Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: A Comprehensive Review [2024]

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Are you planning a trip to Huatulco and want to know if you should stay at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Finding a hotel in Huatulco can be very difficult because there are literally hundreds to choose from.

While there are some great options out there, it’s important to choose the perfect hotel to ensure that your trip is everything that you want it to be.

The last thing that you want to do is choose a bad hotel and return home disappointed and frustrated.

To make sure that doesn’t happen, I’ve set out a comprehensive guide to the exclusive Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa so that you can find out everything that you need to know before making your decision.

Let’s dive right in.

*All images of Dreams Huatulco in this article are credited to Expedia.com, Booking.com, and Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa*

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Where is Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Dreams Huatulco is a luxury all-inclusive hotel located in Bahías de Huatulco on the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Bahías de Huatulco is situated on the Pacific Ocean about 160 miles south of Oaxaca City and about 70 miles south-east of Puerto Escondido.

There are 36 beaches and nine bays in Huatulco in total, hence its name “Bays of Huatulco”. The colors of the waters are often a clear turquoise, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re in the Caribbean.

It’s a remarkably beautiful place that has kept its laid-back beach vibe despite an increase in popularity in recent times.

Let’s take a look now at how to get you to Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa.

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

How Do I Get To Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Getting to Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is a relatively simple process.

The first step is to fly into Huatulco International Airport (HUX). The second step is to book a private transfer, get a taxi or rent a car to drive to the hotel.

I’ve set out the steps you’ll need to take to get to Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa as simply and efficiently as possible.

Flying Into Huatulco

To reach Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa, you’ll need to first fly into Huatulco International Airport (HUX), which is around 12.5 miles from the hotel.

In North America, you can get a direct international flight from Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Edmonton.

From elsewhere in the world, you’ll need to fly into Mexico and take a connecting flight. There are regular flights to Huatulco from Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Oaxaca.

Flights from Mexico City are by far the most frequent. Unless you’re planning on stopping over in one of the other cities listed above for a few days, I recommend you fly via Mexico City.

Huatulco Airport to the Hotel

Once you arrive in Huatulco airport, you’ve got a few options to get to Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa. You can rent a car, take a taxi, or book a private transfer.

I’ve gone through each of these below.

Rent a Car

If you’re staying for more than a day or two, I recommend that you rent a car at the airport. A lot of the attractions in Huatulco are at far-flung beaches, so having a rental car is the ideal way to get around.

Getting a car at the airport is very easy. You can book ahead and pick up your car in the arrivals hall of the terminal when you get off the plane.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

Take A Taxi

The simplest way to get from the airport to the hotel that requires absolutely no planning whatsoever is taking a taxi.

You’ll need to be able to tell the driver your destination and agree a price for the trip. The journey should cost you around 300 – 400 Mexican pesos (US$15 – US$20) and you’ll probably need to haggle to get the driver down into that range.

You’ll also need to make sure that you have Mexican pesos with you, as the driver may not accept US dollars and won’t take credit cards.

Book a Private Transfer

If you don’t want to rent a car but are looking for a little more privacy for the journey to the hotel, you can book a private transfer. A private transfer is also great if you have a large group.

The best way to do this is to reach out to the hotel. For an additional charge, they will arrange for a car to be waiting for you at the airport.

If you’d prefer to arrange the transfer yourself, you can use a platform like Viator. Prices start at around US$50 for a couple.

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Review Of Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa

Now that you know where it is that you’re going and all of the options that you have for getting there, let’s get into the review itself.

I’ve set out below a summary of the hotel, the rooms, hotel facilities, dining options and nearby attractions.

After that, I’ve given you a list of pros and cons of the hotel and given my personal view on whether you should book Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa for your trip.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Location

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is located in Tangolunda Bay, one of the nine coves in Bahías de Huatulco, Mexico.

The hotel was built in 1989 and was fully renovated in 2008. It is made up of several six-floor apartment buildings facing the ocean with a total of 421 rooms, most of which have an uninterrupted view of the ocean.

The hotel beach, Playa Tangolunda, is huge and you can walk from the hotel right down onto the sand. Beach umbrellas, sun lounges and towels are available for you, and the hotel also has a range of beach activities that you can enjoy during your stay.

2. Price

The price per room at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa starts at around US$430 per night for a couple, including all fees and taxes.

If those prices seem high, remember that Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive hotel, so you can get a lot of bang for your buck.

Discounted offers are available from time to time, so it is worth checking prices in advance of your travel dates to see if you can get yourself a deal.

Check out Booking.com for prices and availability on your travel dates, or use the search box below:

3. Rooms

There are 421 suites available at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa and they are divided into rooms with garden views, partial ocean views, full ocean views and with hot tubs.

Some of the types of rooms are only available if you upgrade to the Preferred Club, which also gives you additional access to certain areas of the hotel and includes a few other perks.

Connecting rooms are available, and cribs and rollaway beds can be provided free of charge if you need them.

You can read all about the different suites below.

Deluxe Room (tropical View)

The Deluxe Room (Tropical View) is a beautiful suite at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa that features a garden view from the terrace or balcony, depending on the floor of the room.

The room is generous at 409 sq. ft. and has a king-sized bed with luxury sheets and down duvets. You can exchange the king-sized bed for two double beds if you prefer.

You’ll find bathrobes, slippers, complimentary luxury toiletries and a hairdryer in the shower-only bathroom. You’ll also have access to a minibar, room safe, WiFi, satellite TV, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and tea & coffee facilities.

The Junior Suite Hot Tub starts at around US$430 per night for a couple as an all-inclusive package.

Deluxe Room (Tropical View) With Hot Tub

Similar to the Deluxe Room (Tropical View), the Deluxe Room (Tropical View) With Hot Tub also features a garden view but at 430 sq. ft is slightly larger than the deluxe room.

The room amenities are the same as those available in the Deluxe Room (Tropical View). You can also exchange the king-sized bed for two double beds if you prefer.

The Deluxe Room (Tropical View) With Hot Tub starts at around US$450 per night for a couple as an all-inclusive package.

Deluxe Room (Partial Ocean View)

The Deluxe Room (Partial Ocean View) features a partial view of the ocean and is also slightly larger than the Deluxe Room (Tropical View) at 430 sq. ft.

The room amenities are the same as those available in the Deluxe Room (Tropical View). You can also exchange the king-sized bed for two double beds if you prefer.

The Deluxe Room (Tropical View) With Hot Tub starts at around US$485 per night for a couple as an all-inclusive package.

Preferred Club Deluxe Ocean Front

The Preferred Club Deluxe Ocean Front is a spacious 430 sq. ft. and has a full ocean view from the balcony, and you also gain access to the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

As a Preferred Club guest, you will have access to the Preferred Club lounge, a daily continental breakfast service in the Preferred Club lounge, and a pillow menu to ensure maximum comfort during your stay.

The room amenities are the same as those available in the Deluxe Room (Tropical View), plus the additional Preferred Club upgraded amenities. If you prefer, you can also exchange the king-sized bed for two double beds.

The Preferred Club Deluxe Ocean Front starts at around US$550 per night for a couple as an all-inclusive package with the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

Preferred Club Junior Suite With Hot Tub

The Preferred Club Junior Suite With Hot Tub is an enormous 830 sq. ft. and has a full ocean view from the balcony, a beautiful hot tub, and you also gain access to the Preferred Club upgraded amenities described above.

The room amenities are the same as those available in the Deluxe Room (Tropical View), plus the additional Preferred Club upgraded amenities. If you prefer, you can also exchange the king-sized bed for two double beds.

The Preferred Club Deluxe Ocean Front starts at around US$850 per night for a couple as an all-inclusive package with the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

Preferred Club Presidential Suite

The Preferred Club Presidential Suite is the crème de la crème of Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa.

The Preferred Club Presidential Suite has a full ocean view from the balcony, a large living room that includes a bar, dining room table for eight, guest bathroom, and fully equipped kitchenette. You also gain access to the Preferred Club upgraded amenities described above.

The room amenities also include those available in the Deluxe Room (Tropical View) in addition to the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

The Preferred Club Presidential Suite starts at around US$2500 per night for a couple as an all-inclusive package with the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

4. Hotel Facilities

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa has an impressive selection of facilities, as you might expect from a high-end luxury all-inclusive hotel.

I’ve set out just a few of the best of these below.

Pool Areas

Dreams Huatulco has 6 pools within the hotel complex. There are family-friendly pools as well as adults-only options if you are keen to take a break from the laughing and shouting children.

The pools are very long and they all have ample sun loungers available, so you’ll never need to rush to get a place.

The highlight is the gorgeous key-shaped pool in front of the hotel complex leading down to the beach.

Health & Wellness

If you enjoy spa treatments, you can visit Dreams Huatulco’s onsite spa, Dreams Spa by Pevonia.

With the relaxing view of the Pacific Ocean as well as the scented candles and soothing ambience, the spa is designed to help you leave all of your burdens behind you.

Dreams Spa by Pevonia offers various types of massage and body treatments as well as facials, manicures and pedicures. There is also a full-service beauty salon, juice bar and private garden.

The facilities also include saunas and steam rooms, and there are private showers and locker areas where you can change when you’ve finished your treatments.

Beach Access

If you feel like swimming in the ocean instead of the pool, you can walk down past the pool area directly onto the sandy beach of Playa Tangolunda.

The cove, Bahía Tangolunda, of which the beach forms part is very sheltered, making it ideal for swimming. There are sun umbrellas on either side of the beach where you can set up camp in the shade.

Among many other activities, the hotel also has kayaks, surfboards, and snorkelling equipment available if you are interested in activities on the beach.

5. Restaurants & Bars

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa has six restaurants, two cafés and several bars.

Restaurants

The hotel’s six à la carte restaurants each serve a different international cuisine, so you can try out a few during your stay and see what takes your fancy.

Some of the restaurants may not be open if the hotel isn’t fully booked. If that is the case, there’ll be a different few restaurants open on each day of the week.

You should also bear in mind that there is a dress code, although it isn’t too difficult to get up to code. For “Casual Elegance”, men must wear long pants and sleeveless shirts and flip-flops aren’t allowed.

For “Casual”, the code is less strict, but sleeveless shirts are still a no-no and women will need to wear a towel or wrap over their bathing suits.

I’ve set out a few details on each of the six restaurants at the Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa below.

1. Himitsu

You can try a range of delicious Asian food from Japan, China and Thailand at Himitsu.

2. Seaside Grill

If you’re looking to get a great steak straight off the grill, you can try the Seaside Grill with its beautiful open-air ocean views.

3. Portofino

If you feel like Mediterranean, you can try a range of delicious Italian food at Portofino.

Bear in mind that this restaurant is adults-only.

4. Oceana

If you love seafood, Oceana should be on your list. You can enjoy the freshest fruits of the sea outside in the warm evening with the ocean breeze on your face.

5. El Patio

Last but not least is El Patio, where can you enjoy some of the wonderful Mexican food that you probably came to Mexico to try.

El Patio also has fantastic interior decoration to create the perfect atmosphere for your evening.

Cafés

The hotel has great two cafés where you can enjoy breakfast each morning.

I’ve set out a few details of each of them below.

World Café

You’ll find by far the widest selection for breakfast at World Café, so you’ll want to go there most mornings.

You can also return later in the day for a buffet lunch or even dinner.

Coco Café

If you’re only looking for something light for breakfast, you can go to Coco Café rather than World Café.

Coco Café is also open for snacks after dinner or before you head over to one of the hotel’s great bars and lounges.

Bars and Lounges

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa also has a range of great bars and lounges including Desires Music Lounge, pictured above.

If you’re looking for a nice evening in the sea air, I would recommend you try Barracuda Bar, which has an ocean-front and serves great cocktails.

6. Reviews

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa has a rating of 8.2 out of 10 from over 150 reviews. The story that the reviews tell is that most people love this hotel, with a few people having highlighted points for improvement.

Many of the lower-rated reviews concern misunderstandings in relation to dress codes at the restaurants, or that not all of the restaurants are open at all times unless the hotel is full.

Some of the lower-rated reviews point out that they had some issues with facilities. Hotels ordinarily need refurbishment every 25 to 30 years. On that basis, Dreams Huatulco is still a ways off needing a full renovation, but there may be the odd area that requires work.

Although the hotel does have some reviews from guests pointing out areas that needed addressing, most of the reviews are still excellent and rate the hotel as 8 out of 10 or better.

7. Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00pm, and check-out is before noon.

Late check-out may be available, but you should contact the hotel to confirm if you think you will arrive outside the ordinary check-in hours.

8. Pet-Friendly

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is pet-friendly although you should confirm that you will be bringing your pet when you reserve your room.

9. Family-Friendly

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is a very family-friendly hotel.

The hotel has a dedicated group called the “Explorers’ Club” that entertain children from ages 3 to 12 from 9:00am to 10:00pm. The group does lots of activities, including camping on the beach, treasure hunts, sandcastle competitions and arts and crafts.

Parents will receive beepers and the group is fully supervised at all times. A separate babysitting service is also available for an additional fee if required.

If you need to have a cot brought up to your room, or you need a rollaway bed for an older child, both can be provided free of charge.

10. Nearby Attractions

Huatulco is full of interesting things to do and beautiful beaches to explore, and you can easily reach them with your rental car or by taxi from Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa.

I’ve set out a few below that I recommend you put on your shortlist. Don’t forget your sunhat, suncream, and a bottle of water, particularly if you’re exploring in the summer sun.

Sea Turtle Release

If you haven’t experienced a sea turtle release, I recommend doing one while you’re staying at Dreams Huatulco.

The Oaxaca coastline is a breeding ground for four of the seven varieties of sea turtles in the world. Some of those turtles species are endangered, and in and around Oaxaca there are non-profit organisations that try to support them.

Part of that work is incubating the eggs laid by the adult female turtles and helping the babies into the ocean after they hatch.

For a fee, you can participate in a sea turtle release and watch them flapping their cute leathery little way down the beach and into the ocean.

The closest place to do a sea turtle release is at La Escobilla in Huatulco. You can also join a tour in Huatulco if you’d like a guide or just like to do it as part of a day tour.

Huatulco Boat Tours

I would also recommend doing a boat tour of the beautiful Huatulco bays.

Huatulco is actually called “Bahías de Huatulco”, meaning bays of Huatulco, which is a reference to its large number of coves. Many of these coves are difficult to access from the road and are rarely visited as a result.

Taking a boat tour is a great way to take in all of Huatulco’s beauty in a day, and if you’re lucky you may also see some of the dolphins, manta rays or even whales that live in the region as well.

Viator offers a number of different boat tours that you can book.

Visit Santa Cruz Huatulco

A visit to Santa Cruz Huatulco is also worth doing. It’s only 5 miles away, and you can reach it in a taxi or in your rental car in about 15 minutes.

Santa Cruz Huatulco opens directly on to Playa Santa Cruz, which is a cute little sheltered beach where a few of the cruise ship lines stop alongside the long pier.

You can have lunch as one of the many restaurants in the town center and also explore a few of the more secluded beaches nearby like Playa el Violín and Playa La Entrega.

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: Pros and Cons

To pull all of the information above together for you, I’ve set out below the pros and cons of Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa as I see them.

Pros

Pros are very easy here, because there are lots of them.

Unlimited Luxury

Personally, I love all-inclusive resorts. They always strike me as better value for money, and it helps you keep the costs of your trip under control.

The “Unlimited Luxury” concept is the all-inclusive package at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa, and it’s basically all-inclusive plus.

While most all-inclusive packages have limitations, such as excluding alcohol, with few exceptions, unlimited luxury means what it says.

You can drink everything in the minibar, eat and drink at any of the restaurants, and be pampered at the spa, all within the all-inclusive package.

Huge Range of restaurants and Bars

The hotel has six restaurants, two cafés and several bars and lounges that you can choose from during your stay.

Even if you try a different one on every night that you stay, you’d need to be a guest for a very long time before you start to get bored with the options available.

Pool Area & Beach Access

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa has a six different pool areas where you can find a private place even amongst the large number of guests.

The pool area is loaded with sun lounges and you can get a cocktail from the nearby poolside bars.

The hotel also has direct access to the beach and has an exclusive area with sun loungers and sun umbrellas where you can relax and work on your tan.

Cons

There are a few cons to Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa, although some of these are inevitable given the size and style of the hotel.

Price

The starting price of US$430 per night for a couple is quite high. It’s comparable with the price of mid- to high-end hotels in major US cities, although most city hotels won’t have the amenities of Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa.

You do have to take into account that the price is for an all-inclusive package. Let’s not sugar-coat it, though. At US$430 per night for a couple, and even taking into account that it’s all-inclusive, your wallet will still feel the beating.

But as you and I know, you get what you pay for in life. Yes, Dreams Huatulco is expensive, but you do get a lot. If you see value in what they offer, then it’s worth it provided that you can afford it.

Large Complex

In a hotel complex as large as Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa, you won’t be able to completely escape the other guests. That comes with a resort of this size, though, and I think the design actually does a lot to provide you with privacy despite the number of people nearby.

The size and sheer number of restaurants and bars means that you’re unlikely to really feel like anything is ever crowded. The beach and the pool areas are both huge, so you’ll be able to find your own space there too.

But if you’re looking for somewhere were you can really cut yourself off from humanity for a few days, you’re probably better off trying to find a boutique hotel instead.

Language Difficulty

You may find that some of the staff are unable to speak English with you, especially those of the staff not working at reception or in the restaurants or bars.

Clearly, you’re in southern Mexico and English isn’t a language that many people there use often, so it’s understandable. In a hotel of the size of Dreams Huatulco, requiring all staff to have an excellent level of English-speaking ability just isn’t viable.

On top of that, the hotel’s staff are consistently reviewed as being extremely friendly and attentive, so the language barrier won’t result in a lack of service.

Just bear it in mind, and maybe use it as a good opportunity to brush up on your Spanish!

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

My Personal View

I think all-inclusive hotels are great value for money, and Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is a great option if you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive hotel in a beautiful location.

I’d especially recommend it if you’re travelling with children, as the entertainment offering is fantastic and the hotel also provides cots and additional beds for children free of charge.

The price point is by no means low, but the all-inclusive package means that you can get quite a bit of bang for your buck. It’s a great option if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in the hotel.

If you’re travelling as a couple and you’re looking for a romantic trip away, you may want to also consider the hotel’s nearby sister hotel, Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa. It’s all-inclusive like Dreams Huatulco, but it’s adults-only, which I think you might enjoy more if you’re on a romantic getaway.

Provided that it’s in your price range, I think Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is a great luxury all-inclusive hotel in Huatulco. Particularly if you’re travelling with young children, this hotel should definitely be on your shortlist of candidates.

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Just in case you still have a few questions that I haven’t covered, I’ve set out some responses to a few frequently asked questions about Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa below.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa?

The best time to visit is during the high season (December to April) because the weather is cooler and there is little or no rain.

However, it’s also likely to be more expensive during the high season, so if you’re on a budget and can put up with a little rain, the low season is also a good option.

Is It Safe To Visit Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Absolutely. Huatulco is safer than many major US cities. You’ll have no troubles when you explore Huatulco provided you take basic precautions.

You’ll also have access to a room safe so that you can store your belongings when you’re not in the room.

Read more about crime statistics and how to stay safe in Huatulco here.

What’s The Closest Airport To Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Huatulco International Airport (HUX) is the closest airport, and is about 15 miles away.

You can reach the hotel by booking a private transfer, taking a taxi or renting a car.

How many rooms are there at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa?

There are 421 rooms available at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa.

What is the Nearest Town to Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa?

The nearest town is La Crucecita, which is the principal town in Huatulco. Santa Cruz Huatulco is at the southern end of La Crucecita.

La Crucecita is about 6 miles from the hotel and it will take about 15 minutes in a taxi to reach it.

Why Is Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa Special?

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is special because it is a highly-rated all-inclusive luxury hotel in a beautiful location with a fantastic range of bars and restaurants.

With the possible exceptions of Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa and Hotel Las Brisas Huatulco, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better luxury hotel in Huatulco.

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you now have all the information that you need to decide whether Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is the hotel for you.

As far as all-inclusive hotels go, provided the hotel is in your price range, I think it is genuinely hard to go past when you take into account its beautiful location and the variety of amenities available.

If you want to book, you can get the current prices and availability on your dates at Booking.com.

If you want to check prices of car rentals at Huatulco airport, you can check out DiscoverCars.com.

Enjoy your stay!