Cancun is crowded. Honestly, it's getting harder to find a spot that doesn't feel like a recycled spring break fever dream from 2005. That is exactly why the opening of Hyatt Vivid Grand Island caught everyone’s attention. It’s not just another mega-resort with sticky floors and watered-down tequila. It represents a pivot for Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection—a brand-new adults-only concept that focuses more on "chilled-out vibes" and less on foam parties. If you’ve been looking for something that feels more like a sophisticated apartment complex and less like a cruise ship docked on land, this might be it.
But let's be real. Is it actually worth your PTO?
Located on the quiet side of the Nichupté Lagoon, this place isn't sitting directly on the sand. That’s the first thing people get wrong about Hyatt Vivid Grand Island. If you want to wake up and step off your balcony into the Caribbean Sea, you’re going to be disappointed. However, if you want a massive rooftop pool—one of the longest in Mexico, actually—and a sleek, bohemian aesthetic that looks incredible on camera, keep reading.
The Vibe Shift: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island vs. Everything Else
Most people assume "adults-only" in Cancun means one of two things: a romantic honeymoon spot where you can hear a pin drop, or a chaotic party zone where "bubbly" is a personality trait. Hyatt Vivid Grand Island tries to occupy the middle ground. It’s "all-inclusive" but it feels "lifestyle-oriented." Think less buffet lines and more pop-up taco carts and artisanal coffee.
The architecture is the first thing you notice. It’s huge. It’s a massive, curved tower that looms over the lagoon. Inside, the design leans heavily into the "boho-chic" trend—lots of wicker, neutral tones, and lush greenery. It feels earthy. It feels intentional. You won’t find the traditional marble-everything lobby here. Instead, it’s about textures and openness.
The Elephant in the Room: The Beach Situation
We have to talk about the water. You aren't on the ocean. You’re on the lagoon. For some, this is a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a blessing because it means you aren't dealing with the massive piles of sargassum (seaweed) that frequently plague the beachfront hotels in the Hotel Zone.
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To get to the sand, you have to take a shuttle to the Ennea Beach Club. It’s located at Playa Delfines, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Cancun. The club is private for Hyatt Vivid guests and offers loungers, food, and drinks. It’s about a 10-15 minute ride. Is it a hassle? Kinda. But the trade-off is that when you’re back at the hotel, you have 360-degree views of both the lagoon and the ocean in the distance.
Staying at Hyatt Vivid Grand Island: Rooms and Rooftops
The rooms are categorized as "suites," and even the lead-in categories are spacious. They start at around 570 square feet. That’s bigger than most New York City apartments. The decor is consistent with the rest of the property—minimalist but warm.
- The Vantage Club: This is Hyatt’s version of "VIP." You get upgraded amenities, a private lounge, and access to a dedicated area at the Ennea Beach Club. Honestly, if you value a bit more privacy and slightly better liquor brands, it’s worth the extra few bucks.
- The Balconies: Every room has one. Because of the building's shape, most rooms have a pretty decent view of the water, whether it's the lagoon or the Caribbean.
The real star of the show is the rooftop. It’s on the 16th floor. It’s called Cielo, and it’s home to a massive infinity pool. This is where everyone hangs out. You can watch the sunset over the lagoon, which is a rare treat in Cancun since most hotels face east toward the sunrise. Watching the sky turn purple with a mezcal cocktail in hand is basically the peak Hyatt Vivid Grand Island experience.
Food and Drink: No Reservations Required
One of the biggest pain points at all-inclusive resorts is the "reservation dance." You know the one. You have to wake up at 7:00 AM to get a table at the Japanese restaurant for 9:00 PM. Hyatt Vivid Grand Island scrapped that. Most of their dining venues are "walk-in." It makes the whole trip feel much less scheduled.
They have 11 dining options. It sounds like a lot, and it is.
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- Le Relais: French cuisine that’s surprisingly refined.
- Mediterranean and Italian: Standard fare, but well-executed.
- Taco Carts: Often the best food on the property. Fast, fresh, and local.
- The Food Hall: This isn't your grandma’s buffet. It’s more like a curated collection of stalls.
The focus here is on "fresh." They use a lot of local ingredients, and the plating is far better than the "scoop and drop" style you see at older resorts. Also, the coffee situation is legit. They have a dedicated cafe called Coco Cafe that’s open 24 hours. If you’re a caffeine addict, this will be your sanctuary.
What’s Nearby? (Hint: More than just bars)
Since you’re located on the south end of the Hotel Zone, you’re actually in a pretty strategic spot. You aren't in the middle of the "Party Center" (where Coco Bongo is), which means it's quieter. But you are close to:
- El Rey Ruins: These are ancient Mayan ruins right in the Hotel Zone. You can walk through them in about 45 minutes. It’s a great way to feel cultured before you head back to the pool bar.
- Playa Delfines: Even if you don’t go to the beach club, the public lookout (El Mirador) is right there. It has the famous "CANCUN" sign for your mandatory tourist photo.
- Ventura Park: If you suddenly decide you want to ride a zipline or go to a water park, it’s a short drive away.
Is This Right For You? Let's Be Honest.
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island isn't for everyone. If you have kids, you can't come here. It’s 18+. If you are a "beach purist" who needs to hear the waves hitting the shore while you sleep, you should probably look at a different Hyatt property like the Zilara or the Dreams Vista (which is also near a golf course but has more immediate water access).
This resort is for the traveler who likes the idea of an all-inclusive but hates the clichés of an all-inclusive. It’s for people who work remotely—the Wi-Fi is actually strong enough to hold a Zoom call—and for friends who want a stylish home base while they explore the Yucatan.
One thing to keep in mind: the resort is part of a larger complex. There is a Grand Island Cancun development happening around it. While Hyatt Vivid is the first phase and is fully operational, you might see some construction in the peripheral areas as they build out the second tower (which will be a Sunscape resort). It hasn't been a major noise complaint for most guests, but it's something to know before you show up.
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Practical Advice for Your Trip
Don't overpack. The vibe is very "tropical casual." You don't need a tuxedo for dinner. A nice linen shirt or a sundress is plenty.
Transportation Tips:
- Book a private transfer from CUN airport. Do not—I repeat, do not—try to get a cab at the curb. You’ll pay double.
- Download the Hyatt app. You can use it to check restaurant menus and see the daily activity schedule without having to find a printed flyer.
The Pool Strategy:
The rooftop pool gets busy around 2:00 PM. If you want a prime spot, head up after breakfast. But honestly, the ground-floor pools are often much quieter and offer more shade if you’re trying to avoid a sunburn.
The Beach Club Schedule:
The shuttle runs on a loop. Ask the concierge for the current timing on your first day. If you miss the last shuttle back, a taxi from Playa Delfines back to the hotel is only about five minutes, but it'll cost you about $15-$20 USD.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to book Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, here is your checklist to get the most value:
- Check the World of Hyatt Points: This is a Category B property in the inclusive collection. Often, using Hyatt points (or transferring them from Chase Sapphire) can net you a much higher "cents per point" value than booking with cash.
- Look for Opening Specials: Since this is a newer property, Hyatt frequently runs "grand opening" or "seasonal" discounts that include spa credits or room upgrades.
- Pack an Insulated Cup: This is a pro-tip for any Mexican all-inclusive. The plastic cups they give you at the pool will melt in 10 minutes. Bring a Yeti or a Stanley to keep your margaritas cold.
- Join the Facebook Groups: There are several fan-run groups for this specific resort. People post real-time photos of the food and updates on construction or seaweed levels. It’s the best way to get "unfiltered" info.
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island represents a new era of Hyatt's portfolio. It’s younger, fresher, and slightly more urban. It recognizes that sometimes you want a vacation that feels like a cool city boutique hotel, just with better weather and unlimited tacos. If you go in knowing that the beach is a short ride away and the rooftop is the place to be, you’ll have a great time.