Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is a luxurious all-inclusive adults-only resort in the Dominican Republic. What I love about all-inclusive resorts is the ability to truly relax! There are a few things to consider when booking an all-inclusive stay, though – the location of the resort, the quality of the beach, the included amenities and activities, the service, and the food and beverage to name a few. Keep reading to find out how Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana shows up for each of these factors (hint: I’m obsessed)!
In this travel guide, I will share my tips for everything that you need to know about Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana all-inclusive resort!
Table of Contents
THE PROPERTY
LOCATION AND ACCESS
Enter Cap Cana: a luxurious gated community where you will find some of the top resorts in the Dominican Republic. It is a newly developed area of Punta Cana and is very clean and safe. Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva are neighboring all-inclusive resorts in Cap Cana – both properties offer an amazing selection of restaurants, large pools, access to the gorgeous Juanillo Beach, chic modern décor, and excellent service. The key difference is that Zilara is adults-only, while Ziva is family-friendly. We stayed at the adults-only resort, but still had access to all the on-site amenities of the family-friendly resort. Hyatt has similar Zilara and Ziva locations in Mexico and Jamaica, as well. You really can’t go wrong with the side that you stay on!
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is an all-inclusive resort. This literally means that everything is included! Unlimited food and beverage and access to amenities and activities all over the property (the pools, the beach, the huge fitness center and fitness classes, the waterpark, non-motorized watersports, and the all-day entertainment). There are a few things that you can pay an additional price for, but you will not miss out if you don’t (spa services, premium bottles of wine and liquor, private dinner on the beach, private cabanas at the pool, and excursions).
BOOKING & CHECK-IN
The best way to book your stay is by using World of Hyatt points – whether you transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards (use this link to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and receive an amazing bonus offer) or earn points directly through Hyatt (use this link to apply for the World of Hyatt Credit Card and receive an amazing bonus offer). You can book for as low as 21,000 points per night, which is a VERY good use of points.
If you book your room with World of Hyatt Globalist status, you will receive Club access. If you are not a World of Hyatt Globalist, you can still enjoy Club access for an additional daily charge per person. Club access includes a room upgrade (upon availability), exclusive access to the Club Pool, Club Lounge, and Club dining options during the day, premium liquor, and, in many cases, a personal butler. We LOVED having the Club access especially for the Club Pool and the additional dining options during the day.
Now for the luxurious stuff! Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff in the gorgeous and expansive open-air lobby. Our luggage was handled by the bell staff and delivered to our room later. All guests receive a celebratory welcome drink – *cheers* vacation starts now!
THE ROOM
We stayed in a Club Ocean View Junior King Suite. It was very clean, had a spacious bathroom, a sofa, a furnished balcony looking out at the resort and the ocean, a stocked mini bar, and, of course, a very comfy king size bed. The resort also offers swim-up suites, which always sound like a good idea, but keep in mind that some are very shaded leading to colder pool temperatures. Overall, the room was perfect, but we didn’t spend too much time here.
THE SERVICE
The people that work here are SO NICE! They also seem genuinely happy, which makes me happy. If you can track them down, Alfonsina, Rauly, Larissa, and Domingo were all working at the Club Pool during our stay and were so quick, kind, and fun. Also, Marcelo was our butler and made sure that my husband felt celebrated on his birthday during our stay (i.e. champagne and cake in the room, a banner on the door, and notes in the system so that all of the staff knew there was something to celebrate).
Tip: Bring plenty of cash with you for tipping – no need to exchange your U.S. dollars! Consider tipping your airport transportation, the bell staff, at each meal, for pool and beach service, housekeeping, and your butler (if you have one). For reference, we tipped $50-60 per day as a couple.
EAT AND DRINK
If you know me, it’s all about good food + drinks AND good vibes. Overall, I was really impressed!
There are 12 restaurants and 8 bars between Zilara and Ziva. If you have the time, then you should absolutely try out every restaurant during your stay. If you only have a few days, then have no shame in indulging in multiple dinners in one night (i.e. try a different restaurant for each course). Each menu is carefully curated to focus on a specific cuisine and with restaurant vibes + décor to match.
A few things to note: there are no reservations allowed or needed, dietary restrictions are top-of-mind and will be accommodated, and the dress code is beach casual (but feel free to get glamorous – it’s your vacation)!
Keep reading for my favorite spots, drinks, and dishes!
COFFEE
Deja Brew
Tip: If you are an iced coffee person, you need to order a “cafe con hielo,” which translates to “coffee with ice,” otherwise, you may accidentally end up with a frappuccino.
BREAKFAST
The Chinola (Healthy)
Order: Juice, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs, Quiche, Dominican Fried Cheese
LUNCH
Shutters (Caribbean)
Order: Carretillero Ceviche, Peruvian Style Seafood Rice, Fish Chicharrón, Yellow Pepper Risotto
DINNER
Waves (Steakhouse)
Order: Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Short Rib Tacos, Filet Mignon with Chimichurri
Journeys (Indian)
Order: Samosas, Garlic Naan, Lamb Rogan Josh, Vegetable Korma, Butter Chicken
Honorable mentions: Tempest Table (Asian), Noodle & Thread (Italian)
DESSERT
Brando’s (French)
Order: Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream, Crème Brûlée, Paris Brest
COCKTAILS
Las Mareas (Club Pool Bar)
Order: Piña Colada, Passion Fruit Margarita, Spicy Margarita
The One-Eyed Cat (Martini Bar)
Order: Bubble Martini (off-menu item)
Grog Grotto (Rum Bar)
Order: Passionfruit Rum Star Martini
SEE AND DO
POOLS
There is absolutely nothing wrong with relaxing by the pool all day every day. That is the epitome of “vacation mode.” There is a main pool for all guests and a Club pool for Club guests at both Zilara and Ziva – four pools total!
Tip: Personal speakers are not allowed, but there is often a DJ or live music by the pools every day.
BEACH
The white sand beach stretches across both resorts. There are two things that I highly recommend that you do: walk along the beach at sunrise and sunset AND take a catamaran out on the water. You can also go kayaking or paddle boarding. The Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful beaches and blue waters, so you will not be disappointed by the views!
Other on-site activities include rum tasting, candle making, yoga on the beach, and aqua cycling in the pool. We were content staying on the property, but there are also off-site excursions that can be arranged through the resort like a day-trip to Saona Island.
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit is when the weather is not so great in the United States – how convenient! The months between November and May are pleasantly warm and there is not as much seaweed on the shoreline. Summer is extremely hot, and fall brings the rainy hurricane season – try to avoid the months between June and October.
GETTING AROUND
To/From PUJ Airport: DAT offers the best price for a safe and seamless transfer. Arrange this in advance. They will decide the pick-up time to/from the airport based on your flight information. The drive will take about 15 minutes.
PACKING
Clothing and accessories: swimsuits, swim cover-ups, beach hat, comfortable sandals
Pool essentials: tote bag, Supergoop! sunscreen (sunscreen is overpriced at the resort gift shop), reusable straws, Ultima hydration packets
LANGUAGE
The Dominican Republic is a Spanish-speaking country. I speak Spanish pretty well and used my trip as an opportunity to squeeze in some practice; however, if you don’t speak Spanish, you will not have any issues speaking English with the staff. I always encourage people to attempt to learn a few key words, though!
| English | Spanish |
| Hello | Hola |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? |
| I’m good! | Estoy bien |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? |
| Please | Por favor |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| You’re welcome | De nada |
| Bye | Adios |
| Good morning/day | Buenos días |
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in the Dominican Republic.
We felt very safe during our stay. All of the staff wore masks, and guests were required to where masks indoors. Temperature checks were taken at each restaurant. Testing was conveniently arranged on-site. No self-service at the buffets. There was plenty of space for social distancing throughout the property.
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