Why you need an all-inclusive Mexican resort in your life
At the risk of stating the obvious, holidays are amazing. But in the lead-up to getting on that plane, they can also be seriously hard work. All that researching, booking, life admin, holiday admin, pre-trip work craziness… it’s enough to make you, well, really need a holiday.
Which is where the joy of a resort that takes care of it *all* really comes into its own.
And why a stay at Dreams Tulum Resort& Spa is the stuff of all-inclusive dreams, no pun intended 😉
First impressions count, and before we even arrive, the team prove themselves to be super helpful by organising our transfer from Cancun Airport with their partner Amstar ($120USD one way for the 90 min trip, for up to eight people). Nothing says, “Let’s get this holiday party started!” like a sign at the airport with your name on it!
The sparkling wine we receive on arrival at the resort doesn’t hurt during the getting-to-know-you phase either.
Our fellow resort-goers are a mix of young families, young couples, older couples, wedding guests, girls’ weekends, multi-generational family groups… So it’s safe to say Dreams Resort has something for everyone.
We’re escorted to our room (by buggy – hello, tropical vibes!) and the vastness of the resort is immediately impressive. Not to mention the gorgeous design and pops of colour.
Our spacious suite is on the second floor, overlooking the perfectly manicured gardens and grounds, and a gorgeous fountain. A private balcony seals the deal (we spotted others with hammocks for the full beach holiday experience).
The room is well-designed, with a step separating the lower lounge area from the bedroom, and a large bathroom with a shower, two basins, and a separate bath. The bed is HEAVENLY and perfect for sleep-ins. Room service and the mini-bar are all included (are you detecting a pattern here? 😉 )
But let’s be honest – we won’t be spending much time here. We have food to eat, beverages to drink, beaches to see, and activities to take part in.
Hot tip: Each day, there is a printed schedule that lets you know what activities are on, which restaurants are open, what the entertainment schedule looks like, and, most importantly, what the drink of the day is 😉 If you’re lucky, it might be the Fuzzy Lemon Fizz or Mojito Ice Tea.
Resort pals.
So what exactly is included at an all-inclusive resort? At Dreams, guests have unlimited access to…
- Gourmet àla carte dining (no reservations required!)
- Drinks, including spirits, beer, wine, and soft drink (premium alcohol options are also available at an additional cost)
- Pool and beach waiter service
- A mini-bar that’s refreshed daily
- Room service
- Plus a vast array of activities and entertainment… but more on that to come
If you love food as much as me, you’ll be impressed to know the resort ticks off multiple cuisines. Get your Mexican fix at El Patio. Try the snails at Bordeaux. Keep it fresh and simple with Japanese at Gohan. Sample Pan-Asian delicacies at Himitsu. Or enjoy ceviche or a steak at the Seaside Grill.
The aptly named Seaside Grill. What a view.
And then there’s the bars too: Manatees Bar for swim-up beverages (a must). Sugar Reef Bar, the main beach bar. RendezvousBar, overlooking the resort from the main building. And even a sports bar and a smoothie bar!
The bar with a swing totally gets my vote
Most of the dining spots are on the casual side, but finer options – Portofino and Bordeaux, for example – require a dressier look: for men, acollared shirt and long pants. Pack accordingly if you’re planning to get a little fancy.
Portofino comes recommended to us, so we dress up and aren’t disappointed.
Chandeliers give the space a suitably luxe feel and the service is top notch.
And I can confirm the Beef Osso Bucco with Milan Risotto and the Oven Baked Salmon on Sautéed Peppers with Lemon Sauce do not disappoint.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an all-inclusive resort without a buffet, and the World Café is a winner for both breakfast and lunch – tested in the name of blog post research, of course 😉
The vast breakfast selection includes everything from made-to-order omelettes and fresh juices to pancakes, waffles, bagels, marshmallows, fruits, chocolate milk on tap, and cereals.
Hello, epic omelette station
At lunch, I can’t go past the epic salad selection as the perfect match for my grilled-to-order fish and calamari. And a little something for dessert, of course.
There’s more to do than just eat and drink (although #zerojudgement if that’s how you decide to spend your time at Dreams).
Choose between the private beach – 300 metres of perfect white sand and crystal-clear waters –or nab one of the many poolside cabanas or lounge chairs.
Settle in with a good book and order a beverage when you feel parched. Holiday life is tough, after all.
If you eventually feel the need to do something a bit more active, look no further than the Entertainment Crew. This epic group have a variety of activities running every day. During our two-night stay, this includes everything from Spanish lessons to Zumba, beach volleyball to a tennis clinic, salsa lessons to a disco party, and aqua-aerobics to a mariachi trio. And for those with kids, the Explorer’s Kids Club and Core Zone Teens Club will be your new best friends.
Did someone say Zumba?
Salsa night!
If that’s not enough to fill your days, you can also smash out a training session at one of the best hotel gyms I’ve ever seen, have a hit of tennis (or table tennis), play giant chess, visit the day spa (at an additional cost – prices are high by Aussie standards, at $115 USD for a 25min mini facial, but you can use the coupons you receive on check-in to supplement the cost), play novelty chess, or watch one of the nightly movie screenings.
Hot tip: The roving photographers will snap you regularly throughout your stay, with pics available for purchase in the dedicated photo shop. Have fun with it, it’s not that often you have your own photographer capturing your holiday!
Having so much choice and variety without even needing to leave your resort is intoxicating, but what I love most about Dreams is the people. The staff are so warm and welcoming, and frequently refer to us as family and Dreams as our home. If only every home was all-inclusive 😉
Book your next stay at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
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