Dreams Sapphire: First Impressions from a Riviera Cancun Retreat
At the end of June, one of amazing Wishful Wanderings Travel Consultant, Tess, had the opportunity to attend a supplier training in Riviera Cancun. For this trip, she was hosted for four nights at the Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa. While she was already familiar with both the brand and the destination, this was actually her first time experiencing this particular property in person. She’s so glad she finally did, and so are we! Keep reading to learn more about this amazing resort.
Dreams Sapphire is a more intimate resort, great for both families and couples. It has a boutique feel, making it super easy to navigate—something I always appreciate, especially when recommending options for travelers who don’t want to feel overwhelmed by massive resort layouts.
Room Categories & the Indigo Preferred Experience
The resort offers several tiers of accommodations:
Standard Rooms
Preferred Club Rooms
Indigo Preferred Club Rooms (a newly built section)
Both Preferred options give guests access to the Preferred Lounge and the Adults-Only Preferred Pool, where Bali beds can be reserved for free the day before. I loved that the resort rotates reservations to make sure everyone gets a turn—such a thoughtful perk.
I stayed in the Indigo section, and it definitely felt like a step above. The room was in a brand-new building, and compared to other Preferred rooms I toured, the bathrooms and amenities were noticeably upgraded. Indigo guests also have access to a rooftop area—another added bonus.
That said, if you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth noting that the Indigo upgrade may not be essential, since many of the exclusive areas (like the rooftop and preferred pool) are adults-only. Still, both Preferred and Indigo rooms do offer swim-out oceanfront suites, which are always a fun option!
Private Villas for Groups
The resort also features 10 private villas that accommodate up to 8 guests each. These come with butler service, private pools, and a more residential-style layout. They’re tucked just behind the Indigo section—not beachfront, but only a short walk to the sand. These would be a fantastic option for group getaways, family reunions, or wedding parties
Dining, Sushi & Special Events
Because we stayed in the Indigo section, we had access to Bluewater Grill (on the beach) and Gohan, the resort’s sushi spot—both open for lunch. While I didn’t get a chance to try Bluewater Grill, I did enjoy sushi at Gohan, and it was surprisingly fresh and flavorful!
The resort also hosted us for two private dinners during our stay, both with added entertainment. One event took place in a quiet garden space near the villas, and the other in an area commonly used for weddings and small events. We had hoped to dine on the rooftop one evening, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Even so, the service at both events was impeccable, and the entertainment added a special, festive feel.
Resort Size, Amenities & Atmosphere
One of the standout features of Dreams Sapphire is its smaller size, which makes it easy to explore without feeling like you need a map every time you leave your room.
Families will appreciate the kids club, waterslides, arcade, and nightly entertainment. While the atmosphere is relaxed, there’s still plenty to do, especially for those looking for low-key fun and family-friendly vibes.
A Few Honest Notes
While the resort delivered a pleasant stay overall, here are a couple things to keep in mind:
If you’re a serious foodie, you might find the food here to be just average. Nothing was bad—just a little plain and standard for an all-inclusive.
This year (June in particular), sargassum was a major issue along the beach. The smell was strong, and the beach itself was completely unusable during our stay. The resort staff worked hard to manage it, but it was definitely a challenge. If you’re a beach-loving family, I’d recommend considering your travel dates carefully or booking at a time when seaweed isn’t at its peak.
Final Thoughts
Even though this was my first time at Dreams Sapphire, I walked away with a strong sense of who this resort is right for: families, couples looking for a more compact resort experience, and destination wedding groups (this property is hosting weddings almost every weekend in 2025!).
Have questions I didn’t cover? I’d love to chat more—feel free to reach out anytime!
Tess Hankis
Tess is a travel enthusiast with over a decade of experience exploring with her family. Married for nearly 13 years, she and her husband have three children and currently live in Iowa (though she dreams of a warmer climate).
A Disney fan and cruise lover, Tess has big travel dreams, including visiting Spain, exploring Egypt’s pyramids, and hiking Machu Picchu. She’s passionate about helping others plan unforgettable adventures.
