Update 3/3/23: Hyatt has released its 2023 award category changes and the results are brutal for all-inclusives in Mexico and the Caribbean. 46 of Hyatt’s 75 all-inclusives within the area are increasing categories, while not a single one is dropping to a lower price. Not only that, but 7 properties are increasing by two categories, including 6 of 8 Hyatt Zilaras and Zivas. There is even one property (Secrets Impression Moxche) that is increasing a whopping three categories, doubling its price.
Reservations made until 3/28/23 will retain current pricing even after the category shift goes live, so I wanted to repost this list with the impending changes for each property to help those wanting to make speculative bookings.
In March of 2022, Hyatt released a separate award chart for the 100 all-inclusive properties that it acquired with the purchase of Apple Leisure Group. These properties are located throughout the world and are slowly becoming integrated into the World of Hyatt rewards program.
This process began with the collection of resorts known as All Moments Resorts (the AMR Collection). While there are locations in the Europe that are being folded into WOH as well, the majority are located within the Americas. These were the first to be brought on board.
There are now 74 all-inclusive properties that are bookable in the Americas with the World of Hyatt program. They are all in Mexico and the Caribbean and, surprisingly enough, only one of them costs more than 29,000 points in peak season.
World of Hyatt’s All-Inclusive Award Chart
Hyatt has an all-inclusive award chart that applies to all of the new AMR properties as well as Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara. They use 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:
- Currently, 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 All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean
Mexico (46)
- Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa – Category C
- Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa – Category A (becomes Category B on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya – Category B
- Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Cozumel Resort & Spa – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Jade Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Natura Resort & Spa – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category B (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa– Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Hyatt Zilara Cancun – Category C (becomes Category E on 3/28/23)
- Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya – Category C
- Hyatt Ziva Cancun – Category C (becomes Category E on 3/28/23)
- Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos – Category B (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun – Category C
- Now Emerald Resort & Spa – Category A (becomes Category B on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Aura Cozumel – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa – Category B
- Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres – Category F
- Secrets Impression Moxché – Category C (becomes Category F on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen – Category C (becomes Category E on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Category C
- Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Secrets The Vine Cancun – Category C
- Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa – Category A (becomes Category B on 3/28/23)
- Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa – Category A
- Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa – Category A
- Sunscape Sabor Cozumel – Category A (becomes Category B on 3/28/23)
- Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos – Category C (becomes Category E on 3/28/23)
- Zoëtry Paraiso la Bonita – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
Costa Rica (2)
- Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica – Category C
- Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
Curaçao (3)
- Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino – Category B
- Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino – Category B
- Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa – Category C
Dominican Republic (14)
- Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Dominicus La Romana – Category B
- Dreams Flora Resort and Spa (opening soon) – Category B
- Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa – Category B
- Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana – Category A
- Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa – Category A
- Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana – Category B
- Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana – Category C (becomes Category E on 3/28/23)
- Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana– Category C (becomes Category E on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana – Category B (becomes Category C on 3/28/23)
- Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic – Category A
- Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana – Category C (becomes Category E on 3/28/23)
Jamaica (6)
- Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Secrets St. James Montego Bay – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
- Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica– Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
Panama (1)
- Dreams Playa Bonita Panama – Category A (becomes Category B on 3/28/23)
St. Lucia (1)
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- Zoëtry Marigot Bay St.Lucia– Category F
St. Martin (1)
- Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa – Category C (becomes Category D on 3/28/23)
Colombia (1)
- Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort – Category B
Quick Thoughts
As of now, 75 total all-inclusive properties are bookable throughout Mexico and the Caribbean in World of Hyatt’s “Inclusive Collection”. That includes 65 from the AMR collection that have already been added, as well as 10 Zivas and Zilaras. Of those, the breakdown by category is:
- Category A – 10
- Category B – 32
- Category C – 31
- Category F – 2
It’s encouraging that, in the Americas, there’s only one property higher than a category C, or 29,000 points/night in peak season. There’s ten all-inclusive properties bookable for as low as 12-18,000 points. That’s undoubtedly great news for many folks, although the fact that category 1-4 certificates are not able to be used at them is confusing and disappointing…and I hope something that WOH reconsiders in the future.
I’m sure that there will be more D, E and F properties as WOH continues to add many higher-end options worldwide, but the options so far represent surprisingly good value based on current cash prices. Most days that I search show an average of between 1.5-4 cents per point compared to the cash rates.
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…there’s some pretty cool possibilities there. While the vast majority of all 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 seven AMC brands count separately towards the Brand Explorer program, which is great. Once the full integration happens, 40% of Hyatt’s total brands will be all-inclusive, a huge change from just a couple of years ago. It’s good to know that elite benefits, including confirmed suite upgrades, will apply at all of these brands. We’ll learn more as folks start to book these properties and the AMR Collection continues to be incorporated into the World of Hyatt.
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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
Is Zoetry still adults only? While part of the AMR brand it was adults only
it is not
Anyone have any DPs about free upgrade potential based on status? (maybe Globalist guest of honor).
This certainly brings more interest to the limited footprint of Hyatt. BTW there is a promo right now where you can get 5,000 points for every 3 nights as most of these even on award nights up to 25k. https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/offers/5000.html
FYI for others, this promo ended September 15, 2022.
Thanks for the info! Will the amount of points needed for rooms with kids remain the same as they are with Ziva? For the example, booking a room with one child is 50% more points while with two it’s 100%, the same as booking two rooms. Those points add up!
Yep, that’s exactly how it is, except now there are different additional person rates for peak, standard and off-peak. It’s effectively 50% across the board, but on a couple of them, it’s 50% + 500 points for some odd reason. You can see the full list here.
At Ziva you can use points for a double occupancy room and then pay for your children at a discounted rate once arriving at the property. Of course, you have to adhere to the max occupancy. The rate is roughly $112 per child/per day, with Cap Cana being $125.
Is that applicable with Zoetry? Any idea?
I called Hyatt about this for the Dreams Bahia Mita north of Puerto Vallarta and was told the cash price to add my 4 year old to the room was $80 per night.
It seems different brands has different prices for children.
Did you call Hyatt general number or a particular resort ? I am looking to reserve at Dreams Sands, Vista or Sapphire in Cancun and when i called them, the lady told me i can’t book two guests with points and pay for the child in cash. All three will have to be on points or cash? I have a 2 yr old toddler and would like to pay in cash for the child. Please advise.
Haven’t done it for any of the AMR properties but when I did it for the Zivas, the central Hyatt reservation agent quoted me the price. Sometimes if they don’t know or have access to it they might call the property directly to verify the cash price. BTW, I think the Sands is a bit nicer than the Vista, reminds me of a tall condo tower. The outdoor pool/common space is quite narrow and with it being a tall East/West directional building, the sun access will be a big factor. Will never go back there. With the Sands, there is more beach real estate.
Thankyou. Do you know how is Dreams Sapphire, Natura or Riviera compared to Sands.
Natura had the best buffet of any AMR hotel as far as quality and variety-that’s our measure-with decent a la carte restaurants. It’s tight and compact as far as the building, pools and layout (we found it a little too small). Their unique selling point is the 3 waterslides, rock-climbing wall and the roll glider (think modified zipline) along with an added lazy river. Kids Club is small. Preferred club was small/average in size and there was poor upgrade recognition for Hyatt Globalist and we had numerous service issues with staff. Riviera is bigger, more spread out and room so didn’t fell as crowded. Preferred Club was nicer and Globalist upgrade was much better (for us). Buffet quality and variety is good for lunch but they do recycle quite a lot of the same food for dinner which was noticeable. Had more ‘issues’ with food/dishes and service at the a la carte restaurants than at Natura. Kids Club is bigger with some interesting outdoor activities and the Spa is nicer as it has an outdoor/nature feel. Sands is in the hotel zone right next to other properties so there is more traffic and activities on the beach and you can go off property to shops if desired; Natura and Riviera have quieter beaches and more isolated. So they are a different vibe and experience than being at the Sands.
Haven’t been to Sapphire yet, which is right next door to the Riviera, as it was formally a NOW branded property (which changed over to Dreams) but it does look smaller.
I called Hyatt reservations and they called the hotel directly to verify the pricing. Again, it seems like each hotel has their own way of doing things.
Paying cash for toddlers makes more sense in order to save the points or add on more nights.