After 30 years of selling travel, I believe a trip to Mexico never disappoints, and this Playa Hotels & Resorts fam trip certainly cemented that. Our group of travel agents visited three of the brand’s properties – Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen, Sunscape Cancun and Hyatt Ziva Cancun – and I can see myself successfully selling all of them. As this was my fourth visit to the Yucatan, I’m confident in selling the destination and I do regularly sell Playa.

Last year Hyatt acquired Playa Hotels & Resorts, which led to a rebrand of these properties, and so the trip could not have been better timed for the insights it provided about the rebrand and how each resort now fits in the wider portfolio.

Playa Hotels & Resorts did a fab job in showing us three contrasting properties that appeal to quite different client needs and budgets. Having the opportunity to directly compare all three has helped hugely in terms of securing some great selling tips, which I’m going to share with you below.

Location

All three properties offer a beach front location and cater well to differing clientele – Sunscape Cancun and Hyatt Ziva Cancun offer a family-friendly environment with different budgets in mind; whilst couples or groups of friends will find plenty to do at the adults-only Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen.

© Playa Hotels and Resorts

The draw for Cancun is its powdery white sand beaches, whereas Playa del Carmen offers the bustle of lively 5th Avenue with its bars, shops and restaurants attracting fun-loving holiday makers. My top tip for clients looking for nightlife and great food would be to use Hyatt Vivid as a base at the heart of the action.

The properties

All three resorts are similar in size; Sunscape Cancun is the smallest and as a four-star family option, it offers fantastic value for money for UK families – as soon as I walked into reception, I really felt the family vibe and I could picture my grandchildren being very happy there.

With a dedicated children’s pool area, a fun and very safe kids’ club for 3-12 year olds, varied daily entertainment, multiple juice and snack stations, as well as a cutely named ‘Craving Corner’ serving sweet treats, I'll be able to assure every family member that there’s never a dull moment.

Sunscape’s room types run from Junior and Seaview Suites – that suit the family of four dynamic perfectly – to larger Lagoon View Rooms and of course the Presidential Suites. Sunscape also offers Adults-only Swim Up Rooms should couples want to opt for more privacy from the wider resort.

© Karen Hodgson

First impressions count for a lot and the adults-only Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen really grabbed me with its stunning multi-column entrance and beautiful reception area. Its rooms offer large Jacuzzi baths and generous storage space across categories including Swim Up, Ocean View and Presidential options. I also felt like it would be a strong option for clients that need additional support, as adapted rooms are available alongside a mobile support service, which provides mobility scooters. 

Last, but by no means least, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun really does offer the wow factor. This luxury resort caters to families superbly, though adults-only areas are available. All rooms offer ocean views and waking up to the view of Cancun’s beaches is an experience not to be missed. Give me that view every day please! Interconnecting rooms are available for families with older children or larger group bookings.

Depending on the room type booked, guests can also enjoy luxury suites with outside Jacuzzis, a private butler service, private check-in areas and the ‘special touches’ nightly turndown service.

A core memory for me will be the stunning scent that lingered throughout the resort. A mix of sandalwood, vanilla and amber, it made me think of relaxing spa time and beach barbecues. I wish I could have bottled that smell and brought it home.

© Karen Hodgson

Dining and bars

All three resorts offer à la carte dining as well as buffet restaurants. My standout option was Hyatt Ziva’s Chef’s Table where the food was presented in really creative designs – every dish was a work of art. A little tip: reserve early to ensure a table, this can be done via the concierge desk. An additional supplement is payable – but trust me, it’s worth it!

If I had to choose a favourite eatery, it’d be Sunscape’s Viaggio Italian – yum! And for stunning bespoke cocktails my chosen hotspot would be Juana Margarita Bar at Hyatt Ziva Cancun, where they make all sorts of tequila concoctions.

All staff were faultless in their attentiveness, consistently checking for food allergies and dietary requirements – this extra level of care and service really made our mealtimes special.

Entertainment

Our group joined Hyatt Vivid’s foam party, which was hilarious fun – we even got involved in the conga line! Whilst a great option for all ages, it’s not for everyone, and there are plenty of other live music options across all three resorts.

© Karen Hodgson

Throughout the stay we were updated on the rebrand status of each resort. I felt the developments were well thought out, and they retained a sense of familiarity for return guests but also ensured a new vibe to entice first timers. Playa is a brand that I can trust as an agent and there are multiple options to suit every need. They are a staple for me, because their resorts provide a no-hassle holiday that does not disappoint. 
 
If I were to be cautious about selling these properties to a particular client, it would be those seeking a quieter holiday with more of a boutique feel.
 
I think Sunscape Cancun will be a strong sell to my clients, many of which are looking for a family-friendly but budget-conscious escape that feels exotic and has plenty of action to keep everyone occupied. I would certainly pitch Hyatt Vivid as a super stylish option close to the buzz of nightlife; and Hyatt Ziva as the wow factor option.