Picture this: You're sitting on the beach at an all-inclusive resort, drink in hand, and it occurs to you: You're saving money on this vacation compared to sitting at home.
Using hotel points, you can make it happen. And the easiest way to do it is with Hyatt's all-inclusive resorts, scattered mainly throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Booking these Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara properties with World of Hyatt points is one of the best deals you'll find, as you can eat, drink, and stay for free.
And now there are far more properties to choose from. After finalizing a deal last year to acquire another chain of resorts, Hyatt has folded in more than 100 additional all-inclusive properties into the mix – mainly in Mexico and Latin America but with a few dozen over in Europe, too. Whether you book a Hyatt Ziva or a Secrets or Dreams resort, they're often bookable for just 15,000 to 25,000 points per night.
We're huge fans of these resorts, and we're not alone. Everything from the facilities to the food to tasty top-shelf drinks is often a big step above your average all-inclusive resort. Most top-notch all-inclusives aren't bookable with points, which makes these properties shine.
We'll walk you through everything you need to know to book your own getaway for free.
Hyatt's New Award Chart for All-Inclusive Resorts
As its portfolio of all-inclusive properties grows, Hyatt has introduced a whole new award chart for booking these resorts using your points.
The standard Category 1 through Category 8 award chart for Hyatt hotels doesn't apply here. Instead, Hyatt is using Category A through Category F to price these free nights at all-inclusive locations. Generally speaking, the higher the hotel category, the nicer the property will be.
Award rates range from 15,000 points for a standard night stay to as much as 50,000 points per night. So far, almost everything is pricing out at just 15,000 points to 25,000 points per night – including the longstanding Hyatt Ziva and Zilara locations. With Hyatt's introduction of peak and off-peak pricing, you might see slightly lower (or higher) rates depending on when you go.
Not only will that 15,000 to 25,000 points cover your lodging, but all of your drinks, meals at the restaurants on the resorts, and the mini bar in your room are included! Hyatt doesn't charge resort fees that other chains like Marriott and Hilton do. That means just 15,000 or 25,000 points covers everything except for tips – something you should be sure to do.
Most award stays should fall in the standard pricing bracket. But just like Hyatt hotels worldwide, you'll occasionally see lower or higher award rates. For example, the newly bookable Dreams Natura Resort & Spa and the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos are both Category B resorts. That means you can book off-peak stays for 17,000 points per night – or a stay during peak periods for 23,000 points per night.
How Much Does it Cost to Book with Cash?
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $250 and $500 a night to book a room at Hyatt's all inclusive resorts.
Where are Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Resorts Located?
The Ziva & Zilara Hyatt all-inclusive resorts are scattered throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Here's a list of the current locations.
Hyatt Ziva & Zilara All Inclusives in Mexico
- Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Category B
- Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Category B
- Hyatt Ziva Cancún: Cancún, Mexico – Category C
- Hyatt Zilara Cancun: Cancún, Mexico (adults only) – Category C
- Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancún: Puerto Morelos, Mexico – Category C
- Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya: Playa del Carmen – Category C
Hyatt Ziva & Zilara All Inclusives in the Caribbean
- Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall: Montego Bay, Jamaica – Category C
- Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall: Montego Bay, Jamaica (adults only) – Category C
- Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Category C
- Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (adults only) – Category C
Ziva & Zilara: What's the Difference?
What's the difference between the Ziva and Zilara brands? Simply, the Hyatt Zilara properties are for adults only, which is defined as 18 and up. Hyatt Ziva locations, on the other hand, are family-friendly.
We've stayed at both brands and would highly recommend either of them. I have stayed at most of the Ziva locations both with and without children, and have always had a great experience. The Ziva locations don't feel overrun with children if that's your concern. There are still adults-only pools and areas to enjoy. And both experiences were fantastic. All the properties have several pools and plenty of chair space, making it easy to find a spot that will work for you.
If you are looking for a bit more of an upbeat scene that is less family-friendly, the Zilara should be your choice.
What New Brands Have Been Added to Hyatt's Portfolio?
In addition to the Ziva and Zilara locations discussed above, Hyatt finalized a deal to acquire Apple Leisure Resorts back in April 2022. In total, that has brought nearly 100 new properties under the Hyatt flag that are now bookable with World of Hyatt points.
Here's the full list.
New Hyatt All Inclusives in Mexico
Breathless Resorts & Spas
- Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa – Category C
- Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa – Category C
- Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category B
Dreams Resorts & Spas
- Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa – Category A
- Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya – Category B
- Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort – Category B
- Dreams Cozumel Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Jade Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Natura Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Category C
- Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Vista Cancun Resort & Golf Resort – Category B
Secrets
- Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Category C
- Secrets Aura Cozumel – Category B
- Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort – Category B
- Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa (Oaxaca, MX) – Category B
- Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres – Category F
- Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun – Category C
- Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen – Category C
- Secrets Moxché Impressions Playa del Carmen – Category C
- Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Category C
- Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf and Spa Resort – Category C
- Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category C
- Secrets The Vine Cancun – Category C
- Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta – Category B
Sunscape Resorts & Spas
- Sunscape Akumal Beach & Resort Spa – Category A
- Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa – Category A
- Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa – Category A
- Sunscape Sabor Cozumel – Category A
Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts
- Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los cabos – Category B
- Zoëtry Paraiso la Bonita – Category C
- Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isa Mujeres – Category C
New Hyatt All Inclusives in Central & South America
Dreams Resorts & Spas
- Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica – Category C
- Dreams Playa Bonita Panama – Category A
- Dreams Karibana Cartegena Golf & Spa Resort – Category B
Secrets
- Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica – Category C
New Hyatt All Inclusives in the Caribbean
Breathless Resorts & Spas
- Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa – Category C
- Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa – Category B
Dreams Resorts & Spas
- Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino – Category B
- Dreams Dominicus La Romana – Category B
- Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana – Category B
- Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana – Category A
- Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa – Category A
- Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana – Category B
Secrets
- Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa – Category C
- Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana – Category B
- Secrets St. James Montego Bay – Category C
- Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa – Category B
- Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay – Category C
Sunscape Resorts & Spas
- Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino – Category B
- Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic – Category A
Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts
- Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana – Category C
- Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa – Category C
- Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica – Category C
- Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia – Category F
New Hyatt All Inclusives in Europe
Alua Hotels & Resorts
- AluaSoul Orotava Valley (Canary Islands) – Category A
- Alua Atlántico Golf Resort (Canary Islands) – Category A
- AluaVillage Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) – No Category Listed
- Alua Suites Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) – No Category Listed
- AluaSun Marbella Park (Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Costa Park (Spain) – Category A
- AluaSoul Costa Málaga (Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Lago Rojo (Spain) – Category A
- Alua Golf Trinidad (Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Doblemar (Spain) – Category A
- AluaSoul Ibiza (Spain) – No Category Listed
- Alua Gran Camp de Mar (Mallorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Torrenova (Mallorca, Spain) – No Category Listed
- AluaSoul Palma (Mallorca, Spain) – No Category Listed
- Alua Leo (Mallorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSoul Alcudia Bay (Mallorca, Spain) – No Category Listed
- Alua Boccaccio (Mallorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Continental Park (Mallorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSoul Carolina (Mallorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Cala Antena (Mallorca, Spain) – Category A
- Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort (Mallorca, Spain) – Category B
- AluaSoul Mallorca Resort (Mallorca, Spain) – No Category Listed
- Alua Las Rocas (Mallorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Lago Park (Menorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Mediterraneo (Menorca, Spain) – Category A
- Alua Illa de Menorca (Menorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSoul Menorca (Menorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSun Far Menorca (Menorca, Spain) – Category A
- AluaSoul Zakynthos (Zakynthos, Greece) – No Category Listed
Dreams Resorts & Spas
- Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada (Canary Islands) – Category B
- Dreams Sunny Beach Resort & Spa (Bulgaria) – Category B
Secrets
- Secrets Lanzarote (Canary Islands) – Category B
- Secrets Mallorca Villamil (Spain) – Category C
- Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa (Bulgaria) – Category B
How to Earn World of Hyatt Points
You might be saying to yourself, “This sounds great, but I don't have any Hyatt points.” Don't worry.
You don't need to be a road warrior who constantly stays at Hyatt hotels to earn enough points for a stay at any of the Ziva and Zilara properties. There are a few different credit cards that make earning Hyatt points relatively simple and straightforward.
The first is obvious: the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Just for opening the card and spending $3,000 in the first three months of card membership, you will receive 30,000 World of Hyatt points. From there, you'll also earn 2x points on up to $15,000 of spending in the first six months. That's 60,000 points total and enough for at least two free nights (and maybe even three) at Hyatt's all-inclusive resorts.
The card has a $95 annual fee. However, starting in year two, it offers an annual free night certificate to be used at any Hyatt category 1-4 property. Just a few of the lowest-priced, Category A all-inclusive resorts are currently eligible for the free night certificate. No matter how you use it, that should be reason enough to justify the annual fee.
Click Here to learn more about the World of Hyatt Credit Card
There is also the *world of hyatt biz card* which allows you to earn bonus_miles_full
Click Here to learn more about the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
In addition to the World of Hyatt Credit Cards, you can also earn Hyatt points by transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards. Because Hyatt is one of the 14 airline and hotel transfer partners of Chase's Ultimate Rewards program, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points into your World of Hyatt account at a 1:1 ratio. This means one Chase point will equal one World of Hyatt point.
The *chase sapphire preferred* is currently offering a welcome offer bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card membership. Plus, for a limited-time, you'll get up to a $300 travel credit for purchases made through Chase Travel℠.
This card also has an annual fee of $95 which is not waived in the first year of card membership.
Read more: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the No. 1 Travel Card Right Now
Learn more about the *csp*.
The *chase sapphire reserve* is another option for earning Ultimate Rewards points. While the Sapphire Reserve earns the same Ultimate Rewards points, it offers a number of premium benefits that push the card’s annual fee to $550 a year. Just for holding the card, you’ll get an annual $300 credit that can be used for any travel expense. The credit happens automatically and makes it easy to trim down that annual fee to just $250 a year if you can use it.
It also offers a credit of up to $120 every four years to cover the cost of either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, a Priority Pass lounge membership that will get you into thousands of airport lounges and restaurants across the world, and many other premium benefits.
The card comes with a bonus of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points after spending a total of $4,000 in the first three months of card membership.
Learn more about the *chase sapphire reserve*.
This means you could open the World of Hyatt Credit card and one of the Chase Sapphire cards and earn up to 120,000 points. That's enough to cover up to eight free nights at Hyatt's all-inclusive locations.
Do you have a spouse or a significant other? You can both earn points in your own World of Hyatt accounts and book back-to-back reservations for a longer stay, or just combine your World of Hyatt points.
You won't find a better deal when it comes to all-inclusive resorts. Period.
Why We Love These Properties
If you can't tell by now, we love these Hyatt all-inclusive resorts. I have personally stayed at many all-inclusive properties over the years, and Hyatt's are far above average. The food isn't the best you will ever eat but it puts most all-inclusive cuisine to shame.
During a recent trip, I had an epiphany. I realized that my wife and I were spending less money being on the beach in Mexico than we would have if we were at home. We used Delta SkyMiles to cover the cost of flights and transferred 80,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points into my Hyatt account to book four nights at the resort.
Since we were traveling with our daughters, we didn't leave the resort, which of course kept costs down. We spent about $15 to $20 each day on tips for our servers and housekeepers. That money covered all of our meals, drinks for mom and dad, and plenty of entertainment for our daughters.
You simply can't find that kind of value with other all-inclusive resorts. That's a big reason we love these properties.
Bottom Line
Give the Hyatt all-inclusive resorts a shot when you are planning your next beach getaway. The properties are beautiful and well-maintained, with great food and drinks to boot.
But above all else, you simply can't beat the value of booking nights with World of Hyatt points.
Thank you for sharing. Just a quick question… Do you pay cash to add kid in your booking or extra points? …. Per Hyatt reward chart, each additional guest cost between 10k to 12.5k per night. Just wondering if there is way to pay cash to add kids in the booking.
We didn’t pay anything extra to have our daughter with us. At check-in, we requested a crib and they brought one up to our room. I am not sure if there is an option to pay cash instead of points to add kids.
I would suggest booking through the Hyatt site and calling Hyatt customer service to see if this is an option after the fact.
Nick – did you note your daughter when you booked the room? Running into similar issues as below (an error stating “Unfortunately…”) but when I remove my kids it has availability. Wondering if I should just risk showing up with them but not having them on the reservation.
Hi Alyson,
This is exactly what I did. After booking, I called Hyatt and requested a crib for our room. I was only able to see the award space when I didn’t select children.
Definitely do the math on points bookings. I have an upcoming stay at the Ziva Los Cabos booked for 20K per night. Seeing that the room rate is now just $240/night including taxes, it seems like a very poor value. I hate to pay cash but 40k Hyatt points are worth way more than $480.
Wise advice.
New to the game here. Looked at all of the Mexico properties for a winter/early spring trip and I have yet to find a week that the site is saying is available to use points. Are there typically a lot of blackout dates for Hyatt points redemption?
Hi Trisha, there are some blackout dates but I was searching around quite a bit while writing this post and wasn’t having an issue finding dates. Can you provide me a few examples?
Hi Nick, I have tried combinations of anywhere from four to seven night stays from January-March 2020. I keep getting the same message “Unfortunately, this hotel is not accepting World of Hyatt points or award during those dates.” I am determined to find some availability. I have been looking for the right property to stay at in Cancun and this is a great offer!
Really odd – I was able to pull up space for the first set of dates I tried at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun (Feb 5-12th) at 25k per night.
I am looking at Ziva Cancun as I would be traveling with my children. I have not given up yet!
Hi Nick, I have tried combinations of anywhere from four to seven night stays from January-March 2020. I keep getting the same message “Unfortunately, this hotel is not accepting World of Hyatt points or award during those dates.” I am determined to find some availability. I have been looking for the right property to stay at in Cancun and this is a great offer!
If you take the kids out and put just two adults you should be able to find the availability. I ran into the same problem and not sure I need to call Hyatt to add kids since one is over 2 years old and the other won’t be by the time we stay.
Hi Nick. Just out of curiosity, how much do you normally tip servers and housekeepers? We’re never quite sure what is fair, without shorting them or tipping way more than we really need to.
We usually do $1 for two drinks. We’re staying on points so tipping is worth it. Definitely improves the service, especially if you are poolside.
American USD is strong vs Pesos. Standard of living is on the low end. $1/drink is enough.
Hello,
so i’m trying to book cancun for my parents. The junior suit takes 4 people, so do I just book the hotel under my mom’s name and my dad can stay for free and he’ll get all the all-inclusive stuff? or do I need to pay extra 10k+ for each person that’s not my mom
I have never paid the extra amount at booking and had a problem at check-in. Everybody in the room will receive all-inclusive benefits.
I was also thinking of just booking 1/2 people and checking in other family as guest if i want to bring like 3/4 adults total
Anyone get any upgrades based on elite status on all-inclusive resort stays?
I have almost always gotten upgraded to a room with a better view with my Discoverist status from holding the World of Hyatt card. There was a wedding at the resort the last time I was at the Puerto Vallarta Ziva so there wasn’t much vacancy. I was pleased with the room we got, though.
Have you stayed out or do you know much about the Hyatt Regency all-inclusive in Playa Del Carmen? I’ll be staying there for three nights it was I believe a little less expensive than the Cancun properties probably a little older property but they have swim up rooms and a lot of photographs of food! LOL
We haven’t stayed there and are unfamiliar with it. Looks like points-wise it prices out as a category 6 so 25k/night.
Back to the kid question, has anyone booked without kids and then added after the reservation was booked? I see a 2 queen available with dates I want via points, but disappears when I say 2 kids on reservation.
When I was at the PVR location last year, I didn’t add my daughter to our reservation. Didn’t have any issue at check in, but YMMV.
You can book the room with two adults with points then contact the resort directly to request to add kids later.
If you call the resort to add the kids, I assume that they would require you to add extra points to your reservation?
Looks like some sort of flex points system is in place. No Ziva rooms available for < 32K in PV. Some 20K Ziva Cabo, but that's 2 doubles, not a king. Even Hyatt is getting stiny with points redemption?
Hi Nick. Looking to see if you had any advice on my situation.
I am looking to book a Zilara suite (double occupancy – two full size beds) for the 25k per night. However, I am going to have four people (myself and 3 others). It says that these rooms are normally 25k per night but when I search for 4 adults it changes. Is this because of the all-inclusive benefits that they only allow booking for 2? And if so, do you think it possible to just book the award room and have the extras with me when I show up – as some of the other commenters on this post did (albeit with kids)? Curious what your thoughts are. Thanks.
So you can get a basic room for 25,000 points or an upgrade at 40,000 – but you can’t get a room in the Turquoise section for points?
Caveat:
A lot of times the days you want for the all-inclusives, even months out, will show as not available at this property once you click through on the dates you want. I found that for the Cabo properties, I could book during the week, and I looked for dates 4-5 months out. There may be a trick to when to find the most desirable dates bookable. Would be good to know from TT if there are any strategies for getting those avails. I did book 4 nights at the Andaz in Costa Rica for 21K per night including weekend. Now that isn’t an all inclusive hotel but it is a very nice one and that many points for a $300+ per night room is the best hotel points deal out there as far as I can tell.
Hi, I’d love to hear more on how things have worked when people have booked 2 adults with points and then added kids (either through a follow up phone call to the hotel or by just showing up with them in tow — though the thought of the latter makes me really nervous!). We have a 9- and 13-year-old, so the crib option is definitely out. 😉
Thanks!
Were you able to find an answer to this? I’m in the same situation. There’s no way I’m booking an all-inclusive room for 2 and just showing up with my kids on the hope that Hyatt will have availability for the 4 of us.
Did you travel yet? What was the result?
Agree. Would love to hear a recent experience with this! When booking these resorts with cash, it will show a different price if you add children, so I can’t believe that they will be ok with you bringing children without warning and just bring a crib up to the room.
Hi…I’m looking into redeeming points for Secrets Tulum all inclusive, but I asked Hyatt representative and they said redeeming points only covers room. Is this true?
I think you can safely assume the Hyatt representative was misinformed. All award stays at all-inclusive properties are … well, all inclusive.
It appears there are charges to add children to the room – https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-all-inclusive-children-charges/