Best Dreams Resorts & Spas in Maya Riviera & The Yucatan

Sitting just 4 miles northeast of Tulum's Mayan ruins, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa makes a great home base for sightseers. And thanks to its Unlimited-Luxury privileges, travelers can enjoy limitless meals, beverages at seven different bars and lounges, and daily activities. Golfers can start their day by hitting the links at the Riviera Maya Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones II-designed course, while budding adventurists (ages 3 to 12) can enjoy the great outdoors with the resort's Explorer's Club. Meanwhile, R&R-seekers can head to the Dreams Spa by Pevonia before sprawling along white sands. Once you're ready to step out of the sun, you can escape to your guest room, appointed with a fully stocked minibar, a cable TV, an iPod docking station, complimentary Wi-Fi access and a private balcony or terrace. Travelers are impressed by this Dreams' digs, but even more so by its excellent customer service. Visitors say that everyone – from the concierge to the bell hops – works hard to ensure guests feel welcome. The eight on-site restaurants also win over patrons with their globally inspired offerings, from traditional Mexican fare to Asian, French and Italian cuisine.

Like its fellow AMResorts hotel group members, Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa allows guests to map out the majority of their vacation as soon as they book. This Dreams property's Unlimited-Luxury plan not only covers your stay in one of the property's rooms — which are outfitted with private balconies or terraces, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibars and satellite TVs — but also all meals at eight restaurants (plus a cafe) and a wide selection of activities. During the day, you can snorkel along the off-shore coral reef, test the waves on a kayak, stretch during a yoga session or attend a Spanish lesson. And when nighttime rolls around, you can enjoy a movie screening beneath a beach blanket. Dreams Riviera Cancun also boasts numerous pools and the full-service Dreams Spa by Pevonia. Although spa treatments aren't covered by the all-inclusive package, recent guests say that they're well worth the extra indulgence. However, some visitors note that the customer service here isn't always up to snuff. You'll find Dreams Riviera Cancun sitting 23 miles south of rowdy Cancun in the more peaceful Puerto Morelos area.

Located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Cancun, Mexico, in a gated community, Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort (a member of the AMResorts family) offers a refined, kid-friendly atmosphere away from the city's world-renowned party scene. Younger travelers can swim with dolphins, play at the water park, participate in supervised activities at the kids club and borrow water sports equipment like kayaks and snorkeling gear, while adults can unwind at the spa, attend live performances and enjoy wine and tequila tastings. Complimentary transportation to and from Playa Mujeres Golf Course is also provided. Recent visitors raved about the property's ample activities and facilities (many of which are covered by the all-inclusive rates), but the eight on-site restaurants received mixed reviews. Some described the themed restaurants (where everything from Mexican to Japanese is served) as "interesting" and "innovative," while others called their meals "mediocre" and "awful." A few past travelers also lamented the resort's ongoing construction and said that upgrading to a Preferred Club accommodation was not worth the additional fee. All rooms and suites come with amenities like private room service delivery boxes, minibars, Nespresso coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, blackout drapes, rain showers and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Situated on a northern portion of Cancun's Hotel Zone, Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa flanks the Caribbean Sea, meaning that many of its guest rooms boast views of the Caribbean and Isla Mujeres. Accommodations come appointed with satellite TVs, iPod docking stations, upscale bath products and minibars stocked daily with beer and soft drinks, though several recent guests wished the rooms were larger and a bit more updated. When you're ready to venture outside of your digs for a bit of excitement, you can take an excursion to Playa del Carmen. Or if you came to Cancun to relax in the sun, claim a spot at the resort's 650-foot private beach, take a dip in one of two pools or perfect your swing at the nearby Playa Mujeres Golf Club (the hotel offers complimentary greens fees). When hunger sets in, you can fill up on Italian, French or Mexican specialties at one of nine on-site restaurants and cafes.

Sandwiched between Playa del Carmen and Tulum along the Riviera Maya's Caribbean coast, Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa boasts activities tailored to guests of all ages and preferences. The resort's Unlimited-Luxury all-inclusive plan allows guests to sample a variety of cuisines in six on-site restaurants, learn to scuba dive from PADI-certified instructors (for an additional fee) and enjoy kayaking expeditions, all without depleting your budget. However, some guests do mention that the resort's small size can lead to cabin fever. Should you be itching to stretch your legs, you can arrange a tour of the Riviera Maya's top sites — like the ruins of Chichen Itza or the Xel-Ha wildlife area — through the resort's concierge (tour costs are not included in the Unlimited-Luxury plan). But if you're just looking to relax, enjoy a drink from your personal minibar on your guest room's balcony or terrace, or take a soak in your tub. Or, for a little extra coin, indulge in an aromatherapy treatment or a pineapple papaya manicure and pedicure at the on-site 2,600-square-foot Dreams Spa by Pevonia.