Cap Cana Resort Comparison

[@alimaeness55]

Great video and reviews! I love the location mapping

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Alimaeness! I'm glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching! By the way - which one would you stay at?

[@sharon8693]

Thank you... I was trying to decide ..

[@ChristineTurner]

Glad I could help!

[@beetlehound]

Wife and I are headed to Secrets next week! Hoping for good weather and a great time!

[@ChristineTurner]

Brigmann Bailey Lucky you! I hope you have a fabulous time! Thanks for watching!

[@beetlehound]

@@ChristineTurner Thanks, we are trying to find special things to do but struggling to get good feedback from anyone

[@ChristineTurner]

Brigmann Bailey Check out this local excursion company. They do private tours right now and you can see all the great spots. Saona beach is a must see! Have fun!

[@keilongeorge6027]

Hi, we are headed to Punta Cana in 2 weeks and can't decide between Zilara or Sanctuary. Zilara is actually $200 cheaper than Sanctuary and we get a free massage and possibly a room upgrade so it has better value. But I heard so many nice things about Sanctuary that I guess I hyped myself up. Which would you pick? ahhh choices choices

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Keilon! I've stayed at both and I would choose Zilara in a heartbeat, even if it was $200 more!! LOVED the unique food options (as well as the normal, popular selections) and the gym was amazing, rooms were all new & spacious and the service was great. Sanctuary has amazing pools, but it doesn't compare on the other points. I hope you enjoy whichever one you choose - let us know which one you go for!

[@keilongeorge6027]

@@ChristineTurner thanks for the response. We chose Zilara we are looking forward to it! We check in on the 23rd. Does Zilara serve sushi my fiancé loves sushi and I can’t seem to find that information anywhere.

[@ChristineTurner]

@@keilongeorge6027 Oooh that's amazing! I hope you love the resort as much as I do! YES - they definitely have sushi! They don't list sashimi on the menu, but since they have sushi-grade fish, I'm sure they could do this as well. Here's the menu for Tempest: hyatt-ziva-cap-cana-property-hub.netlify.app/en/menu/tempest-dinner-1

[@jimbay5509]

Great video! Updates? Going to SCC in 11/23

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Jim! I haven't had a chance to go back since Covid - flights to the DR are not even in the same spectrum as "easy", coming from the west coast of Canada. Hopefully later this year or next though, but I continue to hear amazing reviews of Secrets and Hyatt Zilara/Ziva, so you can't go wrong. Have a great trip!

[@humanfairy]

Thank you for this video.

[@ChristineTurner]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@ScottDawson]

Great beach in Cap Cana! I liked staying at the Secrets last time I was there. Looking forward to seeing more videos of the Zilara when you go back.

[@ChristineTurner]

Thanks for your comment and for watching!

[@Tubeyou72]

Great video thank you for sharing 👍🙏🇩🇴❤️😍

[@ChristineTurner]

Thanks for watching Louis! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm actually at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana now (just checked in last night) and the beach is fabulous and will be posting more videos of the area. Stay tuned! (and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on any videos). Cheers - christine.

[@Tubeyou72]

Christine Turner awesome 👏 🙏👍

[@keilongeorge6027]

Does the Hyatt Zilara have Sushi as well?

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Keilon! Yes you bet! All included! Here's a link to the menu for Ziva - hyatt-ziva-cap-cana-property-hub.netlify.app/en/menu/ Here's Zilara's, hyatt-zilara-cap-cana-property-hub.netlify.app/en/menu/

[@briannwo1900]

I will be interested to see how those Sargassum barriers work come April. We plan on staying at the Zilara in April 2021 depending on the outcome of those barriers. I know they have used them in Mexico with mixed results. I still believe the Seaweed problem needs to be dealt with at its source. Losing battle allowing the seaweed to grow in the open ocean and then attempting to deal with it as it approaches shore in my humble opinion. Thanks for the video though. Love all your vids.

[@ChristineTurner]

Yes I agree. When we were there last January, the seaweed had broken through. In April, it was fine, as in November. I think January will be the big test. Stay tuned! Thanks for your support and for watching!

[@briannwo1900]

Christine Turner May and June are the biggest tests. January is nothing as you know. We were at Secrets Akumal last April and they had a 6 man crew with rakes and wheelbarrows working from 7 am until 4 pm keeping the beach very nice but away from the resort it was piled 3 ft high and about 10 ft wide on the beach and last April was a improvement over 2018. Seaweed season ended EARLY in 2019 only going until July/Aug. years before it would go until Oct/Nov. would be great to see the problem get better on its own but I’m skeptical for sure. Hate to be such a downer. Haha.

[@ChristineTurner]

Actually it was quite terrible in January 2019. All depends on the waves and currents and all that good stuff. There was a tear in the barrier last January but in November, it didn’t even matter (in fact the Scape Boats sometimes left the barrier open and it was no big deal). We shall see how it is later this week though!

[@sweett82402]

Really liked this review and comparison - I was planning to visit for my bday in Apr and loved the look of Sanctuary but also looked at Excellence Punta Cana and Majestic - still undecided 🤷🏻‍♀️ looking for a nice relaxing time & good vibe but food is very important . Just want to make the right decision . I haven’t looked at Hyatt but will after ur review on food .☺️

[@ChristineTurner]

Glad you found it helpful! I haven't stayed at Excellence Punta Cana but it always gets good reviews from clients. Majestic is good but I personally wouldn't put it in the running with the others. The food was good at Secrets, there were a few items I didn't like at Sanctuary (but that was more of a preparation issue), but I really loved everything at Hyatt. Really unique dishes too like the Dominican burger, Peruvian influenced dishes, and man - the butter chicken and crispy garlic naan bread at the Indian restaurant - out of this world good! Let me know what you decide, I'm very curious! Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@sweett82402]

@@ChristineTurner ok good to know I’m nervous now on food for Sanctuary but saw so many ok reviews on it not sure the scene is worth not having good food 🤔 had an experience in tulum at Dreams and ate out half the time bc wasn’t please with any of their options sucked as u pay for all inclusive. I’ll keep you posted - majestic looked cool from the reviews I saw but still not convinced - thanks again

[@humanfairy]

Hi! Which one did you choose? I am having a hard time choosing between Majestic and Excellence as well!

[@tiffanylinquist4495]

Have you been to Sandals Ochi? How would compare it to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana?

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Tiffany! No I have not. Only been to Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Jamaica and another resort not worth mentioning. I have stayed at a few other Sandals and if you have a non-Butler room, I would say Hyatt has way more inclusions. This is definitely a resort to check out. It’s hard to get to from western coast Canada otherwise that would have been my first destination post Covid!

[@plamont2004]

Excellent video and comparisons. Would love it if you could add a comment if any of the resort cater to healthier eating options like vegetarian/vegan lifestyles. Thank you

[@ChristineTurner]

I think the best one for that would definitely be Hyatt. They have one restaurant that offers Paleo & Vegetarian options. Vegan is always a challenge but they are very concerned about food allergies so I’m sure they have some good options. Some resorts shy away from using spices and herbs but they do a very good job of it here so they can achieve a good flavour profile without resorting to just salt or butter. Thanks for watching!

[@dollycaldwell4938]

more concerned with the beach....is the water calm & shallow?

[@ChristineTurner]

dolly caldwell yes from secrets down to Hyatt down to sanctuary, it’s all extremely calm and shallow. The only time it wasn’t was during a massive wind storm when I was there in January, but previous 3 trips in 2019, it was just fine. Thanks for watching!

[@dollycaldwell4938]

oh...this is such good news...hate rolling around in the surf like a bad whale!!! thanks again

[@laurenpinion1363]

Hi Christine, thanks for the awesome video! I was wondering if you still see/hear kids even when staying on the adult-only side of the Hyatt?

[@ChristineTurner]

Lauren Pinion well I think this will depend week to week as different guests are there. For the most part, no, and they’re very strict about going from side to side but when you’re closer to the beach, yeah you might be able to hear the kids. Thanks for watching!

[@kaleetucker6931]

Great video! Out of the Hyatt and Sanctuary which do you like better? I read Sanctuary you can get a butler service, which level do you book to get butler service? Do you know how much cabanas are at Sanctuary?

[@ChristineTurner]

Kalee Walker Hi Kalee They are both great resorts. Sanctuary is stunning - I mean it’s a castle. Can’t go wrong with that. I think you need Monarch or better to get butler service there. Here at Hyatt, you just book the Club side or a 1-bedroom suite to get butler service! Not sure on the cabana prices. Will see if I can find out more for you this week!

[@sophiesankey3028]

Hey is there a lot of seed-weed at Secret Cap Cana Punta Cana thinking of going in February

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Sophie! The sargassum or seaweed can hit at any time but it’s been pretty clear lately. Difficult to predict what it could be like but the Cap Cana area has a barrier to keep it out so even if there’s loads in the ocean, the beach should be just fine!

[@emilyrobertson3115]

As a mattress snob (I like softer beds/soft sheets) can you comment on which resort has the best beds?

[@ChristineTurner]

Well of course that’s difficult to answer because everyone’s preference differs but I love Hyatt, Dreams and if you want to go high end, Le Blanc beds are specially made just for the resort and they are WOW. Hope that helps!

[@xiomararodriguez9557]

Great video! Is zilara the closest to juanillo beach? Im really torn between sanctuary and zilara. Im going my mother and brother. Thanks!

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Xiomara! Zilara is right beside the Secrets Cap Cana resort and down the beach from Sanctuary Cap Cana. All three are on Juanillo beach, with the first 2 having a much wider expanse of beach right in front of the resort. I thought food was great at Zilara and there are many areas of the resort where you can hang out, so it offers the best variety. Sanctuary certainly had the most beautiful pools though, but older rooms, so it all comes down to what you’re looking for. Zilara wins hands down for service though! Thanks for watching!

[@mrsgoals2963]

I just booked my vacay for Hyatt zilara.... would you know the spa rates and menu

[@ChristineTurner]

Are you on the FB group “fans of Hyatt Ziva Zilara cap Cana?” If so, you’ll find the info in the files section - prices and descriptions.

[@sandygreen8553]

Could you tell me what wines they have at Sanctuary Cap Cana on are any of these wine included in your room thank you

[@ChristineTurner]

Tough to remember but I want to say Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot but they also have the premium wine list so you can always pay extra for a specific type. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@yaquy22]

please, one question,,,, is the beach in cap cana natural beach???? because i heard about some articial beach en cap cana,,,, are those hotel in the natural beach or artificial????????

[@ChristineTurner]

It looks natural to me but it’s not uncommon for resorts to truck in sand after they’ve completed renovations or construction. I saw the beach before the ziva/Zilara was built and it was equally beautiful as after it opened. Hope that helps answer your question.

[@anassiff]

Hi Christine. Amazing videos. I was in the Hyatt zylara 2 years ago and Now I have reservations next month for the suantuary. But I am still afraid to go to this new property. I love Hyatt as well but the price right now is really high. But if you think overall that is better I will do the effort and change the reservation to zylara. I am afraid that santuary is a little old. What you can recommend. Thank you Adriana

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Adriana! Sanctuary is a lovely hotel and there are many great pool areas but the Hyatt is over the moon amazing. I think you’d be happy with either but if I had my choice, hands down I would stay at Hyatt. Hope that helps!

[@kellyscott7325]

Thank you very much for the videos. What high end alcohol do they have for club access at the Hyatt family resort?

[@ChristineTurner]

Kelly Scott Hi Kelly - there is actually a full list of alcohol brands on the Facebook fan page (in files) but I thought the drinks were all really good. Grey good vodka, tanqueray gin, those are the main ones I remember. Thanks for watching!

[@tlterry]

Hi Christine! Out of the three, which one do you think has the best oceanfront wedding venues?

[@ChristineTurner]

Hmm great question. I would say it is hands down the Hyatt because of the set ups I’ve seen and those perfect palm trees. I did a video on this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWHGpqiKp76lf80 and I think there were more pics / vids from my trip there 2 months later... I would marry there and then for the week after the wedding, I’d go for a Royalty Villa at Sanctuary for the most amazing honeymoon experience. You can not go wrong with that villa!! Thanks for watching!

[@tlterry]

@@ChristineTurner Wow! Such a thoughtful reply! After considering your suggestion and watching the video you linked, we’ve decided to go with Hyatt Zilara/Ziva for the ceremony and reception. Thanks to your vid, I could picture us getting married at that beautiful ocean front gazebo. Thanks sooooo much for your amazingly detailed videos on the resort. Fiancé and I spent all morning watching them yesterday. Amazing channel! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@ChristineTurner]

@@tlterry I’m glad you found it helpful! It’s really hard to plan anything like this from so far away so ask your travel agent about the ‘wedding Sneak Preview’ (I can’t remember the official name) - it’s where you can go to the resort for 2 or 3 nights at a severely discounted rate and you meet the wedding coordinator, see the venues, etc. It’s $500 and that money gets converted toward your wedding so it’s a win win! Best wishes for your wedding!

[@tlterry]

@@ChristineTurner Yes it is definitely hard, especially as the bride! And we’ll definitely ask about the preview! In addition to the intended benefit, it also gives us an excuse for a well deserved weekend getaway 😉. Thanks so much for the well wishes!

[@ChristineTurner]

@@tlterry I'm going to interview my sales rep regarding the Hyatt Big Day Preview later this week & will shoot for publishing the video this weekend - stay tuned!

[@Life.Love.202]

I'm so happy I came across your videos! I know you often mention a Facebook group but I don't have Facebook so I wanted to ask some questions here. Does the hotel offer transportation options for arrival and departure to/from the resort? Can you book restaurants, amenities or excursions before arrival? Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I'm going for my birthday in April and want to make it as special as possible!

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Shani. You can arrange transportation to the resort through the Hyatt booking page or there are several transport companies that offer this service. Prices vary but despite it being just a 15-minute ride, you're going to be looking at around $100, roundtrip. You can book excursions before you get there. I believe you can pre-book spa services too, through the concierge. Restaurants do not require reservations in advance - it's just first come, first served. I think you've picked a great resort for your birthday! Are you staying on the Ziva or Zilara side? I like the pool areas on the Ziva side better but prefer the more serene vibe on the Zilara side. Let me know if you have any other questions and happy birthday in advance! Thanks for watching!

[@Life.Love.202]

@@ChristineTurner Thanks for your quick response. I’m actually booked at the Sanctuary! The beautiful grounds and uniqueness sold me! Any insight on that property would be greatly appreciated and once again, thanks for the stellar review!

[@ChristineTurner]

Oh ok well that resort is definitely gorgeous. I loved the many pool areas and castle section. They had crab legs on the menu at the Blue restaurant (overwater) which I highly recommend. The Castle section had some great treats in the afternoon but they were also building a restaurant there, so I'm not sure what the status is on that. Definitely head out on the beach to the left of the resort (past the castle side). You can walk about a mile along the beach, past Ziva/Zilara and up to Secrets. Beyond that, there are private villas and the beach is difficult to get to and they have guards there so you can't really access it. The marina was nice but only one place to have beers and zero shopping. They had an ATM there too so if you need cash, that's really your best option as the taxi ride within the Cap Cana borders is almost free. Have a great time!

[@Life.Love.202]

@@ChristineTurner Wonderful news! I will definitely use all these tips! Thank you so much!

[@nancyminns5562]

We are planning to take a group to Secrets in mid June and just heard about the seaweed! Not sure what to do now....

[@ChristineTurner]

Nancy Minns Seaweed?? There’s virtually none there right now.

[@glitter7777]

How was it?

[@msashleynr]

Hi Christine. Great video! We are looking to take our 1 year honeymoon trip this November. I am torn between Sanctuary and Hyatt. Do you know if any of these resorts have flight + stay packages? Also, how do we get transportation from the airport? Is it included as well? Thank you!

[@ChristineTurner]

Hi Ashley Thanks for watching! And congrats on your upcoming honeymoon! Both are great resorts - Sanctuary is absolutely beautiful architecturally, but I have to say that the food and service at Hyatt blew me away. I stayed in an amazing room at Sanctuary but would go back to Hyatt for my 3rd visit if I was planning a trip there. I assume you are in the USA? If so, you should be able to get air & hotel packages or you can always just book the hotel portion & air separate. To get to the resort, I would pre-book a shuttle - this is not included in your hotel stay. Let me know if you want a quote for your trip - I'll just need to know where you're flying from and how long you want to be there. Cheers!

[@msashleynr]

@@ChristineTurner Thank you so much! We would love some quotes. Sent details to your email! :)

[@ChristineTurner]

msashleynr Sounds good!

[@kayladeveau2984]

Stay at the castle at sanctuary. I highly recommend the honeymoon room at castle with the private pool. It is so private, and on the roof :)

[@TheRegjr13]

This is great. I am leaning towards The Sanctuary. LOVE the grounds. The Hyatt reminds me too much of a Cancun high-rise on the strip, but the beach is beautiful. Do you know what the highest Vodka they serve? I like my Grey Goose or Belvedere at a minimum.

[@ChristineTurner]

Oh I agree the grounds are spectacular at Sanctuary. Very picturesque. I recall the booze being very limited in terms of what premium types were included. Best to join the Fan Page to get a current update on this if you’re planning on traveling anytime soon. Thanks as always for watching!

[@TheRegjr13]

@@ChristineTurner I have subscribed. Planning to go next week.

[@ChristineTurner]

Reginald Hill wow lucky you!! It’s so beautiful - I’m sure you will enjoy. Also, just walk out past the castle section and you’ll pass Little John’s bar and the excursion place and then Hyatt and Secrets so you can check them out. Not a super long walk but def worth checking out for future reference.

[@TheRegjr13]

@@ChristineTurner Do you think the Hyatt is better than the Sanctuary? I am so torn. I don't want to push the button until I feel like I've made a great choice. The last several times we've stayed at the Excellence El Carmen (2) and Tortuga Bay (3) as well as in La Romana at a few houses in Casa de Campo (3). HELP. :-)

[@ChristineTurner]

Reginald Hill I loved our villa at Sanctuary but we both agreed that the food was SOOO much better at Hyatt. Service was great at both but blew me away like no other resort has at Hyatt. Because of my videos? I dunno. But I’ll tell you now - it’s a royal pain in the butt for us to go anywhere this year (thank you stupid Covid) but that’s likely where I’ll end up first, despite roughly 22 hours travel time. I wouldn’t do that for sanctuary. ☹️. Just being honest.

[@georgialions]

It's that freaking horrible music OMG 🤮 but it's a great video

[@ChristineTurner]

The background music to the video? Thanks for the feedback - I couldn’t tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing but you’re the first to comment so I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@georgialions]

@@ChristineTurner and I just booked based off your review because I love the fact that I can walk in the water a great distance. I chose the Excellence El Carmen honeymoon suite swim out beachfront. But if I didn't watch your video, I would have chosen Jamaica this trip instead of Punta Cana. So maybe next trip I will do Jamaica. However, I will continue to watch your videos because your video was very well put together.

[@ChristineTurner]

@@georgialions thank you for the feedback! I’m glad the video helped. Have a fabulous vacation!