Dreams Bahia Mita Surf and Spa All-Inclusive Resort Review 

As much as I love planning trips, sometimes it’s nice to let someone else worry about the details. At an all-inclusive resort like Dreams Bahia Mita, I can just sit back and relax. 24-hour food options, plenty of on-site activities, and even child care are all included with the cost of your room.

Dreams Bahia Mita Surf and Spa Resort, part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, just opened their new expansion, with new family-friendly dining options, additional Preferred Club Suites, and, best of all, a water park. I was invited to experience it all to share the details with our Trekaroo community. 

Check out my comprehensive Dreams Bahia Mita Surf and Spa Resort review and then start planning your next stress-free family vacation.

Dreams Bahia Mita Surf and Spa Resort Review 

Dreams Bahia Mita Surf and Spa Resort is located beside the picturesque Banderas Bay in the Mexican state of Nayarit. It is just a 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, and transfers are easily arranged. The resort usually has promotions offering complimentary transfers with Amstar when booking four or more nights.

The refreshing infinity pools, a new waterpark, gourmet dining options, and spacious suites make this all-inclusive resort a luxurious escape. And amenities like the kids and teens club, daily activities and entertainment, and a beautiful surfing beach ensure the whole family can have a good time. 

Brand New Waterpark

The resort just debuted its new 18,600-square-foot water park, which is perfect for families looking for some poolside fun. Two pools, two hot tubs, three waterslides, a splash pool, and poolside snacks and drinks ensure hours of entertainment for all ages.

I didn’t have my kids with me on this trip, but that didn’t stop me from trying the water slides. After climbing three stories, I zipped down the enclosed slide, looping around multiple twists and turns before being deposited into the pool at the bottom. These slides have just the right amount of thrill to be exciting but not scary. 

The Pirate Ship playground in the splash pool looked awesome for little ones. It features milder water slides, multiple splash features, and lots of opportunities for imaginative play.

My favorite feature of the water park is the ice cream bar, Sundaez. You can also get snacks like pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers from Tides snack station, or fresh tacos at the Bahia Bites food truck. And the pool attendants make sure you have a cocktail in your hand from Splash, the poolside bar, whenever you need to cool down.

Lots of Pools

In addition to the pools at the water park, the resort has five other huge pools, another splash pad, two milder waterslides, and a hot tub. One of the main pools even has a separate kids-only section. The resort was at full capacity during my stay, and the pools never felt crowded because they are so big and there are so many. 

The infinity pool on the south end of the property offers the best view. Its unobstructed view showcases the pristine waters of Banderas Bay. This pool also has a hot tub for taking in the scenery on a colder day.

The pools’ water temperature was a little too warm for the middle of summer, but it would be very pleasant in a cooler time of year. 

There is one pool for adults only, the beachside pool with SeaLegs, the swim-up bar. I’ll touch on this more in a bit.

Each pool is surrounded by shaded lounge chairs, so families can always find a place to sit. And the lounge chairs are waited on by an attentive wait staff, which is great when you need a drink but have to keep an eye on the kids in the water. For an upgraded experience, guests can rent a private luxurious cabana.

Activities for All Ages

The entertainment staff curates a variety of activities and entertainment all day long. I loved starting the morning with adults-only yoga on the beach. During the day, choose from beach activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, or stay by the pool for crafts, games, dancing, or even a scuba or surf clinic. 

The kid’s club, called Explorer’s Club, provides supervised activities and babysitting for children ages 3-12 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The activity program was jammed-packed with fun things for the kids to do all day long, including bungee jumping and rock climbing in the playground and themed parties at night. They even feed your kids for you if they don’t want to leave. 

Teens get a special place just for them, too. The Core Zone Teens Club offers a safe place for teens to play and socialize with crafts, games, music, and more. It is open daily from noon to 10:00 PM. 

Evening Entertainment

Every night, Dreams hosts a family-friendly party or show. The first night I was there, they had an Asado BBQ at the main plaza with a live DJ and dancing. Whole families were out on the dance floor, living their best lives. I also got to go to the casino night, which is just for fun (no money), and karaoke night, where aspiring performers of all ages took the stage.

Other weekly shows include musical performances and even a fire show. 

Golden Sand Beach on Banderas Bay

The beach at Dreams Bahia Mita offers excellent surfing opportunities. Many guests bring their own boards and come to this resort specifically for surfing. You can also rent boards or take lessons.

Free theoretical surf lessons are included in your stay, but for an additional cost, you can sign up for lessons that take you into the waves. Unfortunately, when I went for my lesson there were no waves so we had to cancel (they wanted to reschedule but I left the next morning). But I was able to observe others on previous days and the staff looked very helpful and attentive. Multiple newbies were able to stand up and ride the waves. 

Because of my rescheduling experience, I suggest you schedule your surf lessons early in your stay. Then, if you love surfing, you can rent a board and keep it up while you’re there.

Although the beach is great for surfing and other water sports, it is not ideal for swimming. There are lots of rocks and the waves that make it perfect for surfing, make it harder to swim in. I did see some kids wading in a little bit, but most just lounged on the sand and built sand castles. If you do choose to go in the water, take water shoes, which are available to rent if you don’t bring your own.

The ocean scenery is beautiful, and the sound of the waves relaxing. Make sure you do take some time down on the loungers at the beach. The attentive staff will keep you cool with drinks from Barracuda, the beachside bar.

Looking for an all-inclusive in Cancun? Check out our review of the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun.

Whale Watching

From December to March, Humpback whales inhabit the waters of Banderas Bay. Since I was there in July I didn’t get to see any, but during whale season, the staff keeps an eye out for whale sightings. There is a big bell on the beach labeled WHALE that I assume is used to alert guests of the rare chance to see a whale. 

For more whale-watching opportunities, families can book a whale-watching excursion with the resort’s tour partner, Amstar. 

A Variety of Delicious Restaurants

You will never be hungry at Dreams Bahia Mita. Gourmet and casual dining options offer a variety of food throughout the day. I tried to fit in as many meals as possible, and each was delicious. 

The World Cafe is the resort’s buffet, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is an excellent option for families because of the various dishes served here. The Kids Korner of the buffet has cute, child-size portions all arranged on a low table that kids can access independently.  

At Himitsu, the Pan-Asian restaurant, guests can reserve a table for the Teppanyaki Experience a day in advance, but seating is very limited and only open to guests age 12 and up. But don’t worry if you can’t get a seat because the restaurant’s open floor plan allows everyone to enjoy the show.  

For local favorites with a gourmet twist, head to El Patio. Or try some fresh seafood or grilled specialties at the Seaside Grill. This restaurant is also open for lunch and has the best view of all the Dreams dining options.

The only adults-only restaurant on the Dreams side of the resort is Portofino, the Italian restaurant. If you can sneak away, the food here is worth it. I tried the filetti di al manzo gorgonzola, plus lots of appetizers, and even though I was stuffed, I could not stop eating because it was so good.

Meraki, a Mediterranean Asian Fusion restaurant, and Nebbiolo, an Italian restaurant, will be opening soon right by the waterpark to provide more family-friendly options on the north end of the resort.

One thing I noticed about the ala carte restaurants was that they all had kids’ menus. They also seemed to seat families in the same area, so you don’t have to worry about your kids disturbing other guests. And the best thing is, if you choose a restaurant your kids don’t love, you can just head to the buffet afterward to grab something else because it’s all included.

Guests at Dreams can purchase a VIP pass to experience the adults-only dining options on the Secrets side of the resort. This adds Bordeaux (French), Mezes (Mediterranean), Bluewater Grill (Grilled specialties), and Olio (Mediterranean and Seafood).

Adults can participate in a romantic semi-private dining experience in the Wine Cellar of Bordeaux for an additional cost. Our group tried this; every dish, even the escargot, was delicious. 

Easy Grab & Go Meal Options

Kids (and adults) don’t always get hungry at convenient times of the day, which is why it’s fantastic that Dreams has so many casual food options. There’s no need to change out of a swimsuit before getting lunch. Just wrap a towel around you, grab some pizza, and head back to the pool.

Right by the main pool, you’ll find the Barefoot Grills serving gourmet hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and other snacks to order at your poolside lounger. And as I said before, by the waterpark, you can grab some pizza or burgers from Tides or tacos from Bahia Bites taco truck. 

At Tacoyotl Taqueria, you can take your food to go or eat it in the very casual restaurant. I tried this restaurant before I even checked into my room. The quesabirria did not disappoint. Another day, I tried some tacos, which were just as delicious. The self-serve toppings bar ensures you get precisely what you want on your tacos. This was my favorite restaurant at the resort, which is saying a lot because I had some amazing meals.

There are two cafes that serve coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and gelato. Coco Cafe is open 24 hours a day to satisfy any late-night craving.

Mita Cafe is open from 7 AM to 10 PM and, in addition to its cafe menu, serves gourmet waffles, waffle sundaes, and “berlinesas” (basically donut ice cream sandwiches). I had the Pecan Pie waffle just before leaving on my last morning and was so disappointed I hadn’t tried the treats at Mita Cafe earlier because they all looked so good. 

Bars and Lounges

Around the resorts are seven bars and lounges, so you are never far from your next Pina Colada. I do not drink alcohol, but the bartenders were always willing to whip me up a virgin cocktail to keep me cool, so there are kid-friendly drink options. Unfortunately, most bars are adults only.

Sea Legs is the swim-up bar, but only adults can use this pool. I find this disappointing because swim-up bars are so fun for kids and many other resorts allow them to join in the fun with alcohol-free drinks. But if your kids are gone, do take advantage of this pool because the view of the ocean is beautiful. 

The sports bar, Desires, is also adults-only, so if your little ones are into sports and want to watch the big game, you’ll have to watch from your room and order room service instead. If you want to enjoy the game without the kids, this is a great place to hang with the adults and enjoy some snacks and drinks.

For the late-night folks (not me), check out Speak Easy, the music lounge bar. It is accessed through a secret door in the sports bar. From 11 PM until 1 AM, adults can enjoy a nightclub atmosphere while their kids are safely sleeping in their room. 

A Variety of Room Options for Families

The suites at Dreams are designed to sleep up to four guests, but if you have three children, contact the resort directly when booking and they can usually work it out for you all to stay on one room. Larger families can book a Family Suite, which connects two Junior Suite rooms and sleeps up to 7. All rooms have a sofa bed, one king or two queen beds, and a private balcony or terrace. 

Families with kids will want to stay in a Waterpark View room. Since the waterpark is on the far north side of the resort, staying on this side will save families a lot of walking time. But if you are here for surfing, I suggest booking an ocean view suite instead as this with put you closer to the beach. 

Because of the unique layout of the resort, which uses the natural slope of the land, finding your way from your room can be a little confusing at first. Be aware of which floors your elevator goes to, and know that you may have to take an elevator, walk a little, and then take another elevator to reach your final destination.

I stayed in a partial ocean-view Junior Suite with one king bed. The room was spacious and well laid out, with a separate living area where kids could play. The private, furnished balcony is the perfect escape when you still want to be outside but need to be in your room.

The bathroom has a double vanity, so no fighting for the sink. And the bathroom, shower, and toilet are all separated by privacy doors, so multiple family members can get ready at the same time.

Each room also has a mini-bar, which is stocked daily with drinks and snacks. 

Preferred Club

Looking for an even more luxurious experience? Consider upgrading to a Preferred Club Suite. These rooms are in premium locations around the resort, close to central restaurants and pools, or by the waterpark area.

The benefits of a Preferred Club room start at check-in at a special, inside area. While checking in, families are treated to fun gifts and sand toys, exclusively for Preferred families. The family next to me received a cute sand castle building kit filled with yummy snacks.

Each club-level room has either its own private plunge pool on the balcony or access to a private sun deck area. I loved taking advantage of my plunge pool and being able to sit outside and read even in the blazing heat. This would be a great advantage to families because you could put a toddler down for a nap while still enjoying the resort. Club-level rooms also have upgraded bath amenities, an upgraded mini-bar, and a pillow menu. 

Another Preferred Club advantage is a personal concierge service, or butler. Mine gave me a tour on arrival, made food recommendations, and answered my questions. We had a WhatsApp chat set up, so when I needed help or had questions, it was easy to just send her a message. 

Preferred Club guests also have exclusive access to areas of the resort. Adults can take advantage of the Sky Bar rooftop bar and pool, which has the best views of the resort and ocean. Fortunately, the Dreams Preferred Lounge is also set to open soon on the 8th floor and will offer an exclusive space for families with the same amazing views, plus a variety of snacks and drinks throughout the day.

Secrets Spa

The Marieta Islands-inspired Secrets Spa is a great way to take advantage of your kids playing in the kids’ club. This spa offers pampering and hydrotherapy treatments in a peaceful environment.

I was able to experience the hydrotherapy circuit. In this guided treatment, we alternated between saunas, showers, steam rooms, and massaging pools, ending with a cold plunge. Spa attendants ensured we knew exactly where to go, helped us with our lockers, and brought us infused water throughout the treatment.

Following the circuit, my therapist, Cris, whisked me away for a relaxing massage. After the massage, I was given the option of returning to the locker room or spending time in the relaxation area. Definitely choose the relaxation area, where you can lounge on cabana beds, watching the man-made waterfall cascading around you as you bask in the afterglow of your luxurious experience before going back to the chaos of family life. 

Two Resorts in One

The resort is actually home to both Dreams (family-friendly) and Secrets (adults-only), which I thought would cause confusion for families. However, on talking with other guests, I was assured it was very clear which areas were adults-only, and they never felt bothersome or excluded by the adults’ side. The waterpark is actually completely hidden from the Secrets side of the resort, so it feels more like an exclusive family-only area.

The benefit of having both resorts together would be when traveling with a group, for example, to a wedding. Guests who need a break from kids could stay on the Secrets side, while families can still have fun on the Dreams side. It also allows parents to escape for a little extra kid-free luxury (for an additional fee).

A Fun Choice for Families

Staying at an all-inclusive resort is a great choice for families. Hyatt calls its program Unlimited Luxury because guests at Dreams Bahia Mita have nonstop dining options, including 24-hour room service, a variety of daily activities to choose from, and beautiful accommodations.  

I recommend staying here for a relaxing vacation with lots of pool time. Let the resort be your destination, and enjoy all the amenities it has to offer.

Disclosure: The author was invited to Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort for the purpose of writing an unbiased review article. All opinions are her own.