It can be quite a challenge to plan a family vacation when three generations are involved. The kids want activities and a fun kids club, and the parents and grandparents want good food and a relaxing vibe. I recently visited the all-inclusive Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, and it ticked all those boxes and more. The property’s brand-new waterpark is the perfect spot for kids to enjoy some time in the sun, and I was particularly impressed by the plentiful and delicious food offerings—better than any other all-inclusive I’ve visited in Mexico.
The property is home to the Dreams (family-friendly) property, as well as Secrets (adults-only). This dual set-up is particularly great for multi-generational trips because grandparents could enjoy a peaceful room on the Secrets side, while families enjoyed the Dreams side. They are connected by walkways and quite close together, not like you are on separate properties. Secrets guests can use the full property, even the Dreams side, while kids are not allowed to use the Secrets side of the property. Parents looking for an adults-only meal can take advantage of the dining on the Secrets side for an additional fee.
The Waterpark at Dreams Bahia Mita
The new waterpark is tucked into the hill at the back of the property, allowing the central pool area between the Dreams and Secrets buildings to remain more relaxed and serene. Families can walk up to the waterpark or grab a ride on a golf cart if they are lugging lots of gear.
A smaller water play area with a fun pirate ship theme is perfect for little ones. Just above this play area is a pool with three waterslides that even parents will enjoy.
You don’t have to pack up the kids when they get hungry, as there are plenty of options in this part of the property. Bahia Bites serves up fresh-made tacos from a cute taco truck, and you can enjoy kid-friendly pizza, burgers, and other foods from the snack station. Parents can enjoy a frozen beverage from the bar, and everyone will love Sundaez, the ice cream stand located right by the upper pool.
Between the Dreams and Secrets buildings, you will find the main pool area with lots of different areas where you can spread out your towel or snag a shady spot under an umbrella. The property was at capacity when I visited, but I never felt like I needed to stake out a lounge chair like you have to do at other all-inclusives. There’s a smaller waterslide in this part of the property, and activities like aqua zumba are happening throughout the day. Secrets guests have their own adults-only pools, one with a swim-up bar.
Dining at Dreams Bahia Mita
I was particularly impressed by the quality of the culinary offerings at Dreams Bahia Mita, as most all-inclusive resorts that I’ve visited do not shine in this area. In addition to 24-hour room service, plenty of casual dining options allow you to pick up tacos or burgers just a short distance from the central pool area.
World Cafe is the buffet option on the Dreams side, and it was quite impressive in its own right. Kids Korner is where you can find cute pancakes in the shape of animals and plenty of options for picky palates. Grab an omelet from the hot food station or fill up on all the fresh fruit that was always available. This spot is open for all three meals, making it super convenient for families.
If you send the kids to the Explorers Club for the evening, parents can enjoy adults-only dining on the Dreams side at Portofino, an Italian restaurant where I had one of my favorite meals of the trip. Other dining options include a Pan-Asian restaurant with a teppanyaki experience and restaurants serving grilled entrees and fresh seafood. Two additional restaurants will be opening near the waterpark in the near future.
Accommodations at Dreams Bahia Mita
There’s plenty of room for families to spread out in the rooms at Dreams Bahia Mita. The junior suites sleep up to four guests, two on a pull-out couch. You can book the family suite for up to seven guests, which connects two junior suites. This is the ideal option for families as parents and kids have their own separate spaces. Families can book rooms at the top of the property near the waterpark or in the main area of the property closer to the ocean.
Things to Do at Dreams Bahia Mita
Dreams Bahia Mita is located in Riviera Nayarit, just 45 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport. I liked that there weren’t a lot of other properties in this area, as it felt more secluded and tranquil than places I’ve stayed in Puerto Vallarta. While you’ll likely be spending most of your time in the property’s many pools, there’s a bit of sand for those who enjoy listening to the waves crashing. Surfing lessons were offered during my stay, though the beach is pretty rocky and not great for swimming, especially for kids.
Kids ages 3-12 can enjoy the Explorer’s Club during your stay. Daily activities included dance parties, crafts, video game sessions, and even a pajama party in the evening. If you want an adult-only dinner, kids can have their dinner at the club and watch a movie afterward. For older kids, there’s a Teen Club where teens can play pool or foosball or just hang out in one of the pods.
Every night, the property had a family-friendly performance or activity for guests. No-cost casino night was a favorite, and there were always DJs and musicians keeping the energy up. Download the property’s app to keep up to date on activities.
Adults looking for a bit of relaxation during their stay should book some time in the Secrets Spa. I had a lovely massage there, but the highlight was the hydrotherapy circuit, where I rotated through the steam sauna, hot pools with jets, and a cold plunge. Relaxing and invigorating at the same time!
If you want to venture off-property for an afternoon, the colorful beach town of Sayulita is just a short drive away. Here, you can enjoy a large beach, lots of boho shopping, and restaurants. You can also book snorkeling excursions, a sunset sail, or a whale-watching tour through the Amstar desk at the property.
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort
Online: hyattinclusivecollection.com
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Dreams Bahia Mita but all opinions belong to the writer.
