This is one of the newest openings for the Dreams Resorts brand. Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort opened last year and is the first international brand resort for the destination. As a result, it is bringing new attention to the region as well as adding jobs and encouraging other resorts to up their game. Dreams is part of the World of Hyatt program and its growing collection of all-inclusive resorts. Members can earn and redeem their points for a stay here. These are our favorite reasons for why this is the perfect family vacation destination.
The pools
This resort is on a strikingly beautiful, and otherwise deserted, stretch of beach. The Pacific Ocean sunsets or a frolic in the waves is all yours as there are rarely any other people in the areas. While the beach is a stunner, the pools get most of the attention.
You’ll find an enormous infinity-edge pool with swim-up bar, a separate pool just behind it and a lazy river that winds around the area. Guests can borrow floats to enjoy the pool as you meander through caves and around the enormous water slides. Both adults and kids wait their turn to go down the enormous slides. The reward at the bottom is a visit to one of the snack bars for a drink or ice cream.
Preferred Club guests (an upgraded club level tier) have their own pool tucked around the edge of the resort for a quieter atmosphere. It also has a swim-up bar and infinity edge for enjoying the sunset. This pool is an adults-only space.
The rooms
These accommodations were designed with relaxation in mind, and they are huge. King or paired queen beds, a large sofa and plentiful storage are all in place. I particularly liked the butler’s pantry door, where room service can deliver or collect trays without having to knock on the door. What a clever detail for those that want to relax.
Ceiling fans supplement the air conditioning, and all rooms come with complimentary minibars. Preferred Club rooms have upgraded drinks and snacks, plus access to a club lounge. There, they can enjoy an elevated drink selection, enjoy all-day munchies or relax during the day.
Pharmacopia toiletries in the bathrooms are a Hyatt staple and come in eco-friendly pump bottles. There is a wide range of other perks, too, like dental kits. The showers are enormous and have excellent pressure. The best feature of the bathrooms is that they have sliding panels that open to the room. You can enjoy the view of the Pacific while getting ready.
All rooms here face the ocean although those on the ground floor don’t have the same panoramas. What they do have, however, is the option for a swimout pool directly from their terrace. This space is only for guests in this popular room category. All other rooms have a balcony with comfy seating, and Preferred Club balconies have a soaking tub on the terrace.
The spa
This is the biggest and most modern spa in the Dreams collection of resorts. And its attention to detail shows. The menu focus on total wellness escapes, not just massage and beauty treatments. There is a hydrotherapy circuit where you can meander between a series of different massaging jet water features and temperatures. The circuit is complimentary for guests staying at least four nights.
Men’s and women’s relaxation areas include sauna and steam facilities, lounges with snacks and showers. After a treatment, guests are led to a moving art relaxation space with large screens displaying marine life swimming in the ocean. Trickling fountains, low lighting and healthy teas or chlorophyll drinks are a great way to wind down after a treatment.
The dining
Let’s face it, that’s one of the main reasons people come to an all-inclusive. Food is a key focus here, and the quality of what is offered is impressive. There is a huge concentration of Mexican options, which I loved. We’re talking authentic and delicious with every imaginable salsa. This is, in part, because Mazatlán is very popular with Mexican vacationers. For cities like Monterrey and the surrounding region, this is the closest beach.
World Cafe has an impressive breakfast and lunch buffet. My favorites were the made-to-order smoothies and omelets, but also the Mexican breakfast station. They would make tamales, tacos and chilaquiles to order. I was able to try different dishes that are native to Sinaloa, the state where Mazatlán sits. The staff is excellent and so friendly (thanks for all the coffee, Arturo!).
In addition, there are all-day pool cafes for pizzas, sandwiches and burgers plus another option where fresh seafood is the star. A 24-hour coffee shop has sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit plus barista coffee. Kids will love the ice cream shop near the pool, too.
Specialty restaurants open for dinner, but reservations are not needed. You can eat at any or all of them as much as you want, there is no limit. They include El Patio (my favorite) for authentic Mexican, a Mediterranean-Asian fusion restaurant for sushi and poke bowls, and the most elegant: Portofino. Its Italian menu is served atop white table cloths or on the patio. Guests can also opt for an upgrade to dine in a private wine cellar with a bespoke chef menu.
The activities
Parents can enjoy the spa or explore the area off-property while their kids take advantage of the free, supervised kids club. There is a separate club for teenagers with games in a disco-style space. As part of the Estrella del Mar development, there is also a golf course that draws in a lot of international players.
Meeting and event space is also plentiful with a large conference center and outdoor garden space for receptions and weddings.
During my stay, there was a Mexican festival with live music and regional buffet offered one evening. These types of events take place regularly and are part of the long schedule of daily activities. One day, I saw a member of staff taking a falcon around so that kids and their parents could snap photos with it. What I, thankfully, didn’t see were loud pool dance sessions and activities like you might find at cheaper all-inclusives. Dreams offers a more refined resort vibe.
There was also a beach party one evening during my visit with a DJ and food. With so much to do, it can be hard to decide where to start. Personally, relaxing in the ocean-facing lobby at sunset is the most special. It’s a beautiful space with an ever-present breeze, its own bar and one of the best elevated views of the ocean.
