Exploring Dreams Macao Beach: A Luxurious All-Inclusive Experience in Punta Cana

Annual Family Beach Trip

Every year, my family embarks on our much-anticipated beach trip, where all 10 of us squeeze into one cozy beach house. It's a tradition that brings us all together, and it’s something we eagerly look forward to each summer. Picture sandy toes, the soothing sound of waves crashing, and the occasional heated game of Uno that can get a little too competitive!

We usually head to St. George Island, Florida, just a couple of hours from my hometown. This small, quintessential island feels like a slice of paradise, where kids can truly be kids without getting into too much trouble. Whether it’s building sandcastles, collecting seashells, or simply splashing in the surf, there’s a sense of freedom that makes every moment special.

This year, we decided to shake things up for our 2025 vacation by opting for an all-inclusive experience. With such a diverse age range in our group, spanning from 5 to over 60, finding the perfect location and resort that catered to everyone's travel goals was quite the challenge!

After much consideration and "family meetings", we finally settled on an all-inclusive luxury resort, Dreams Macao Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This beautiful Hyatt resort offers something for everyone, making it an ideal choice for our family gathering. We can't wait to enjoy the stunning beaches, delicious food, and exciting activities together!

Tip: Join World of Hyatt, Hyatts free rewards program. The sign up process is easy and you will receive a discount on room rates. We even received complimentary wine and macaroons in our room upon arrival.

Our Arrival Experience

We took the first flight out of Atlanta for our 6 day adventure —whew, what an early morning! The mimosas in the Delta Skyclub helped ease us into the vacation spirit. As we toasted to our adventure, laughter filled the air, and soon enough, we were wheels up and on our way to the beautiful shores of Punta Cana! 6 days was the perfect amount of time at this resort!

Tip: If local to Atlanta, we used Atlanta Car Service to pre-schedule my parents' pick up in Marietta. They then picked my husband and I up in Midtown. The process was seamless and the best part - gratuity and tax are included at a reasonable rate.

Once we arrived in Punta Cana, the excitement was palpable. We breezed through passport control, collected our bags, and headed over to the Amstar desk for our transportation to the resort. The entire process was surprisingly smooth, which was a relief after a long journey. To make our 45-minute ride to the resort even more enjoyable, we decided to add on some local beer. Sipping on a cold drink while taking in the sights was the perfect way to kick off our vacation!

Tip: Many resorts partner with Amstar for roundtrip transportation to and from the airport. We found this to be the most economical way to accommodate the 8 of us that travelled together.

If you haven't been to Punta Cana before, just a heads up—horns will beep, and shoulder driving is totally acceptable! It was a bit of an adventure navigating through the lively streets, but it added to the vibrant atmosphere of the island.

We arrived at the hotel around 1 PM, filled with excitement for the days ahead. However, we soon found out that our rooms wouldn’t be ready until around 4 PM. We hadn’t opted for early check-in, and looking back, I’m not sure I would choose that option again if given the chance. The only con of the experience is the pitch for their Hyatt Vacation Club. While I completely understand why they do it, I think we said "no, not interested" at least 20 times. It was the last thing anyone wanted to do after a long travel day.

Tip: Check out my resort tour here.

With some time to spare, we grabbed lunch at The World Cafe (the lunch buffet). I'm not usually one for a buffet, but this one was surprisingly good with lots of fresh, hot food. The atmosphere was lively, and we enjoyed a delicious meal that set a positive tone for our stay. Afterward, we made our way to the lobby bar, where we relaxed and soaked in the vibrant surroundings.

As the clock ticked closer to 4 PM, we kept an eye out for updates on our rooms. Once they became available, we quickly changed into our swimsuits, eager to cool off and have some fun at the waterslides. The anticipation of splashing around made the wait well worth it!

Tip: We packed swimsuits in our personal bags but were hesitant to change. At check in, they shared we needed a room number in order to access pools/beach and collect towels. Disregard this - we would have been fine to say we were still waiting on a room.

Room Tour

We had the pleasure of staying in a total of five rooms, all conveniently located in the same building. It felt just like being in a cozy beach house, allowing us to easily pop in and out of each other’s spaces as needed. Our room was a Junior Suite Partial Ocean View King, and I loved how our balcony overlooked the kids' water park, adding a lively touch to our stay.

As soon as we stepped into our room, we were greeted by an expansive view of the resort that took my breath away. The sight of the ocean in the distance was simply stunning. I cherished those quiet moments on our balcony, especially in the early mornings before the heat set in, and after a long day at the beach or pool, when we could relax and dry off while soaking in the view.

The room itself was the perfect size for us, especially since we didn’t spend much time inside. The separate sitting area, complete with a cozy sofa, table, and chairs, became our little retreat for enjoying snacks and planning our adventures. But the highlight was undoubtedly the grand bathroom. With its double vanity, double rain shower, and a luxurious soaking tub, it felt like a spa experience. The best part? The shutters that opened up to reveal that breathtaking ocean view—truly magical!

I’m the type of traveler who absolutely has to unpack. Living out of a suitcase for more than a few days just isn’t my style. Thankfully, our suite had two closets and plenty of drawer space for all the outfits I packed (even the ones I didn’t end up wearing). It felt great to settle in and make the space feel like home during our stay.

Restaurants on Property

During my stay at the resort, I was delighted to discover nine fantastic dining options. This includes six a la carte restaurants, a buffet, a cozy cafe, and a grill right on the beach. One of my favorite spots was Coco Cafe, which is open 24/7. I loved grabbing an iced coffee and a pastry there before heading to World Cafe for breakfast. The breakfast buffet was a feast for the senses, featuring multiple stations with omelets, eggs cooked to order, crepes, assorted meats, fresh fruits, pastries, and so much more!

For lunch, we often found ourselves at Barefoot Grill, where we indulged in grilled favorites like hot dogs, burgers, and nachos. It was the perfect place for a quick bite to refuel after soaking up the sun. I also couldn't resist the delicious tacos from the Taco Truck at the Adults Water Park as an afternoon snack. Honestly, these were some of the best tacos I've ever tasted—whether you choose chicken, beef, or pork, you really can't go wrong!

The dinner scene was equally impressive! We managed to try all but Portofino, the gourmet Italian restaurant. El Patio served up authentic Mexican cuisine that left a lasting impression; their tuna tartar was among the best I've ever had! We also dined at Himitsu, which offered a delightful Asian menu. Although we were a bit apprehensive about our 5-year-old at the hibachi area, his eyes lit up with excitement, and I know we’ll be seeking out hibachi in Atlanta soon. The sushi was simply wonderful!

Bordeaux, the French restaurant, was another highlight, serving some of the best beef tenderloin I’ve ever tasted. However, it's worth noting that this restaurant does not allow children, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

Overall, all of the restaurants were exceptional, which can be a rarity for an all-inclusive experience. If I had to pick a favorite, it would undoubtedly be Oceana, the Seafood restaurant. Honestly, if that had been our only option, everyone in our group would have been completely satisfied! With offerings like salmon and various cuts of steak, there was truly something for everyone to enjoy, even the kiddos!

Activities on Property

With six water areas, plus the beach, there is something for every vacation vibe!

Whether you prefer relaxing at an adults-only pool, an infinity pool overlooking the beach, or a lazy river, you will not be disappointed.

Our typical day started at the beach! There are plenty of chairs, but I recommend arriving early, before 8 AM, if you want to snag a spot in the first row. Honestly, there isn't a bad seat on the beach. The beach service was wonderful! The staff was friendly and quick to bring adult beverages right to our seats. The only downside was the various vendors selling cigars and experiences. While this is out of the hotel's control, it's a common sight on most beaches in the DR.

Late morning, we would make our way to the infinity pool, which features a swim-up bar. The events team does a fantastic job activating this area with various games, competitions, and dance shows. After stopping at the Barefoot Grill for a bite, we settled into the Adults Water Park (children are welcome too). After some laps around the lazy river, we raced down the water slides! Once again, the service was nothing short of wonderful!

The Spa was absolutely wonderful. They offer everything from massages, facials, hair treatments, nails, etc. One person had the Jet Lag massage upon arrival, while others had a massage later in the trip. Everyone raved about their experiences. They recommend arriving at least 20 minutes early. My recommendation is to stay longer too! After the massage enjoy the amenities before hitting the beach again!

Hyatt All Inclusive App Experience

Before my trip, I decided to download the Hyatt All-Inclusive App to help navigate my stay. Personally, my experience with the app was a bit of a mixed bag. I found it quite useful for getting a lay of the land, as I used the map feature to familiarize myself with the resort layout.

Additionally, I took advantage of the app to book a spa appointment and order room service, which made those processes a lot more convenient. However, I did notice that the messaging component of the app could use some improvement. Overall, while the app had its benefits, I think there's room for enhancement to make it even more user-friendly.

Preferred Club Experience

When I think about the Preferred Club at Hyatt All-Inclusive resorts, I can't help but reflect on how it could have changed our experience. The upgrade program is entirely optional, and since our group included children, we decided against it. Honestly, even if kids weren't in the mix, I'm not sure I would have opted in.

The Preferred Club does offer some enticing perks, like additional restaurant options and access to private pool and beach areas. We visited in June, and while it was a lovely time, I find myself wondering if I might have been tempted to upgrade during the high season just to secure a comfortable spot by the beach or pool. The thought of enjoying a quieter area, free from beach vendors, is definitely appealing to me!

Optional Excursion

Before our trip, we had a strong desire to embark on an excursion, and two options really caught our attention: the Pirate Boat Day and the Ecological Tour. However, due to some scheduling constraints, we ultimately decided to go with the Ecological Tour. I must admit, I wasn't overly excited about it at first, but looking back, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

I ended up booking the Eco Tour in Golf Cart through Wild On Punta Cana, and I can honestly say it was wonderful! The adventure exceeded my expectations and gave me a new appreciation for the beautiful surroundings.