Luxury Hotel Review: Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Jamaica

August 3, 2016 | By Donna Evans

I recently had a wonderful opportunity to visit the new Hyatt Resorts in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Hyatt Resorts has developed a unique concept with their Ziva and Zilara resorts. It is a dabble into the all-inclusive market in a very different way. While the properties are connected, and there is some flow between the two, they have their separate entities. Hyatt Ziva is a family friendly property with a KidZ Club and pools,one of which has a swim up bar called Lagoonz.  Hyatt Zilara is an adults only property with a large pool and swim up bar called Islandz. There are numerous pool and beach chairs at each property, and everyone is free to use the beach areas that all flow together in alcoves.

Beautiful pools with lounge chairs

Activities at the pools are geared toward the interests of the guests at each location.  There are more alcohol options near the adult Zilara pool, which is also more quiet and relaxed. The volleyball net, and active sports and activities, tend to focus more on the Ziva property.

There are specific restaurants that are specifically for adults only, such as Urban Heat by Flavorz and Jamaican Rootz. If you are staying at Zilara, these are not to be missed!  At Urban Heat, the chef is stellar and creative. We enjoyed a tasting menu and he was able to adjust each course for those with dietary requirements without even blinking.

There are numerous restaurants to satisfy every traveler, including buffets, delis, ice cream shops, bakeries and a 24 hour coffee shop with treats.

The Zen spa is wonderful.  I enjoyed both a facial and a massage. I can tell you the therapists are first class and I didn’t ever want to leave.  However, they made me go stating something about other clients wanting services, haha!

Junior Suite

Room categories are the same at both properties. They range from standard rooms to butler suites, including swim up suites and junior suites with spacious decks housing luxurious lounge chairs, most with a partial or ocean view.  The rooms include a great work area, 5 piece bath, with a sitting area in the suites and junior suites, plenty of outlets and a full length mirror.

Lacking miles of white sand beaches, Hyatt Ziva and Zilara have made the most of the alcoves they have and centered wedding gazebos and arches between them. It was easy to see why there were one or two weddings there each day of our stay, including in the middle of the week. It is the perfect setting.

Gazebos at the Hyatt Ziva

Activities include snorkeling and wind surfing, as well as water aerobics, yoga, volleyball, dance lessons and more. Each night there is entertainment that interested just about everyone. If your room faces the stage, be prepared to be awake until the show is finished. Usually, the shows are over between 10 and 10:30 pm, so there is plenty of time to visit one of the many bars on property or just enjoy the sound of the waves.

I recommend Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Montego Bay for anyone looking for a luxury all-inclusive experience that joins an adult and family vacation. You can have it all.