and off-site excursions.
Evening Entertainment
Nightly shows and live entertainment in the main venue. Evening fire pits with marshmallow roasts are a family favorite. The entertainment is solid for an all-inclusive — not Cirque du Soleil, but more polished than the cringe-worthy “resort shows” at budget properties.
KidZ Club (Ages 4-12)
Reimagined during the 2025 renovation with expanded outdoor programming: arts and crafts, games, swimming, and nature activities. The seasonal sea turtle release program is a genuine highlight that kids remember years later. Teen programming is also available. The KidZ Club is included and gives parents real free time.
Spa and Wellness
Vita Mar Spa is a full-service spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, plus hydrotherapy pools. The setting is the real draw — treatments integrate the jungle and ocean landscape in a way that feels organic to the cliffside location. Massages, facials, and body treatments are available but cost extra. If you book directly through Hyatt, you may qualify for spa service discounts. The state-of-the-art fitness center is included and well-equipped.
What Is Included vs. What Costs Extra
| Included | Costs Extra |
|---|---|
| All meals at 5 restaurants + buffet | Spa treatments (Vita Mar Spa) |
| 24-hour in-suite room service | Pool and beach cabana rentals |
| Unlimited spirits, cocktails, beer, wine | Cushioned beach daybeds |
| All 5 bars and lounges | Motorized water sports and scuba |
| Non-motorized water sports | Off-site excursions and tours |
| Daily fitness classes | Airport transfers (third-party) |
| KidZ Club (ages 4-12) | Private romantic dinners |
| Nightly entertainment | On-site doctor visit fee |
| Wi-Fi throughout the resort | |
| In-suite minibar (refreshed daily) | |
| Tequila sommelier sessions | |
| Cooking classes | |
| Pickleball |
A Note on Cabana Fees
This deserves its own callout because it is a meaningful frustration. At the main pool, many of the prime lounge chairs are reserved for paid cabana rentals. If you do not rent a cabana, your free seating options shrink — especially during peak periods. This is not unique to Hyatt Ziva (many resorts do this), but it feels particularly aggressive here given that you are already paying $300-500/night for all-inclusive. Budget an extra $50-100/day if you want a premium pool setup, or get to the pool early to claim free chairs.
The Timeshare Pitch: What to Expect
Let us address this directly because it appears in nearly every guest review. At check-in, you will likely be approached about attending a timeshare presentation. The pitch can be aggressive. The best strategy: politely and firmly decline. Say “no thank you” and move on. Do not engage, do not accept the “free” breakfast or excursion bait, and do not let it ruin your arrival. Club Level guests who use private check-in can largely avoid this. If the experience at check-in was frustrating, know that once you are past it, the resort itself delivers.
World of Hyatt Points: Why This Is One of the Best Redemptions in Mexico
This is where Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta becomes a genuinely compelling value proposition. The resort is Category D in the World of Hyatt program:
| Season | Points Per Night | Typical Cash Rate | Value Per Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Peak | 25,000 | $300-350 | 1.2-1.4 cents |
| Standard | 30,000 | $350-400 | 1.2-1.3 cents |
| Peak | 35,000 | $400-500 | 1.1-1.4 cents |
Wait — those per-point values look modest. Here is what makes this special: the all-inclusive food and beverage package is included regardless of whether you pay cash or points. When you book a $400/night all-inclusive room for 30,000 points, you are not just getting a hotel room for “free” — you are getting all meals, all drinks, all activities, the KidZ Club, and room service. The true per-point value when you factor in food and beverage easily hits 2.0-2.5 cents per point.
Four off-peak nights cost 100,000 World of Hyatt points. That is a family vacation — flights not included — for points you could transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. It is arguably the best all-inclusive deal in the entire Hyatt Inclusive Collection.
Booking tip: Target January through March for the best overlap of good weather, whale watching, and reasonable award availability. Check 1-2 months in advance — premium room types (especially Swim-Up Suites) book up fast on points.
Pricing and How to Book
Price Ranges by Season
| Season | Dates | Price Per Night (Double Occupancy) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (Dry Season) | December - April | $350 - $500 |
| Shoulder | May - June, November | $280 - $380 |
| Low Season | July - October | $250 - $330 |
| Holiday (Christmas/NYE) | Dec 20 - Jan 5 | $450 - $600+ |
All prices are per room, per night, all-inclusive. Swim-Up Suites and Club Level rooms add $100-200 to these base rates.
Best Time to Book
Book 3-4 months ahead for peak winter season (December through April). For shoulder season, 6+ weeks is usually sufficient. Points bookings for premium room types should be made as early as possible — award availability for Swim-Up Suites can disappear months in advance.
Where to Book
- World of Hyatt / Hyatt.com — Best option for points bookings. Cash rates may include resort credits or spa discounts. Price-match guarantee.
- Booking.com — Often competitive on cash rates, especially with Genius member discounts.
- CheapCaribbean — Worth checking for package deals bundling flights and hotel.
- Expedia — Occasionally runs flash sales on this property.
Book direct through Hyatt if you are a World of Hyatt member even when paying cash — you earn 5 Base Points per $1 spent, and elite members receive status benefits on property.
Best Time to Visit
December through April is the sweet spot: dry season weather, whale watching (December through March), and comfortable temperatures. Avoid September and October — peak hurricane season on the Pacific coast brings the heaviest rainfall. May and June offer good weather at lower prices if you are flexible.
Compared to Nearby Resorts
vs. Secrets Vallarta Bay
Secrets is adults-only and sits in the Hotel Zone with walkability to restaurants and shops. The food and rooms are slightly better than Hyatt Ziva’s. But the beach is significantly worse — a real disadvantage. Secrets is also bookable with Hyatt points (21,000 points as a Hyatt Inclusive Collection property). Choose Secrets for romance and walkability. Choose Hyatt Ziva for the beach and families.
vs. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Grand Velas is in a different league — and a different price bracket. AAA Five Diamond, butler service included, gourmet restaurants that compete with standalone fine dining. Rates run $500-900/night. If budget is no constraint, Grand Velas wins on food, service, and polish. At 2-3x the price, it should.
vs. Garza Blanca Preserve Resort and Spa
A boutique luxury property south of PV with an exceptional private beach and outstanding food. Better for couples and honeymooners — more intimate, more refined. Not a Hyatt property, so no points earning or redemption. Choose Garza Blanca for romance. Choose Hyatt Ziva for points value and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta truly all-inclusive?
Yes. All meals, drinks (domestic and international spirits), room service, activities, Wi-Fi, KidZ Club, and entertainment are included. The spa, cabana rentals, motorized water sports, and off-site excursions cost extra.
Can you use World of Hyatt points here?
Absolutely — and you should. At 25,000-35,000 points per night (Category D), with all food and beverage included on points stays, this is one of the highest-value all-inclusive redemptions in the Hyatt portfolio. Points transfer 1:1 from Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Is the resort good for couples or is it all families?
It is primarily a family resort, but couples have good options. The adults-only pools with butler service, Swim-Up Suites (18+), Club Level lounge, and Casa Grande make for a solid couples experience. That said, the main pool and buffet areas skew heavily family. Couples seeking a purely romantic atmosphere should consider Secrets Vallarta Bay or Garza Blanca instead.
How bad is the timeshare pitch?
It is a consistent complaint. You will likely be approached at check-in. Politely decline and move on — do not engage or accept offers of free meals or excursions in exchange for attending a presentation. Club Level guests can bypass this via private check-in.
Is the beach swimmable?
Yes. The cove is protected by rocky outcroppings on both sides, which keeps the water calmer than exposed Pacific beaches. The sand has some pebble mix (this is the Pacific, not the Caribbean), but the swimming is comfortable. Free kayaks and boogie boards are available.
How far is it from downtown Puerto Vallarta?
About 10-15 minutes by taxi. The resort is not walkable to town. Budget for taxi fares if you plan to explore PV’s restaurants, galleries, and malecon. The resort does not provide complimentary airport transfers — arrange these through a third-party vendor before arrival.
Final Verdict: 8.4 out of 10
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is the best all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta for families and one of the best World of Hyatt point redemptions in Mexico, period. The $20 million 2025 renovation addressed the property’s biggest weaknesses — dated rooms, limited restaurant variety — and the cliffside setting on Playa Las Estacas remains an advantage no Hotel Zone competitor can replicate. Casa Grande is a destination restaurant in its own right. The tequila sommelier sessions are a genuine differentiator. Whale watching from your beach chair in winter is magical.
The flaws are real: the timeshare pitch sours arrivals, the cabana fee system feels extractive at the pools, two of the five restaurants underperform, and you cannot walk anywhere off-property. These are not dealbreakers, but they are the difference between an 8.4 and a 9.
If you are a family with World of Hyatt points to burn, stop researching. Book this resort. Four nights for 100,000 points — all meals, all drinks, kids’ club, activities included — is one of the best deals in all-inclusive travel. If you are a couple wanting adults-only serenity, look at Secrets Vallarta Bay or Garza Blanca. But for everyone else, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is the pick in PV, and the 2025 renovation only widened the gap.