I really wanted to like Dreams Natura–and parts of it I certainly did.  Want to spend time on innovative spa experiences?  Come to Dreams Natura.  Want to enjoy multiple beachfront pools depending on your mood and activity level? Come to Dreams Natura.  Want to let your older kids enjoy the nearby water slides/lazy river while you enjoy a drink at the adults-only swim-up pool and bar?  Come to Dreams Natura.  Overall, this resort is beautifully constructed and decorated, easy to navigate for the most part (well, not in the dark but more on that later), and offers water fun for all ages, a Rollglider (I didn’t know what that was either but again, more on that later), and one of the best looking and comprehensive spas I’ve ever seen. But somehow it missed the “vacation mark” as a resort to which I’d like to return.  Part of that explanation I’m sure is COVID-related with less day and nighttime activity/entertainment options and restaurant closures, but since I also had a subsequent Dreams resort stay (Dreams Riviera Cancun), I had a direct comparison from another resort run by the same company with supposedly the same standards–Dreams Natura did not match up on some important amenities (again, more on that later).

But let’s start at the beginning of this vacation adventure.  I had originally booked the resort many months prior to its initial opening date when it was known as Now Natura.  Since the resort opening was delayed twice, it wasn’t in operation at the time of my booking so I got sent to Now Sapphire for my 4-night stay back in February 2020 (I know I’m a “bit late” on that resort review, but it will eventually get posted).  For my inconvenience I was given a free travel voucher, good for one year, for the same amount of nights with the same amount of travelers in the same room category–this meant my stay at Dreams Natura was free.

I was very pleasantly surprised by a complimentary VIP-upgraded vehicle from USA Transfers which took us from the Cancun airport to the resort–a black Suburban.  Very new vehicle and very comfortable ride.  Travel time from the airport to the resort entrance was approximately 20-25 minutes; the lengthy secondary road we had to take from the main highway to the beachfront resorts in this area wasn’t in the best of shape due to flooding from the water-saturated mangrove sections on either side of the road (Cancun had just experienced several tropical storms and two hurricanes in the months prior to my stay).  We were immediately greeted by resort staff who took our luggage to be disinfected; there was a hand sanitizing dispenser we were required to use and we also had to step on a disinfectant mat and have our temperature taken before being allowed to enter the resort.

Since the reservation was for an upgraded Preferred Club room, we were escorted to the private Preferred Club Lounge where we were given glasses of sparkling wine, completed the AMResorts’ iPad COVID questionnaire, had our passports copied, turned over our original travel voucher, and were told to wait “for our luggage and an introduction to the resort”.  As it turned out we were actually waiting for the first part of AMResorts’ timeshare presentation–an invitation to their “breakfast” the next day which would have been four hours of a timeshare sell (most resorts don’t call it a timeshare these days, they call it a Vacation Club or some equivalent term).  It took several “no gracias” replies before the staff member backed off the breakfast invite, but the packet of information he gave us did have a 10% spa treatment discount coupon (which was later used), so at least the time taken for this presentation wasn’t a total waste.  FYI:  This resort was still giving out key cards during our Nov. 2020 stay.  I realize that many resorts have gone to digital room door opening because of COVID.

Let me say just a few words about the Preferred Club Lounge itself.  Very beautifully decorated with modern lighting and furnishings, large selection of liquor–including top-shelf like Ketel One vodka–at the private bar area, computers and printers at your disposal, separate check-in and concierge desks, lots of seating, but the food/snack selection was not that extensive.  Inside is not the best place to hang out for a pre/post dinner drink, but there is some outdoor seating nearby with an ocean view.

We were eventually escorted to our room in Building 3–4th floor, room 12 in a Preferred Club Jr. Suite Ocean View room (if you want to see a video of the room, click this link).  The room itself was generally nicely appointed with a large bathroom which offered some privacy via a sliding door, plenty of storage space, comfortable bed, and a balcony Jacuzzi.  No AMResorts standard airplane-size in-room liquor bottles (due to COVID they said–?), but there were Pringles and some peanut M&M’s.  I did visit the concierge desk on day 2 of my stay to inquire about no in-room liquor with a Preferred Club upgrade, and they did finally wind up sending me a bottle of Absolut (the size was a bit larger than a plastic water bottle)—on the morning of day 4 of my 4-night stay and after a second visit to the concierge about this matter on day 3.  While I did get the resort stay for free, that kind of service for what the resort does charge for upgraded rooms is just not acceptable for a supposed 5-star property.  The Jr. Suite also came with a sleeper sofa which actually was quite hard; I would not have been able to use it. My adult son who did use it said he felt like he was “camping” when trying to sleep.  Enough said.

FYI:  While I generally book a resort upgrade which offers a higher level of service and offered amenities, it is definitely worth it to upgrade to Preferred Club at this particular property.  If you don’t upgrade, there is a good chance you may be stuck in exterior rooms either looking at the construction shell of Senator Riviera Cancun on the north side with the distinctive smell of mangroves if you dare to step on your patio, or stuck in south side building exterior rooms with just the mangrove odor.  Not pleasant.  I even saw some swim-ups when looking over a wall over at the Senator (must be some of the non-upgraded Jr. Suite Swim-Ups).  I’m assuming most vacationers wouldn’t be happy with that arrangement, but then again maybe it’s just me?…  Also, don’t book rooms on the south side of the resort with supposed ocean views.  You will be getting an eyeful of steel or other construction material whether it’s from the water slides or the Rollglider.  I’m not sure what building number that is–I would assume it’s building 1?  Inquire where your guest room building is at check-in.

Let’s discuss food.  Food service in the buffet is only for breakfast (a COVID-related restriction).  There’s lots of variety and many staff are present to serve you anything you would like.  Some dishes and food offerings, however, are not served by staff (fruits, breads, etc.) which makes guests use the same serving utensils.  My travel party all took hand sanitizer bottles to restaurants, so this restaurant is one at which to use it religiously if you choose food which isn’t directly served onto your plate.  A la carte restaurants were all open on a rotation basis; since one cannot make dinner reservations at this resort that made dinner decisions a bit more challenging.  We enjoyed the Bordeaux and Oceana best for dinner (French and seafood), but did not like Himitsu or El Patio (Pan-Asian and Mexican).  We never even tried to get hibachi reservations–we’ve seen the same food cooking/presentation at resorts for so long now that it’s no longer appealing.  Portofino (Italian) was impossible to get into–it was either closed for consecutive nights or it was over an hour wait to be seated. Here’s an important hint:  if you can, get to know where restaurants are on the property ASAP after check-in because the exterior lighting here is not the best.  On our first night looking for a place to have dinner we walked right past Bluewater Grill (poolside restaurant) because there was no signage and no lighting at all in this area. No lighting to even identify it as a restaurant at all.  Use your resort app to identify restaurants open for dinner, or you can also use the in-room digital guide for general info.  I found both of these sources inadequate for accurate resort info, another item which detracted from a smooth enjoyable resort stay.

As for lunch options, Bluewater Grill is basically IT during COVID unless you order room service.  That means you have to be decently attired (no wet swimsuits even though it’s right by the pool).  I don’t know about other vacationers, but when I want a bite to eat at lunch I definitely don’t want to take the time to get dressed for lunch and then change back into my pool attire afterwards. While Barefoot Grill (over by the lazy river) was open, they only served pizza.  It was the worst pizza I’ve ever eaten and I wouldn’t eat it again unless I was literally starving.  The lack of lunchtime food items at Barefoot Grill was puzzling, especially since our next resort, Dreams Riviera Cancun, had some awesome lunch options at their Barefoot Grill.

Other food options in general include room service (an adequate option, some items are quite tasty–I liked the turkey club sandwich), and the Coco Cafe.  Coco Cafe served sandwiches and dessert items for the most part; there was a separate serving section for ice cream but it stayed empty until the last day of our stay but then I wasn’t in the mood for an ice cream at the time.  We ordered room service from the in-room mini iPad; it was very easy to do so, we just kept adding wanted items to the total.  The order was correct and came on time (approximately 45 min. as stated).

Let’s discuss drinks.  The sports bar (Desires) was a great spot to hang out and have some fun while enjoying a few drinks.  There was a pool table, foosball, and multiple flat screens for sports viewing enjoyment.  While it’s supposed to be a disco with some live music during the evenings, there was none during our stay–most likely COVID-related. This bar has a wide selection of liquor, so don’t be afraid to ask for the liquor of your choice. Desires is kind of out of the way, but if you go around the corner from either the Preferred Club Lounge or the lobby bar you will find it.

The place to be for drinks and entertainment in the evenings was the lobby area.  There were lots of seating options; some in the middle area were not exactly social distancing friendly–we sat on the fringes of seating areas but best to be safer than be at a greater risk for catching COVID.  There typically was a DJ present every evening–you can make requests but don’t expect them to be played.  Since this is a family-friendly resort, children typically run around this area in the evenings while their parents sit and drink/socialize.  While I did not see other types of entertainment in the lobby, I’ve read that big screens have been put up for popular sporting events, and mariachi bands have played here.  While there is supposed to be a large theater, it was either closed for meetings/presentations (it’s in the convention meeting room area), there was nothing scheduled, or the entire area was closed off on one occasion for a wedding reception (due to inclement weather).  The theater was really hard to find with no signage; look for it right across from Desires sports bar.  If I remember correctly, you have to enter the convention meeting room section first, then look for large double doors.

Dreams Natura did have a very nice water park area with multiple water slides (adults can use them as well), a lazy river that had overhead water buckets, while the Rollglider was located here as well. (Don’t know what a Rollglider is?  I didn’t either; it’s kind of like zip-lining on a track which more resembles a mild roller coaster with dips and twists and turns).  Also, look for the adjoining climbing wall next to the Rollglider.  Here’s some tips for this area:

• keep your arms close to your sides when using the slides, there are some narrow spots near the top where you can scrape your elbows.  The resort is very attentive with their on-site medical help if it is needed.
• most people enter the lazy river next to the bathrooms by Barefoot Grill.  Pool floats for the lazy river are typically located here.
• you have to sign a waiver if you want to use the Rollglider.  Don’t bother to climb up the tall structure to the Rollglider entrance if you haven’t signed this waiver.  You can sign it at the ball stand which is located next to the towel shack/ocean-related excursions sign-up.  A staff member typically tells a certain number of people who have signed waivers to congregate at the stairs at a certain time, then escorts them up as a group.
• During the time I was at the resort, the water slides/Rollglider/climbing wall were only open at certain times.  Typically, these amenities were open around 11 a.m. and closed mid afternoon around 2 p.m.  This could be a COVID-related restriction.
• a small children’s water park feature is located at the back of the lazy river.  You have to walk around to the back of this area to find it.

If you want more water fun, there were four different beachfront pools and two Jacuzzis to enjoy.  Both Jacuzzis were heated, and they were located at each end of the pool section.  There was a busy adults-only pool with the only swim-up bar located on the north side of the resort, a more quiet pool right in the back of the adults-only pool, an infinity pool in the middle of the entire pool area, and a shallow pool for smaller children by the water slides.  While I could tell that the adults-only pool was heated, the water was very chilly upon entering.  The infinity pool was even more chilly.  I don’t expect bathwater temperatures at resort pools, but neither do I expect to shiver when using them.  As is typical for swim-up pool bars, don’t expect guests to be social distancing, especially when having had enough to drink.  I got my drinks at the bar and moved to a “safer” location–an in-pool circular seating ledge across from the swim-up bar was very handy for enjoying the pool vibe with convenient people watching.  Be aware that recorded resort music in this area is “no bueno”–it’s got a new age sound, so there were guests who brought their own Bluetooth devices and played their own selections for everyone present.  That can either be a good or a bad thing, depending on one’s choice in music.  There were lots of shade umbrellas and loungers overall; expect loungers surrounding the adults-only pool to be gone early, however.  I always found loungers near the quieter pool.  You can bring your plate of pizza to your lounger.

The beach is this resort’s Achilles Heel.  If you are a true beach lover, you will NOT be happy at this resort.  Since the resort was surrounded on each side by mangroves and the area had been experiencing higher amounts of rainfall, there was mangrove runoff on each side which made the water a brown color; more than usual sargassum amounts were also present during my vacation which added to the unpleasantness of the beach in general–tractors buzzing around all day moving the sargassum along with the smell which accompanies its decomposition.  There are beach Bali beds ($) and loungers if you want to use the beach, but during my stay I didn’t see one person in the ocean.  FYI:  I’ve recently seen pictures of new resort signs warning vacationers to be watchful of alligators/crocodiles on the beach–that is because swampy mangrove areas are perfect homes for such creatures in this area.

On the other hand, the spa is this resort’s main strength.  It was designed with cave cenotes in mind, so there are many design elements reminiscent of those natural beauties.  The spa offered several special services I’d never seen before such as a separate room with a huge flat screen showing constant videos of nature with relaxing themes–this room is typically used for those wanting minor ancillary spa services such as hand massages or for those who just want to further their relaxation factor while at the spa, another separate room was designated for mixing your own chosen spa fragrances and ingredients.  The spa also offers two bridal chambers for bridal parties to ready themselves prior to the on-site ceremony for those with destination weddings.  I asked for and received a private spa tour and was very impressed; type in Dreams Natura spa video in the search bar at the end of this review to see my video.

One more item of note–if you enjoy painting ceramics or you want to give your kids another activity to keep them busy, there was a small set-up on the south end of the beach where you can choose a ceramic item and then paint it; it is an extra cost, however.

Dreams Natura is a resort for vacationers looking for an unusual spa experience, or for those who enjoy resort pools much more than the beach.  Would I return?  Unfortunately, no, not even when COVID restrictions are lifted.  There were too many factors present in this stay which would have me spending my vacation dollars on another resort experience I would enjoy much more without the frustrations.

Take a moment or two to enjoy the photo gallery below–just click on any of the thumbnails to get a larger view of the picture.

The comments in this review are those of the author/reviewer.  This trip was made possible as a complimentary stay by Dreams only because of a travel voucher received due to this resort’s initial inability to open on time.

Location:  15 min. south of the Cancun airport; it could take longer due to traffic or secondary road conditions.

Telephone:  1-866-237-3267 (toll-free number for Dreams resorts), 52-998-689-0400 (Mexico)

Email:  info.drena@dreamsresorts.com