Head to head
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & SpavsMahekal Beach Resort
Share as a post (opens in a new tab)Scores at a Glance
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & SpaMahekal Beach Resort
Overall
8.5
8.7
Beach
8.1
8.6
Food
8.2
8.6
Service
8.6
8.8
Rooms
8.2
8.4
Luxury
·
8.1
Value
8.0
8.0
Romance
8.0
8.5
Scores out of 10 · higher is better
Quick Stats
| Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa | Measure | Mahekal Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Overall Score | 8.7 (better) |
| 5-star | Star Rating | 5-star |
| (better)4.5 (5,540) | Google Rating | 4.4 (4,730) |
| From $171 | Price / Night (pp) | From $91 (better) |
| No | Adults Only | No |
| Yes | Kids' Club | – |
| Near coast | Beachfront | Oceanfront |
| Mid-size | Resort Size | Boutique |
| (better)15 min | Airport Transfer | 45 min |
All Scores
| Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa | Measure | Mahekal Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Beach | 8.6 (better) |
| 8.2 | Food | 8.6 (better) |
| 8.6 | Service | 8.8 (better) |
| 8.2 | Rooms | 8.4 (better) |
| 8.4 | Pools | 8.8 (better) |
| – | Luxury | 8.1 |
| 8.0 | Value | 8.0 |
| (better)8.7 | Family | 8.4 |
| 8.0 | Romance | 8.5 (better) |
| 7.7 | Nightlife | 7.8 (better) |
| 7.1 | Quiet | 7.7 (better) |
| – | Adventure | 8.2 |
| – | Wellness | 8.5 |
| (better)7.2 | Remote work | 7.0 |
Of the 14 measures we call, Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa leads on 4 and Mahekal Beach Resort leads on 10.
Vibes
| Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa | Measure | Mahekal Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Romance | Yes |
| Yes | Lively | – |
| Yes | Quiet | Yes |
| – | Adventure | Yes |
Activities
| Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa | Measure | Mahekal Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Spa | Yes |
| Yes | Water sports | Yes |
| Yes | Nightlife | – |
| Yes | Kids | – |
| – | Diving | Yes |
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
- 3 pools
- 7 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Swim-up suites
- 15 min from PVR
Mahekal Beach Resort
- Bohemian eco-resort on the beach
- Thatched-roof bungalows
- Cenote excursions included
- Locally sourced organic dining
Pros · Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
- Official all-inclusive Unlimited-Luxury package with top-shelf spirits, room service, minibar, Wi-Fi, and gratuities included.
- Strong family programming with both kids and teens covered.
- Convenient beachfront location close to downtown Puerto Vallarta and the airport.
Pros · Mahekal Beach Resort
- Direct beachfront setting in central Playa del Carmen.
- Easy walking access to Fifth Avenue and downtown Playa del Carmen.
- Boutique-style grounds with gardens, palapa-style rooms, and a relaxed Mexican-Caribbean feel.
- Four pools and a strong beachfront pool atmosphere.
- Good fit for couples, families, and travelers who want a resort plus town access.
Cons · Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
- Not the quietest option because it is a family resort in an active hotel-zone location.
- Some premium wine-cellar or spa experiences cost extra.
- Beach conditions and surf can vary more than at sheltered Caribbean beaches.
Cons · Mahekal Beach Resort
- Beach conditions can vary with seaweed and seasonal coastal conditions.
- Not adults-only and not a quiet secluded escape.
- Some guests may find the rustic-bohemian room style less luxurious than newer resorts.
- All-inclusive value depends on whether guests plan to dine mostly on property or explore Playa del Carmen restaurants.
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