Escape to Paradise: Dreams® Las Mareas - All-Inclusive Luxury Awaits!
Dreams Las Mareas: Paradise Found (Or Maybe Just Almost!) - A Rant-Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Dreams Las Mareas in Costa Rica. Forget those perfectly polished travel brochures; this is the real deal, warts and all. I'm talking messy, honest, and probably a little too much information. You came for a review? You're getting a therapy session seasoned with sunshine and salty margaritas.
First Impressions: The Arrival Gauntlet (and the Accessibility Angle)
Landing in paradise sounds glamorous, doesn't it? It's mostly true. Guanacaste airport is… well, it's an airport. The transfer to Dreams was smooth, thankfully. Now, the accessibility part is crucial (and, let's be honest, where I'm most critical). Accessibility is listed as a strength, and while they do have facilities for disabled guests, it's not flawlessly executed. Ramps are present, the elevators are (thankfully) functioning, and they try to accommodate. BUT, and this is a big but, some areas felt a little…challenging. The uneven paths around the resort could be tricky for those using wheelchairs or with mobility issues. So, if you need pristine accessibility, inquire specifically about room location and path navigability before you book. Don't assume, like I (almost) did!
Rooms: Sanctuary (Potentially with a View of a… Tree?)
We landed in a perfectly acceptable room. Let's be real, the rooms are definitely a "pro". Air conditioning that actually WORKS? Check. Mini bar (stocked with water, which is my lifeline)? Another check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Oh, hallelujah! My Instagram addiction can breathe a sigh of relief. But here’s where it gets a little… subjective. The description promised a "partial ocean view." My “partial” view involved a majestic, but ultimately distracting, tree. It was beautiful, but not exactly what I expected. I had Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless so I was happy to work from the room. They offer bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea, which is a nice touch. The separate shower/bathtub was great.
The Pandemic Paradox: Cleanliness, Safety, and the Existential Dread of a Shared Spoon
Let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. Dreams Las Mareas takes it SERIOUSLY. And I appreciate it, I really do. They claim to use Anti-viral cleaning products, and the staff is clearly trained in safety protocol. The resort boasts Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. They offer a Room sanitization opt-out available, in case you're a biohazard denier, I guess? They have hand sanitizer readily available, and the staff always wore masks. Cashless payment service is encouraged. Honestly, it made me feel safe, but I also developed a bit of a germaphobe twitch. The food preparation is very good, it's cleaned it's Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
One thing that did make me laugh, and I'm not sure why, was the Shared stationery removed. I mean, who was really sharing stationery in 2024?! It was the little things: the individually wrapped salt packets, that made me feel safe and paranoid at the same time.
Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food:
Okay, let's talk about the all-inclusive part. It's a lot. There's a Breakfast [buffet] that's an absolute beast. So much food. So many croissants. (I ate too many croissants). There's a Breakfast takeaway service which honestly saved me a couple of times. They have multiple Restaurants, with A la carte in restaurants, Asian, International, and Western cuisine. There's Desserts in restaurant which is a plus. There's also a Poolside bar and a snack bar. Coffee/tea in restaurant is readily available. The Happy hour is…well, happy. Drinks were flowing, and the atmosphere was lively. Room service is 24-hour so you can order Breakfast in room at any time!
The variety is impressive. The quality? Well, it's what you'd expect for an all-inclusive: sometimes amazing, sometimes…meh. I loved the Soup in restaurant, and the Salad in restaurant was always fresh. I wish the Asian cuisine in restaurant would have had more options. I appreciated the Vegetarian restaurant too. They even offer an Alternative meal arrangement, which is good if you are a picky eater (like me).
BUT – and this is a big "but" – I had a slightly traumatic experience at the… "Italian" restaurant. I ordered pasta, which, let's be clear, shouldn't be that difficult. It arrived… covered in a sauce that tasted suspiciously like… ketchup. The waiter looked at me with a mixture of horror and pity. I sent it back. The replacement was… well, let’s just say I stuck to the tacos after that.
Ways to Relax (and Possibly Lose All Sense of Time):
Okay, here's where Dreams really shines. This place is designed for relaxation. Swimming pool [outdoor] is the centerpiece. But it’s not just one pool, it’s like, five pools, cascading down to the ocean. Pool with view is perfection. Seriously, the view from the infinity pool is breathtaking. The Spa is dreamy, very luxurious. The Spa/sauna and Steamroom were incredibly relaxing. I got a Body scrub and a Massage – pure bliss. I could have stayed in the Fitness center was well equipped; I even used the Gym/fitness. The Foot bath was pretty great. I could easily have gotten lost for days in the wellness zone. Getting a tan and swimming in the pool is what I do every day to relax.
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Drink Your Weight in Margaritas):
You're not just stuck by the pool (thank goodness!). They have a surprising amount of stuff to do. There’s a Fitness center, that’s well equipped. You can book excursions, water sports, and various activities. And if you're feeling particularly ambitious, they have a Bicycle parking, though not sure I was feeling that ambitious during my trip.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier):
They've got the basics covered: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, and even a Doorman. The Elevator is a godsend, especially after a few too many cocktails. There's a Convenience store, Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange which came in handy. They have a Laundry service and Dry cleaning, which felt a bit over the top, but whatever. The Meeting/banquet facilities are available. They also have Business facilities with a Xerox/fax in business center, if you really have to do work. They also have a Gift/souvenir shop.
For the Kids (Godspeed, Parents):
They are Family/child friendly, no question about it. I didn't have kids with me, but I saw plenty of families having a blast. There are Kids facilities and they have a Babysitting service, which is basically a holiday game changer.
The Verdict: Book it? Maybe?
Okay, so here's the deal:. If you're looking for pure, unadulterated relaxation, with a dash of adventure and a generous helping of margaritas, Dreams Las Mareas is worth considering. It's not perfect, there are a few hiccups here and there, but the overall experience is positive, with a high level of service. Especially for people who like to relax, there is a lot to do.
My Offer:
Book your escape to Paradise: Dreams® Las Mareas NOW and get:
- Exclusive Early Bird Discount: Save 15% on your booking if you book within the next 7 days!
- FREE Upgrade: Enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a room with a better view (subject to availability - cross those fingers, folks!).
- Complimentary Romantic Dinner: Enjoy a special dinner for two on the beach (wine included!).
- Bonus: Access to our special concierge services, which is really helpful to plan activities!
This is my official review, so click the link below to book your escape today!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated, Instagram-filtered travel log. This is me, raw and unfiltered, diving headfirst into the Costa Rican jungle at Dreams Las Mareas. Let's see if I survive… and if I can remember any of it!
Dreams Las Mareas: Costa Rica - The "I Need This" Itinerary (with a healthy dose of "Please Don't Judge Me")
Day 1: Arrival - Paradise Found? (Or Just Really, Really Tired?)
- 6:00 AM: "WAKE UP, YOU FOOL!" (My internal monologue at the airport, pre-coffee.) Flight from wherever-I-flew-from to Liberia, Costa Rica. Plane ride felt like actual torture. I swear the guy next to me snored in harmonized key. I'm not even sure how that's possible.
- 11:00 AM (Costa Rica Time): Landed! Hallelujah! Humidity hits you like a warm, wet, delicious slap in the face. Airport customs: smooth sailing, thankfully. Didn't get detained, wasn't interrogated, SUCCESS!
- 12:00 PM: Transfer to Dreams Las Mareas. The drive… oh, the drive. Lush greenery, winding roads, the promise of adventure…and car sickness for me, obviously. By the time we arrived, I was green around the gills and questioning every life choice.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. Absolutely stunning hotel. The lobby smells like fresh flowers and pure, unadulterated vacation. Immediate thought: "I could get used to this." (Followed by: "Where. Is. The. Bar?")
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. The buffet. Oh, the buffet! Food coma incoming. Tried a little bit of everything. Possibly too much. Regret level: mild. The ceviche, though… chef's kiss.
- 3:30 PM: Finally, the room! Ocean view. Majestic. I practically wept. This is how the other half lives, folks. Dropped the bags, ripped off my travel clothes, and practically dove onto the bed. Okay, actually dove.
- 4:00 PM: Pool time. First dip. Bliss. Floating in the turquoise water, sun on my face, a fruity cocktail in hand…This IS heaven. Except that one kid kept cannonballing right beside me. eye roll
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Seaside Grill. Steak. Needed that steak. Maybe another cocktail. Definitely another cocktail. The waiter had a fantastic sense of humor, which I desperately needed after being bombarded by a cannonballer.
- 9:00 PM: Stumbled back to the room. Slept like a log. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
Day 2: Adventure Time! (And Possibly a Few Tears)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up to the sound of - is that… monkeys?! They were! Monkeys in the trees right outside my balcony! I nearly lost it. Took about a thousand pictures (most of them blurry).
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the buffet. This time, I paced myself. Mostly.
- 9:00 AM: Planned Excursion: Palo Verde Boat Tour! A chance to see crocodiles and other wildlife! I was ecstatic.
- 10:00 AM: Arrived at the launch point after driving for 2 hours. Scenic drive! The scenery was unreal; lush green hills and rivers and all sorts of amazing stuff.
- 11:00 AM: Embark on the boat! The guide warned us to keep our hands inside the boat at all times. Yeah, yeah…
- 11:15 AM: Crocodiles! Huge ones! One came right up next to the boat. I screamed internally. My friend screamed out loud. Good bonding experience, at least.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on the boat (delicious but maybe also a bit more than my stomach could handle). Saw some amazing birds and other wildlife. It was beautiful and so surreal. The river smelled a bit funky, to be honest, but I tried to ignore it.
- 1:30 PM: Head back to the hotel.
- 3:00 PM: Pool time. (Less cannonballer action today. Thank the gods!)
- 4:00 PM: Attempted to explore the resort… and got utterly, completely lost. Ended up wandering around for a solid hour, feeling like a total idiot. Found a bar eventually. Thank goodness.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Himitsu (Asian cuisine). Delicious. Drank so much sake. Regret level: High, but worth it. It was a good time.
- 9:00 PM: Live music at the lobby bar. Bad dancing happened. Loud laughter happened. Good memories probably happened. I don't remember much after the first round.
Day 3: Beach Bliss and Spa Serenity (Mostly)
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! (Yay!) Woke up feeling slightly the worse for wear, but in good spirits.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast. Light! (Ha!) Tried the fresh fruit. Amazing.
- 11:00 AM: Beach time! The sand is so soft. The ocean is so blue. I'm pretty sure I could live on this beach forever.
- 12:00 PM: Snorkeled and saw some incredibly colorful fish! (Almost forgot about my hangover.) Tried to take underwater photos, but my phone wasn't cooperating.
- 1:00 PM: Beachside lunch. More ceviche. More cocktails. (Is this a pattern?)
- 2:30 PM: Spa day! (Finally!) Massage. Facial. I felt like a new person. Seriously. The best massage of my life. I think I actually fell asleep on the table and snored, I am ashamed to admit.
- 4:00 PM: More pool time. This time, I was ready for those cannonballers.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Italian place. Pizza. Pasta. Carbs. Lots of carbs.
- 8:00 PM: Watched a movie on the beach. Romantic! Enjoyed some time relaxing.
Day 4: Goodbye, Costa Rica (Sobbing Internally)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Trying to savor every last bite. This is the bittersweet part!
- 9:00 AM: Packing. The worst part of any trip.
- 10:00 AM: One last dip in the pool. One last moment of pure bliss.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Tears. Actual tears. I didn't want it to end.
- 12:00 PM: Transfer to the airport. The drive felt like a lifetime.
- 1:00 PM: Airport. Goodbye, paradise. Goodbye, monkeys. Goodbye, ceviche.
- Flight: Long plane ride home. Counting down the days until I can come back. Definitely.
In Conclusion:
Costa Rica, you were amazing. Dreams Las Mareas, you were heaven. I ate too much, drank too much, laughed a whole lot, maybe cried a little, and made memories I will cherish forever. I'm already planning my return. Pura Vida! (And yes, I'm still slightly hungover.)
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Escape to Paradise: Dreams® Las Mareas - Your Questions (and My Rambles) Answered!
Okay, okay… so, is it *really* "all-inclusive luxury" or more… all-inclusive-ish? Because, you know, the internet lies. A LOT.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. The "all-inclusive luxury" label… well, it's mostly true. But let's be real, nothing's PERFECT. I went hoping for a week of being pampered, and mostly, I got it. The food? Generally fantastic. Plenty of options. The drinks? Flowed freely, which after some of the stresses I've been dealing with... needed. (My therapist would approve... probably). Premium liquors? Available, but some were "extra." Like, "ask for the good stuff" extra.
The service? SPOTTY. Some staff were absolute angels, remember my name, had my iced coffee waiting before I even woke up. Others? Bless their hearts, they seemed a little… overwhelmed. You'll find yourself waiting a bit here and there. But hey, you're on vacation! Learn to embrace the chill. And bring spare sunscreen. I ran out and the gift shop prices... oy vey!
What about the rooms? Pictures NEVER tell the whole story... are they *actually* nice? Or did I just see a heavily filtered photo of someone's dusty closet?
Okay, the rooms are generally pretty darn good. I booked a "Preferred Club Whatever" and honestly, it was worth it for the private pool access and the extra perks. (Free snacks! All the time!). My room? Spacious, clean, gorgeous view. My one gripe? The shower pressure could have been… more forceful. Like, I needed a bit more *umph* to wash away the stress of everyday life. Minor, really. But hey, I'm a shower-person, judge me! The bed? Heavenly. I slept like a log, which is a huge win for me. After a week of not sleeping well, I was so happy I could sleep!
Food! The most crucial thing. What's the grub situation? Any standouts? Any regrets? (Besides, ya know, that questionable late-night taco I once ate...)
Food, glorious food! Okay, so let's be honest, all-inclusives can be hit-or-miss. But Dreams Las Mareas? Generally a hit. You've got your standard buffet for breakfast and lunch (and it was good! Fresh, varied. The fruit! The mangoes were AMAZING. I could have eaten myself sick, and almost did). The a la carte restaurants were where it's at.
Standouts: The French place (Bordeaux) was FANTASTIC. Beef tenderloin cooked to perfection! I almost cried from the sheer deliciousness. The Italian place (Portofino) was also great. But the Hibachi restaurant (Himitsu)... Oh, the drama! Oh, the show! Oh, the food! I even forgave the rice being cooked in a heart shape - which is usually too much for me. I could have stayed all night, just watching the chef's tricks.
Regrets: I tried the "seafood" restaurant one night… and it was a little… meh. Definitely not worth the wait. Stick to the sure things. Don't risk it when you're hungry.
The beach! Is it actually beachy? Or more like… "pebbly with questionable seaweed?"
The beach is beautiful! Let's be clear, it's not the pristine, Instagram-perfect sand you see in *some* places. It's a bit more… wild. Some seaweed, yes, depending on the tides. But the water is warm, the waves are gentle, and the sunsets are absolutely breathtaking. I spent hours just lounging on a beach chair, staring at the ocean, and pretending the world didn't exist. (Major win). Be warned though, the sand *can* get hot! Shoes are your friend.
Pools? How many? Are they crowded? Do I need to fight for a sun lounger like some kind of vacation gladiator?
Plenty of pools! The main pool area, yes, can get a little crowded. But if you're in the Preferred Club, you get access to a quieter pool (with a swim-up bar! Bless!). Even in the main pool, though, I didn't have too much trouble finding a lounger. Perhaps because I went, you know, *early*. Because I, frankly, hate fighting for a chair. It's just not how I want to spend my vacation. There's a pool for everyone (including a kids' pool, naturally) the problem? It can get a little… noisy. But hey, it is a resort.
What about the activities? Are there things to do besides… you know… drink and eat? (Although, I'm not complaining about that.)
Oh, there's stuff! If you want it. Honestly? I spent most of my time drinking and eating. BUT! They have daily activities like water aerobics (nope), volleyball (definitely nope), and trivia (maybe, if I felt like it). There's a casino if you're feeling lucky (I wasn't). They also have shows at night, which are… well, they're there. Some were better than others. The fire show was pretty cool, though. I dabbled. But mostly, I just wanted to relax. That's the beauty of it; you can choose your level of engagement.
The Spa! Is it worth it? Because spa days are expensive, and I'm skeptical.
Okay, the spa... yes. My shoulders were so tight from stress coming into the trip, it was like having wooden planks for shoulders. I splurged on a massage. It was HEAVENLY. Like, "melt away all your cares" heavenly. Did it cost a pretty penny? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I emerged feeling like a new person. I walked out feeling like I could conquer the world. Or at least, the buffet. Highly recommend. Book in advance, though. They book up fast!
Speaking of conquering, the staff. What's the general vibe? Friendly? Annoying? Pretending to be friendly?
Generally friendly! Look, you're going to encounter some people who are just… doing their job. But most of the staff were genuinely lovely. Smiling, helpful. Everyone seemed to be trying their best. Tip them! They work HARD. And a little kindness goes a long way. I encountered some people who were just… grumpy and demanding. Don't be that person. Be nice. Relax. It's vacation!
Okay, the big question: Would you go back? Honestly. Bluntly. After all the drinks and delicious meals, wouldHotel Finder Reviews
