Note: There has been a devaluation since this post was originally published, so the hotel rates listed below may not reflect current rates.

Hey Travel Junkies,

Points and miles are a great way to save a lot of money when you travel, but airfare and accommodations aren’t the only costs you’ll face. You still have to pay for food, drinks, and activities.

These costs can really add up, especially if you’re traveling to a resort destination where breakfast may cost $40 for some pancakes and eggs. For families, it’s even worse! You might find yourself spending a few hundred dollars per day just to eat breakfast.

These extra costs are why so many people are attracted to all-inclusive properties where food, drinks, and activities are included in the total cost.

These extra costs are why so many people are attracted to all-inclusive properties where food, drinks, and activities are included in the total cost.  Photo Credit:  Hyatt All-Inclusive

While there aren’t many all-inclusive properties that we can book with points, Hyatt does have a few that might interest you.

Resort Fees

Some hotels sneakily charge resort fees for you to use all of the amenities such as the gym or pools. Many travelers don’t notice as resort fees aren’t mentioned up front.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card also has some unique bonus spend categories that you won’t find on any other card including 2X on fitness club memberships.  Photo Credit:  Hyatt All-Inclusive

However, when you use Hyatt points, you’ll certainly notice when your “free” hotel stay costs an extra $45+ per night thanks to resort fees.

If that sounds upsetting, then I’ve got good news. Hyatt does NOT impose resort fees on award stays. Instead, your Hyatt points will cover the entire cost of the stay.  At Hyatt, a free award night is truly a free award night.

Hyatt All-Inclusives

Hyatt has three all-inclusive brands.  Each brand has its own unique features that set it apart.

Families will look towards Hyatt Ziva, a family-friendly line of resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.  For adults looking for an adult-only resort getaway, they will find what they’re looking for at Hyatt Zilara resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. If you’re looking for a retreat from the rush of everyday life, a stay at a Miraval Wellness Resort will help you feel truly disconnected.

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall a family-friendly line of resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. Photo Credit: Hyatt All-Inclusive

Let’s dig deeper into each brand and explore how many points each cost, and what is included in your stay.

Hyatt Ziva

Hyatt Ziva is Hyatt’s family friendly-line of all-inclusive hotels. There are four Hyatt Ziva properties — three in Mexico and one in Jamaica. Award nights range from 20,000 to 25,000 Hyatt points per night. You will find Hyatt Ziva resorts in the following locations:

  • Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall Jamaica – 25,000 points per night
  • Hyatt Ziva Cancun – 25,000 points per night
  • Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos – 20,000 points per night
  • Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta – 20,000 points per night

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall (Photo Credit: Hyatt All-Inclusives)

Hyatt Ziva Cancun (Photo Credit: Hyatt All-Inclusives)

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos (Photo Credit: Hyatt All-Inclusives)

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta (Photo Credit: Hyatt All-Inclusives)

These rates are for single or double occupancy. Unfortunately, you will have to use more Hyatt points for each additional person over the age of 2.

The additional cost per person is half of the standard room rate. For the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall and the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, this means each extra person will cost 12,500 points per night. For the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, they will cost 10,000 points per person per night.

You’re also restricted to a maximum of 4 guests per room so larger families or groups will need to book extra rooms.

In addition to free food and drinks, you ’ll even get access to some activities. Hyatt Ziva properties also provide additional premium activities such as zip-lining and spa treatments, but they will cost extra.

If you’re thinking all-inclusive means you’ll be eating the same buffet food day after day, don’t worry.  Hyatt Ziva properties offer numerous dining options.

The Hyatt Ziva Cancun alone has 17 bars and restaurants and there is plenty of variety at Hyatt Ziva properties across the board, including a sushi restaurant at the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos.

While you’ll need more points for additional guests, the Hyatt Ziva is a great all-inclusive deal. It will cost you 50,000 points per night for a family of four, but you won’t have to worry about food or activity costs unless you want to indulge in some premium experiences.

Hyatt Zilara

There are two Hyatt Zilara properties that you can stay at. They are in the same locations as two Hyatt Ziva properties. The difference? Hyatt Zilara resorts are adults only. 10xTravel Contributor Luke Sims called the Hyatt Zilara Cancun “the best hotel experience we’ve ever had.”

Currently, Hyatt has two Zilara properties. One is in Cancun and the other is in Rose Hall Jamaica. Both cost 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Similar to the Hyatt Ziva properties, 25,000 points per night cover double occupancy and additional adults cost extra.  In Hyatt Zilara, you’ll find more adult-oriented activities and premium options available. There are tons of couples packages from which to choose, including spa treatments, room amenities and beach dinners by candlelight.

Similar to the Hyatt Ziva properties, 25,000 points per night covers double occupancy and additional adults cost extra. Because these are adults only, this shouldn’t impact you too much unless you’re sharing a room with friends or family.

As an adults-only resort, you’ll find more adult-oriented activities and premium options available. There are tons of couples packages from which to choose, including spa treatments, room amenities and beach dinners by candlelight.

Miraval

If you’re looking for a wellness retreat instead of a resort getaway, Miraval should be at the top of your list.

At Miraval, you’ll find activities like horse meditation, yoga classes, and mindfulness practices.  These properties are a great place to truly disconnect – your cell phones aren’t allowed outside of your room and you’ll truly feel like you’ve escaped the day-to-day grind.

A wellness retreat instead of a resort getaway, Miraval should be at the top of your list. Currently, there is one Miraval property open in Tucson, Arizona. Photo Credit: Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson

Currently, there is one Miraval property open in Tucson, Arizona but two are expected to open within the next year including a new property in Austin, Texas in December 2018 and one in the Berkshires in Summer 2019.

As a Texas native, I’m really looking forward to the Austin location.  The Texas Hill Country is often overlooked, and a Miraval will be a great addition to get people to see the beauty that the Hill Country holds.

Now, free nights at a Miraval don’t come cheap.  A standard room costs 45,000 points per night for single occupancy, and an additional 20,000 points to add a second person.  For a couple (or two friends) that’s a total of 65,000 points per night.  Don’t let the high points cost dissuade you, though, as you’ll get a lot of value from an award stay at a Miraval.

In addition to locally sourced organic food, your room, and any non-alcoholic drinks, you’ll find plenty of free activities from guided meditations to photography classes.  Miraval wants you to challenge yourself, which inspired my wife and me to a rock-climbing class and a mild case of rope burn for me.

If you want to try out some of the paid activities, you can use your $175 per person daily resort credit.  Yes, it can be used at the spa, but I would encourage you to use it elsewhere.  I found the spa underwhelming and would have preferred using my resort credit for another activity like ziplining or beekeeping class.

For any Hyatt property, 45,000-65,000 points per night is a lot but what you get could make a stay more than worth it.  Just consider what you get with an award stay: accommodations, spectacular culinary experiences, a multitude of free activities and $175 per person daily resort credit.

If you’re looking to escape, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better location to use points than Miraval.

How to Earn World of Hyatt Points

If you’re under 5/24, you should look into Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which allows you to transfer Chase points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

This is the best place to start for earning World of Hyatt points because all Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards are subject to the Chase 5/24 rule.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card also has some unique bonus spend categories that you won’t find on any other card including 2X on fitness club memberships. Currently, no other card offers a bonus on fitness clubs, so this is a fun way to earn more World of Hyatt points.

Final Thoughts

Although there aren’t a ton of properties, there are some great Hyatt All Inclusives.   However, families looking for a beach getaway can turn to Hyatt Ziva properties starting at 20,000 points per night.

For couples wanting a romantic adults-only retreat, Hyatt Zilara is a great option for only 25,000 points per night.  If you’re looking to truly get away from it all and find your inner zen, then Miraval is more than worth the starting cost of 45,000 points per night.

To top it off, you won’t get hit with any resort fees at Hyatt all-inclusive properties.  As a partner with Chase Ultimate Rewards, it won’t be too hard to earn enough Hyatt points for a stay at any of the wonderful Hyatt all-inclusives.

It’s no wonder why Hyatt is a favorite amongst many points and miles enthusiasts.

Travel In Style,

Travis