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Review: Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Dreams Las Mareas is the first Dreams Resort & Spa in the gorgeous tropical destination of Costa Rica and one of the only resorts in the Guanacaste resort region to feature Swim Out room categories.  The gorgeous beachfront resort features all-inclusive dining, numerous swimming pools, and a stunning location on Playa El Jobo, Dreams Las Mareas is the perfect resort destination for your family!

Resort Overview:
Dreams Las Mareas is located along the Northern coast of Guanacaste (near Nicaragua) and is approximately 1.5 hours from the Liberia Airport.


The resort features a contemporary design with tasteful authentic decor.  Being an all-inclusive resort, you will be able to enjoy "Unlimited-Luxury", where everything is included like gourmet dining options, limitless top-shelf spirits, 24-hour room service and concierge - all without reservations or wristbands.

If you're not familiar with the Dreams Resort Brand and their "Unlimited-Luxury" offering, the following is included for your stay:
  • Limitless access to gourmet a la carte dining options without reservations required
  • Unlimited international & domestic top-shelf spirits
  • Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks
  • 24-hour room & concierge service
  • Pool and beach wait service
  • Daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, juice, bottled water & beer
  • Daily maid service
  • Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment
  • Theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues
  • No wristbands required
  • All taxes and gratuities included
  • Free wifi and free international calling to the US, Canada and local landlines.

The resort is spread out and without a quick orientation can be confusing for some guests.  Depending on your room category, you'll either be in the main building or one of the outer lying buildings if you booked a Preferred Club room.


The layout of the resort is shown below.

Resort Highlights:
Dreams Las Mareas is a sanctuary of both leisure and adventure for families, couples, singles and friends.  The resort is near the fisherman community of La Cruz and the mountain range of Guanacaste, which offers guests with a variety of exciting tours and excursions, in addition to the many resort activities.


Dreams Las Mareas sits on Playa El Jobo and due to the location of the resort, the beach is very private and secluded.  Beach and water activities can be booked through the preferred on-site activity desk with AmStar.



Dreams Las Mareas has three pools located on the property plus one whirlpool.  The Upper Pool is more family-oriented and includes a kids swimming area with a water slide.


In between the Upper Pool area and the Lower Pool area near the beach, there is also an adults-only pool.



The Explorer Kids Club features a playground, kids pool, trampoline, arts/crafts and more for kids to enjoy .



The Core Zone Teens Club is for ages 13 – 17, where teens can enjoy a snack bar with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, video games, pool, ping-pong and foosball, and evening disco mixers.

The Dreams Spa by Pevonia offers a soothing atmosphere of pure indulgence that combines hydrotherapy and indigenous treatments creating a refreshing, invigorating and peaceful experience. Massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures and a full-service beauty salon are all available.




Spa facilities include:
  • Ten finely appointed luxury cabins (indoor and outdoor)
  • Bridal suite
  • Hydrotherapy area – including sauna, steam room, hot tub, pressure shower, cube shower, hydroreflexology banking, grilias (lymphatic draining massage from floor), goose necks and waterfall showers
  • Relaxation area
  • Revive Spa Bar 
  • Full-service beauty salon
  • Locker areas for men and women
Accommodations:
Dreams Las Mareas offers 447 spacious guest suites that provide views of the beautiful ocean, jungle or mountains depending on the category booked.  Also of note is that depending on the time of the year, the view may change, i.e., more lush greenery during the rainy season.

For my recent stay here, I was in a Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out Tropical View Room located on the ground floor that featured a king bed, a double vanity bathroom, Preferred Club amenities, a private furnished terrace with direct access to a pool, and tropical views.




If you're debating booking into the Preferred Club, it is good to know that all Preferred Club suites offer the following additional amenities and services:
  • Personalized check-in and check-out with concierge service
  • Preferred status and amenities
  • Private Preferred Club Lounge
  • Upgraded mini-bar service and bath amenities
  • Plush bathrobes, slippers and a pillow menu
  • Complimentary computer access in the Preferred Club Lounge
  • Daily continental breakfast service, afternoon hot & cold hor d’oeuvres, exquisite desserts & fine liquors in the preferred club lounge
  • Complimentary newspaper in room every day (English and Spanish)
Another great room category that offers a furnished balcony with spectacular views of the ocean is the Preferred Club Junior Suite which is features a private furnished balcony with a hot tub outside.




Dining Options:
Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica offers 8 restaurants: 5 a la carte, a buffet, a grill and a cafe.  None of the restaurants require reservations or you can stay in and order room service. 

All restaurant openings rotate throughout the week with the number of restaurants open for each meal dependent upon occupancy levels.

Restaurant options include:
  • Barefoot Grill (open for lunch)
    • Located by the beautiful infinity pool, enjoy grilled favorites and quick bites
  • Coco Cafe 
    • Serves premium coffee and deli snacks, as well as late night bites include salads, sandwiches, pizzas, hot dogs, paninis, chips, soup, pretzels and fruit. 
  • El Patio (open for dinner)
    • Enjoy Mexican à la carte specialties in a vibrant atmosphere with a terrace available
    • Dress code: Casual Elegance
  • Himitsu (open for dinner) 
    • Asian culinary experience with exotic à la carte specialties from Japan, China and Thailand
    • Dress code: Casual Elegance
  • Oceana (open for dinner)
    • Enjoy fresh fish and seafood served à la carte with beautiful seaside views
    • Dress code: Casual
  • Portofino (open for dinner)
    • A la carte Italian gourmet dining in an elegant atmosphere
    • Adults-only
    • Dress code: Casual elegance
  • Seaside Grill (open for lunch and dinner)
    • Located at the beautiful infinity pool, enjoy a light à la carte meal for lunch, tropical cocktails and grilled specialties 
    • Dress code: Casual
  • World Café (main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner)
    • A buffet-style restaurant serving international specialty items and classics
    • Dress code: Casual
Some of the above mentioned restaurants have dress codes, with the following recommendations:
  • Casual
    • Bermudas (long shorts or Capri pants), sneakers/tennis shoes and sandals.
    • Ladies must wear a bathing suit wrap or cover-up.
    • No sleeveless shirts for men.
  • Casual Elegance
    • Sneakers/tennis shoes or sandals and dress shirts with short sleeves or collared shirts.
    • Long pants required for men.
    • No sleeveless shirts or flip-flops.
The resort also offers seven bars and lounges, serving international and domestic top-shelf spirits, ranging from a swim-up bar to a nightly music lounge. All bars are open on different days throughout the week and include:
  • Barracuda - Sip on a tropical drink in the pool area
  • Desires - Dance the night away and sip on top-shelf cocktails at this music lounge
  • Manatees - Swim up and enjoy a refreshing drink in the pool
  • Revive - Spa bar
  • Sugar Reef - Enjoy fresh drinks with lovely ocean views
  • Tortuga - Relax with tropical drinks by the pool area
  • Rendezvous - Enjoy live music during the night and savour the best cocktails at this lobby bar

Overall Impression:
Overall, Dreams Las Mareas is a spectacular resort in a stunning location that is perfect for couples, families and large groups (weddings, celebrations, family reunions).


There is something for everyone at Dreams Las Mareas from the pools, beach, kids clubs, spa, dining options, nightly entertainment/shows and tours/excursions, you'll leave here with a new appreciation for the all-inclusive experience!


If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, be sure to send me a message for travel itinerary planning, vacation quotes, travel tips and more!  

As a Virtuoso travel advisor, I have global connections to make your trip better. When you check in, you’re a VIP and can expect exclusive amenities such as room upgrade on arrival, daily breakfast, resort credits, early check-in/late checkout, spa treatment credits, special Virtuoso experiences and more!


I have access to Virtuoso hotel amenities as a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, SPG Luxury Privileges, Ritz Carlton STARS, Hyatt Prive (coming soon!), and other great deals available from wholesale travel suppliers such as Apple Leisure Group (Travel Impressions, Blue Sky Tours, Apple Vacations, AM Resorts, AmStar) Pleasant Holidays, Classic Vacations, and many more!

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