Why Take Your Kids to Dreams Las Mareas in Costa Rica

When I first arrived at Dreams Las Mareas Resort in Costa Rica, it simply seemed like a very nice resort. But after a couple days, I realized there is something special about this place. Located in Guanacaste in the northwest corner of the country, this hotel induced that blissed-out-living-in-the-moment feeling that can be hard to find, even on vacation. We didn’t worry about school or work or anything else here. Our biggest decisions each day were things like, “Pool or beach first? Strawberry or piña colada smoothie?” That’s just what we needed on this mother-daughter vacation. Read my hotel review to discover why you should book a stay at this Costa Rica beach resort for families, too!

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Water play

Water lovers will adore Dreams Las Mareas for its infinity pools, a winding waterslide, a bubbling hot tub, and a crescent moon-shaped beach beside a bay with mellow waves. Thirsty? There’s a swim-up pool bar (my favorite!). Plus, splashy activities like boogie boarding and snorkeling are included for resort guests. Pay an extra fee for other water fun like Scuba diving, jet skiing and deep sea fishing. Water play doesn’t have to end at night, either, with poolside movies to keep you swimming past dark.

Something that really upped the water game at this Costa Rica beach resort for families, though, was our room-front plunge pool, just steps from our private patio. Upon arrival, my daughter did a poolside happy dance upon seeing this watery treat. The rooms above us had their own private hot tubs on their balconies, too!

My 10-year-old and I bedded down in a room next door to my friend and her daughter of the same age. When we wanted to see what they were doing, we hopped in the water and waded on over or tiptoed along the pool’s edge to say, “Hola!” At night, we two moms chatted and sipped wine on our patios while the girls giggled and played in the water.

Dreams Spa

The water theme continues at the Dreams Spa by Pevonia. The Hydrotherapy Garden is off the hook with its waterfall jets spraying into a cool-water pool, cut into the side of a mountain. A whirlpool will ease away any travel pains.

Choose an indoor or outdoor relaxation room in which to thumb through magazines or take a little post-treatment snooze. Healthy snacks and tea are on hand as well. Select from an array of therapies including massages, facials and body treatments. I have been to many hotel spas in my travels, and this is one of my all-time favorites for sure.

Clubs for Kids and Teens

While mom or dad are off at the spa, children (ages 3-12) can play at the Explorer’s Club. This kids club features a movie theater, indoor play area, and outdoor playground. Activities include swimming, sand castle building, video games, arts and crafts, and more. On weekends, kids are treated to “camping” night on the beach.

The Core Zone Teens Club (ages 13-17) at Dreams Las Mareas keeps teenagers smiling while on family vacation with sports, games, a pool table, Foosball, ping-pong, video games, a Euro-bungee and snackbar. There are even late night disco mixers, if they’re so inclined (and their parents approve).

All-Inclusive Food and Drinks

With seven restaurants to choose from at Dreams Las Mareas, you’re sure to find something to tempt the taste buds of every member of the family.

• Oceana’s fresh, delectable seafood and hanging bar chairs wins my vote as best restaurant.
• For an adult’s only date night, head over to Portofino for swanky Italian cuisine.
• Himitsu is the only restaurant that requires reservations for its teppanyaki service.
• World Café is where to go for a huge breakfast buffet each morning, with an array of fresh fruits, charcuterie items, omelet station, made-to-order crepes and serve-yourself bloody Mary’s. This international buffet is open for lunch and dinner as well.
• For a lighter breakfast or mid-day treat, Coco Café serves coffees and pastries.
• El Patio offers up Mexican eats, and there are a few poolside casual fare options for lunch.
• Seaside Grill is where to go for tropical cocktails and grilled specialties

Seven bars, including one night club, ensure you won’t go thirsty at Dreams Las Mareas Resort. Soda, juice, smoothies, beer, wine, and cocktails are included for all hotel guests. My daughter’s favorites were the banana smoothies with chocolate syrup and Shirley Temples with extra cherries. Cheers!

More at Dreams Las Mareas

Need more reasons to book a stay at Dreams Las Mareas? There’s also live entertainment, complimentary bicycle rentals, and cooking or dancing classes! Plus, it’s easy to sign up for off-site excursions like zip-lining and jungle-trekking in beautiful Guanacaste. After a few days at this Costa Rica beach resort for families, you’ll forget all about your to do list, and relax into la pura vida, Costa Rica’s laid back way of life. 

Dreaming of a trip to Costa Rica with kids? Discover fun activities in Guanacaste for families now!

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Do you think your family would like this Costa Rica beach resort? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: Dreams Las Mareas hosted our stay for the purpose of this review. All opinions are mine, as always.

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