Frequent Miler's latest team challenge, Million Mile Madness, is almost done! The last two weeks Greg, Nick, and Stephen competed to earn 1 Million SAS miles by flying 15 airlines. But who completed the challenge with the most Speed, Affordability, and Style?
Hyatt has a separate award chart for the ~100 all-inclusive properties that it acquired with the purchase of Apple Leisure Group in 2022. These properties are located throughout the world have slowly been integrated into the World of Hyatt rewards program.
While there are locations in the Europe, the majority of these properties are located within the Americas and there are now 75 all-inclusive properties that are bookable throughout Mexico and the Caribbean within the World of Hyatt program.
This post has been updated by adding new properties, removing resorts that have left World of Hyatt and incorporating Hyatt’s most recent set of category changes.
World of Hyatt’s All-Inclusive Award Chart
Hyatt has an all-inclusive award chart that applies to all-inclusive properties as well as Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara. This chart uses letters to denote the categories, as opposed to the numbers used on Hyatt’s traditional award chart.
Below is the award chart for standard rooms. Redemptions start at 12,000 points (equivalent to a normal category 4) and go all the way up to 58,000 points, subject to peak, off-peak and standard pricing.
Effectively, the chart goes from a traditional Category 4 to a new “Category 9” and leaves the US-based Miraval chain in it’s own “Category Bazillion.” There are also other all-inclusive properties, like Greg’s favorite Alila Ventana Big Sur, that remain in the traditional chart.
Remember that:
- Category 1-7 certificates are not usable for Category E and F.
- Although the all-inclusive chart effectively starts at a traditional Cat 4 (at 15K points standard), the terms say you can’t use a Cat 1-4 cert at an all-inclusive.
- If you do use a Category 1-7 certificate, you won’t be able to pay for more guests beyond two, something you can do with a normal points redemption. So, if you have kids, the all-inclusive chart is effectively out-of-bounds for any certificate redemptions.
List of World of Hyatt European All-Inclusive Resorts
Mexico (46)
- Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa – Category D
- Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa – Category C
- Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category C
- Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya – Category B
- Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort – Category C
- Dreams Cozumel Resort & Spa – Category C
- Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan (opening soon) – Category ?
- Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Jade Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa – Category C
- Dreams Natura Resort & Spa – Category C
- Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Category D
- Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category D
- Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa– Category C
- Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort – Category C
- Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa – Category C
- Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres – Category F
- Impression bv Secrets Moxché – Category F
- Hyatt Zilara Cancun – Category E
- Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya – Category C
- Hyatt Ziva Cancun – Category F
- Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos – Category E
- Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta – Category D
- Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun – Category C
- Now Emerald Resort & Spa (closed and rebranding as Secrets) – Category B
- Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Category D
- Secrets Aura Cozumel – Category C
- Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort – Category C
- Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa – Category B
- Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun – Category D
- Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen – Category E
- Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres – Category D
- Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Category D
- Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort – Category D
- Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category D
- Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club – Category D
- Secrets The Vine Cancun – Category C
- Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta – Category C
- Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa – Category A
- Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa – Category A
- Sunscape Sabor Cozumel – Category B
- Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos – Category E
- Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres – Category D
Costa Rica (2)
- Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica – Category C
- Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica – Category D
Curaçao (3)
- Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino – Category B
- Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino – Category B
- Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa – Category C
Dominican Republic (15)
- Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Dominicus La Romana – Category B
- Dreams Flora Resort and Spa – Category B
- Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana – Category C
- Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana – Category B
- Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana – Category F
- Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana– Category F
- Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa – Category D
- Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana – Category C
- Secrets Tides Punta Cana – Category C
- Sunscape Coco Dominican Republic – Category A
- Sunscape Dominicus La Romana Dominican Republic – Category A
- Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic – Category A
- Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana – Category E
Jamaica (6)
- Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa – Category D
- Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall – Category E
- Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall – Category E
- Secrets St. James Montego Bay – Category D
- Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay – Category D
- Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica– Category D
Panama (1)
- Dreams Playa Bonita Panama – Category B
St. Lucia (1)
- Zoëtry Marigot Bay St.Lucia– Category F
Colombia (1)
- Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort – Category B
Quick Thoughts
As of now, 76 total all-inclusive properties are bookable throughout Mexico and the Caribbean in World of Hyatt’s “Inclusive Collection”. Of those, the breakdown by category is:
- Category A – 4
- Category B – 18
- Category C – 23
- Category D – 18
- Category E – 7
- Category F – 6
When I first wrote this post, in mid-2022, there was only one property higher than a category C, or 29,000 points/night in peak season. In addition, there were ten all-inclusive properties bookable for as low as 12-18,000 points. That’s changed though. The category change that occurred in 2023 and 2024 have hit North American all-inclusives particularly hard.
Now, there’s a whopping 31 properties that are above a category C and only 4 left at category A. While that change isn’t unwarranted, given the cash prices that many of these hotels are commanding, it’s still a significant blow to their points value on awards. I’m sure that this trend will continue in future category changes.
Dreams and Secrets used to be Choice Privileges partners back in the day. The reviews at the time were mixed and, looking over recent reviews, they continue to be. It’s not terribly surprising to see them at Category A-C. Zoëtry, on the other hand, is well-reviewed and looks like a lovely set of properties. Here’s how reader Deltahater described the differences:
Sunscape is the low-budget family property
Now and Dreams are family properties with Dreams being more sophisticated
Breathless and Secrets are adults-only
Zoetry is more for the elderly among usI have stayed at Dreams for the last 12 years. They are NOT like Ziva/Zilara. One step below. (Zoetry is probably a notch above Ziva/Zilara)
I have to say, and it may very well show my “elderliness,” the most exciting properties for me are the Zoëtrys…and I enjoyed the only time that I’ve stayed at one (the now closed and soon-to-be Marriott Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita). While the vast majority of these properties are in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, the various options in Panama, Costa Rica, Curaçao and St. Martin create some intriguing options, like pairing Secrets St. Martin with a trip to Zemi Beach House in Anguilla.
All ten all-inclusive brands count separately towards the Brand Explorer program, which is great. As of now, ~35% of Hyatt’s total brands are all-inclusive.
Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Need to add the new Hyatt Vivid in Cancun.
Secrets St. Martin has closed. From their website:
At this time, Secrets St Martin Resort & Spa has temporarily suspended operations. Guests or members with future stays may email cunco-smb-reservasmex@hyatt.com in Mexico and cunco-smb-secretsreservations@hyatt.com in the U.S. and Canada or contact Hyatt’s Global Contact Center for assistance.
Thanks for the update. I’ll remove it from the post.
Question for the Hyatt experts in the FM community:
There’s a lot of comments below about what properties are poor value. Given the recent changes in the updated post, what properties in Mexico and the Caribbean are still good values?
Btw this post could use an edit w the 2024 category changes, if it’s intended to be evergreen
Looks like we will stay only in the 2 or 3 upper category properties, and only adults only.
Quite sad to see the hike in points for all inclusives. As a minor league miles & points player, for family week long vacations I love using points to pay for 1 room at a Hyatt all inclusive & then pay cash for the other 2 rooms that we need. With the points hike we’ll have to consider whether Hyatt is still our best option.
Just stayed at Hyatt Zilara Cancun. Nice place at 25k all inclusive. At 40k, I would never stay there.
A shame about the St. Lucia property. As a Cat.F, it’s a bad point deal and I will not try it.
From my so far limited experience, the Zoetry properties are the way to go. Very good value on points. Obviously not party destinations, but if you’re not looking for that, you’ll enjoy the 5-star feel. I do think that, at least for their first visit, people who like more active vacations should limit themselves to 3 nights. Beyond that, you’re into serious relaxation mode, and you’ll probably gain weight from the very good unlimited food.
I’ve stayed at one Dreams resort, in Tulum. I’d half recommend it. Great value off-peak at 17,000 points. It’s fine — like a weak 4-star hotel. Globalist status got me a better room and admission to the Preferred Club — which meant better access to front desk personnel and a better bar/bartender. Not really a party atmosphere at the hotel (only a few people were drunk), but it didn’t feel high end either. The activities felt a little lame to me (evening breakdance show, high energy aqua aerobics), but those looking for something to do may enjoy them. Food ranged from generally good to excellent. I’d recommend eating their version of the local food: the El Patio Mexican dinner was excellent. But the puff pastry served to me at the French restaurant could have triggered an international incident if it were served to a Frenchman.
Sunscape is the low-budget family property.
I just stayed at the Sunscape Puerto Vallarta, my first time with this brand. After staying at all the Ziva/Zilara, as well as many different Dreams, NOW, Secrets and Reflect Krystal (when it was still in the portfolio), I can tell you that unless you don’t care about food, service, cleanliness and maintenance, you are best to stay away from this brand. You definitely get what you pay for here, and I would rank it among the worst/lowest quality AI of the more than 3 dozen I’ve visited. There is a reason that it’s a ‘low-budget’ brand: no free wifi..it’s a daily charge not per room but per device; no free room service; no daily replacement of items in the mini fridge, which besides soda just includes light-beer, stocked once for your day of arrival. Food was decent quality (on the low en but edible) but don’t expect any ‘high ticket’ items like shrimp or guacamole. Service is extremely slow and sporadic..on multiple occasions I had waiters forget to bring things I ordered or failed to come to my table at all for drinks or to clear plates. And this is the truth: for 3 days I sat by the pool in the same spot while not a single waiter came by to see if I wanted a drink. The room was filthy when I arrived with accumulated caked on dust all over the tables and countertops and hair on the floor. I don’t blame the housekeeper personally as this was not a one off occurrence but rather how they are instructed to clean a room. Throw in the one-off broken light and electrical fixture in the by the bed, along with the large and sharp granite/marble chunks that fell off the towel desk and sat in the pool or the broken glass (from the in-room mini-fridge bottles) that was left on a staircase for 2 days and this had all the makings of a low-budget, cheap and dirty place that gives All-Inclusive hotels a bad name. Is it possible that a Sunscape in a different location is better? Possibly, but I don’t want to take that chance when there are so many other better quality brands to choose from. The only reason I would tell someone to go is if they can snag a low rate for one night just to get their brand badge. Otherwise, stay away!
That’s great info! Do you mind if I link your comments to the entry in the property list?
I just stayed at Ziva Los Cabos and I don’t want anything a step below that. The property and service were excellent but the food was Golden Corral.
Lol, that doesn’t sound awesome.
I’ve stayed there a couple of times. We found the food not too bad. A firm 7.5 out of 10, occasionally higher. Property great but there are large variations of rooms….
Exactly……………………
There is also (still) the NOW Emerald in Cancun which you didn’t list…a part of WOH and eligible for points. However, it will be leaving at some point (all the other Now properties have been rebranded into Dreams) which is why it isn’t listed with all the other brands and doesn’t earn a ‘Brand Explorer’ badge. But you can currently book and earn/redeem points there if you wanted to.
Good catch. I added that in.
Thanks for the consolidated info. Of note, I do believe the 2 CAT A dreams in the DR are no more (not sure if they are closed temporarily or what’s going on) but unable to book Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana – Category A
Surprised nobody pointed out that you spelled Colombia incorrectly……its not Columbia the university…..common Gringo mistake
¡Gracias! ¡Hablo español y todavía cometí el error gringo!
I’d love to hear more about these properties (reviews, etc.). Maybe next year’s challenge is seeing how many different AI properties/nights the crew can visit based on SUBs?
I’ve never stayed at an AI, let alone any AMR properties. Looking at cash prices in Cancun, the Secrets properties seem to be priced well about the Ziva/Zilara properties, which I’ve heard are solid.
Great idea! I’d like to start linking in reviews as people have them. I just stayed at the Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita and will be posting the review this week. We’ve also stayed at the Zilara in Cancun and that was solid for the points price.
Great! My impression is that AI properties tend to either be 1)crappy and/or 2)not points-friendly. I’m sure some of the AMR collection fall into category 1, but look forward to hearing about some of the others!
PS – If points/miles junkies enjoy getting a vacation for free (or close to it), why wouldn’t they also want to get their food and drinks (if high quality) for free too?
Great article. 2 comments. You listed 16 properties in the DR. But your list only has 10; 6 you list for the DR are in St. Martin, Jamaica, Costa Rica amd Mexico. Secondly, you mention AMC brands. What is this? Do you mean AMR? Thanks