Dreams Los Cabos - Suites Golf Resort & Spa

Had I been dreaming? Had I truly spent an entire week in paradise drinking champagne, eating the best Chilaquiles' on the planet and basking in all of God's majesty? Was it real or did I imagine the endless beach, iguana visitors and birds frolicking by the cabana. No. This wasn't a dream. This was the Dreams' Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Dreams is an all-inclusive paradise which sits beautifully (amongst several resorts) on the tip of the Baja Peninsula. It offers 2 championship golf courses overlooking the Sea of Cortez and a top rated spa.

I went on this week's expedition with friends. Talk about the ultimate girl's week out! No kids, hubbies, significants or manic work deadlines. Just a week, so relaxing, any stress we had started melting away as we drove through the gated facility of Dreams.

The adventure getting there was a precursor to well deserved spa treatments and gracious south of the border hospitality.

Our trip began on a Friday. All 6 of us were flying stand-by. Something I would not recommend if you're pressed for time. But since we were operating in the moment the adventure of lost baggage and misplaced papers were not a major distraction.

We got to the resort a day after our scheduled reservation. A call ahead to explain our no-show was respectfully handled. The attendant showed genuine concern for us missing our flight and reassured us we would have rooms upon arrival.

Upon check-in we were handed glasses of champagne and offered cookies which sat on the counter on a huge platter in the open vestibule of the reception area. There was also a large bowl of delicious, ruby red apples. I opted for the cookies. Delicious! Heck, I was on vacation so I had two (in three hour intervals).

During our check-in we realized one of our bags had been left at the car rental counter. A quick meeting with the concierge (Luis) had the issue resolved in minutes. Luis called the rental company explaining our dilemma. They in turn stated they would have the bag sent to the resort. Our cars were parked and bags (those accounted for) were taken to our rooms while we finished the paperwork for checking in.

The amazing architecture of this hotel/resort was awesome. A towering yellow structure with blue accents was motion picture spectacular. This fifteen year old edifice had four levels of hand painted tile with a stucco exterior. It was an excellent compliment to the breath-taking Peninsula view.

Every room at Dreams has a beach view. Our room faced east. How wonderful to wake up to the orangey, purple haze of a sunrise with the sun beating on my face every morning. I sat on the edge of the bed for hours just staring out of the window at what I can only describe as God's magnificence in full view.

Several of my friends had multiple spa treatments during our stay. One of the treatments that came highly recommended was the Papaya Passion massage. Rachele (our tour guide and booking agent) described it as a massage with a sweet papaya scented, sugary scrub. She said, "I love the way this is making my skin feel. I feel like cotton candy."

There is a 6,400 square foot gym at Dreams. I found the whole concept to be a bit sacrilegious. But the other ladies utilized it every morning. The gym has free weights and various machines as well as a steam room. The resort spa is in the same building as the gym. There is also a gift shop in the spa area.

And speaking of spa type gifts - - You know how you normally will get the teeny, tiny sample bottles of toiletries in your hotel room? Well, not at Dreams. We got 8 ounce bottles of lotions, body wash, shampoo and sunscreen. Not to mention two bars of heavenly scented soap.

The body wash had a hint of lemongrass and sandalwood. I couldn't tell if the bar soap was sage mixed with citrus or another sandalwood mixture. Regardless, all products were gently scented and plentiful.

Since I protest gyms during holiday excursions, but knew I couldn't eat my body weight in cookies and just sit around; I opted for long walks on the beach. Although the under current restricted going into the water, the walk was scenic and tranquil.

The area where Dreams sits hosts many resorts, comfortably spaced with modern to ornate building designs. A 30 minute walk east led to an area were water skiing, swimming and snorkeling were allowed. 30 minutes west of the resort led to a spectacular mountain view. If not at the gym or walking we were laid out at one of the pools or under a cabana facing the water.

One of the pools is attached to the Oceana restaurant which serves lunch and dinner. The Barracuda Bar offers service at this pool location. Above that pool was another pool with a slide leading into another pool. Further to the back of the resort is a quieter pool area with bar service. This area has many lounge chairs, items to float on and a recreational area for yoga.

My favorite moment was spent sitting at the Rendezvous lounge (which allows a full view of the beach from any angle), listening to soft music and writing. The Rendezvous has one of the more intimate settings which allows smaller groups to sit, talk and enjoy any activity happening on the beach. Not to mention a large selection of top shelf adult libation.

Our all inclusive package came with meals (including 24 hour room service), a mini-bar, gym and nightly entertainment. With four restaurants to choose from we were hard pressed to find a bad meal. The Asian inspired Himitsu restaurant was undergoing renovations.

My favorite was breakfast at El Patio. A lengthy buffet with those aforementioned Chilaquiles' (fried tortillas with layers of onions, cheese, chicken swimming in a red sauce), frijoles (refried beans), papa fritas (fried potatoes) and a cornucopia of tropical fruit (papaya, plantains, mangoes and melon).

The lunch menu at the Seaside Grill had some traditional American dishes (burgers and fries) along with chips and salsa, fajita's and salads. One day I got the fish burger and am sad to say I didn't like it. It was entirely too salty. But the fresh chips and salsa were a really good compensation for that lost.

Although not required, we dressed for dinner. All restaurants are casual. As you can imagine in a place this beautiful there were honeymooners all around us. As we sat inside of the restaurant (which technically was still outside) we were able to look pass these happy couples (who had romantic dinners directly on the beach) and enjoy the sun setting during our meal.

The evening meals were the most relaxing. All of that laying around really builds up a thirst and an appetite. Which is why each meal began with drink orders.

If you are not a serious drinker they have a large array of fruity, tropical drinks to choose from. There is also a "Drink of the Day". I tried a "Cabo Dream".

The Cabo Dream may have had alcohol in it but it was minuscule. The Pina Colada's were delicious and had just enough rum. BUT, if you enjoy a drink that will have you singing and dancing, get the Margarita!

I had been wanting to try an authentic Mexican Margarita for a very long time. So, while dining at the Seaside Grill one evening I ordered one.

As I sat staring at this drink there were no major differences from any other margarita. Although it had an intense puce green color, it appeared to be a margarita; salted glass rim, piles of ice and the citrusy smell of lime.

The difference was noted in the first sip. Delish! But I knew if I finished that drink I would be baying at the moon. Strong is an understatement!

As my eyes crossed I pushed the glass away and continued staring at it. I'm not sure if I expected it to attack or if I would man-up and finish it. It sat there for the duration of our evening meal.

The menus are traditional in that they offer appetizers, main course and dessert. Appetizers ranged from Sopa (soup) and Ensalada (salad) to Conchas de Peregrino (Scallops) in a mantequilla (butter) sauce.

One evening I had their version of Surf and Turf; a 4 oz steak with small shrimp complimented by a huge pawn - - reminiscent of the one's shown in the movie Bettlejuice. And although I am not a huge fan of beef, this was the most tender and juicy steak I can remember having. Served with mashed potatoes and julienne veggies, it was filling yet light.

On our third evening we ate at the Italian restaurant, Portofino. I had a really tasty Chilean Chardonnay with my Pesto linguini and Duck. I hate to say it but the linguini was horrible. The duck was very tender and tasty, but the linguini had so much salt on it I instantly got a headache after the first bite. It wasn't just my dish either. The consensus at the table amongst all of us having pasta was that it had entirely too much salt.

The other disappointment was the desserts. Not that they weren't good. My American taste buds have been saturated with creamy, buttery desserts for many, many years. I did not expect the brownie (which looked moist and chocolaty) to be so dense. Most of the desserts were very dense and void of flavor (with exception of the cookies).

My dream at Dreams ended with a feeling of total calm in my spirit, a desire to return and a heat rash you would not believe!

I am a chocolate girl - meaning, my tan is permanent and prominent. When I left Texas I was about 70% cocoa (think outside of a Snicker's bar). Upon return I have enhanced my delicious frame to about 82% cocoa (think heart healthy chocolate). And even though the sweat dripping from my glistening skin looked delicious enough to put on ice cream, with every drop of sweat came a little, tiny bump to remind me why I avoid the sun.

Oh, I have no problem being chocolate because (admit it or not) everyone loves chocolate. But I have been prone to heat rash since I was a baby. I use sunscreens and sun blocks religiously. What I realized during this trip was the itching didn't start until the end of the third day. Normally it would have been instantaneous. But by using a SPF 45 I apparently warded off imminent mange like scratching by a few hours.

So, whether single, married (there are many activities for kids and there were quite a few of them), seeking the ultimate tan or just looking for a massage in paradise (they'll do it on the beach at night under tiki torches), consider Dreams' in Los Cabos.

Goce de su estancia!