Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

Originally built in 2001, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa was taken over in 2003 by AMResorts. In 2014, over 200 of the lowest-category rooms were given a redesign, and in 2017 the remaining rooms were renovated to match. That same year, additional renovations gave the resort's restaurants new looks, though some rooms and restaurants still have a dated, sparse feel, particularly when compared to comparable all-inclusive properties. At times, the resort feels like an upscale colonial estate, particularly in the central garden courtyard where guests will find a fountain, stone pathways, trimmed hedges, lots of birds, and over 5,000 endemic plants. Buildings with outdoor hallways, polished coral tiles, finished oak wood, and wrought iron add to the upmarket look, but, as is typical with older beachfront properties, a few areas smell musty. This resort is popular with families, groups of friends, and couples, and no wristbands are required. 

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is located on the beach, a 15-minute drive north of Tulum. While the entrance is directly off the main highway, the resort itself is secluded between the jungle and beach, without anything within walking distance. However, the resort has a good location for those looking to explore outside the hotel grounds. The climbable ruins of Coba are a 50-minute drive inland, the popular snorkeling bay of Akumal is 17 minutes north, and Cancun Airport is 90 minutes away. 

The 432 rooms here are larger than expected, and each room has a private, furnished balcony or terrace. Hacienda-style decor is attractive, though some striped linens border on dated. Design varies a bit by category, but expect marble or stunning wood flooring, warm earth tones, wrought-iron or tall leather headboards, and locally inspired artwork. Excellent amenities consist of free minibars restocked daily with bottled drinks, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, and coffeemakers. Large marble bathrooms have showers and separate tubs (some jetted), bathrobes and slippers, hairdryers, and top-notch toiletry brands that feel luxe. Unfortunately, during our stay, our room had issues with the door's locking mechanism, service buttons on the phone, and ineffective AC due to pre-programmed minimum temperature setting. Deluxe-level rooms have either central garden or ocean views. Deluxe Junior Suites are noticeably larger than regular rooms thanks to a sunken sitting area. Corner rooms have two balconies, though only one is furnished, while spacious bathrooms sport two-person whirlpool tubs and tight showers. For a shared swim-out pool and garden area, upgrade to the Preferred Club Deluxe Garden View Swim Out, which adds bathroom amenities such as sunscreen, dental and shave kits, and name-brand toothpaste. All other Preferred Club-level rooms are suites. The Preferred Club Hacienda Suites and Hacienda Presidential Suite have hammocks on their terraces. There are also a limited number of adults-only Deluxe Adult Garden View rooms, located in a building where no children allowed. 

Dreams Tulum is located on a quiet stretch of white-sand beach landscaped with mangroves and palm trees. Like most beaches in the Riviera Maya, the shoreline is prone to seaweed. Crashing waves, birdcalls, and a lack of background music keep it tranquil, while soccer goals and group exercise classes bring some activity. Loungers have thatched umbrellas, and Bali beds can be reserved for an extra fee. 

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 rooms 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, a private beach and pool area with bar, and free use of Bali beds on availability. 

Dreams guests have a choice of six a la carte restaurants, including Mexican, Japanese, Sushi, Italian, French, and a steakhouse, with two restaurants open for lunch as well as dinner, and one used as an extra breakfast option in high season. For an extra fee, guests can dine in Portofino’s wine cellar with a special menu and sommelier service. Overall, the food here is average, and receives mixed reviews from guests. Expect smaller dining venues, including the main buffet, and a casual or formal dress code prohibiting beach attire in dining areas.Additional food options include free, 24-hour room service, 24-hour snacks at the Sports Bar, and the Barefoot Grille, a poolside snack shack with pizza, burgers, and live cooking station. Dreams' guests have access to five bars with top-shelf liquor and domestic and imported beer. In addition to the Rendezvous lobby bar, Sugar Reef beach bar, and Manatees swim-up bar in the main pool, guests can also grab drinks at the 24-hour Sky Bar sports bar and at the small, limited-stock lounge bar near the restaurants. Non-alcoholic drink options include a smoothie bar and coffee shop. 

Though the grounds are large, most of Dreams’ features are located either in the jungle or by the beach. All guests have access to two resort pools, both facing the beach. The relaxing pool has no music or activities, and free canvas loungers are accompanied by for-rent Bali beds. For a more social vibe, the lagoon-style Dolphins pool hosts daily activities and has a bar with swing seats and swim-up service. This section of the hotel is also home to nightly entertainment, art shows, and restaurants, plus an on-site temazcal with small cenote hosting free ceremonies -- a rarity in the area.Set in the jungle, the hotel’s spa takes a holistic approach with several treatment rooms, a small hydrotherapy circuit (fee, or free with most treatments), a DIY body bar for scrubs and lotions, and three themed, jungle-surrounded bungalows for treatments like wine therapy or reflexology. The Explorer’s Club keeps kids ages 3 to 12 busy with active programming like a water park, rock climbing wall, and camping nights, while the teens' Core Zone has video and table games. On-site tennis courts, chessboards, and shuffleboard courts are available, and there’s a decent gym with LifeFitness machines, yoga mats, and Pilates machines. Business-friendly features include conference center with boardroom for 17, meeting room for up to 40, and three connecting ballrooms that can host between 350 to 600 attendees. Other notable on-site features include a Catholic chapel with masses on request, and water activities such as diving and certification (fee), kayaks, and free snorkeling masks (snorkels cost extra).