Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta: Pools, Pickleball, and Perfect Beach Days
"May you never be too busy to stop and breathe under a palm tree." unknown
8/20/20257 min read
Recently, we visited Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, and we have to say—it’s one of those resorts that gets so many things right. Here’s what stood out to us during our visit:
Beautiful Grounds
The first thing we noticed were the grounds. The grass is perfectly manicured, tropical plants are everywhere, and the walkways are spotless. Between the greenery, you’ll find five crystal-blue pools (some family-friendly, some adults-only), which makes it easy to find the vibe you’re looking for. It’s clear the resort puts a lot of effort into the little details, and it really shows.
Food Options for Everyone
We toured several of the restaurants—Italian, Japanese, Mexican, a sports- themed bar, a steakhouse, a coffee house, and of course, the main buffet. For lunch, we landed at the Blaze on the beach. Prime cuts, fresh seafood, amazing guacamole, and cocktails that kept coming, and some of the best service we’ve seen in the area. It’s the kind of meal where you want to linger and enjoy the ocean breeze while your server makes sure everything’s perfect.
Guest Rooms Done Right
The renovations here are well thought out. Beds face the ocean (yes, you can wake up to that view every morning), rooms have big TVs, lots of space, and smart bathroom layouts with separate shower, toilet, and sink areas. For anyone who travels with lots of gear or likes a functional space, it’s a great setup. I also loved the light-up makeup mirrors—a small touch, but one that makes getting ready so much easier.
Spa, Gym, and Pickleball
We always check out the fitness areas, and Hyatt Ziva has one of the best hotel gyms we’ve seen in Puerto Vallarta. The gym has everything—from cardio machines to free weights—and they even offer personal trainers and free fitness classes. Add in three pickleball courts, and you can easily fit in some fun before breakfast.
The spa is worth a mention all on its own. The scent alone is calming, but if you book a treatment, you also get access to their hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and showers. Honestly, this might have been my favorite part of the resort. It’s one of those places where an hour can quickly turn into half a day.
All the Extras
From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a cool towel and drink—or sometimes even a popsicle. The resort has a kid’s club, quick-service poolside grills, banquet rooms, and bars spread throughout the property. Everywhere we turned, the staff was enthusiastic and genuinely welcoming, which makes a huge difference. If you are planning a wedding then don’t fret. This resort offers 2 on staff wedding planners to make sure every detail is carefully curated and there are no hiccups on your big day.
And Then There’s the Beach
All of the above are great, but the real highlight is the beach. Hyatt Ziva sits on a stretch of sand that feels almost private. It’s clean, clear, and easy to swim in—without rocks or debris. After walking other beaches in Puerto Vallarta, we can honestly say this is one of the best. The water is that perfect shade of blue-turquoise you dream about when planning a Mexican beach vacation.
Overall Recommendation
If you’re considering Puerto Vallarta, Hyatt Ziva is a solid choice for:
• Families who want pools, kids’ activities, and easy dining.
• Couples looking for a mix of romance and relaxation (the spa, cabanas, and private-feeling beach are a win).
• Active travelers who still want their workouts (or a pickleball match!) while on vacation.
Puerto Vallarta has plenty of resorts, but Hyatt Ziva stands out for its beach access, top-notch service, and attention to detail. We’d be more than happy to visit here again—and we’d bet most of our clients would too.
Recently, we visited Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, and we have to say—it’s one of those resorts that gets so many things right. Here’s what stood out to us during our visit:
Beautiful Grounds
The first thing we noticed were the grounds. The grass is perfectly manicured, tropical plants are everywhere, and the walkways are spotless. Between the greenery, you’ll find five crystal-blue pools (some family-friendly, some adults-only), which makes it easy to find the vibe you’re looking for. It’s clear the resort puts a lot of effort into the little details, and it really shows.
Food Options for Everyone
We toured several of the restaurants—Italian, Japanese, Mexican, a sports- themed bar, a steakhouse, a coffee house, and of course, the main buffet. For lunch, we landed at the Blaze on the beach. Prime cuts, fresh seafood, amazing guacamole, and cocktails that kept coming, and some of the best service we’ve seen in the area. It’s the kind of meal where you want to linger and enjoy the ocean breeze while your server makes sure everything’s perfect.
Guest Rooms Done Right
The renovations here are well thought out. Beds face the ocean (yes, you can wake up to that view every morning), rooms have big TVs, lots of space, and smart bathroom layouts with separate shower, toilet, and sink areas. For anyone who travels with lots of gear or likes a functional space, it’s a great setup. I also loved the light-up makeup mirrors—a small touch, but one that makes getting ready so much easier.
Spa, Gym, and Pickleball
We always check out the fitness areas, and Hyatt Ziva has one of the best hotel gyms we’ve seen in Puerto Vallarta. The gym has everything—from cardio machines to free weights—and they even offer personal trainers and free fitness classes. Add in three pickleball courts, and you can easily fit in some fun before breakfast.
The spa is worth a mention all on its own. The scent alone is calming, but if you book a treatment, you also get access to their hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and showers. Honestly, this might have been my favorite part of the resort. It’s one of those places where an hour can quickly turn into half a day.
All the Extras
From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a cool towel and drink—or sometimes even a popsicle. The resort has a kid’s club, quick-service poolside grills, banquet rooms, and bars spread throughout the property. Everywhere we turned, the staff was enthusiastic and genuinely welcoming, which makes a huge difference. If you are planning a wedding then don’t fret. This resort offers 2 on staff wedding planners to make sure every detail is carefully curated and there are no hiccups on your big day.
And Then There’s the Beach
All of the above are great, but the real highlight is the beach. Hyatt Ziva sits on a stretch of sand that feels almost private. It’s clean, clear, and easy to swim in—without rocks or debris. After walking other beaches in Puerto Vallarta, we can honestly say this is one of the best. The water is that perfect shade of blue-turquoise you dream about when planning a Mexican beach vacation.
Overall Recommendation
If you’re considering Puerto Vallarta, Hyatt Ziva is a solid choice for:
• Families who want pools, kids’ activities, and easy dining.
• Couples looking for a mix of romance and relaxation (the spa, cabanas, and private-feeling beach are a win).
• Active travelers who still want their workouts (or a pickleball match!) while on vacation.
Puerto Vallarta has plenty of resorts, but Hyatt Ziva stands out for its beach access, top-notch service, and attention to detail. We’d be more than happy to visit here again—and we’d bet most of our clients would too.
