From the moment you turn into the Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, you feel as if you truly are entering a dream and realize just why this stunning resort received its name. From the lush tropical foliage hanging like extravagant natural curtains around you, to the traditional historic sun kissed architecture, everywhere you look is gorgeous. Compared to other all inclusive resorts, Dreams Tulum provides the luxuriously lavish, but also serves up an authentic taste of Mexican culture. From the kind and hospitable people who ensure you are entranced and engrossed in your elegant stay, to the myriad of luxurious opportunities within the resort, Dreams Resort Tulum is waiting for you.
Getting There
The quaint city of Tulum rests about 70 miles from the Cancun airport. Compared to the more touristy flair of Cancun, equally beautiful beaches and more local charm wait for you about an hour away. There are several options to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum. Private cars, taxis and buses are all waiting and many are based at the airport. Pre-arranging a ride can save you time and money. Sun Transfers was an easy, affordable, efficient and friendly option for us. Their vans accommodate a range of riders (depending on your group size) and we were transported both ways by charming locals who provided quality travel tips, advice and (our favorite) authentic stories.
Checking In
Dreams Tulum works with all-inclusive members and many other guests from around the world. We enjoyed checking in with the wonderful front desk staff who made sure we knew the lay of the grounds, the events and the amenities available to us. Be sure to check the events calendar to keep up with the classes, bands and shows available on the property.
The Room
The highlight of our stay was our gorgeous room. It wasn’t the massive jet-filled bathtub, the dreamily soft king size bed, or the overall cleanliness of the place, but the “swim-out” feature that stole our hearts. We had a quaint patio (complete with a silky white hammock) that opened right up to a courtyard shared with other swim-out rooms. This perimeter of this entire square courtyard was a pool. Like a romantic, modern day moat, the swim-out room let us jump from the bed to the water in seconds. Our room felt private, but we also felt connected to the resort. A glass of champagne in the swim out after long afternoon siesta was a common pastime of our Dreams Tulum adventure.
Where to Eat
There are six beautiful restaurants waiting for you at Dreams. From the casual poolside service to fine elegant French dining, there is a taste for every palette. The beauty of all-inclusive resorts is the ability to try them all (guilt-free). Our favorite restaurant was Portofino. This fine Italian eatery blew us away with melt-in-your-mouth Osso Bucco and the well advised recommendations from our charming server.
Be sure to make a reservation at the restaurants, particularly if it’s the busy season, as the best seats go quickly! Each restaurant also has an attire advisory. Basically trousers must be worn by men, so better leave those board shorts in your room. Skirts and dresses are advised for the ladies. Check with the front desk if you have any questions about particular restaurants. Depending on your budget, a private dinner on the beach is also a romantic option offered by the thoughtful Dreams staff. The room service is also a treat! With a room so beautiful, and room service to boot, it’s a wonder we never left our private sanctuary.
What to Do at the Resort
Within the resorts, there are countless opportunities for adventure and for relaxation. Our time was romantic, relaxed and rejuvenating. We sipped on complimentary drinks at the pool, watched the sunset in the pristine ocean, and walked along the beach for hours. Boats and snorkeling gear is available from the beach as well.
The resort has many events planned. At one point we found ourselves dancing to a live band, and the next we were in a foam party at the pool. Whether you are looking to relax, adventure or create memories, the resort provides plenty of options for all.
The Tulum Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are beautifully preserved and harken back to the centuries old port town the Mayans used to trade turquoise and jade. just a 15 minute taxi ride away from Dreams which can be arranged by the outstanding Dreams Tulum concierge. The ruins are free for Mexican residents, and a small fee for international visitors. While we were waiting in line (not for too long), monkeys were jumping around, unphased by the influx of visitors to their beautiful ancient home. Iguanas were tip toeing across the roof of the restrooms as all different languages were spoken by visitors below. A stunning blend of ancient civilizations, curious creatures and candid characters let us know we were in for a special treat.
There are tours available and a beautiful beach just underneath the ruins (be aware this beach fills up quick). We wandered around the ruins ourselves, reading signs and snapping pics. The ruins are beautiful and their aged ancient contrast with the fresh blue Mexican sky is stunning. Keep an eye out for sneaky lizards watching over the ruins as they blend into the warm rocks throughout the area.
When you exit the ruins, an equally exciting adventure awaits. Follow the path of the exit towards the beach, and towards the town of Tulum for more excitement.
Tulum the Town
The town of Tulum is filled with locals, yoga lovers, boutique hotels and more. There is a gorgeous beach lining the town of Tulum of quick 15 minute walk away from the ruins. Walk down the covered trail to the left of the beach where you can get lunch. My adventure partner and I enjoyed a corona and lime at a barefoot snackbar while palm trees shaded our care-free countenances (seriously, can a day get more perfect?!).
We walked down the beach, swimming when we felt like it, and enjoying the local bars and music. Locals enjoying their time with their families, couples kissing in the sand, and fun spots invited you in with delicious smells and goods will leave you wanted to return. We even passed a picturesque beach campsite which definitely may have to be added to our bucket list.
We also couldn’t resist sharing Aisle Perfect’s post with beautiful photos of Tulum. Can’t you see how everyone is falling in love with this place?
Adventure Parks and Cenotes
The coast from Cancun to Tulum is also stocked full of adventure parks. These are basically adventure resorts filled with everything from ziplines to diving in underwater caves (cenotes). Xel-Ha and Xplor are popular parks near the resort! There are a myriad of mammoth parks filled with adventure for the whole family or just for you! Discuss possible deals with the Dreams concierge to plan a day of adventure you won’t forget anytime soon.
As far as Cenotes go, if you are a licensed scuba diver, be sure to check out diving and snorkeling. We wanted to go scuba diving but ended up having too much congestion which is a no-go as far as diving is concerned. We loved reading this fantastic blog post ranking the best cenotes in Mexico, many of which are around Tulum!
Honeymooning
We saw several couples tying the knot on the stunning beaches outside of Dreams Tulum resort. What a gorgeous place to begin the next chapter in life. Although, we didn’t honeymoon here, the attention to detail paid to us by the staff places no doubt in my mind that this would be an excellent place to stay.
If you are looking for relaxation, comfort and a stunningly charming and authentic place to begin your marriage, Dreams Tulum would be a beautiful place for a romantic and remarkable honeymoon in Mexico.
Adios Amigos!
To tie it all up, our trip to Tulum is one we won’t ever forget. We are usually backpackers, and having the treat of an all inclusive resort felt spoiling, special and unendingly satisfying. Although, a few days was all we were able to have in Tulum, it felt like just the right amount before we checked back into reality, ready and rejuvenated thanks to a Tulum adventure. Thank you to the Dreams Tulum Resort staff for making sure our stay was unbelievable!