Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa: Traveller Reviews

“NOT For Couples”

Reviewed 12 July 2012 NEW

1

person found this review helpful

This is a nice resort for families and children but not for couples. We went during the week of July 4th and the Dreams was apparently overbooked therefor several other couples were moved to the Secrets down the road which is Adults Only. When we asked what was needed for us to move over to the Secrets because of the abundance of kids around, we were told we were to pay $100 pp/per day. I was outraged. We have been to a lot of all inclusive resorts and this would not be a top resort. While it is nice and peaceful and the scenery is beautiful, the resort offers no activities for adults during the day or evening.


The rooms are nice, nothing spectacular. You can hear everything outside your room and from the room below you. If you are a light sleeper you will have a lot of trouble sleeping here. Room service does a great job of cleaning the rooms and stocking the bar daily. You will find about 4 channels on TV that are in English, but you can check out DVD’s apparently at the lobby (that is if your DVD player works).


The hotel staff is friendly and wants to ensure you enjoy your stay. However, want you to attend their “sales” meeting to get you to buy into the Dreams resorts. The coupon book is not a savings. The prices of the Spa and Wines that are not part of the AI are so high that they make it look like you will be getting a savings by using the coupons.


The excursions that Apple tries to get you to take and pay extra for are ok. It is a good way to get out and see what Huatulco has to offer. But if you have been to an All Inclusive before and other excursions do not get your hopes up. They are laid back and very easy going excursions. There are additional extra costs that are not built into the base price of the excursion as well so be prepared to bring extra money. You can go into downtown LaCrucacita or Santa Cruz for a $3 cab ride and the town is very safe and it is something you should do to experience the town.


The food is ok; nothing great. The one buffet, World Café, is overcrowded during breakfast and you will be working your way around people to get to the food and be prepared to wait for the food as they run out quickly. The layout is annoying and makes for heavy congestion. The buffet is usually the same food for breakfast every day. The SeaSide Grill is a pain to eat at during lunch. You will be fighting flies and birds. The flies are all over the food and the birds will literally try to take the food right off your plate. Another annoyance and at times, very unsanitary so you are better off to eat at the World Café for lunch as well. The A la Carte restaurants are good. Just try them all and see what you like. Some are better than others. Himitsu is probably the best. The Italian restaurant is a no kids allowed restaurant and men need to wear pants.


The pools are nice, however there are 5 pools for families and children and one for adults only. If children or kids try to enter that pool, the staff will kindly remove them. The people on the beach constantly bothering you trying to sell goods is an issue but the beaches are federal property and this cannot be controlled by the resort so be prepared to be hassled on the beach and IN THE POOL.
The bars are nice as well as the bartenders. Rendezvous is a nice bar to hang around at night until Desires opens at 10, where you will find music, dancing and good drinks.


This is a nice resort but not the typical luxurious Dreams style resort. They are stuck in limbo of trying to be a family resort while also trying to be a luxury resort and it doesn’t quite work right now. We will probably never return at this point but it was a good experience to try it out, however quite disappointing at the same time. We would not recommend this for adults or couples.


FYI-IF you are booking with APPLE VACATIONS and you book from Chicago to Huatulco.. Just so you know, you will stop in St. Louis, pick up those passengers and then proceed. On the way home, you will fly into St. Louis, de-board, get your bags, go through customs, go through security and then re-board your plane. Odds are you will have a delay here or there. But just because APPLE says “DIRECT ”flight, it does not mean NON-STOP. Plus, you will be on a very basic uncomfortable plane, with no movie and no snacks so make sure you have something to do on the plane and you eat or bring a snack.

• Stayed July 2012, travelled as a couple
  • Value
  • Location
  • Sleep Quality
  • Rooms
  • Cleanliness
  • Service

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dan p

mtv illinois

Reviewer

 3 reviews

 Reviews in 2 cities

 7 helpful votes

“So Relaxing”

Reviewed 11 July 2012 NEW

1

person found this review helpful

Stayed at the Dreams resort in Huatulco, Mexico over the July 4th week. Check in was so fast, we was directed straight to our room after being offered cold wash cloth and choice of drink. The resort was very nice ,everyone was very friendly. Rooms were spacious and checked at least twice a day for cleaning ,restocking, or turndown service. We had basic room with a pool / jungle view. As other review stated we liked the no armband reservation system.
Only a short walk to small shopping area, or a short drive to a nice friendly town to shop or eat.
The area is under a planned growth so resorts wont be over running area like cancun. The town is tourist friendy and very safe.Dont let weather forcast worry you. we went during rain season and rain was at 90% forcast every day. It only rained twice ,once eary morning before sunrise and lasted a couple of hours. The second time was during evening meal and lasted 20 min.
Food was good and something for everyone .Different resturant themes and differnt meals every day. One drawback or negitive on food was the seaside cafe . Its open air and near beach,
where birds and flys seemed to dine with you.Birds were chased out of the food all the time .
if your there with Apple and do any tours ask for Alberto, he knows the area well and will explain customs as well as history.
The resort has several pools and one for adults only, the life guard and hotel staff made sure no one under 18 was in pool. Chairs had a 30 min rule (if you leave unattended for 30 min or more the towel was removed and someone may take your spot) As an american used to getting to pool early we had no problem finding a spot as others slept in and came to pool closer to noon.
Will we return .....yes ....very relaxing vacation . The beach was nice and only concern was riptide was strong and just becarefull during high tide. Several bars around reosrt and drinks were brought to you often,but missed a swim up bar .Beach vendors were very friendly and not pushy but would visit with you.Just say no thank you and they walked on. So over all we would give resort a 4 out of 5 rateing.

• Stayed July 2012, travelled with friends
  • Value
  • Location
  • Sleep Quality
  • Rooms
  • Cleanliness
  • Service

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Bradick B

Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

Reviewer

 3 reviews

 Reviews in 3 cities

 1 helpful vote

“Great all inclusive”

Reviewed 11 July 2012 NEW

My first time at a dreams resort. No wristbands is the way to go. Excellent location. Huatulco is a fantastic destination and the resort is a great spot to stay

Room Tip: Upgrades are a waste all the rooms have a great view.

See more room tips

• Stayed November 2011, travelled with friends
  • Value
  • Location
  • Sleep Quality
  • Rooms
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Fishcat

edmonton

Senior Contributor

 23 reviews

 Reviews in 15 cities

 36 helpful votes

“Loved loved Loved it!!!”

Reviewed 6 July 2012

1

person found this review helpful

We had never had a desire to go to an all inclusive in Mexico. Boy were we wrong. My nephew was getting married here in March - Last minute we said if there was room, we would go, so a week before, we booked our package. It was totally not what we expected. We loved it very much. We are not the type to sit on a beach, and found we didn't have to. The food for the most part was excellent. If you didn't like the buffet - there was always the other restaurants available. The pool outside our room was not crowded and loved to be able to walk out of our room, and sit by the pool. Would definately go back in a heart beat. Enjoyed the fact when a cab came & picked you up they advised your room number and kept track of coming and goings. We have spoken to others who had gone to surrounding All Incl, and think this was absolutely the best one!! Even employees from other Dreams resorts were there and said this was the best. If you get the chance, and can afford it - go !!!!

• Stayed March 2012, travelled as a couple

The beach

Playa Zipolite

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coordinates: 15.662100°N 96.511749°W

Zipolite
—  Town  —
View of the beach from Playa del Amor
Zipolite Location in Mexico
Coordinates: 15°39′46″N 96°30′34″W
Country	Mexico
State	Oaxaca
Municipality	San Pedro Pochutla
Elevation	20 m (70 ft)
Population (2005)
• Total	931
Time zone	CST (UTC-6)
Area code(s)	958

Playa Zipolite is a beach community located in San Pedro Pochutla
 municipality on the southern coast of Oaxaca state inMexico. It is
located between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido and is part of the
 “Riviera Oaxaqueña” area.^[1] Zipolite is best known as being one
 of Mexico’s very few nude beaches and for retaining much of the
hippie culture that made it notable in the 1960s and 1970s. The name
 Zipolite, sometimes spelled Sipolite or Cipolite probably comes
 from the Nahuatl wordsipolitlan or zipotli, meaning "bumpy
place" or "place of continuous bumps or hills".^[1] However, some
claim the name means “beach of the dead” in either Nahuatl or
Zapotec because of dangerous underwater currents just offshore
.^[2][3][4] The beach is currently popular with foreign tourists
, especially backpackers, who stay in one of the many rustic
 cabins or camping spaces that line the beach.^[5][6]

Contents   [hide]  1 History 2 The community 3 Piña Palmera 4 The beach 5 References

[edit]History

Archeological finds at the east end of the beach shows that
the area has a long history, but for the first half of the 20th
century only one family lived here.^[2] In the 1960s and 1970s,
 counterculture hippies began to congregate here in part due
to the beach’s isolated nature. At the time, there was little
law enforcement, and drug use became common.^[3] In the
1970s and 1980s the beach gained a reputation in Mexico
and among foreign travelers as a free-love paradise.^[1]

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Zipolite was hard hit by two
 hurricanes and a fire. The first hurricane was Hurricane 
Paulineon 7 October 1997, a category four storm which
destroyed nearly everything in town with strong flooding,
leaving it -along with Mazunte and Puerto Ángel- cut
off from the mainland,^[7] but there were no deaths.^[2][8]
Next was Hurricane Rick on 9 November 1997. While
not as strong as Pauline, the storm damaged roads and
other infrastructure that was only partially rebuilt after
Pauline.^[8] The last disaster to cause major damage was
a fire that broke out on 21 February 2001, burning many
of the wood and palm-thatched structures that were on
the beach.^[9]

Cafe Maya housed in a palapa

Since its beginnings
in the 1960s, Zipolite
has evolved from handful
of beachfront cabanas and
palm-thatched palapas to
concrete, but still basic,
hotels and other structures
with a few more amenities.
Behind the line of beachfront
construction
 is now an area called Colonia
 Roca Blanca with a street known informally as the Adoquin which has
become the town center.^[10] Recently, the municipality has added tourist
information services and police patrols on the beach both day and night
during the busy season.^[11]

[edit]The community

View of the Adoquin

The community known as Zipolite consists of a stretch of beach with a
 street that parallels it. It has one named neighborhood, Roca Blanca,
 situated at the western end where most of the hotels and restaurants
are located.^[12] Roca Blanca is a recent creation and is named for the
island or large rock just off the shore, which is white due to bird guano
.^[3] The main drag is the only paved street within the community, it is
 officially called the “Paisan” but locals call it the Adoquin. Further behind
 the beach and Adoquin is a larger road that connects Zipolite with other
local communities such as San Agustinillo and Puerto Angel.^[12][13]

There are no building codes enforced here, so constructions vary as to
materials and quality.^[3] There are no banking services here. The closest
 automated teller machines (ATMs) are in Puerto Angel and the closest
bank branches are in Pochutla.^[2][12] There is no currency exchange either,
 but many places take U.S. dollars.^[12] Almost all the establishments that
face the beach have palapa sheltered restaurants and bars in front and
lodging in the back. These lodgings can vary from wood huts, to simple
 concrete structures and often include hammocks and places to pitch tents.
Most baths are shared.^[12] There is no high-rise development here and
almost none of the lodgings offer air conditioning or hot water.^[14]

Zipolite also has a variety of restaurants from the standard Mexican to i
nternational cuisine and vegetarian choices.^[12][14] Many of the local
restaurants are owned by expatriate Italians and serve pasta dishes as
well as pizza.^[12][13] One restaurant serves crepes because of its French
 expatriate owner. Nightlife in Zipolite is subdued. Many of the beachfront
hotels have their own small bars.^[12] and there are a number of small
nightclubs such as Zipolipas and La Puesta.^[3]

Man juggling on the beach

Zipolite still attracts those drawn to the hippie lifestyle.^[13] Today, music
from artists such as The Doors, Bob Marley, Santana and others from that
time can still be heard. Attitudes about drug use, in particular marijuana,
are also typically relaxed. The police station is largely unmanned,^[12] but
 extra efforts for security are implemented during busy seasons such as
Christmas and Easter week, supplementing the normal local auxiliary police
 with regular patrolmen from San Pedro Pochutla. Other efforts include
checking for intoxicated drivers and boaters in Zipolite and other area
beaches.^[4][15]

Zipolite can be reached by flying into Huatulco or Puerto Escondido and
traveling on coastal highway 200. It can also be reached by road from Oaxaca
 City via Highway 175, which is a narrow, very winding road that takes six
or seven hours to traverse.^[13] This highway ends at Puerto Angel and
there are taxis that travel between this port and Zipolite.^[12]

[edit]Piña Palmera

Piña Palmera is a rehabilitation and educational center for disabled children
and adults, from rural communities in Oaxaca state, the majority of which are
indigenous people. It is a private charity which has existed since the 1980s,
 and the charity has enrolled over five thousand people in one or more of its
 programs. Most of its staff is volunteer. The endeavor is supported by a
Swedish charity and it not affiliated with any political or religious group.
Currently, about 350 people are in their programs.^[13][16]

[edit]The beach

View of the beach from the far west

Zipolite is a nearly pristine
beach about forty meters
wide and two km long, with
medium grain gold colored
 sand. The water is clear
with tones of blue and green
.^[6] This was one of the
 beaches featured in the
Mexican blockbuster movie
“Y tu mamá también.”^[13]
It stretches from a small
isolate cove called Playa del Amor on the east side to the new age
Shambala retreat on the west end which is partially sheltered by rocks.
 Behind this is, sea cliffs rise. The beach is lined by palm trees and rustic
cabins, hotel rooms and hammocks with a few more sophisticated
 lodgings on the west end.^[10][17] This beach is part of the Riviera
Oaxaqueño, which includes the nearby beaches of Puerto Angel and
San Agustinillo.^[1] This beach is favored by foreign to
urists, most of whom are backpackers and by the Mexican middle
class,^[5][6][13] especially during Holy Week vacation in Mexico.^[4]
The beach’s appeal stems from being one of very few beaches in
which nudity is tolerated, however it is mostly practiced on the
 sheltered far east Playa del Amor and the far west end.^[10][12][17]

Rocks on the far east end with crosses on them

Swimming is practiced here but caution is strongly advised. Waves
are strong in the afternoon, which is good for surfing and undertow
 is always strong. The ocean just offshore has strong currents that
flow in circular patterns, some of which push swimmers toward shore
and some which can pull swimmers out to sea. These currents are
strong but not very wide.^[10][12][18] Swimmers have regularly drowned
 prompting the creation of a volunteer lifeguard team and a flag system
 to indicate where and when it is safest to swim.^[3] The lifeguard team was
founded in 1995 and trained by local charity Piña Palmera and U.S. citizen
 Joaquin Venado. In 1996, drownings at this beach were cut in half.^[18]
 The lifeguard service currently has ten lifeguards, an ATV, a jet ski,
radios and other equipment provided by the state government.^[11][15]
From 2007 to 2009, there have been no drowning deaths at Zipolite,
a record, but there have been 180 registered rescues.^[11][19]

zipolite trip advisor

lonely planet zipolite

[edit]References

Bodyboarding 101

Your 'Go To' reference site for all things bodyboarding. Brought to you by Steve 'Action' Jackson.

Friday, July 6, 2012

GEOGRAPHY: Puerto Escondido

GEOGRAPHY: Puerto Escondido

  Puerto Escondido (meaning "Hidden Port") is located in Oaxaca, Mexico.  It began as a small fishing village in the early 20th century.  In the 1960's, Highway 200 was built, connecting the Oaxacan coastal towns to Acapulco. This opened the way for travelling surfers and tourists to find the prestine beaches around Puerto and tourism began to flourish.  Puerto Escondido is one of the most important tourist attractions on the Oaxacan coast as well as one of the oldest tourist destinations in the region.  It is a top destination for bodyboarders, surfers, backpackers, and Mexican families with the beaches and waves being it's main attractions. The most famous of these beaches is the internationally known Zicatela, nicknamed "The Mexican Pipeline," which is known for it's big wave potential and plays host to the IBA Zicatela Pro and other surf related competitions.

Puerto perfection! Photo: IBA/ Sacha Specker

For more information, google "Puerto Escondido, Mexico" and you can also click on this link for Wikipedia (which I used as a reference point for the information above):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Escondido,_Oaxaca

  In early June, Puerto Escondido was devastated by Hurricane Carlotta, a Category 2 hurricane that was originally forecasted to be nothing more than a tropical storm.  In an effort to help rebuild Puerto Escondido and revive the tourism-based economy, the IBA has launched the "Salvemos Puerto" campaign.

  The IBA, in an effort to raise funds for the rebuilding of Puerto Escondido, has "Salvemos Puerto" t-shirts...as well as industry packs donated by Turbo Bodyboards, Inverted Bodyboard Shop, Reeflex Wetsuits, and Freedom Fins...for sale.  Proceeds go to the "Save Puerto" campaign.  To make a purchase, please visit:
 http://shop.ibaworldtour.com/

Andrew Lester wearing his "Salvemos Puerto" t-shirt.

  Also, the IBA has made the 2011 Zicatela Pro documentary available for a $5 donation to the "Salvemos Puerto" campaign.  To make a donation, and see the documentary go to:
http://my.ibaworldtour.com/

Dallas Singer with a huge air at the 2011 Zicatela Pro. Photo: IBA/Ray Collins

  For more information on the "Salvemos Puerto" campaign and how you can help along with all the latest news, updates, photo galleries and more stay tuned towww.ibaworldtour.com

Next week....Happ y Birthday Ivan.... Rock & Roll

2012 tropical storm names, got any friends in there

Hurricane season Posted by Dogtown

Forum List Message List New Topic

Dogtown Hurricane season  May 07, 2012 05:32PM

IP/Host: ---.prod-infinitum.com.mx Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 430

2012 tropical storm names, got any friends in there

Aletta
Bud
Carlotta
Daniel
Emilia
Fabio
Gilma
Hector
Ileana
John
Kristy
Lane
Miriam
Norman
Olivia
Paul
Rosa
Sergio
Tara
Vicente
Willa
Xavier
Yolanda
Zeke

Why Mexico is 2012’s Long Haul Destination

Friday, July 13, 2012

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After a long exile from Hollywood, Mel Gibson is finally back on the big screen defeating bad guys left, right and centre in the Mexican action romp How I Spent My Summer Vacation. And with the British pound stronger than ever in Mexico, 2012 is the year to grab a sombrero and join Gibson for a holiday experience with a difference.

Mexico breaks really do have something for everyone. This fascinating country straddles tropical temperature zones and stretches across 10,000km of coastline. World-class resorts offer all-inclusive Mexico holidays with every luxury under the sun, while adventure awaits travelers looking to wander off the beaten tourist path.

Beaches

The playas in Mexico offer a taste of paradise for sun-worshippers. Palm-fringed white sand melts into sparkling turquoise waters, with plenty of world-class watersports to keep adrenaline junkies entertained.

Try cheap holidays to Cancun on the Caribbean coast for tranquil lagoon bathing during the day and vibrant nightlife when the sun sets. If you’re looking to experience some Mexican culture while topping up your tan, head to Tulum to see spectacular coastal Maya ruins on one of the country’s best stretches of sand. Snorkel with whale sharks at Isla Holbox or head to Isla Cozumel for scuba diving in the watery depths. Surfing enthusiasts will be amazed by the waves in the ‘Mexican Pipeline’ on the Oaxaca coast, where you can relax in a hammock after enjoying an exhilarating day.

Adventure

Activity-based and community tourism is thriving in Mexico. It’s no wonder, with everything there is to discover in its distinctive landscapes and tiny pueblos scattered across the vast countryside. If you’re looking to exercise your exploration skills this year, pack a rucksack and head to Monterrey for challenging canyoneering, or to Oaxaca to hike in breathtaking cloud forests. Food lovers can learn from the locals with cooking lessons in the Veracruz countryside, or check out Mexico’s new fusion cuisine in one of the sprawling urban jungles.

Road Trip

With such myriad experiences on offer, why not hit the road and see more of Mexico? Hire a car at the US border and take one to four weeks to explore the Transpeninsular Highway at your leisure. From world-class surf at Ensenada to the wild Vizcaíno desert, this classic route will take you across a kaleidoscope of rural and urban landscapes, with a change of pace and new taste in Mexican culture at every turn.

Ivan will be staying here. Happy Birthday to ME :)