Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Pros
Las Estacas Beach is a genuinely sheltered cove — the water is calm and clear enough to snorkel without leaving the resort, which is rare for a Mexican all-inclusive.
Every room faces the ocean, including entry-level categories — not a tier-limited benefit.
The seasonal sea turtle release program through the KidZ Club is a legitimately memorable experience for families with children in the 4 to 12 range.
Staff retention here is notably high — returning guests frequently report that the same staff members recognize them on repeat visits.
The swim-up bar's mangonadas and tamarind micheladas are genuinely good rather than standard resort cocktails.
Cons
Specialty restaurant waits stretch to 45 minutes or more during peak weeks — guests who do not claim reservations at check-in end up eating the buffet most evenings.
Ocean waves can close swimming on the beach for full days during strong Pacific swells — not frequent but not rare either, particularly in summer and early fall.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.
The resort prices and markets at five-star level but the finish details and service consistency read closer to four-star, especially outside peak staffing periods.
