Jamaican resorts Hyatt Ziva (family friendly) & Zilara (adults only) Rose Hall are not your typical all-inclusive resort. With approximately a thousand employees, it is like a small city, all to itself. As guests from all over the world visit the property, they will experience abundance, adventure and paradise.
jamaican resort
The property was transformed from an old world dark colonial resort into a contemporary resort filled with amenities beyond what one can normally imagine in 2016. With two pristine protected white sand (just smooth sand, no rocks) beaches and a pool that that goes on for days, this resort appeals to all types of demographics, from singles, families to couples.
The architectural design was inspired by the regal English Caribbean character of the Rose Hall Great House, a wonderful hillside mansion set into the rolling hills of the estate. With tall stately columns, heavy cut stone facades, and a formal sense of arrival, it is stately and historic, a landmark in Jamaica. The interior design themes reflect this character, with high volume ceilings, massive wooden moldings and decoration, and are space planned as traditional colonial rooms with symmetry and axis in mind.
Zilara’s architecture is almost identical in character, but if you look closely you will see subtle differences. For example, the rooms balconies are polished glass and not heavy stone, feeling more contemporary. And the interior design is a continuation of these themes, with more minimalist styles. The result is a sort of fusion of Caribbean traditional with contemporary touches.
Located just a short 15 minute ride from the Jamaican airport very close to the haunted and historic Rose Hall and world renown golf courses, Hyatt Ziva & Zilara have hundreds of activities that guests can experience from day to night.
Dining
There are 14 dining experiences throughout the property. The ChoiceZ Buffet features fresh seafood, meats and culinary delights from around the world. Sip on fresh smoothies and enjoy a plethora of desserts. The world is your oyster…and yes, some nights they have those too. Di Roza Italian Kitchen features old world Italian cuisine and even has a wood-fire pizza oven. Feast on fresh seafood at Blue Grill at CalypZo or enjoy modern Asian Fusion prepared by Yakitori Chefs at FuZion Asian Grill.
When you are hanging out by the pool, visit the Barefoot JerkZ which has traditional Jamaican jerk barbecue — chicken, pork, and fish. The chef will take it directly out of the BBQ and cut it right in front of you. We liked the jerk chicken better than the famous Scotchies which is located down the road from the hotel. Have a cocktail at the FeZ Rooftop Bar which is Moroccan themed or for those special occasions, enjoy a candlelit dinner on the beach which features a four course menu (extra $95 a person).
Urban Heat is an inventive dining experience featuring lavish food presentations paired with specific wines. Each dish comes with a performance by dancers choreographed to pre-selected music. By the end of the dinner, everyone was dancing…now that’s a way to get the energy pumping. The dining options are endless with an impressive alcohol and wine selection. If you’re a wine lover, we would suggest visiting Di Roza Italian Restaurant for the Cabernet.
The Rooms
There are a variety of room categories to depending on your preference. We stayed in the junior suites of Hyatt Ziva. The room had a king size bed with approximately 656 square feet of space. You enter through the bathroom which features a gorgeous tub and contemporary decor. The bedroom area is fully stocked with a complimentary minibar, flat screen television and a terrace with an ocean view. The 24 hour room service (included) came in handy when we wanted to have a midnight snack. The butler suites come with 1,030-2,500 square feet of space and personalized butler service.
Daytime Activities
Non-motorized water sports are included in the room rate. Rent a kayak or take a ride on a catamaran. Go snorkeling, windsurfing or try taking a boogie board out. For fitness lovers, enjoy beachside yoga, pilates, boot camp cardio or water spinning. Cooking demonstrations are featured throughout the day. We experienced a demonstration where they prepared Ackee and Salt Fish, a official dish of Jamaica, on one of the gazebos. If you prefer to relax, have a drink at the swim up bar or relax on the beach. There is something for everyone.
Nightlife
There was something happening at the resort every evening and it was not your typical show. One night, a steel drum band accompanied with a band of percussion instruments and dancers got us out of our chairs and onto the dance floor. The performers were wearing white pants and blue vests and went into a full-on dance competition. Three circus performers did an assortment of back flips and even contortionist tricks.
The alcohol was free flowing and the party went into Union Jacks where a DJ spun reggae and top 40 hits. The crowd was dancing up a storm, hosted by three beautiful Jamaican women who got the crowd excited.
Granville
Granville Primary School is a co-educational primary school located in Granville, St. James parish in Jamaica. A free institution under the management of the Jamaican Minister of Education which is responsible for most of the school’s tuition, the school offers education from the 1st through the 6th grades. We took a trip to visit the school where employees of the Hyatt volunteer their time to work on the grounds of the school. The Hyatt is dedicated to giving back.
For more information, click here.