VIDEO: PAX on location at Hyatt Ziva/Zilara Cap Cana in Dominican Republic

Hotels
07-10-2021 6:59 pm
Michael Pihach

Michael Pihach

Michael Pihach is an award-winning journalist with a keen interest in digital storytelling. In addition to PAX, Michael has also written for CBC Life, Ryerson University Magazine, IN Magazine, and DailyXtra.ca. Michael joins PAX after years of working at popular Canadian television shows, such as Steven and Chris, The Goods and The Marilyn Denis Show.

The demand for travel is going up now that the Canadian government has begun easing border restrictions for fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents.

The relaxed rules have been in effect for a week now and Canada Border Services Agency is already reporting a 25 per cent increase in traffic since last Monday (July 5) when the new policy, which waives quarantine for eligible travellers, began, the Canadian Press reports.

The pent-up demand for travel during the pandemic, which forced thousands of Canadians to cancel or postpone their vacation plans in 2020 and 2021, is beginning to blossom as COVID-19 cases decline and vaccination rates go up.

But a lot has changed since COVID-19 hit, and while many in the trade have stayed abreast of changes in destinations and at resorts, there’s a breadth of new information out there to process and conceptualize.

This is why PAX, last November, travelled to the Dominican Republic and toured eight all-inclusive resorts, over the course of 24 days, to get an on-the-ground look at how the industry is modifying its services and evolving.

Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana opened in November 2019. (Pax Global Media)

The still-new Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana was one of our many stops – the twin-resort property opened in November 2019 but was forced to close, just months later, due to the coronavirus crisis.

The all-inclusive compound reopened, again, on July 1, 2020, with a reimagined and modernized approach to health and safety as part of a program called Playa Safe Stay.

Glass barriers separate staff from guests at Hyatt Ziva/Zilara Cap Cana. (Pax Global Media)

With our cameras rolling, PAX, on location, captured just how some of these protocols work, look and feel – and how sun vacations, despite enhanced safety measures, can still be fun and enjoyable experiences.

Hyatt Ziva (for all ages) and Hyatt Zilara (for adults) is located on five acres of powdery-sand beachfront in Cap Cana, an exclusive gated community that’s roughly 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.

Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana's beachfront is five acres of tropical gorgeousness. (Pax Global Media)

The mirroring, U-shaped property (which was built from scratch) has 750 ocean-facing suites (375 in each section, including swim-ups), 12 unique restaurants, a waterpark, a cenote-inspired spa called “Larimar” and an eye-popping 14,000 sq. ft. fitness facility.

What is Playa doing to keep its guests safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

What does a 14,000 sq. ft. gym look like exactly?

Does the spa really have a room made of Himalayan Salt?

Watch PAX’s exclusive on-location video from Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana here!