An all-inclusive resort is an easy vacation. Packing is simple. Along with clothes and a bathing suit, here are 10 things you need to bring to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana or any other all-inclusive resort.
Recently Jeff and I spent 6 nights at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana celebrating our 27th anniversary. This was the second time we’ve visited an all-inclusive resort (and stayed for free).
Our first all-inclusive vacation was a short two-night stay to Hyatt Ziva Cancun. After that trip and seeing the things other all-inclusive guests brought, we realized we weren’t as prepared.
For this trip to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, we were ready, or so I thought.
10 Things You Need to Bring to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Your vacation will be more enjoyable when you bring these 10 things to your all-inclusive resort.
I’m not talking about the standard things you should bring like a hat, beach tote bag, lip balm, aloe vera or after sunburn care, portable safe, collapsible beach buckets (if you have kids), portable charger, or a beach ball.
What pro-all-inclusive vacation experts bring. Things you see others using and ask, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
The stuff that no one tells you to bring until now.
We brought most of these items to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana except for #3, #8, and #10.
1. Dual Insulated Water Bottle
A dual insulated water bottle is a must when you stay at an all-inclusive resort
You should bring a dual insulated water bottle to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana or any other all-inclusive resort or hotel. Especially if you travel in the summer or when it’s hot.
Whether you drink soda or alcohol, a dual insulated water bottle is key to enjoying a cold refreshing beverage.
Those fancy drinks look great by the pool or on the beach but after a few minutes in the sun, they turn into slush.
Not so when you use a dual insulated water bottle.
Some people use a Yeti Rambler Tumbler, but I prefer a Takeya or ThermoFlask. Because the handle loop makes it easy to carry or attach to your pack with a carabiner.
Takeya and Thermoflask water bottles come in a variety of sizes, 24 ounces, 40 ounces, and 64 ounces. A 24 ounce or larger bottle means you can lounge on the beach or in the pool longer between trips to the bar.
The 24 ounce is the perfect size for traveling. It is large enough to keep you hydrated and still fit in the water bottle holder in your backpack.
You can also use a dual insulated water bottle for wine. I have this one for picnics but use my Takeya or Thermoflask when traveling.
Pro-tip: The wide mouth makes it easy to fill. Hint: Bartenders can fill your bottle fast. Meaning you get your drinks sooner especially if you tip.
2. Dollar Bills
Bring lots of dollar bills to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and other all-inclusive resorts. Bring more than you think you need.
You don’t have to tip at an all-inclusive resort but it’s a good idea.When you tip, you get better service when you tip you help that country’s economy.
For our 6 night stay, we brought $180 for tips, of that $60 were in dollar bills. It wasn’t enough small bills.
Pro-tip: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana doesn’t have an ATM machine. But they can exchange large bills for small ones. They ran out of dollar bills for the last two days of our stay. Next time, we’ll bring all dollar bills.
3. Pool Float
Relax and soak up the sun on a pool float
You should bring a pool float to an all-inclusive resort like Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
When pool loungers are at a premium and you want to work on your tan while staying cool, nothing beats a pool float.
Pool floats come in all shapes and sizes but if you want something a little more subtle, get these water hammocks. The low profile design packs light and inflates easy.
4. Sunscreen
Protect your skin and bring sunscreen to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Needing to bring sunscreen to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and other all-inclusive resorts is a given. Unless you don’t plan on going outside and being in the sun.
If you forget, you can buy a bottle of spray-on sunscreen at the resort for $36.
Yep, you can pay almost as much to check a bag (unless you get a free checked bag from your credit card) if you have to buy sunscreen at an all-inclusive resort.
My favorite sunscreens are 100% Pure Everywhere Body stick, Coola Suncare Organic Body Spray, Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion, and Bare Republic Mineral Lotion.
Pro-tip: Bring rub on sunscreen sticks that look like deodorant like the 100% Pure Everywhere Body Stick or Neutrogena Sunscreen Stick to avoid paying a checked bag free.
5. Mosquito Repellent
Remember to bring mosquito repellent
You need to bring mosquito repellent to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and other all-inclusive resorts.
Mosquitoes are common in the Caribbean and Mexico. Where are most all-inclusive resorts located? In the Caribbean and Mexico.
If you forget you can buy mosquito repellent at the resort. The Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana gift shop sells it for $18 a bottle.
While I prefer to use all-natural, chemical-free products, the Off Deep Woods Insect Repellent Wipes Towelettes is the best mosquito repellent. It’s effective and you can bring it in your carry-on.
Pro-tip: Apply sunscreen first then use the Off wipe. It’s more effective.
6. GoPro
A GoPro is a must when you stay at an all-inclusive resort like Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
With a waterproof video camera, you can capture those memories of swimming in the Caribbean Sea, playing in the pool or water park, or ziplining off resort.
The small compact GoPro lets you take and shoot photos and video discreetly both in and out of water. It’s almost indestructible nature means you can let the little ones use it without sacrificing your smartphone.
7. Reusable Straws
If you like smoothies or frozen drinks you need to bring reusable straws to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and other all-inclusive resorts.
Many resorts have banned plastic straws because of the effect on the environment especially sea turtles. Plastic straws aren’t biodegradable so they don’t break down.
Some resorts use paper straws which are absurd. Have you tried using a paper straw? Those things are totally useless. They last all of a few minutes.
Stainless steel reusable straws with silicone tips are the way to go. They’re environmentally friendly and easy to clean.
8. Beach Towel Clips
Beach towel clips are one of those things you need to bring to an all-inclusive resort like Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, whether you realize it or not.
These sturdy handy clips keep your towel from sliding down your lounge chair. Because no one likes it when a wet towel bunches up against your butt.
They also come in handy to hold up a towel around your waist like a sarong.
9. Portable Fan
Bringing a portable fan is a must if you’re visiting an all-inclusive resort in the summer.
Some fans plug into the charging port of your phone but that uses a lot of your battery. And you have to hold it.
I love this portable fan. It has three speeds, recharges via USB, and comes with a lanyard.
You can wear it around your neck, sit it on a table pointing in your direction, or hang it near you. I’ve used this fan at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun and in San Antonio during the summer.
10. Water Proof Wireless Earbuds
Waterproof wireless earbuds Bluetooth headphones were the one thing that both Jeff and I wished we had brought to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
The Tranya T1-Pro and Tranya T3 Sports Wireless Headphones pair with your smartphone, are lightweight, waterproof, and blocks out most surrounding noises.
On our trip to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, a family brought their own stereo to the pool and played it full volume. It was annoying, rude, and made that afternoon at the pool miserable.
If we had a pair of Tranya T1-Pros or T3s we could have listened to our choice of music, audiobook, or podcast.
![[Upgraded Version of T1] SUPAZO True Wireless Earbuds Built-in Microphone, Bluetooth 5.0 Deep Bass True Wireless Headphones, 7 Hours Continuous Playtime, 48 Hours Playtime with Charging Case, T1-Pro](https://www.travelingwellforless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/41C9v45PaiL._SL500_.webp)
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Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to an all-inclusive resort, here are the 10 things you need to bring to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana. Whether you’re traveling to a family-friendly all-inclusive or adults-only all-inclusive, these 10 items can make the difference between a nice time and a great vacation.
You might never think to bring these to an all-inclusive resort but should. You’ll enjoy your trip much more with these simple items like a dual insulated water bottle, pool float, GoPro, portable fan, and waterproof wireless earbuds. Lots of dollar bills, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, reusable straws, and beach towel clips are a must!
What are some things you always bring to an all-inclusive resort?
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