Hyatt’s Strategic Acquisition of Playa Hotels
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has successfully concluded its $2.6 billion acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts, marking a significant expansion of Hyatt’s all-inclusive resort portfolio across the Caribbean and Mexico. This acquisition was finalized on June 17, 2025, and will greatly enhance Hyatt’s offerings in popular vacation destinations.
Details of the Acquisition
Initially announced in February, this acquisition encompasses the purchase of 15 resorts, eight of which were already operating under Hyatt’s well-known Ziva and Zilara brands. With this move, Hyatt secures a wider range of exceptional properties, including:
- Secrets La Romana and Dreams La Romana in the Dominican Republic
- Dreams Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen and Sunscape Cancun in Mexico
Industry Reaction
Bruce Wardinski, the outgoing Chairman and CEO of Playa, described this partnership as a “natural evolution” of the longstanding relationship between the two companies. He expressed confidence that these prime resorts would thrive under Hyatt’s management.
Impact on Hyatt’s Portfolio
This acquisition builds upon Hyatt’s previous 2024 joint venture with Grupo Piñero, which integrated the Bahia Principe brand into Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. This strategic expansion positions Hyatt as a formidable player in the all-inclusive market, significantly strengthening its presence in key sun-soaked destinations.
Hyatt’s Asset-Light Strategy
Despite this substantial acquisition, Hyatt has affirmed its commitment to maintaining an asset-light strategy. The company plans to sell the underlying real estate of these resorts while securing long-term management contracts. This approach allows Hyatt to expand its portfolio without investing significant capital in property ownership.
Future Financial Insights
Hyatt is set to disclose further financial details regarding this acquisition during its second-quarter 2025 earnings call scheduled for August 5, 2025. Post-acquisition, Hyatt controls more than 55,000 all-inclusive rooms across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Operational Changes Ahead
While Playa’s existing properties, including those under major brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, and IHG, will continue operating as usual for the time being, Hyatt’s strategic direction aims to align these newly acquired assets with its own Inclusive Collection brands. Gradual brand transitions and operational changes are anticipated, alongside increased marketing alignment and offerings that enhance loyalty integration in the coming months.
As Hyatt moves forward with this major acquisition, the travel industry and stakeholders eagerly await updates on the management of previously Marriott-branded all-inclusive properties that are now under Hyatt’s umbrella.
