All-Inclusive Resort Spotlight: Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Cap Cana (DR)

Location-wise, you’re looking at Cap Cana, an upscale, gated community just 15 minutes from the Punta Cana airport. The area is known for golf courses, marina life, and clean, manicured roads. It’s noticeably more upscale than the busier Bavaro or Uvero Alto areas.

Highly recommend booking the Fast Track VIP Airport Arrival Service Arrival Experience, especially if you’re arriving midday. It’s offered through VIP Airport Services, and it’s honestly one of the best add-ons you can make. They meet you at the plane, get you on a golf cart, and escort you through immigration using the diplomatic line. You also get access to the airport’s VIP Lounge, which means you’re skipping that chaotic wait with overtired kids and instead being told, “Go sit down and have a drink, we got it.”

This service alone can save you 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the arrival crowds.

Hyatt Ziva (family-friendly) and Zilara (adult-only) are two mirror image properties on one shared sprawling, flat and walkable campus. You’ll see people moving freely between the two. That setup makes this place ideal for multigenerational family getaways or destination weddings where you’re herding together a mix of kids, grandparents, friends, cousins, etc. You’ve got kids doing cannonballs on one side, grandparents reading by the quiet pool on the other, and those who absolutely refuse to dine with children enjoying an espresso martini at the martini bar. You can come together for dinner or shows, and then separate back into your preferred pace. And if you’ve ever tried dragging a stroller or wheelchair through uneven paths, you’ll appreciate how stress-free the layout is! That ease of movement really matters when traveling with young kids, older adults, or anyone with physical limitations. No awkward logistics. No long walks. Just ease.

Juanillo Beach is wide, shallow, walkable and soft. There are no crowds and no beach vendors pushing trinkets. It’s often compared to a saltwater pool: clear, calm, and walkable.

That said, let’s talk sargassum (seaweed), because while it’s less frequent here than at resorts farther north in Bávaro or Punta Cana, it’s not absent. Cap Cana’s east-facing shores do lie in the sargassum current path, so occasional heavy seaweed occurrence is normal. From late spring through early fall, it can and likely will show up, especially during peak seaweed season (May–September). Some days you’ll wake up to perfectly clear water, and other days there will be visible buildup or restricted swimming. The resort does a solid job with daily beach grooming, but nature wins sometimes. If a completely clear beach every day is non-negotiable, ask about excursions to nearby beaches like Bayahibe, Macao, or boat trips to Saona or Catalina, they’re often free from seaweed even in summer. If you’re traveling in fall or winter, your chances of crystal-clear water go way up.

As far as waves, this is not a high-surf beach but there are days when the red flag goes up, even though the water looks totally fine, this is usually due to strong undercurrents that aren't obvious from shore. Beach conditions can change quickly, especially in summer, so it’s worth knowing what the flag system means. If it’s red-flagged, skip swimming and float in the pool with a frozen mojito instead. If you're coming in summer, just come in with realistic expectations, the pools here are so great that even if the beach is off one day, you won’t feel like you're missing out.

On calmer days, the beach is absolutely stunning: a true postcard. You’ll often see weddings being set up right along the shoreline, and If you’re the kind who likes a walk, the beach is long enough to stroll, and you’ll spot iguanas or shore birds along the way.

Pro tips: Bring a reusable insulated cup to keep drinks cold, and show up early for shade, umbrellas fill up fast. Bali beds are limited and best reserved in advance or snagged with Club Level access.

Pools: Plentiful, Clean, and Surprisingly Chill

Let me put it plainly: this is the highest-rated all-inclusive resort with a legit waterpark this side of the Atlantic. Real slides, real splash zones, a lazy river that’s actually lazy, and multiple areas for kids of different ages. There’s even a zone for toddlers. And somehow, it all feels fun, not frantic.

Now let me say this: my kids? They’re the kind who get bored the moment they put down their devices, and then turn to me like I’m the designated activities director. If I don’t provide entertainment, they’re sighing dramatically within 20 minutes. But here? Not an issue. They can pool-hop, plan their next water slide run, or make friends at the teen lounge and Kids Club.

Waterpark

Now, let’s talk Canapolis Waterpark, because this is where Ziva shines. It’s a full-scale waterpark with:

• Five fast big-kid/adult waterslides: Adults actually use the slides here, it’s not just for kids. And it’s close enough to walk over, ride a few slides, and then head back to your lounger.
• A lazy  river with a grotto cascade: bring a drink and float for a good long stretch.
• A large splash playground with water cannons, tipping buckets, and mini slides.
• A shaded toddler zone that’s separate from the chaos, with tiny slides and fountains perfect for littles.
• Lounge chairs and umbrellas for parents who want to keep an eye on their kids     without baking in the sun.

Ziva has great activities that aren’t just tossed together to fill a schedule: there are cooking classes, scavenger hunts, poolside games, dance parties, and a teen lounge with video games, music, and foosball that doesn’t feel like a sad afterthought. The kids’ club for younger children is staffed by warm, caring people who might even remember your kids’ names by the 2nd day.

The rooms are a huge win here. Super spacious, really comfortable bed, and a balcony that is actually useable, like you could hangout out there. Big bathroom, big shower, double vanities. Some suites have tubs on the balcony The U shaped design of both resorts means no rooms are facing the back of the building.

• Swim-up rooms exist on both sides: these are NOT private. You’re in a shared     channel with other swim-up guests, but it’s fun.
• If you're deciding between oceanview and oceanfront, remember: 'oceanview'     often just means a sliver from the side. Oceanfront is the full postcard.
• Club Level: Comes with extra perks like upgraded mini-bars and private check-in. You get access to a lounge with premium drinks and apps and Access to the Club pool, which is quieter. Zilara guests will have access to Shutters the beachfront restaurant for breakfast and lunch. You can also get Late checkout based on availability and a discount at the spa. The Club upgrade is usually worth it, but it won’t make or break the experience. I would say the best perk is the Shutters restaurant (only available to Zilara Club) which is right on the water and the service is so good you feel like family. The pools are more peaceful, and the service is just better. It really just depends on individual comfort levels.
• Zilara Club rooms are closest to the beach and have the best ocean views.
• Rooms facing the “quiet pool” have less foot traffic and noise so this area is great for light sleepers.” And, If you’re booking for a special occasion, request a room facing the sunrise. The light in the morning is stunning.

Here’s where these resorts really shine: the food is consistently good, not just good for an all-inclusive. There are 12+ restaurants across the two resorts.

Some favorites:

• Brando’s (on the Ziva side, Polynesian-French fusion): An over-the-top, upscale     restaurant, tropical plants, tiki cocktails, tables with giant, woven baskets suspended overhead and surrounded by black-bottomed pools. The ceviche is ridiculously good.
• Shutters Beachside, Zilara side, Zilara Club Level guests only, Ziva Club level will not have access. A beachfront Dominican restaurant with upscale island fare: grilled lobster, mofongo and coconut shrimp. The setting is breezy and romantic, with sand underfoot and a front-row seat to sunset. The breakfast here is a standout.
• Journeys (Zilara side, Indian cuisine): A surprise hit with sharable dishes. Real     Indian flavors (not the bland stuff). The restaurant is designed like an old train car. Spice levels are moderate, but the curries and naan are legit.
• Noodle & Thread (Ziva side, Italian): Good pasta and the cutest decor that somehow makes it feel like a sewing room inside a trattoria: sewing machines, spools of thread, and warm exposed brick. Great for families or pasta lovers.
• Tempest Table (Ziva side). Asian cuisine centered around a Mongolian grill and teppanyaki-style cooking. Despite its buffet-like layout, this one leans more into fusion flavors with a theatrical dining feel. Great for a casual dinner that still feels fun.
• The Pier (Zilara) and El Mercado (Ziva side, main buffets): Actually worth your time. You’ll find made-to-order options, a fresh salad bar, and tons of variety. Not your standard tray-of-fried-things experience. The buffet is genuinely solid for breakfast. Like, Vegas-style. Vegan corner, fresh smoothies, Dominican station, chilaquiles made to order, the whole deal. Now the dinner buffet is good, but don’t expect to be blown away like you are at breakfast Tip: Sit outside on the terrace if the weather’s nice. It’s quieter, and you’ll avoid the more chaotic interior seating area during busy hours.
• And then there’s The Blind Butcher (on the Ziva side, recommended for 13+ only), the resort’s hidden speakeasy dining experience. It’s not included, you’ll pay extra, but it’s 100% worth it. You enter through a fake butcher shop through a disguised door (I won’t give it away), enjoy a multi-course South American tasting menu that changes seasonally and soak in a moody, intimate setting that feels like a secret dinner club. It’s a great option for a date night, honeymoon splurge, or a teen who’s finally old enough to feel grown-up.

• Room  Service (24/7) : Surprisingly fast and with a large menu. Burgers, wraps, fruit plates, pasta (nothing mind-blowing), but when you want pancakes at 2 a.m. or don’t feel like dealing with people, it’s clutch.
• Poolside spots are great too: the burger shack, the taco truck, the coconut station on the beach. And the coffee shop (Prontoz) is shared

Reservations aren’t required. That sounds great, but in reality, it means there may be long wait times at popular restaurants during peak dinner hours. Club Level guests can often get prime dinner reservations without the wait. But even if you’re not Club, go early or right at opening to snag a table. I always recommend going either at 6PM or after 8:30PM+ to avoid frustration.

If you’re Vegetarian? Gluten-free? Halal? Any dietary restrictions, they can accommodate. They have a dedicated Chef Concierge on site who will speak with you well in advance of your trip. On a clients recent stay, they assured us they would have oat milk in the coffee shop and baked a lactose free birthday cake just for them. Most staff are trained to handle dietary restrictions.

Important Dining Access Rules:

• Regular Guests of Hyatt Zilara can access all non-Club dining venues, including those on the Ziva side. Club Guests of Hyatt Zilara can access all dining venues across both properties.
• Adult Regular and Club Guests of Hyatt Ziva can access almost all restaurants, except Shutters on the Zilara side and the Zilara Club Lounge.
• The Blind Butcher is open to guests from both sides but has an additional fee. It is also the only restaurant on property that  requires a reservation.
• Room  service is 24/7 and included at both resorts.

There is also:

• A 24-hour coffee shop with espresso drinks and grab-and-go options.
• A sweet shop with macarons, cupcakes, and espresso.
• Room service that actually shows up warm and well-packed.

Club Level = better wine and spirits. Without it, you’ll get mid-tier drinks unless you ask specifically.

This is not a party resort. There’s no late-night club or all-night DJ, but if you’re into well-made cocktails and live music, you’ll be happy here.

Highlights:

• One Eyed Cat (Zilara): The bartenders here don’t just pour drinks, they perform. Zilara’s martini bar which honestly feels like it belongs in New York or Miami is doing dry ice, smoked cocktails under glass domes, flaming espresso martinis, the drinks look like something out of Hogwarts! There’s a whole signature cocktail menu that leans theatrical, one even arrives with bubbles that burst into scented vapor. It’s part speakeasy, part magic show. If you’re only going to do one “after-dinner” thing at Zilara, make it this. This is where the cool couples end up.
• Punta Vista (Rooftop Bar): This one’s a showstopper. Rooftop views, cozy fire pits, and craft cocktails. It’s the place to sneak away for a more grown-up vibe. A great spot to start or end your evening.
• Moments Sports Bar (Ziva): Good for a casual drink or game of pool. Sometimes hosts karaoke or a DJ, open until 2am.
• Spiritz (Swim-Up Bar): Technically part of the pool scene, but worth noting because people linger here well past sunset. Bartenders remember your order, and there’s always some music going.

• The Kids' Club is great for little ones (age 4–12), with crafts, games, and activities that change daily. It’s indoors and has its own shaded splash zone and jungle gym.
• Teen Club: actually Cool: If you’ve got older kids, this is where you start to breathe again. The teen lounge has foosball, air hockey, video games, music, and lounge seating. It looks like a real hangout spot.
• Daily Activities: There’s always something to join in on: beach volleyball, dance lessons, pool games, cooking demos. On the Zilara (adults-only) side, it’s more laid-back: sunrise yoga, aqua aerobics, cocktail workshops, live music near the lobby bar.
• Cooking classes, Ceviche tastings, mixology classes, cigar-rolling demos.
• Wine tastings, sushi-making classes, and rum tastings.
• Foam  party does happen once a week at the Ziva main pool, but it’s during the day, short, and optional. If that’s your thing, go for it. If it’s not, easy to avoid.
• A bowling alley (!)

And if you’re planning a wedding or group event, the resort offers private events, cocktail hours, bonfires, and dinners. Their planning team is top-notch.

Nightlife Activities (for both sides):
The resort rotates nightly entertainment between the two lobbies and the outdoor amphitheater.

• The resorts feature a shared outdoor amphitheater with professional musicians and dancers. You’ll find bands, circus performances, fire shows, dance shows.
• Insider tip: If there's a circus or acrobatic show on the schedule, go early. Those fill up fast and the good seats are gone quickly.
• Live music, usually acoustic guitar, sax or local bands on the Zilara terrace or beach stage.
• Live merengue and bachata bands.
• Silent disco and DJ nights by the main pool happen periodically, usually more active Thursday–Saturday.
• Beach parties or bonfire setups occasionally pop up (especially during holiday weeks or when occupancy is high).

There’s no thumping club on site, which is great if you’re not into that scene, but something to note if you’re expecting big nightlife. Most people wind down by 11 pm, and things get really quiet after that.

The Larimar Spa is one of the most beautiful spa setups in the DR. It’s massive, with a peaceful indoor garden atrium.

• Hydrotherapy circuit with hot/cold plunge, sauna, steam.
• Ocean-view treatment rooms and couples’ suites.
• Salt room and relaxation lounges.
• Outdoor massage cabanas.
• Rain showers and a “sensory path” that sounds hokey but actually feels great on     your tired feet.

The gym is the real deal. It’s 14,000 square feet. There’s Peloton bikes, a yoga room, ninja warrior circuits, lots of machines, free weights, a few fitness classes and actual space to move. For an all-inclusive, it over-delivers. They also run daily group fitness classes.

Excursions: Good Options, But You May Not Need Them

Let’s be honest, this is the kind of resort you could stay at all week without feeling like you're missing anything. The food is good, the beach is beautiful, the drinks are flowing, and the pools don’t get boring. That said, if you do want to explore beyond the resort gates, there are some worthwhile options, just know what you're getting into.

• Catamaran or snorkeling trips: Fun, but more for the vibe than marine life. You’ll typically visit areas like Juanillo Bay or Natural Pool, a sandbar where boats anchor for drinks, music, and waist-deep lounging.
• Scape Park: Ziplining, cenotes, horseback riding (good for families). Go early in the day to avoid the busier afternoon rush.
• Punta Espada Golf: Jack Nicklaus design, 10 minutes away: one of the most stunning golf courses in the Caribbean.
• Blue Mall or Punta Cana Village for shopping and lunch off property, you'll need a taxi or transfer.
• Pro tips: If sargassum is heavier during your stay, stick to boat-based trips or inland excursions, you’ll get prettier water offshore than on the beach. If you’re prone to seasickness or want something mellow, book a private catamaran rather than a party boat. Skip the “free shopping tour” offers, they usually involve a hard sell.

One thing travelers often say is how genuinely warm and attentive the staff are. Not in a performative way. Just good people who care about your stay. You can always tell when a resort trains for warmth versus just efficiency, and Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana get this right.

If someone goes above and beyond (and many do), ask for a comment card or mention it by name when you check out. It makes a big impact.

And brush up on a few Spanish phrases, just a simple “hola” or “gracias” goes a long way here.

Good to Know: A Change in Management

These resorts were formerly under Playa Resorts and are now transitioning to direct Hyatt management. As of now, nothing has changed in terms of guest experience, same staff, same service, same standards. But it’s something to keep on your radar if you’re a repeat guest or planning far ahead. I’ll keep an eye on how things evolve.

Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana don’t just meet expectations, they quietly exceed them in all the ways that matter. The service is thoughtful, the food is surprisingly good, and this is one of the best resort layouts I’ve ever seen. This is a property that knows how to make people feel at ease: toddlers love it, teens love it, couples love it. It just works.

Now, if you want bustling nightlife, club scenes, or a party atmosphere, this isn’t that kind of place. If you’re expecting a totally seaweed-free beach every day, year-round, it’s better than most, but not immune, especially in summer. And if you want budget-friendly luxury, this is firmly in the moderate-luxury range, and prices reflect that.

On the other hand, if you’ve got kids like mine who treat you like their personal entertainment committee, this place gives you a break. And if you’re traveling with a mix of family members, it’s one of the easiest, most enjoyable setups I’ve seen. Clean, high-functioning, and genuinely enjoyable for many different needs.

If you’re looking for help planning your trip or want more insight into how to make the most of your stay, I’m happy to help. You can reach out directly or browse more of my resort deep-dives, tips, and recommendations.

And if you do go, don’t forget to order the smoky cocktail from the one-eyed cat.

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