Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana – All Inclusive Adults Only 5 Star Resort
Address: Playa Juanillo, Bv. Zona Hotelera, Punta Cana 23302, Dominican Republic
Avg Nightly Price: $540 Your rate will vary depending on season of travel and room type but this was the price Valentine’s Day Weekend, Feb 2021
My Room Type: Ocean View Junior Suite King
Covid Measures: No Covid test required to enter the Dominican but a negative test is required to re-enter the US. The covid test needed to return home was provided onsite at the resort and is included in the nightly rate
Personal Rating: 10/10! I could not recommend this resort more, ugh I’m obsessed.
OMG LOVE THIS PLACE! I would have to say in all my travels this by far was one of the best resort experiences I have ever had. I don’t even know where to begin. I don’t just look for the luxury accommodations or the foodie locations, I want it ALL! The Hyatt Zilara delivered on every luxury desire you could possibly want with no shortage of service, quality, and relaxation. The grounds are impeccably furnished and the landscaping is divine.
Daily exercise classes, themed nights, and tons of fun bars are available with great hours. It was only about 12 minutes from the airport and a $20 cab ride, bring cash, the ATM fees are outrageous. This commute was such a treat because on my last trip I unknowingly booked a hotel that was almost 2 hours from the airport *insert tears*! It was a convenient location for some day outings, ziplines, a water park…just perfection.
I visited the Zilara right after the travel restriction from the US to the Domincan were lifted so some of the trip measures may be looser when you go so be sure to double check.
My Valentine’s Day week stay was absolutely magical and this is now my go to resort in Punta Cana. Can’t wait to return and am already planning my next trip!
PROS:
- Service = WORLD CLASS. I am listing this first because they really set the bar high on what customer service truly means. I have noticed that on the islands that heavily rely on tourism for their economy, you can generally expect to be treated very well. However, the staff at the Zilara over deliver in this regard. Everyone is so kind and helpful, and from the moment you walk through the lobby you do not lift a finger until it is time to leave!
- Beyond the friendliness of the staff you will be truly treated like royalty! You are assigned a butler as soon as you check in that handles everything. You name it, they’ll get it! I was skeptical thinking that with this size of this resort (it’s massive) that you would get a butler and never see them again, I mean really how would they find you amongst the sea of bodies?!? Boy was I wrong! No matter what activity, restaurant, venue I visited Roberto found me! I had everything I needed at all times. Y’all me pinky was poked out and the rich b*tch energy was on full throttle this week haha, you couldn’t tell me shit! Roberto even heard me mention on day 1 how much I loved rum and he surprised me with a full bottle in my rum on the day I checked out to take home, ugh talk about paying attention! He was the absolute best! Don’t forget to take cash or visit the ATM to take care of the people that took care of you when you leave.
- But let me not fail to mention, the FOOD! One thing I’ve noticed, and don’t come for me I am speaking from my experiences, is that a lot (not all, but a lot) of the food at even the nicer resorts in the Domincan is not great. Mind you, I recognize that I am a chef and my palate can often be a tad scrutinizing, however, I can eat a meal without my ‘chef hat’ on and objectively say if it is good or not. And if you’ve ever been to DR before you know the food is often for a lack of a better term gross! I mean, I was taken aback on my first trip out, by how bad the resort food was. The Zilara however, has rewritten those wrongs. I dined at most of the casual and fine dining options onsite and did not have anything less than amazing the whole week! If you want the views, the best beach, and the good food look no further! There is also a family friendly Hyatt Ziva next door (equipped with water slides and amazing food trucks might I add) with incredible options that Zilara guests have access to as well. The room service for your suite is also available 24hours a day, which was such a treat after long nights dancing!
- I want to mention how safe and secure I felt even traveling during very uncertain times. They really go the extra mile in terms of the Covid cleaning measures. 24 hours a day you see the staff cleaning and sanitizing everything, it didn’t matter what time it was, they were out there. The onsite covid testing center had very convenient hours that you schedule during check in and the price is already included in your stay. I had my results required for reentry into the US, 2 hours after my test.
- The beach is STUNNING!! There are beautiful beaches all over the world but in some locations it seems like the water sparkles just a little bit more. The hotel has a very large stretch of private, clean, gorgeous beach and the water glistened like diamonds. Unlike some countries I did not see any beach vendors or anyone trying to sell anything, just miles of white sand the clearest of waters. A vibe.
- The views from the room was spectacular. Most suites offer a beach and pool view on your private balcony that will leave you breathless. There are also suites that have private swim up pools on the ground floor but you miss the height of the sunsets on the water and some quality people watching. There are truly no wrong options for either the swim up or the balcony rooms in this place so go for what you like!
CONS:
- I couldn’t stay forever, lol. Honestly, I don’t have a bad thing to say about my stay. I had one “minor” hiccup that was caused by the hotel which caused a long enough delay for me to miss my flight (the last flight of the day) but the staff went above and beyond to correct the situation. I ended up being comped an additional night since there was no way for me to get out on my flight, found a lovely bottle of wine, dessert, and charcuterie in my new room, as well as being given a certificate for one free night upon my return. Was the mistake inconvenient, yes. However, I can offer grace for mistakes if they are handled properly. My kiddo was fine where she was and I work remote so honestly getting another day for free felt more like a win than anything. Other than that, I truly have nothing bad to report!
If you are planning a special trip to the Domincan, you will not be disappointed with the Hyatt Zliara!
EAT, DRINK, TRAVEL…REPEAT!
