First announced in March 2021, the first Dreams® Resorts & Spas brand in Mazatlán has been a long-awaited vision. And finally, we’re nearing the end of the $70 million journey as every day brings us closer to the hotly anticipated April 2024 grand opening date of Dreams® Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort. Now three years in the making, including time spent designing and constructing this luxury property from the ground of the Estrella del Mar Golf Club up, this private gated residential community in the most exclusive zone of the destination is almost ready for its grand reveal.

ALG Vacations® spoke to leaders of the build and hotel to find out the highlights travel advisors and their customers should know about – here’s what you need to know to get on our high level of excitement!

Location

We mentioned that Estrella del Mar is one of the most privileged parts of Mazatlán already, but what we didn’t say earlier was that this destination is already a vacationers’ dream -- especially with newly expanded summer service from United Airlines -- which amplifies our earlier statement.

Mazatlán is actually the shrimp capital of the world, with over 800 boats hauling catches in on any given day, and offers the freshest tuna in the region (so order plenty of both while staying on site!). Because of this longstanding and thriving trade, it’s had a long history already of developing resources and touristic amenities, not least of all the largest malecon or boardwalk on the Pacific Coast, providing 14 miles of strolling space ideal for watching the sun set and bathe the coast in warm golden hues as the sky cycles from a brilliant blue to shades of orange, pink, and purple that contrast spectacularly with the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Within the gated community, specifically at this property, is nearly a fifth of a mile of smooth linear beachfront with no nearby public access for the ultimate in oceanfront privacy.

On the land side, Dreams Estrella del Mar is surrounded by a 178-acre golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. – one largely considered one of the best resort courses in all of Mexico. A par-72 course lined with towering palm trees and native vegetation, 11 lakes, and ocean views for half a dozen holes, make it also among the most beautiful.

Grand Settings

The new Dreams Estrella del Mar is only ten short minutes from the airport, but you’d never know it looking out from any vantage point of this gorgeous property. The large convention center, able to accommodate up to 700 people at a time when you include the foyer, shows off peaceful golf course views. Those gathering outdoors, particularly for weddings, are greeted by beautiful oceanfront vistas from the gazebo, beach, and other vantage points.

Also ideal for ambiance are any of the various dining outlets, which includes a buffet, a snack bar, Coco Café, and Dolce ice cream shop. À la carte offerings include a poolside grill, Meraki for Mediterranean-Asian fusion and teppanyaki, and outposts of the brand’s beloved El Patio Mexican restaurant, Oceana for seafood, and Portofino Italian and Mediterranean. The latter even offers yet another change of scene for private dining for adults only – the wine cellar, complete with sommelier service.

Guests can quench their thirst at any of the above, of course, but three bars and two swim-up bars – one for adults only – mean no shortage of refreshment and opportunities to make the most of the Unlimited-Luxury® program. From the inside, though, we hear the best spot to have a leisurely drink is going to be the lobby bar, where nightly live entertainment is promised along with unobstructed sunset views.  

Recreation

The golf course is obviously a major attraction – so much that it’s right in the property’s name. However, the second part is “spa resort,” which means no expense was spared in making this amenity anything short of amazing. This 1,800-square-foot facility is designed for style, wellness, and comfort, and include special areas such as a full-service salon, hamman treatment space, Wellness Suite, Party Suite, and Bridal Suite. Hydrotherapy, as with all Dreams Spa by Pevonia® who offer that feature, is included with any booked massage, facial, or body treatment, and Preferred Club guests get one free-standing guided hydrotherapy session per stay! Perfect after a round of complimentary golf, which is another perk of this upgraded room category. (More on that later!)

But that’s far from the only niche sport available here. Two tennis courts, two professional soccer fields, a multifunctional court, four padel courts, and even six pickleball courts means the family can come back from vacation without a break in their favorite competitive sports, and a top-notch fitness center with cardio and strength training machines as well as free weights offer conditioning in between.

But for many, the lazy river is as much exercise as they might want to get while they’re decompressing on a getaway. For them, it’s that feature and the water park – both the only ones of their kind in Mazatlán, to date – that draw the most excitement from guests of all ages. The Explorer's Club for Kids and Core Zone Teens Clubs are additional enhancements even on top of that.  

Great Nights

“But how are the rooms?” you might ask. And we’re glad you did, since the headliner is a big one: all suites have spectacular views of the ocean. Best yet? All of the 358 rooms are suites.

Some offer swim-out pools from private terraces, others connect to the rooms next door, which is perfect for families or friends traveling together, but all come with 24-hour room and concierge service, access to a balcony or patio, daily refreshed mini-bar, double sinks, separate showers, enclosed water closets, and benches and seating areas for casual lounging.

The room sizes begin at 549-square-foot Junior Suites, but expand exponentially from there. Preferred Club suites not only add the value of complimentary golf and hydrotherapy to a guest’s stay, but also more space immediately. The Preferred Club Junior Suite is a swim-out and adds 38 square feet to the room, and will be in one of two Preferred towers – one exclusively for adults, with their own private pool, and another for families.

For something truly spectacular, go top of the line in the Preferred category: the Preferred Club Master Suite Oceanfront, which has a separate dining room, kitchenette, and living area with sofa and either an outdoor hot tub on the higher floors or swim-out access. Panoramic Suites boast the best ocean views on the property … unless you count the One-Bedroom Presidential Suite Oceanfront, which is every bit as grand as it sounds, featuring a kitchen and dining room table with seating for eight, a private furnished balcony with outdoor hot tub, and over 2,200 square feet of space to spread out in.  

Of course, as with all Preferred Club bookings, they’ll also get access to a private club lounge serving a rotating menu of hot and cold snacks until close, private check-in and -out, upgraded in-room amenities, and whatever else they “dream” up.

Looking for the best way to get to Mazatlan? United Airlines is now flying there from a whopping 61 U.S. gateways either nonstop or with one easy connection from May 4, 2024 - August 17, 2024, departing from IAH at 10:17 AM to maximize time at this stunning new resort. Package your clients' vacation with air from United to reap the benefits of this expanded availability, convenient flight time, and all the perks that come with flying this nationally acclaimed airline.