Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana vs Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
Cap Cana's gated enclave hosts both of these luxury adults-only heavyweights on the same spectacular Juanillo Beach, at similar high-end prices — one of the closest calls in the Dominican Republic.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
At a Glance
| Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana | Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Rating | 4.7 ★ | 4.6 ★ |
| Google Reviews | 1,927 | 298 |
| Price Range | $$$$ | $$$$ |
| Resort Type | Adults Only | Adults Only |
| Location | Cap Cana, Dominican Republic | Cap Cana, Dominican Republic |
| Rooms | 375 | 457 |
| Brand | Hyatt | Hyatt |
| Vibe | Modern, Business | Value, Trendy |
| Room Upgrades | Swim-Up Rooms | Swim-Up Rooms, Preferred Club |
What Real Travelers Say
Distilled from real traveler discussions and reviews for each resort.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
What travelers love
- +Seven gourmet restaurants covering Dominican, Japanese, Italian, and international cuisines — food quality is a genuine step above typical all-inclusives
- +Swim-up suites give direct pool access from your private terrace, with views of a stunning lagoon-style pool complex
- +Adults-only property keeps the atmosphere sophisticated and genuinely peaceful — no kids splashing in the swim-up bar
- +World of Hyatt points redemption makes this one of the best value luxury properties in the Caribbean for points travelers
- +Staff consistently described as warm, professional, and proactive — someone always appears before you have to ask for anything
Common complaints
- −Cash rates run $550+ per night for two, making it one of the priciest all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic
- −Some premium items like lobster and certain top-shelf spirits carry additional charges beyond the standard all-inclusive package
- −Cap Cana is a 45-minute drive from Punta Cana airport, longer than Bavaro-area resorts
- −The large resort layout means walking between areas takes time — guests in outlying room blocks find the beach a hike
- −Excursion offerings are pricier than booking independently, and the remote gated location makes off-resort exploration inconvenient
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
What travelers love
- +The most luxurious Secrets resort according to most travelers - a clear step above Akumal, Maroma, and Moxche in overall polish
- +Stunning infinity pools that overlook the ocean, with the main pool frequently called 'the most beautiful pool I've ever seen'
- +Preferred Club swim-out suites are exceptional - step from your room directly into a semi-private pool
- +Cap Cana marina location puts you near Scape Park with ziplines, cenotes, and caves for easy day-trip adventures
- +Food quality is consistently praised as the best in the Secrets chain, with the steakhouse and seafood restaurants standing out
Common complaints
- −Significantly more expensive than other Secrets resorts, often $200-400+ more per night than Akumal or Moxche
- −The beach is a shuttle ride away rather than steps from the pool, which frustrates guests expecting a beachfront resort
- −Preferred Club upgrade is almost mandatory to get the full experience, adding $150-250/night to an already premium price
- −Restaurant reservation system means popular spots book up fast - you need to plan ahead, unlike the walk-in policy at Excellence
- −The resort can feel a bit sterile and corporate compared to the warmer, more personal vibe at Secrets Akumal
Amenity Differences
Only at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
- Heated Swimming Pool
- Lazy River
- Spring Break
- Yoga Classes
Only at Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
- Adults-Only Pool
- Babymoon
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Water Sports Rentals
- Windsurfing
The Verdict
The beach is a tie: Juanillo's calm turquoise water is arguably the best resort beach in the DR, and both properties sit right on it. Zilara's ace is access — guests can use the restaurants and pools of the adjacent family-side Hyatt Ziva, effectively doubling the resort. Secrets answers with larger, more elegant suites and a quieter standalone feel (no shared-complex bustle). World of Hyatt members have an obvious tiebreaker in points and status. Variety-seekers pick Zilara; suite-and-serenity travelers pick Secrets.
Choose Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana if…
Two resorts' worth of restaurants and pools (via the adjacent Ziva) plus World of Hyatt perks beat a bigger suite.
See Full Details & ReviewsChoose Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa if…
You'd rather have the larger, more elegant suite and a calmer standalone resort than access to a busier sister complex.
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