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Paradise Discovered: Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa Mexico 🌊

Have you ever wondered what it's like to wake up to the sound of gentle waves, with nothing on your agenda except deciding between beach time, pool time, eating or drinking? Dreams Huatulco offers exactly that serenity—though with a few insider secrets you'll want to know. From the unexpected joy of archery lessons to the fiery spectacle of Spanish coffee preparation, my journey through this Mexican paradise revealed that sometimes the best vacation moments happen when you least expect them. Just don't forget to set your alarm clock—those prime beach chairs won't claim themselves! [Read more about my 4/5 star adventure, including why some Canadian guests have returned eleven times...]

Dreams Huatulco Sign lit up at night

Have you ever wondered what it's like to wake up to the sound of gentle waves, with nothing on your agenda except deciding between beach time, pool time, eating or drinking? Let me take you through my recent adventure at Dreams Huatulco in Mexico, where I discovered that sometimes the best vacation moments happen when you least expect them.

Valentines day message written in the sand looking from an upper floor.
Behind the shades header to play a video

Our journey began with an early morning flight and a smooth private transfer to the resort - a decision that proved golden when we watched dozens of other travelers arrive by bus an hour later we arrived. First tip: spring for the private transfer if you can! The moment we stepped into our room, the cool air conditioning and ocean view told us we'd made the right choice.

Early morning glimpse of the resort at Dreams Huatulco.

Now, let me share something that might save your vacation: at Dreams Huatulco, the early bird doesn't just get the worm - they get the beach chairs! We learned this lesson the hard way (by waking up earlier each progressive day) when we discovered that many guests (particularly the energetic retirees) wake up at dawn to claim the prime spots with their towels and beach themed nick knacks. But here's a silver lining - we found our favorite spot at the edge of the resort, where we met some wonderful Canadians who became our vacation friends. One couple was on their 11th visit to Huatulco - now that's an endorsement!

Restaurant with a show of Mayan Coffee

The resort's restaurants offer quite a range of experiences. Skip the main buffet (trust me on this) and head straight for the specialty ala carte restaurants for the dinners. The Japanese restaurant was our clear winner - from perfectly prepared sushi to tender chicken dishes. And if you're lucky enough to catch the Spanish coffee show at the Italian restaurant, you're in for a treat. Picture this: our waiter creating a fiery display while mixing the most delicious coffee drink you've ever tasted.

Want some activity recommendations? The archery class was an unexpected highlight. Our instructor Nad was fantastic, breaking down every step so clearly that two of us are now considering taking it up as a hobby back home. The catamaran ride with Eucario, while brief, offered beautiful views and of what our guide humorously called the "pelican poop rocks" - not the most appealing name, but the scenery was stunning getting there and back!

Behind the shades look at me and archery practice

One of my favorite memories was our tour of the area with our guide (either Portobello or Portofino - we never quite caught his name!). He took us to a small village with beachside restaurants where we enjoyed ice-cold cervezas while watching small boats bob in the crystal-clear water. The local market in Santa Cruz offered everything from quirky souvenirs to amazing coffee-flavored mezcal - skip the regular mezcal though, unless you enjoy the taste of liquid gasoline!

Local store offering deals for viagra and cannabis products on a sticky note.

The evenings at Dreams take on their own rhythm. Most nights, we'd find ourselves at the rooftop smoking section, playing cards while live music drifted from the main bar. The Super Bowl party was a blast, even though the game was a blowout - the resort went all out with wings, nachos, bar b qued everything and every game day snack you could imagine.

Through my shades rooftop friends at a table.
Dreams Huatulco entrance to the beach - lost sand from hurricane.
Behind the shades holding a pink lady shooter on the beach.

Here's what you need to know: the beach at one part of the resort hasn’t been rebuilt after a hurricane, and yes, you'll need to take a mighty leap up some of the stairs. But the warm water and stunning views more than make up for it. The staff, especially Daniel at the beach bar and his “Mini beers and "Pink Lady"shooters, make you feel like family with newly made travel friends.

Dreams Huatulco isn't perfect - some restaurants are hit-or-miss, and you'll need to master the art of early-morning chair claiming. But if you're looking for a place where you can completely unwind, make unexpected friends, and create stories worth telling, you might just find your slice of paradise here.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just don't forget to pack your alarm clock - those beach chairs won't claim themselves!

Highlights:

Archery classes (seriously, surprisingly fun)

Japanese restaurant (a must-try)

The catamaran ride (to stinky pelican poop rocks)

The people we met (shoutout to our Canadian friends!)

And laughing so much our stomachs hurt!

Overall Rating: 4/5 stars (would definitely return, maybe with a portable beach chair and a few decks of playing cards).

Huatulco colorful sign of letters - picture point

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