My friend Theresa recently traveled to a luxurious all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica and offered to share her experience with No Shoes Just Travel. Staying at the Dreams Las Mareas, Costa Rica, she experienced the most memorable vacation. This luxury resort offers stunning views of the ocean, lush green mountains, and jungles in Playa El Joba, located in the Guanacaste region.
Dreams Las Mareas has 447 rooms, two pools, eight dining options, and six bars. Room amenities at this all-inclusive property include air conditioning, a private bathroom, furnished balconies, free wifi, a safe, a mini bar, room service, and housekeeping. Property amenities include spa facilities, a swim-up bar, a poolside bar, free parking, a fitness center, and onsite food, all in a secluded location. Additional upgrades are offered with the preferred club junior suite. preferred club master suite and preferred club presidential suite. This property features luxury at its finest.
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Lorry: I know that you struggled with choosing a resort in Costa Rica because there were so many available. I remember that you wanted luxury and to feel pampered. Did Dreams Las Mareas live up to your expectations? Can you describe the accommodations and the vibe of the resort itself?
Theresa: Yes, while Dreams Las Mareas was the resort furthest away, it was worth the direct transfer rather than the airport shuttle. When we told the airport transfer service our destination, they said, “ohhh, that’s the nicest resort here!”. Dreams lived up to our expectations and the Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica reviews. It was not shy of anything. Upon welcome, we were greeted with a cool cloth to wash our hands with, then our Butler Mario greeted us and walked us to the Preferred Club lounge for check-in to confirm our guestroom reservation, along with glasses of champagne. The accommodations were clean, with very comfortable beds and wise utilization of space. There were high-quality furnishings, including our outdoor furniture in our swim-out room. Dreams Las Mareas has a clean, quaint, and welcoming vibe. The lush vegetation, the sounds of the waves and light music in the background, and the peaceful winds were a daily enjoyment. For those who need to be connected, there is free wifi.
Lorry: What were the pools and beaches like at this resort? Would you recommend Dreams Las Mareas for a beach or pool lover or maybe both?
Theresa: The pools were amazing. There are so many pools, all so clean. We could not possibly swim in every pool because there were so many. There are swim out rooms as well, which we stayed at and enjoyed. The pools cascaded down the resort from the main building all the way down to the negative edge pool or infinity pool at the beach. The private beach was smaller but clean and welcoming. The beach is the best place to be from 4-6 pm daily to watch the sunset, hear the live music and waves crashing, and enjoy drinks delivered to you. I said to my friend I was there with on the first evening while we stood in the ocean knee-deep with a sky that was glowing orange and drink in hand, “this feels like a dream.” She laughed and said, “I guess that’s why this is called Dreams.” I think this Dreams Las Mareas resort is more for a pool lover, but for a sunset beach lover too.
Lorry: What did you enjoy about the restaurants and food overall? Any unique cocktails that you tried that you would recommend?
Theresa: The restaurants all had an abundance of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and fresh seafood. There were not long waits at any of the restaurants. The food at the seafood restaurants was better than the other restaurants. Overall the food, though, was delicious, including the made-to-order omelets for breakfast. We enjoyed doing shots of their Chili Guaro. Chili Guaro is like a bloody mary, but instead of large glasses of it filled with stuff. Costa Rican’s do shots of Chili Guaro. It is made with local Rum from cane sugar in a tall shot glass, with lime and salt on the rim. We may have overindulged a bit on the drink service on day 1.
Lorry: I’ve been to a couple of beautiful and memorable spas during my travels. Tell me about Dreams Las Mareas spa facilities and the services you experienced.
Theresa: The Dreams spa was amazing! I’ve been to world-class spas in Arizona, Las Vegas, and California, and the full service spa at Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica topped them all! We went on two separate days at the Dreams spa. It was that wonderful. After our morning of Chili Guaros, we found our way to the spa for an 80-minute massage and the hydrotherapy circuit. The hydro-therapy includes a steam room, sauna, cold tub, under-water massage chairs, pools with showers, and a hot tub. Before the massage services, we did the hydro-therapy then took a nap in the covered lounge pods. The massages were amazing. They started by washing our feet in tubs while we sat on a bench and did deep breathing. The calmness of the massages and the oils and scents used made us stop and really just be in the moment. They don’t wake you up at the end of the massage, but they ring the nicest sounding and lightest bell to let you know the massage has ended, then the therapist leaves. When you are ready, you get re-robed, and you are greeted with an herbal tea.
After our massage services, we went back to the hot tub to relax. A tropical rain blew in while we stayed in the hot tub; it was the most healing and soothing downpour ever. We stayed in the hot tub and just let the water refresh our souls and bodies. At the end of our day, we booked another 80-minute massage for the next afternoon. It was all so amazing!
Lorry: It should be noted that this all-inclusive property accepts credit cards in case you want to splurge on spa services.
Lorry: In a luxury resort, the service is usually top-notch. What did the staff at the Dreams resort do to make sure to live up to their guest’s expectations?
Theresa: The staff and our Butler Mario checked in with us daily via WhatsApp to see if we needed anything. We also were welcomed to a Happy Birthday banner and decorations in our room to celebrate my 40th. Shortly after getting to our room at check-in, we even received a cupcake to say happy birthday! The staff at the preferred club and restaurants took the time to get to know us. They remembered which drinks we liked, and even how we liked our coffee.
Lorry: What was the transportation experience from the airport? Was there an airport shuttle fee? And what Covid protocols were in place overall during your travels?
Theresa: It was direct transportation from the airport to our resort. It was safe, clean, and professional. Traveling as two women alone, we never felt unsafe or in a bad situation. The driver was professional and safe. The Covid protocols in place were masks, washing of hands before and after transportation, social distancing. Two days before the trip, we reported to Costa Rica of our arrival and provided insurance that was less than $50. It was not anything complicated to follow or do. We just did our research and read the fine print to ensure we did what was expected. The resort had onsite testing that our Butler set up for us and walked us to. It was all very easy.
Lorry: Any last words or recommendations about Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica?
Theresa: At first, we almost didn’t book here because of the distance to the airport. I am so glad we booked at the Dreams, though. It was an easy 80-minute drive up the scenic Pan-American Highway. We drove mainly through National Parks and loved the beauty. I’d highly recommend paying the extra for the Preferred Club as you will get the VIP treatment. Rooms are closer to the ocean, the private lounge has top-shelf liquor and food, and you get private breakfast accommodations as well. It was worth every last penny. You can choose from the preferred club junior suite. preferred club master suite and preferred club presidential suite. Do yourself a favor and GO to any Dreams resorts. You won’t regret it!
When we travel, we book with our travel agent Jim Lucente. Rest assured that you will know the latest Covid protocols and have the added layer of a professional to contact directly with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend contacting Jim Lucente, owner of Lucente Travel, at 412-299-7699, or email him at jim@lucentetravel.com to book your all-inclusive vacation.
If you prefer to book online, you can book here or compare reviews at Tripadvisor.
I love a good spa on vacation! This resort sounds incredible
Oh this looks dreamy. I’d love to visit Costa Rica. It’s been high on my wishlist for a while now.
Costa Rica is called Central America’s Switzerland for a reason. We were there after longer stays in Honduras and El Salvador, and it’s a completely different standard. Obviously, you also pay for it. I particularly appreciated how well Ticos treat the environment. They are well aware that natural beauty is their strongest suit.
We’ve only been to Costa Rica once but we plan on returning and spending more time there. It is beautiful.
The Las Mareas Resort Spa looks like a great option if we finally get to head back to Costa Rica. I like that there were a number of different pools to choose from. And a swim out room might be a lot of fun. One of our favourite things about tropical spots like this is the great selection of fresh seafood offered. But the spa might seal the deal for me!
Spas are an attraction for me too! But I love the fresh food when we travel to the Caribbean as well.
How I wish I could get the courage to Board a plane to be somewhere magical like the Dreams Las Mareas in Cosra Rica. Waiting a few more months!
Dreams Las Mareas looks like a fantastic place to relax and take some time off. I love that they even have a spa and access to the beach. Swim out pools sound awesome, I’ve never experienced one. I need this kind of a vacation soon!