All-inclusive resorts for families…close to Nirvana?
Last week we checked into Dreams, an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This is our first all-inclusive vacation as a family, and I have to say that so far I am LOVING IT.
I decided to give Dreams a try when I had the opportunity to book our stay at a 40% discount back in January. The resort gets consistently high ratings on various sites such as Trip Advisor and Expedia, but I couldn’t find any videos or detailed photos online, so I wasn’t completely sure that it was going to work for our family.
Mainly, I had a few concerns about the room size and layout. My kids are notoriously bad sleepers, and so far all of our attempts to sleep in the same room with them while on vacation have ended in frustration, exhaustion, and tears. Turns out my concerns were all unfounded. The resort – and the room – are awesome.
We’re in the Preferred Tower, which features “an upgraded suite, access to a private lounge, special concierge service and other enhanced amenities.” While all of these benefits can sometimes be overrated, overpromised, or underdelivered, in this case, we are definitely getting “preferred” treatment.
Our room, while not huge, is bright and airy, with a wall of windows. The beds are comfortable, and housekeeping was happy to bring in a rollaway (my kids fight if they sleep in the same bed). My kids were thrilled to learn that the minibar is stocked each day with an assortment of drinks (all included in the cost of the room). There is also a DVD player, which has been great for when everyone needs some downtime.
Here is a quick video of the room we’re in.
A huge sliding glass door leads to a patio with a sunken jacuzzi tub. The view is incredible, and it feels so luxurious to sit in the tub with a cold drink, just watching the waves roll in.
Here’s another video of the patio right outside our room.
I’ll post more details about the resort soon. In the meantime, I will simply say that I HIGHLY recommend it for families. So far, it’s one of the easiest, best vacations we’ve ever had.
Now I’m curious about other great all-inclusives. Anyone have any recommendations?
My wife and I have stayed at about 10 AI properties over the last 10 years and this property was by far our favorite. Make sure you ask for sexy coffee to be served at dinner. I believe it’s at the Italian restaurant. Sexy Coffee is coffee served and they light it on fire. It was really neat to see. Enjoy your stay.
I believe that Noob Traveler has a post on this property too.
Corridor! – Yes, it has been amazingly fun here. I would go back in a heartbeat.
My family (2 adults 3 kids) stayed at the Rimrock Ranch (www.rimrockranch.com) for an all-inclusive week this summer in Wyoming. We are not campers or horse people, but we LOVED it. We had a 3 bedroom/2bath cabin but hardly spent any time in it because there was so much to do. The food was great, and it was so nice that daily trail rides, white water rafting, trip to Yellowstone, etc. – EVERYTHING was included. Never took out my wallet once! Love, love, love all inclusives!
The jacuzzi on the lanai looks amazing!! I’ve only been to one all inclusive resort. Of course I can’t recall the name, but was in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil on the beach, and was actually a work trip – Latin America regional mtg a few years ago. We had almost the whole place to ourselves. I remember the rooms being light and airy, but being disappointed with the food. It was okay, but not quite the delicious Brazilian cuisine I’ve sampled in other parts of the country. Still, it was a really fabulous location, and loads of fun!
Dreams Hualtuco was our first AI experience and we loved it! Mexico has great AI’s on Skyauction.com. We went on a NCL cruise from Copenhagen to Estonia, St. Petersburgh, Stockholm, Helsinki & Berlin last summer. Great last minute prices, $399 for an inside cabin, which turned out to be much better than we thought it would be. We also
did a Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Naples, Livorno (Pisa), Rome, Marseille, etc. It’s a great way to meet passengers from around the world and explore Europe. PS. The ship had Blue Man Group, water slides and an Ice Bar!
Hi
I just found your website thru flyertalk. I love the wide range of tips and stories you share. Awesome glad I found it. I am just starting the frequent flier things and my husband thinks I am nuts! Thanks for all the helpful info! My favorite All inclusive was in Punta Cana the Paradisus Palma Real. Amazing room, beds on the soft beach, great 5 star service..we went 5 years ago for our babymoon. I am sure there are more updated resorts now down there..You should check it out! thanks again!
Lotusmom – Welcome! So glad you like my blog…that is always so nice to hear. My husband thinks I am totally nuts as well 😉
Looking forward to seeing you around Boarding Area!
My wife and I have been very happy with our Dreams experiences. We opted for Secrets @ PVR for our babymoon last April and again were very happy. Next on the list may be the NOW @ PUJ. The beach at Dreams Puerto Aventuras could be better.
Jesse – Good to know. After our trip, my son now *only* wants to go to Dreams PV.