Don’t get me wrong…I love kids; especially my own. I’ve always enjoyed trips where I had the opportunity to introduce them to new cities, sights and adventures. But, as an empty nester with no grandkids on the horizon, I decided it was time to try an adults-only resort.
No pool toys to sidestep on my way to swim laps. No teens monopolizing the hot tub. No meltdowns in the buffet line. Just grown-ups like my husband and me, unwinding in paradise.
Mom and Dad need to get away to relax, bond and reconnect sans kids. Maybe that’s why so many resorts are now catering to this crowd, either as adults-only properties, or adding pools, blocks of rooms and even restaurants where no kids are allowed.
Highlights:
My husband and I headed south of Cancun to the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya. Once a Sandals resort, it recently underwent a complete renovation and re-opened as an all-inclusive luxury adults-only Hyatt, with unlimited dining and endless drinks.
- With just 291 rooms and suites – each boasting a balcony or garden patio – it never felt crowded. No need to wake up at the crack of dawn to reserve your pool or beach lounge chair here; there’s plenty to go around. And no lines to get served at restaurants or bars.
- Upgrade to the Club Level and opt for a swim-up suite with a semi-private pool right outside your door. Club guests have access to a private lounge with gourmet bites and signature cocktails, a dedicated beach area, special restaurant access and a butler to handle reservations and more.
- Unlike some massive resorts, everything here is within easy walking distance.
The Adults-Only Vibe
We noticed the low-key vibe the minute we arrived in the open-air lobby with the ocean beckoning in the distance, and were greeted with glasses of sparkling wine. This isn’t a spring-break party scene. Despite the unlimited drinks, there are no wild groups hanging at the swim-up bar endlessly drinking till they get silly, or bachelorette entourages taking continuous selfies.
It’s just adults relaxing, enjoying their togetherness, floating in the infinity pool and taking long walks on the wide expanse of beach. The rowdiest we saw any guests get was in a spirited water volleyball game and during the daily water aerobics classes.
There’s a romantic energy here; especially when you have a swim up pool outside your suite. (No comment on whether there was any skinny-dipping going on!)
We also got to witness a beautiful wedding under the hotel’s beachfront arch.
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What to Do
- Daily fun: I always look for a hotel with a full schedule of activities. Here there are numerous daily events, including dance lessons, cornhole tournaments and lots of crafts, including macrame, bracelet making and straw-hat painting all included in the all-inclusive price.
- Nightly entertainment: There was karaoke at Legends sports bar, bingo (including the Mexican “Lotería” version) and live music and entertainment acts featuring everything from acrobatics to belly dancers. Some days, there was a DJ by the pool.
- Spa refresh: The Zen Spa was a relaxing part of the visit. After a hot stone massage, try the hydrotherapy circuit with sauna, steam and hot and cold plunge pools under a thatched-roof open-air room surrounded by what feels like a jungle. I also got a free chair massage that came with my upgraded Club Level suite.
- Fitness focus: The hotel often brings in visiting fitness instructors so there’s usually something new to try. While I was there, Elyse Familant from Fitness Vacation Exchange led a core exercise class and yoga by the beach each morning.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Start your day with a guided beach walk to a nearby cenote, one of thousands of natural freshwater sinkholes the Yucatan is famous for. Take a dip in the icy cold water.
Dining
There are plenty of dining options, from casual beach lunches to more elegant dinners.
- Lola: Casual fare by day and seafood by night, with stunning ocean views.
- Tempest: Pan-Asian food, with a sushi bar and teppanyaki tables.
- Capri Grille and El Comedor: Italian favorites and international buffets. Don’t miss theme nights at the buffet, which was one of our favorites. I especially loved the variety of fresh fruit and juices and Mexican specialities.
- Coffee Republic: all-day coffee, pastries and gelato. I never missed my daily scoop of pistachio.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Most restaurants here are first-come, first-served, though you do need to make reservations at the sushi bar and hibachi experience. Download the Hyatt app so you can plan ahead for meals and activities and browse menus.
Excursions and Nearby Attractions
Many guests stay on campus for their entire stay. Others venture out in their rented cars for day trips to explore local markets, nearby beaches and the rich culture of the Yucatan Peninsula. The hotel can also arrange excursions through outside vendors at an additional cost.
Things to Do Nearby:
- We did a half-day experience with Extreme Adventuring Cancun. We rode ATVs, zip-lined through the jungle and jumped into a cenote for a refreshing swim. Our visit even included an informative tequila tasting and a delicious lunch.
- The Hyatt Zilara is close to various eco-tourism destinations, such as the Cenote Route, where guests can explore scenic swimming caves and mangrove forests. Scuba diving at the Palancar Reef in Cozumel is another popular activity, as is snorkeling at the Mujeres Museum of Underwater Art near Cancun.
- History buffs can explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Be aware that sargasso season typically runs from March through summer when piles of seaweed can end up on the beach. The hotel cleans daily, but conditions vary. During our visit, some days there was lots of seaweed and other days it was clear and guests were swimming in the beautiful blue Caribbean.
Empty Nest Travel Tips
- Bring a good book. Poolside relaxation is practically mandatory. If you finish yours, you may find some left behind by other guests in the café. Leave your own for others.
- Pack an inflatable float so you don’t have to pay top dollar at the gift shop. Guests spend hours floating in the pool with a frozen drink in hand. Note: departing guests often leave theirs behind, so you might find one unclaimed.
- Join activities. It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers and a fun way to break up your pool and lounge time.
- If romance is on your mind, arrange for a private dinner on the beach. It comes with a giant “LOVE” sign in the sand, perfect for social media photos.
Getting Here
The resort is less than 45 minutes from the Cancun International Airport. Direct flights via JetBlue and other airlines operate from many U.S. cities. The hotel can arrange for (paid) transportation from the airport. Trust me, it’s easier than navigating the swarm of taxi drivers and shuttle hawkers at the terminal.
Hyatt Zilara FAQ
No. The minimum age is 18.
Only the sushi experience and Asiana’s teppanyaki bar require reservations. Other dining venues are available on a first come first serve basis.
Yes. Ground floor suites are fully equipped for guests with special needs and elevators access most public areas.
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