Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa was built in 2009, and features outdoor hallways and contemporary colonial-style wicker furniture and decor touches like woven rattan fan blades and log staircases. In 2017, all pool tiles were replaced and three restaurants received renovations. Guests here get a healthy dose of fresh air and ocean views, thanks to several open-air palapa buildings and plenty of outdoor seating options. The resort itself doesn't feel overly stylish or dated, but it's an elegant take on colonial design, with lots of warm earth tones throughout. Dreams Riviera primarily draws families with children and couples who are looking for a solid all-inclusive option away from the spring break crowds of Cancun. However, many guests have reported loud entertainment, restaurants, and music by the pool, which may hinder a relaxing, romantic vacation. 

The Dreams Riviera Cancun is located in the former fishing village of Puerto Morelos, just off the main Highway 307. There's little within walking distance, but the resort's easy access to the freeway makes it a good base for those wanting to explore the Riviera Maya region. Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum are a 40-, 60-, and 90-minute drive south, respectively, while Cancun International Airport is around a 20-minute drive north. The ruins at Coba and several cenotes are within a two-hour drive. 

Dreams Riviera Cancun has 486 octagon-shaped rooms with a modern colonial look featuring creams, oak wood accents, and woven wicker fan blades. In the center, a large king-size or two double beds rest back-to-back against a dual vanity stocked with hairdryer, large mirror, and luxury brand toiletries. Toilets walled with frosted glass are not for the shy, while separate whirlpool tubs make for a romantic alternative to the walk-in shower. Expect free Corona and soft drinks in the minibar, DVD players, free 24-hour room service, iHome docks, furnished balconies, and at least 50-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Loveseats do not convert to sleeping spaces, though the Master Suite has a pullout sofa. Premium Deluxe-level rooms have either second- and third-floor garden vistas, ocean views, or semi-private, dual-level plunge pools on the ground floor. Upgrades to Preferred rooms come with better ocean views, upgraded bath and minibar products, and Nespresso machines. All suites have one bedroom and come with fresh flowers, full-sized bottles of alcohol, and extra amenities, and guests in the Preferred Club Governor’s Suite and Preferred Club Presidential Suite Oceanfront also receive free reserved palapas down at the beach. It’s worth noting that the only true oceanfront rooms on the property are the Preferred Cub Master Suite Oceanfront. 

Dreams Riviera Cancun is both gifted with a beautiful white-sand beach and cursed with a frequent collection of seaweed. Many guests find themselves disappointed with the resort's beach, though seaweed accumulation is common in this area of Mexico. Expect several rows of contemporary loungers set up in the sands, though minimal-to-no available shade. Palapa-shaded loungers and Bali beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis (or can be reserved for higher-level suite guests). 

The Dreams brand has an “Unlimited Luxury” no-wristband, all-inclusive plan. Rates cover all buffet meals, a la carte restaurants, domestic and international top-shelf liquor, house wines, 24-hour room service, and daily refills of in-room minibars. Expect free Wi-Fi throughout, plus free calls to the U.S. and Canada when placed through the resort’s app. Guests can also eat dinner at any sister properties in the Dreams, Now, and Sunscape families, thanks to the free Sip and Savor program, though transportation is not included. All taxes and tips are also included. Preferred Club guests have extra perks, from a Preferred Club Lounge with premium bar, business center, and snacks to upgraded in-room amenities, and session of hydrotherapy at the spa, and a private beach area with bar, private loungers, and cabanas. 

Dreams Riviera Cancun guests have a choice of six a la carte restaurants, including Mexican, Japanese, seafood, Italian, steakhouse, and an adult-only French restaurant. Preferred Club guests have the option to grab breakfast at the Seaside Grille or Oceana, along with the standard options of room service or the World Cafe buffet. All a la carte restaurants are open for dinner, but only two also open at lunchtime. During high season, the Japanese restaurant serves as an additional buffet during breakfast. Portofino’s wine cellar is a private dining option with a minimum spend. Food here is a favorite and the resort is able to cater to dietary restrictions. Restaurants have a casual dress code that prohibits beach attire, while the adult-only Bordeaux has a "Casual Elegance" dress code. Reservations are only required for the Japanese teppanyaki grill. Additional food options include free, 24-hour room service, sandwiches and sweets at the Coco Cafe, and the lunch-only Barefoot Grille, a poolside snack shack with pizza, burgers, and live cooking station. 

The resort’s infinity pool is popular with adults, thanks to its panoramic views over the beach and swim-up bar, though claiming a padded lounger in the vicinity can be a challenge even with the resort’s “use it or lose it” policy. The entertainment pool is a bit rowdier, as it hosts the daily poolside activities and plays loud music. Unofficially, there are a handful of shallow decorative pools that are often commandeered by kids. The official kids' pool is long and narrow, with an initial depth starting at just under a foot.  Both the kids’ pool and infinity pool are heated in winter. 

Dreams Riviera Cancun is stocked full of activities and features, ensuring guests are never at a loss for something to do. The hotel's spa is popular for its guided outdoor hydrotherapy circuit, and 13 treatment rooms, a fish spa, salon, and couples' room with chromotherapy. Guests can purchase an affordable daily pass to use the hydrotherapy, steam room, or sauna. LifeFitness, Precor, and Hoist exercise equipment fill the large but simple gym, and yoga and spinning classes are available, though they're infrequent. The Chef's Garden, which grows herbs for use in the resort's kitchens, has free weekly cooking classes and wine tastings, and guests are encouraged to stop by the Locked in Love Garden to decorate and leave a lock on the gate, similar to Paris' padlock bridge. There's no teen club here, though the Explorer Club organizes activities for kids ages 3 to 12 and features Red Cross-certified staff members, a small rock wall, theater, and crafts. Parents are given a pager and cannot leave the property. This is also the only AMResort to have a dedicated, though unsupervised, baby play area for parents. A 24-hour medical service, hookah at the Rendezvous lobby bar, scuba diving, wine upgrades, and beach dinner have extra fees. Guests here are also able to participate in the resort's Sip, Savor and Sea program, which allows them to visit nearby Dreams and Now properties for dinner free of charge (transportation is not included). Other features include conference rooms, a wedding gazebo by the beach, and entertainment center with free games and books.