Escape the everyday at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Wellness and Rejuvenation are Highlights at this Adults-only Luxury Resort

Create personalized spa and wellness products
during an Alchemy Class
Photo: Michele Peterson

The spa attendant places a few drops of rose essential oil, a sprinkling of chia seeds and, at my request, an extra dollop of wild honey–reputed to have special anti-aging properties–into the agave lotion in my wooden bowl. I stir and then carefully pour the fragrant concoction into a jar.

I’m in Cancun, Mexico attending a hands-on alchemy class where participants craft custom-scented body exfoliants and moisturizers using aromatherapy oils and organic ingredients. Although Cancun might be best known for its powder-soft beaches and glittering nightlife, I’m actually here for a boost of wellness.

The Hyatt Zilara Cancun recently unveiled a redesign of its wellness programs, spa facility and culinary offerings, and this Alchemy Workshop is one of many new options intended to ensure guests return home feeling healthier and revitalized.

Situated on the widest stretch of sand in Cancun’s hotel zone, the adult-only, all-inclusive Hyatt Zilara is the ideal luxury beach escape for health-conscious travellers who want to maintain a regimen they’ve established at home or those who are looking to hit the reset button and kick start a wellness routine.

Zen Spa

The relaxing hydrotherapy circuit is complimentary for guests
Photo: Hyatt Zilara Cancun

The hydrotherapy circuit with its hot and cold zones of sprawling plunge pools, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and more, is the heart of the Hyatt Zilara Cancun’s newly renovated three-story Zen Spa. Wellness enthusiasts will want to devote much of their time to soaking up the therapeutic benefits of this water journey, available complimentary to guests. 

An extensive selection of soothing spa treatments from facials, massages and body wraps are available within the 11 treatment rooms and four couples suites. A traditional temazcal stone sauna rounds out the offerings.

This rooftop lap pool is one of the wellness amenities at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun is sure to please
travellers looking for a boost of wellness
Photo: Michele Peterson

When it comes to fitness, there’s a wealth of activities beyond the hydrotherapy circuit. Mornings begin with ashtanga and vinyassa yoga classes in the studio or within the private pavilion on the beach, followed by a variety of daily fitness classes include strength training, zumba and even pole dancing. Pilates classes feature the latest Pilates reformer equipment for promoting overall strength, flexibility, coordination and balance.

Working out is also a pleasure in the resort’s stunning Sky Gym featuring modern fitness equipment such as treadmills, weights and strength training machines.

A full-length roof deck infinity lap pool offering panoramic water views is another of the many features designed to contribute to a motivating wellness vacation.

Enriching Activities

Soak up some vitamin D in the
beach loungers and cabanas
Photo: Michele Peterson

An important part of the wellness philosophy at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun is recharging body, mind and spirit through enriching experiences. The resort offers an array of special programs, cultural activities and workshops that go above and beyond health and wellness.

Keep fit at this lap pool with a view at
Hyatt Zilara Cancun
Photo: Michele Peterson

Guests can master some lingo in a Spanish language class, learn how to make ceviche in a hands-on cooking lesson or discover new and exciting Mexican wines in a wine appreciation class. Hector Cisneros, the resort’s sommelier leads guests in tutored tastings of organic Mexican wines as well as artisanal tequilas and rare mezcals.

Topping off the full days of activity (or beachside relaxation if you’re so inclined) is a full array of sophisticated evening entertainment, held nightly within the main atrium. Don’t miss the Cirque du Soleil style “Mythology” an immersive extravaganza of lights, music, spectacular costumes and aerial acrobatics that interprets ancient Mayan legends in a dramatic fashion.

To learn more about Mayan traditions, it’s worth visiting the modern Museo Maya de Cancun, just south on KuKulcan Boulevard. Designed by acclaimed Mexican architect Alberto Garcia Lascurain, this expansive museum and archeological zone offers intriguing insights into the culture and practices of the ancient peoples of the Yucatan peninsula.

It’s easy to spend a full afternoon exploring precious alabaster, obsidian and jade burial masks, weapons and artifacts collected by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. But this isn’t a stuffy museum where you feel shut away indoors. Airy walkways and latticework connect you to the neighboring archaeological site of San Miguelito, with its temples and ceremonial shrines dating from 1250 AD.

Luxurious Guest Rooms

Room service is available 24-hours for the
ultimate in private in-suite dining
Photo: Hyatt Zilara Cancun

When it comes to the guest rooms, the Hyatt Zilara Cancun makes the most of its beachfront setting featuring 307 luxurious all-suite accommodations, including swim-up suites, each with fantastic views.

Guest rooms have stylish décor with ample closet space, coffee makers, rainfall shower and spa tub and 24-hour in-suite dining with a “magic box” for discreet room service delivery. The well-stocked mini-bar is replenished regularly and is stocked with water, beer, soft drinks and snacks. Linens are high quality, bathrobes generously sized and an evening turn-down service makes it easy to relax in comfort.

The freeform beachfront infinity pool features a swim-up bar and in-pool lounges as well as poolside Bali beds where views of the Caribbean Sea are never far away. Beach butlers are on hand to offer sunscreen, towel service, cocktails and cool drinks such as an ever-evolving menu of healthy smoothies featuring locally-sourced veggies and tropical fruit.

Healthy Culinary Options

Enjoy healthy haute cuisine at the Chef’s Plate Hyatt Zilara Cancun
Photo: Michele Peterson

A highlight of Hyatt Zilara Cancun’s new wellness offerings includes the launch of healthy dining options throughout the resort’s 11 restaurants, bars, lounges and cafes. Menu selections can be customized to guest preferences including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Executive Chef Miguel Herrera of
Hyatt Zilara Cancun
Photo: Michele Peterson

At Maria Marie, the hotel’s upscale Mexican restaurant, Executive Chef Miguel Herrera serves up Mexican fusion cuisine as well as traditional favourites such as spicy a la Diabla shrimp and stuffed poblano peppers.

Another memorable experience is the ever-evolving Chef’s Plate six-course organic set menu of haute cuisine available with no surcharge for select room categories.

I wrap up my own visit to Hyatt Zilara Cancun with a stop at the resort’s beachside Tequileria and lounge. Just because it’s a wellness vacation doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a frosty margarita cocktail or a shot of Los Danzantes Reposado artisanal mezcal.  After all, it’s 100% natural agave – known for its probiotic properties – we’re sipping.

Travel Planner

Hyatt Zilara Cancun is located 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport via direct flights on both Air Transat and Air Canada from Montreal. www.hyatt.com

Michele Peterson is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in food, drink and sun destinations. Her work has appeared in major magazines, guidebooks and travel anthologies. Get travel tips, discounts and recipes on her A Taste for Travel blog and via twitter/Instagram @atastefortravel

Yoga classes are part of the wellness offerings at Hyatt Zilara Cancun
Photo: Michele Peterson