Dreams Flora Resort & Spa in Punta Cana: a Family-Friendly Destination Wedding Option by Barefoot Bride Trish
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination wedding spot with tropical vibes, Dreams Flora Resort & Spa in Punta Cana could be a solid choice. This resort has a lot going for it, especially for families with children or larger groups seeking fun in the sun. But like any place, it has its strengths and some areas where it falls short. Here’s an honest review of our experience.
Resort Layout and Pool Vibes
One of the first things you’ll notice at Dreams Flora is how alive the resort feels at night. The pools are a major highlight, connecting various areas of the resort in a way that makes everything feel accessible. If you opt for a swim-out room, you’re just steps away from a pool that leads to the main one. This design really makes the resort stand out, especially for pool lovers.
The nighttime entertainment was a pleasant surprise. They put on a variety of shows, and the performers were amazing, adding a festive vibe after dark. So, if you and your wedding guests are night owls, you’ll enjoy the vibrant energy here.
Dining by the Beach
A standout feature at Dreams Flora is the beachfront dining. Many of the restaurants are right on the sand, allowing you to take in those ocean views while you eat. However, it’s important to note that the food was good, but not spectacular. If you’re not expecting a gourmet culinary experience, you’ll likely enjoy it. For guests who are part of the Preferred Club, the beachfront steakhouse is a great option for lunch, and we recommend it for anyone looking to upgrade their dining experience.
The Preferred Club Advantage
Speaking of the Preferred Club, this is a must at Dreams Flora. As a family-friendly resort, there are a lot of children everywhere, which can make things lively—sometimes too lively. If you’re looking for a more serene atmosphere, the adults-only preferred pool is your escape. Without the Preferred Club, you’re limited to fewer lunch options (only the buffet and beach snack shop) and miss out on some of the more exclusive amenities.
Some Things to Keep in Mind
Dreams Flora is an older resort, and that shows a bit in the rooms. They were clean and comfortable, but they don’t have the same new, polished feel as some other resorts in the area.
When it comes to drinks, we found that simple was best. Beer and basic cocktails were fine, but the mixed drinks didn’t quite hit the mark. If you’re a cocktail aficionado, you might be a bit underwhelmed.
One thing that stood out to us was the smoking. It’s common to see people smoking throughout the resort and even in the pools. If you’re sensitive to smoke, this could be a downside, and you might prefer a smoke-free environment like many of the resorts in Mexico.
Another thing to be aware of is the vendors on the beach. They’re frequent, so if you’re planning to relax on the sand, just be prepared. However, there are plenty of beachfront chairs, so finding a spot to kick back won’t be an issue.
Concierge Service and Communication
With our preferred room, we received access to a dedicated concierge, which had its ups and downs. While it was nice to have someone available via WhatsApp to help with bookings, we were disappointed when our spa appointment fell through. The concierge was juggling a lot of guests, so some details slipped through the cracks. Overall, it’s a nice add-on, but don’t expect personalized attention.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay
If you don’t have children with you, head to the adult’s only pool right away. It’s tucked away on the far side of the resort and so peaceful!
The preferred option is a must at this resort. Half of the resort seems like it’s “preferred only” and that is the only option for top shelf liquor.
If you are kid free and opt for a preferred room, request a room in Patio 6 or 7. It backs up to the preferred family friendly pool and is very close to the beach.
Study the map before you go. The way the resort is spread out, it can be very confusing but there are a lot of shortcuts through the “Patios”
If you don’t opt for the preferred room, there are only 2 options for lunch, the buffet or the beach side hamburger and hotdog stand. Splurging for the preferred room, means that you get access to the preferred restaurant for breakfast at lunch. We thought it was well worth it and delivered some of the best restaurant views at the resort. I believe it is also a wedding venue option and would be, hands down, my preferred venue!
The restaurants were all amazing but get there early! With the exception of the French restaurant, they get crowded.
Is It the Right Fit for Your Destination Wedding?
Dreams Flora is a solid option if you’re traveling with kids or if your wedding guests are newer to all-inclusive resorts. It offers a fun, vibrant atmosphere with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. However, if you’re looking for a more luxurious, laid-back experience with higher-end dining and drinks, you might want to consider other options.
It’s important to remember that Dreams Flora is a category B resort. That means it’s a great value for the price, but it’s not the most high-end option out there. If budget is a big factor and you have kids in your group, this resort could be a fantastic choice. But for those seeking a smoke-free, more mellow experience, you might want to look elsewhere.
Would we go back? Probably not until we have kids, and even then, the smoking might make us reconsider. But for what we paid, it was a great deal.