AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star simultaneously — one of the most decorated all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
Suites start at 1,000 sq ft with private terraces, ocean views, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry level here exceeds most competitors' premium categories
Premium spirits, wines, and 24-hour room service are fully included — not standard at most all-inclusives, even premium ones
Banderas Bay is swimmable — actual ocean swimming possible, unlike Los Cabos Pacific corridor properties
Cons
Pool lounger competition peaks by 8 AM in high season (December through March) — early rising is required for preferred positions
Some ocean view suites have partial obstructions from palm trees or the Selva del Mar restaurant building — ask at booking about specific suite positioning
Piaf and Frida fill up during high season — book before arrival rather than assuming walk-in availability
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
Pros
The specialty restaurant variety — Indian, teppanyaki, French, Baja seafood — is broader than most Cabo all-inclusives and gives repeat guests a reason to try something different each night.
Staff learn guest drink preferences by day two and have them ready without being asked — a recurring observation across guest reviews.
The KidZ Club's mini water park keeps children occupied for hours, giving parents genuine downtime at the adults-only pool.
World of Hyatt points can be used to book standard rooms and suites, making this one of the few all-inclusives with a real loyalty redemption value.
The $50M renovation completed in Spring 2025 means Tower B rooms are genuinely updated, not just freshened up.
Cons
The beach is non-swimmable due to rip currents — this is a hard limitation that no amount of pool quality compensates for if ocean swimming was part of your plan.
Bon Vivant, the French restaurant, draws inconsistent reviews for food quality relative to its formal setting and reservation requirement — some guests find it disappointing compared to the other specialty venues.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is the larger property, while Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos offers more activities.
Swim-up room privacy is limited — the terraces sit close to resort walkways, and foot traffic is visible from the pool access area depending on the specific room.
