Back in March, I noticed that the Hyatt Ziva Cancun was about to raise its points redemption rate—again. My husband and I, along with our two kids, had stayed there in 2022 when it was only 25,000 points per night, and we instantly fell in love with the resort. My husband is always talking about that trip, so I decided to book another stay for my husband’s Birthday weekend before the points price went up, even though I wasn’t entirely sure we’d go through with the trip. But I’m so glad we did!
Here’s how we made the most of our Chase points, planned our family vacation, and why Hyatt Ziva Cancun was worth every point.
Booking the Trip with Chase Points
I’ve been a fan of using Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, and Hyatt is one of my favorite transfer partners. When I saw the points rate for Hyatt Ziva Cancun was about to increase, I acted quickly and booked a five-night stay, this time at 38,500 points per night. The points price was definitely higher than the 25,000 we spent back in 2022, but we knew what we were getting into, and it was well worth it for the experience.
Hyatt’s all-inclusive resorts, like Hyatt Ziva Cancun, offer incredible value when booking with points. Since we wanted to make the most of our trip without missing too much school or other commitments, I booked it over a long weekend, avoiding a full week of school.
Now, for families traveling with kids, there’s one thing to keep in mind: although our 2-year-old stayed for free, we had to pay $150 per night for our 7-year-old son. So, in total, we paid around $750 for the five nights for him. It’s an added cost but still a great deal considering the all-inclusive nature of the resort.
Upgrading to a Suite
One of the perks of being a Hyatt Globalist is the chance to use suite upgrade awards, and we took full advantage of that! We scored an amazing suite with a huge balcony, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and a spacious living room with a comfortable couch bed for the kids. It felt like our home away from home, but with the luxury of waking up to ocean views every morning.
Because of our Globalist status, we also got access to a special club-level building, where they had snacks available all day, a bar stocked with premium liquor, and a fantastic butler service. We had the best butler, Andre, who went above and beyond, messaging us the daily schedule, giving recommendations, and even arranging little surprises like balloons for the kids. It added a personal touch to the trip that made it all the more special.
The Near-Cancellation (and Hurricane Drama)
Even as the date got closer, we were uncertain if we’d actually go through with the trip. We were tracking a hurricane in the Gulf, which eventually hit Louisiana the day before we left. Fortunately, the storm passed without affecting our travel plans, and off we went to Cancun!
Smooth Travel and Stress-Free Arrival
One of the reasons we love traveling to Cancun is the ease of getting there. We flew Southwest Airlines non-stop from Houston, and the flight took only about an hour and 15 minutes. Once we arrived, we had Happy Shuttle pick us up and take us directly to the resort. From there, we pretty much stayed put for the entire trip, enjoying everything the resort had to offer without worrying about extra expenses.
That’s the beauty of staying at an all-inclusive resort like Hyatt Ziva Cancun: you don’t need to leave the property because everything is included—the pools, beaches, activities, and, of course, the food and drinks! I love the coffee shop and my kids love the ice cream shop! We wanted to eat at the restaurant on the beach every day! My son also looked forward to the nightly shows!
Why We Almost Cancelled the Trip
I’ll admit, I was torn about this trip. After just getting back from an incredible adventure in Switzerland, and with our upcoming trip to Bora Bora already booked, I felt like we needed to slow down on travel spending. Plus, I knew we’d miss some school, baseball, and martial arts, and I considered canceling more than once. But in the end, my husband’s love for this resort—and the fact that it was over his birthday—sealed the deal. I’m so glad we went!
A Lucky Bonus: Mexican Independence Day
Our trip happened to overlap with Mexican Independence Day, and it made the experience even more unforgettable. The resort went all out with celebrations, and I’ll be writing a separate blog just to talk about that day. But suffice it to say, I would happily return to Hyatt Ziva Cancun every year just for the fun and festive atmosphere they created for the holiday.
Final Thoughts If you’re looking for a fantastic family-friendly getaway that won’t break the bank, booking Hyatt Ziva Cancun with Chase points is an amazing option. From the stunning beachfront location to the all-inclusive amenities, it’s a stress-free vacation that’s full of luxury and value. Whether you’re a Globalist or just someone looking for a memorable trip, Hyatt Ziva Cancun is worth every point.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll dive into our incredible experience celebrating Mexican Independence Day at the resort!
