Hyatt Ziva Cancun vs. Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen

At a glance

Who should book Hyatt Ziva Cancun

• Beach lovers. Two beaches on a peninsula with turquoise water, and sargassum rarely reaches them.
• Couples who want to get out and explore. Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, catamarans, the El Meco ruins, and Hotel Zone shopping are all close.
• Destination wedding groups. The resort specializes in destination weddings, including Indian weddings, for groups up to 150, and guests of all ages can come.
• Guests with special diets. Vegans and travelers with food allergies are on its ideal client list, and halal and kosher requests can be arranged with notice.

Skip it if you want a party resort or nonstop activities all day, you want adults-only everywhere you walk, or an on-site dolphin program bothers you.

Who should book Secrets Moxché

• Foodies. The food stands out compared with other Secrets resorts in Mexico, and Bamboo serves a mostly plant-based lunch menu.
• Pool people. 7 pools, including 3 cenote-style pools and a lagoon pool surrounded by sand, plus private swim-out pools on every ground floor suite.
• Golfers. Gran Coyote is within walking distance, and El Camaleón at Mayakoba is also affiliated.
• Night owls. A music lounge with a DJ, live music at Bamboo Bar, and a speakeasy you can only get into with the daily password.

Skip it if a long, sandy swimming beach is the priority, anyone in your group has mobility challenges, you prefer simple food, or you want constant entertainment and a big gym.

The upgrade question

At Hyatt Ziva, you're choosing between two different upgrades. Club Level is a key-card tower with a private lounge, upgraded minibar, and butler service in select suites. Turquoize is the adults-only tower: every balcony has a jacuzzi, there's butler service, the spa is one elevator ride down, and the rooftop infinity pool is for Turquoize guests only. Guests in one category can't use the other's spaces. At Moxché, about 45% of the suites are Preferred Club, which adds a lounge, a dedicated floor concierge (not a butler), and the rooftop infinity pool, bar, and restaurant. Impression Moxché next door often prices better than Preferred Club, so it's worth comparing. Ask me what each costs for your dates.

What you won't find on the resort website

At Hyatt Ziva Cancun:

• The two beaches feel different. The Hotel Zone side has waves for boogie boarding, and the other side is calmer and warmer, more like a lagoon.
• Beach and pool cabanas can be reserved through the concierge 30 days before you arrive.
• Every restaurant has a private dining room for celebrations, for up to 8 people. The fee becomes a food and drink credit.
• After dinner, grab a seat at one of the fire pits.
• Order the rock shrimp at Moongate, and save room for the al pastor tacos from the late-night taco stand.
• Mexican Night is usually Thursday, and mixology classes at The Den are included but need a reservation.

At Secrets Moxché:

• The speakeasy is through the pharmacy door, and the password changes every day.
• Most balcony tubs are soaking tubs, not jacuzzis. Preferred Club is the way to guarantee one.
• Ground floor swim-outs are private plunge pools, not connected to a main pool, and the concierge can heat yours.
• Book hydrotherapy as soon as you arrive. Appointments are required.
• Save a Tuesday night for Roads through Mexico.
• Pack water shoes for the rocky ocean entry, and plan at least one dinner outdoors for the live music.

The full insider guide for your resort comes to you after you book.

How to choose

Ask yourselves one question: is the beach the trip, or is the resort the trip? If you picture long beach walks, calm water to float in, and a day on Isla Mujeres, go Hyatt Ziva, and book Turquoize if you want adults-only space. If you picture pool hopping, a long dinner, and a password-only bar, with adults-only everywhere, go Moxché.