Onsite Review: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island—Cancun’s Sexy New Neighbor

ROOFTOP POOLHyatt Vivid Grand Island—Cancun’s Sexy New NeighborBy Lydia Gregory2024 saw Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection debut its newest adults-only all-inclusive brand with the opening of the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, a chic, sexy getaway with what Sales Director Yuri Ariza calls a distinctive “Tuluminatti” vibe, or, in this case, “‘Cancunminatti,’ because that’s where we are,” she says with a laugh. What’s that, you ask? Well, you’ll feel it as soon as you hop off your airport transfer: Think open spaces, raffia and earth tones, hanging chairs and looping vines, touches of macrame here and there and yes, everyone is quite chill—but, as this is a Hyatt, you can bet the staff is uber professional as well. Just 15 minutes from the airport and a short ride from Cancun’s nightlife, the Hyatt Vivid is, interestingly, not on the beach (more on that below). It’s on the Nichupte Lagoon side, on its own island, which it shares with the new family-friendly Dreams Grand Island, currently under construction as of press time. On a side note: Between them they’ll put approximately 1,000 new rooms into your portfolio, each property with a personality of its own. ROOM The Hyatt Vivid itself has 400 suites, either with a lagoon view or a golf course view. The Junior Suite Bay View, which was my accommodation during my stay, has a comfortable king-sized bed, a small sitting area with a pull-out couch, table and chairs, a smart TV, in-room coffee maker, a furnished balcony and double vanities—always a plus in my book, as is the complimentary WiFi. The rooms are light, bright and airy, but truth is, your clients are not going to want to spend too much time in there, simply because there’s too much to do elsewhere. Step outdoors and your clients will find baskteball, tennis and pickleball courts, or they can choose to hang out at the multi-tiered lobby-level pool with DJ music, bustling swim-up bar and food truck quick bites or, if they’re lucky enough to be staying as a Vantage Club member, they can opt for the rooftop infinity pool, the longest in Cancun with 360º views of the lagoon and the city, and its swanky Cobalt Bar. A word about the rooftop: It’s also home to a very complete gym (with the accompanying view), in-pool cycles and Oishii, the Japanese specialty restaurant which is definitely “chef’s kiss.” HIDDEN GARDEN Since we mentioned Vantage Club, we’ll add that it definitely pays to upgrade your clients: They’ll have their choice of premium rooms on top floors, including some with soaking tubs, access to the Private Club Lounge with daily continental breakfast, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon, premium desserts and spirits, upgraded room amenities, personalized check-in area with concierge and more, such as exclusive access to Oishii for breakfast. And no, the resort is not on the water, but it boasts the way-cool Ennea Beach Club, a private enclave on Playa Delfines, one of Cancun’s finest, with its own (delicious) fresh seafood restaurant (try the aguachile) and bar and a tiered lounge-chair set-up so everyone gets a view of the turquoise water. It’s just a few minutes away by the private shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes or so. The Hyatt Vivid prides itself on being low-key but lively, and, according to Christian Porcayo, the resort’s social media manager, revolves around four pillars: “Wellness,” “Technology,” “Engaging Activities” and “Dining.” The first is found in programs like rooftop yoga and sound healing sessions in the shady private garden (we tried it, highly recommended). A 26,000-sq.-ft. spa is in the works, which will be shared with Dreams; currently they have therapists on tap for in-room treatments. The “Technology” part is everywhere, from keyless guestroom entry to control panels in your rooms. “Engaging Activities” include boho-chic experiences like pottery-making or macrame—all of the above, we should add, is part of the all-inclusive offer. And then there’s the “Carefree Dining.”AGLIO REST This pillar deserves its own paragraph. Dining at Hyatt Vivid is fresh, upscale and flexible, plus there’s plenty of yummy grab-and-go (try Coco Cafe for coffee, fresh pastries and gelato, and Fresco for ceviche). There are 10 outlets total between bars and eateries. We had the pleasure of breakfasting on an incredible Turkish-style avocado toast and fresh fruit at Mediterraneo by the pool, dining on amazing Japanese cuisine at the rooftop Oishii and one unforgettable evening at the French-themed Le Lys. Other sit-down restaurants include Aglio for Italian, the Galeria International Cafe for buffet breakfast and Dalia for Mexican cuisine. Target market? According to Ariza, she sees the concept inspired by different generations—X, Millennial, Gen Z. She says, “We’ve been experiencing something that I love; we’re seeing everybody from 25- to 55-year-olds.” Her advice is not to pigeon-hole by age but to go by vibe—she’s literally met adults bringing parents in their 80s who were in great shape and healthy and they all had a fantastic time. “Sometimes when you hear about a hotel that’s in the Caribbean and not facing the ocean you’ll hesitate,” she says, “but so far since we opened, [everyone] who’s come here has said, ‘I didn’t have expectations for this hotel, but you’ve changed my mind completely since the minute I stepped in.’ I really encourage [advisors] to come and be part of this new kind of trendy area. It’s a very good concept and very different from what people are used to getting in the Cancun Hotel Zone.” Me? I’ll raise a rooftop “paloma cocktail” to that.
Contact InformationHyatt Vivid Grand Island: hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/hyatt-vivid/mexico/grand-island

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