Nice seaside and even higher swimming pools: A overview of family-friendly all-inclusive resort Desires Las Mareas Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers searching for seaside rest, jungle adventures and prime wildlife viewing alternatives. It additionally occurs to be considered one of our high locations of 2024 due to its sustainable journey alternatives and a smattering of latest resort openings.

Whereas Desires Las Mareas Costa Rica is not a brand new property — it opened in 2014 — it is one which deserves recognition for its beautiful swimming pools and family-friendly setting. To not point out, it has a mess of on-site actions and leisure choices that enchantment to visitors of all ages. And because it’s a part of the Hyatt household, there are a lot of methods to ebook a keep utilizing factors, too.

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What’s Desires Las Mareas?

Desires Las Mareas is a big, all-inclusive beachfront resort within the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, close to the Nicaragua border. It sits on the calm bay of Playa El Jobo and is surrounded by a verdant jungle.

With 447 visitor rooms, a spa, three swimming pools, eight eating places and eight bars and lounges — amongst different attractive facilities — it is arduous to get bored right here. The ample quantity of occasion area additionally makes it appropriate for giant company occasions or weddings.

The resort is a part of the family-friendly Desires Resorts & Spas model, which falls inside Hyatt’s Inclusive Assortment. All charges right here embody meals and drinks (together with alcoholic drinks) on the eight on-site bars and eight eating places.

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Reserving particulars

Hyatt loyalists will probably be comfortable to know that they will earn and redeem their factors with a keep right here. For one evening in mid-June, the money charge for a junior king suite is $692 for World of Hyatt members.

The identical room on the identical date prices 21,000 World of Hyatt factors. In response to TPG’s valuations, you’d save $336 by utilizing factors as an alternative of money to ebook.

When reserving Desires Las Mareas, you will wish to use one of many bank cards that earn essentially the most factors for Hyatt stays, and presumably one that provides computerized World of Hyatt elite standing for value-added advantages. These embody:

• World of Hyatt Credit score Card: Earn 4 factors per greenback spent at Hyatt inns and resorts, computerized Discoverist standing, and 5 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
• World of Hyatt Enterprise Credit score Card: Earn 4 factors per greenback spent at Hyatt inns and resorts, computerized Discoverist standing, and 5 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.

Getting there

Desires Las Mareas is about 56 miles north of Daniel Oduber Quirós Worldwide Airport (LIR) in Liberia, and the drive takes between one and two hours. Towards the top of the drive, you will be handled to panoramic views of the bay, and you’ll even catch a glimpse of a volcano in Nicaragua.

You possibly can ebook an airport switch by way of the resort’s partnership with vacation spot administration firm Amstar, and you will find the Amstar counter within the airport proper after customs. All I needed to do was give the representatives my title, and after providing me a beverage, they walked me to the car parking zone to fulfill my pleasant driver.

For those who do not wish to go the Amstar route, there are many different airport shuttle corporations to ebook with upfront. Taxis are additionally available on the airport in Liberia, and it’ll most likely value not less than $100 for the 1 1/2-hour drive.

Checking in

Pleasant employees members greeted me when my automobile pulled up, and I had a glass of glowing wine in hand inside seconds of my arrival. I used to be impressed by the open-air foyer’s soothing water options and colourful accents because the employees guided me by way of.

Since I used to be a most well-liked visitor — a standing you’ll be able to obtain by reserving one of many club-level rooms or suites — the employees confirmed me to the personal check-in space in the popular lounge positioned off the foyer. (Most well-liked visitors can use their room keys to enter and benefit from this lounge anytime throughout their keep.)

The check-in course of was fast, and earlier than I knew it, I used to be in a golf cart on the way in which to my room. My private concierge, Joseph, got here alongside for the trip and gave me his contact data in order that I may textual content him with any questions.

I additionally downloaded Hyatt’s Inclusive Assortment app, which was an necessary software all through my keep. On the app, you’ll be able to lookup restaurant menus and hours, take a look at the property map, see the day by day calendar of occasions, schedule housekeeping, ebook spa therapies and order room service.

A spacious room with good outside space

The property homes 447 visitor rooms, together with commonplace and suite-style rooms. Some have ocean views, tropical views or pool views, whereas others have terraces with swim-out entry or personal scorching tubs.

I stayed in a king swim-out junior suite, which was a nook unit that includes floor-to-ceiling home windows that supplied lovely views of my personal pool. The mixture of earth-toned decor, wealthy wooden furnishings and pink accents introduced a way of class into the area.

Exterior, the terrace featured a snug sofa and low desk, separated from the neighboring patio by a half-wall.

Contained in the room, there have been loads of lighting choices, however it felt a bit darkish resulting from its ground-floor location. Nonetheless, the mattress was snug, and the blackout curtains made it simple to sleep. I felt secure on the bottom flooring due to the double locks on the sliding glass door.

The room’s small spherical desk and two chairs may function a spot to work if obligatory. (I even discovered some goodies ready on this desk after I arrived.)

Under the wall-mounted 42-inch TV was a dresser with three storage drawers and two cupboards. The left cupboard held a well-stocked minifridge with Imperial beer, juice bins, soda, and bottles of nonetheless and glowing water. In the correct cupboard, I discovered snacks, cups, three small bottles of liquor and a Cuisinart espresso machine.

I selected to retailer my baggage on the rack subsequent to the dresser, however there was additionally area within the giant wood wardrobe beside the entrance door. The wardrobe held hangers, further blankets, robes, slippers, an umbrella, a secure and a steamer (no iron).

The lavatory and double-sink self-importance space may very well be separated from the primary sleeping space by drawing an extended curtain, however I selected to go away it open to get extra daylight all through the suite.

If I had forgotten considered one of my toiletry objects, I might have been in luck because the self-importance had an additional toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb and extra. A magnifying mirror and hair dryer rounded out the toilet facilities.

The bathe and bathroom have been every separated from this area with a swinging glass door.

When reserving, you will have the choice to pick out an everyday room or a “Membership Stage” room. As talked about above, staying in considered one of these club-level rooms makes you a most well-liked visitor. Most well-liked visitors can make the most of the Most well-liked Membership Lounge all through their keep, which affords a bar, a buffet with snack-size meals and loads of indoor and outside seating. These visitors may also entry a most well-liked pool and luxuriate in a la carte breakfast choices within the Portofino restaurant (as an alternative of being restricted to the primary buffet at World Cafe).

In my view, reserving a club-level room is value it when you’re touring as a pair or simply need an general enjoyable expertise. For those who’re touring with youngsters, who may not respect a nicer breakfast, lounge entry or the opposite perks, a club-level room may not be value the additional money.

Eating choices

There are eight eating places and eight bars at Desires Las Mareas, so there was loads of selection when it got here to eating choices. I am unable to say the meals was the spotlight of my keep; nevertheless, the employees was at all times pleasant, and it was enjoyable to discover all of the totally different venues. I had conversations with another visitors, and it appeared like all of them shared an identical sentiment.

Throughout my go to, the resort occurred to be internet hosting a big company occasion, so my concierge, Joseph, helped me make reservations to make sure I may eat the place I wished.

Himitsu

On the primary evening of my keep, I loved dinner at Himitsu, which serves pan-Asian delicacies and hibachi. (If you wish to safe a spot for the hibachi expertise, reservations are at all times a good suggestion.)

To begin, I sampled a conventional Costa Rican guaro bitter on the advice of my waiter, and I favored it greater than I believed I might.

I then ordered a miso soup, a scrumptious sushi sampler and a seaweed salad (the latter of which I most likely would not have ordered once more). My waiter insisted I ought to strive the fried ice cream for dessert, and it was a manufacturing, to say the least. He heated up toppings and performed with hearth earlier than placing the steaming dessert on a plate in entrance of me — a enjoyable method to finish the meal.

Portofino

That is the place to be within the morning when you’re staying in a club-level room, because the breakfast is solely for most well-liked visitors. There are a la carte choices obtainable, or you’ll be able to go subsequent door to get meals from the World Cafe buffet and convey it again to eat in Portofino.

I ordered one savory breakfast dish and one candy breakfast dish, for analysis functions, after all. The omelet was fairly tasty, and the pancakes have been considered one of my favourite issues I ate at Desires.

At evening, Portofino is open to all grownup visitors and serves Italian favorites, together with soups, salads, risottos, pasta dishes and pizza. The gown code right here is “informal class,” which is a bit nicer than at a few of the different on-site eating places, and it looks as if the meals follows swimsuit.

World Cafe

World Cafe affords buffet-style eating for breakfast and lunch.

There have been loads of fundamental choices, reminiscent of eggs, recent fruit and baked items, alongside omelet stations and rotating specials like chilaquiles. Nevertheless, I seen there weren’t many meatless choices or actually any vegan-friendly dishes except for salads.

Mother and father will respect the children buffet space, the place their youngsters can independently serve themselves dishes that may enchantment extra to their palettes.

Seaside Grill

This lunch and dinner possibility beside the pool has a pleasant open-air design, so you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the pool environment whereas eating.

The menu affords numerous seafood dishes, burgers and sandwiches, in addition to grilled specialties, all becoming for a lightweight lunch.

I attempted the couscous salad, which wasn’t my favourite, however the falafel sandwich on pita made up for it.

El Patio

Though the employees was very pleasant at this Mexican restaurant, I would not essentially suggest it for something aside from a margarita (I acquired the passionfruit one).

I sampled the corn esquites and a vegetarian burrito however wasn’t an enormous fan.

Coco Cafe

That is the resort’s reward store and cafe, the place you will get a sandwich, a espresso or a scoop of gelato at any time of day. The reward store was very effectively stocked with souvenirs, garments, sunscreen and any kind of toiletry merchandise you may want. I finished by just a few instances all through my keep for a espresso and by no means discovered it crowded.

I did not get the prospect to strive the sushi restaurant, Gohan, or the seafood restaurant, Oceana, for dinner, however they each appeared to have a pleasant atmosphere. Oceana’s menu has choices like clam chowder, ceviche and salmon — and an ocean view on the facet.

Professional tip: For those who’re celebrating a milestone or occasion throughout your journey, you’ll be able to ebook a beachfront eating expertise to make dinner further particular.

A pool in all places you look

This resort excels within the pool division — regardless of the place you might be, you will by no means be too removed from loungers and turquoise water.

Technically, there are three major swimming pools (not together with those that border the swim-out visitor rooms): the higher pool, decrease pool and adults-only pool. However, it seems like there are extra.

That may be as a result of considered one of them is a whopping 44,000 sq. ft. You’ll find this huge pool in entrance of the primary constructing that homes all of the eating places. This location makes it simple to seize a fast chunk everytime you need after which return to your lounger.

Straight beside it, there is a small kiddie pool space with a mountain climbing wall and trampoline so as to add to the enjoyable. There’s additionally a waterslide on the higher pool, which I may hear many youngsters having fun with whereas I used to be strolling round. The pool bar on this space additionally serves pizza — a handy place to cease when the children get hungry.

The opposite major pool is a couple of two-minute stroll away. It snakes across the beachfront space, and with so many various sections, it seems like a bunch of little swimming pools mixed.

One in every of these sections belongs solely to most well-liked visitors. I did not have to point out any documentation proving I used to be a most well-liked visitor so as to enter, however one of many employees members advised me they preserve tabs on who’s utilizing the popular pool. The popular space has its personal bar and daybeds to hire.

There’s additionally a vigorous pool space with a swim-up bar known as Manatees. This space was at all times fairly packed throughout the day and supplied a celebration environment, full with loud pop music.

The complete pool is bordered by chairs and daybeds. I did not discover a ton of empty loungers at peak instances, however it wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded both.

The Seaside Grill and Oceana eating places are on one facet, and the Barefoot Grill — which serves fast bites and might have fairly lengthy strains — is on the opposite. So, you will by no means must stroll far to get refreshments throughout your pool day. You too can see the seaside from this space of the pool, and it is a good place to be at sundown.

A good looking seaside with loads of area

Desires Las Mareas is located on Playa El Jobo, and this stretch of sand is spectacular, size-wise, in comparison with different resort seashores I noticed within the area.

Because it’s in a big cove, there are calm waves and secure swimming circumstances for kids.

Do you have to wish to hire water sports activities tools, you are able to do so on the Amstar hut beside the seaside.

There are additionally some impartial distributors on the seaside who will give you excursions once you hit the sand. A number of the ones I spoke to have been promoting off-site excursions and Jet Ski rides.

There aren’t a ton of seaside chairs, however the seaside was additionally by no means crowded after I was there. It appeared like most visitors loved being on the swimming pools as an alternative.

One part of the seaside is reserved for most well-liked visitors and has cushioned loungers and bar service.

The resort affords loads of actions right here to maintain visitors busy, together with seaside volleyball video games and a seaside social gathering. You possibly can simply test the occasion schedule on the app.

loads of remedy choices on the spacious spa

Company searching for rest can ebook a remedy on the resort’s 16,000-square-foot Spa by Pevonia. It affords a full-service salon, 10 personal remedy rooms and a snack bar space.

Within the salon, there are manicure and pedicure areas, a hairdressing area and even a fish footbath expertise. For those who’re visiting Desires in your wedding ceremony, the spa additionally affords a separate bridal suite full with a gown stand.

In between the altering rooms and the primary remedy space, there was a rest room with loads of chairs in addition to a snack bar space with tea, fruit, cookies and snacks.

I acquired the prospect to strive the hydrotherapy circuit behind the spa space. Use of this self-guided circuit is included with spa therapies that final 80 minutes or extra. I began the circuit with time within the sauna and steam room, then adopted the numbered indicators by way of the remainder of the swimming pools; it ended with a scorching tub and chilly plunge.

It was a calming method to spend an hour, and I felt pampered when a employees member introduced out a wholesome drink to take pleasure in throughout the expertise.

Across the water function lined with teardrop-shaped coated sofas, you will discover personal remedy rooms. You possibly can ebook a therapeutic massage (from $215), a facial (from $175), a manicure (from $65) or some other rest expertise you’ll be able to consider. These therapies will not be included in your room charge.

The spa is open from 8 a.m. to eight p.m. day by day, and the minimal age is 16.

Numerous leisure choices and actions

Every day of your trip, you’ll be able to seek the advice of the exercise schedule on the app to see what’s taking place. Throughout my keep, I noticed seaside volleyball video games, a nighttime dance efficiency, a dwell violin present within the Rendezvous bar space and a film projected on a giant display by the pool.

If you wish to depart the resort for an tour at any level, you’ll be able to ebook a tour immediately on Amstar’s web site. The corporate affords quite a lot of guided actions all through the Guanacaste area, together with rainforest hikes, whitewater rafting journeys, ATV excursions and horseback using experiences. Bear in mind these excursions come at an additional value.

Nevertheless, the resort does supply a complimentary tour for visitors: They will select between the Tradition And Journey Mega Combo tour and the Palo Verde, Liberia Metropolis Tour And Llanos Del Cortes package deal.

Children can benefit from the Explorers Membership, which is geared towards ages 3-12. It affords crafts and video video games for leisure. Mother and father can drop their kiddos off someday between 9 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. The Core Zone Teenagers Membership can preserve older youngsters ages 13-17 occupied at evening with social occasions and video games. It is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The resort additionally has a health middle close to the spa with ellipticals, treadmills and free weights. Nevertheless, for a large resort, I used to be shocked by the small measurement of the health middle.

Causes Desires Las Mareas may not be for you

Touring with a big group with a large age vary? This Desires property will probably be an amazing match. Nevertheless, listed below are some situations when it may not be the best alternative:

• For those who’re searching for a quiet keep, it’s possible you’ll be happier elsewhere. Whereas there are definitely some peaceable areas across the property, the pool bar can get rowdy throughout the day, and there are many folks out and about always.
• As is fairly typical with all-inclusive resorts, the meals is not the primary draw. For those who’re a foodie who desires to spend trip time indulging in superb eating experiences, this most likely is not the place for you.
• It takes 1 1/2 hours to get right here from the airport, so if you need a spot for a fast in a single day, contemplate one of many all-inclusive choices simply half-hour from LIR.

Accessibility

In response to Hyatt, Inclusive Assortment properties present absolutely geared up accessible rooms upon request. Potential Desires visitors ought to contact the resort upfront to request these rooms — that are on the primary flooring with bigger loos and bars for stability, amongst different options.

Nevertheless, the Inclusive Assortment’s phrases additionally state that it can not assure the provision of accessible rooms or availability of wheelchairs on-site or on the airport. The Desires employees confirmed this after I known as and spoke to a number of members of the employees.

At this Desires property, there have been golf cart providers to move visitors across the property and ramps subsequent to most small units of stairs. I additionally seen elevators in the primary constructing. Whereas the pool areas are wheelchair accessible, I could not find any pool lifts.

There is a small ramp to the seaside, however I could not get a definitive reply about whether or not seaside wheelchairs can be found to visitors.

Trying out

Total, I had a beautiful keep at Desires Las Mareas, and I might be comfortable to return to expertise the swimming pools, seaside and off-site excursions that I did not get an opportunity to strive.

Whereas there have been some giant group occasions occurring throughout my keep, it by no means actually felt overwhelming or overcrowded. The eating places and swimming pools are clearly constructed to accommodate many visitors without delay. A number of the eating places are definitely higher than others, however due to the well-maintained swimming pools and the straightforward seaside entry, you most likely will not care an excessive amount of concerning the meals anyway.