A stay in Dreams Sapphire’s Clubs & Villas section reflects a growing trend in the all-inclusive space: creating an elevated, adults-only enclave within a larger family-friendly resort. Reserved for guests aged 16 and older, the area’s standout amenities include a rooftop pool and swim-up bar, exclusive restaurant and lounge, and upgraded accommodations. While these perks significantly enhance the experience, inconsistencies elsewhere on the property and a less-than-ideal beachfront translate to an uneven experience overall.

The resort, a 568-accommodation property in Puerto Morelos, 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport, underwent a significant renovation in 2019. The oceanfront Clubs & Villas section, added in 2025, includes 70 beachfront suites and 10 two-story villas, some with swim-out accessibility. I stayed in a spacious Club Master Suite Ocean Front King, which boasts a living room with sofa bed, dining table, kitchenette, powder room, and a master bath with dual sinks and separate shower. If I wanted to soak, I had my choice of an oversized bathtub in my bedroom or on one of two oceanfront balconies, also outfitted with two chairs and a small table.

© Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa

The rooftop might just be the best part of a stay in this part of the resort, where an infinity pool looks onto panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, and lounge beds at the water’s edge make for an effortless dip. Covered Bali beds surrounded by curtains are also available to rent for a reasonable fee. I paddled over to the well-stocked swim-up bar more than once for a G&T made with Mexican gin, though Spicy Margs seemed to be the most popular order.

Adjacent to the rooftop pool, Gohan is a gem, with signature lunch options including jicama-wrapped tacos and rainbow rolls. Service can be slow during busy times, but looking out toward the azure sea with a chilled glass of rosé isn’t a bad way to while away the time. However, the wine program needs some work. By-the-glass options hail from Chile, which can offer an amazing price to quality ratio; unfortunately, these selections are unlikely to impress wine lovers. Clubs & Villas guests also have access to the Preferred Club, which handles check-in and check-out and whose bar is a fitting spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap.

© Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa

But it’s a safe bet most Clubs & Villas guests don’t want to stay holed up in this sanctuary the entire stay, and here’s where things get a little dicey. While I encountered warm and friendly service everywhere, the food and beverages were less than consistent. The breakfast buffet at World Cafe? Incredible, with Mexican specialties including a D.I.Y. chilaquiles bar, pan dulce, incredibly fresh tropical fruit and American options for those who crave a more familiar start to their day.

Dinner at French concept Bordeaux was equally enjoyable, where I tucked into a beautifully composed pear salad and perfectly enjoyable petite filet mignon accompanied by grilled shrimp. At Himitsu, I devoured a deep-fried sushi roll topped with spicy tuna, and chicken broth added tons of umami to usually vegan miso soup; however, Tom Gha was watery with a strange flavor, and the blackened tuna was woefully overcooked enough though I requested it rare. Blue Water Grill has a coveted oceanfront location and a fun trompe l’oeil fig carpaccio that I almost mistook for beef, but the whole local fried fish was significantly overcooked. Flavorful options from the grab-and-go taco kiosk next to the main pool were an unexpected lunchtime surprise.

© Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa

Aside from the wine, cocktails are generally either too sweet or too weak. One exception was a stellar espresso martini at the lobby bar. I’m not generally a fan, but one morning I replaced my coffee with this well-mixed eye opening. Carts dotted throughout the resort upselling tequila and Champagne can feel at odds with the “all-inclusive” experience.

The family-friendly main pool is huge and buzzy, with a swim-up bar, tons of space to splash around, and daily activities including Zumba and water aerobics. But if you want lounge chairs, be prepared to rise with the sun; most were literally taken by 7:15 a.m., only to remain vacant for hours. There’s also an adults-only pool tucked away at the far corner of the resort where it’s easier to snag a spot.

But let’s address the elephant in the room. Despite its oceanfront location, Dreams Sapphire is most definitely a “pool resort.” Though it’s obviously out of staff control, I’d never seen a resort plagued by as much sargassum. The beach is practically unusable. If you do manage to climb over the piles for a dip, you’ll be covered in it when you emerge back on the shoreline. It truly is a shame. Though staff tirelessly tries to counter it with rakes and bulldozers and unsightly orange netting, it seems a losing battle. To make matters worse, the plant also emits a foul odor as it dries. I couldn’t imagine having a massage in the two-story palapa-topped hut right by the waves, or worse, getting married on the sand. The staff told me sargassum is more prevalent in the summer (I was there in April). Admittedly, it was less of an issue on the last day of my stay, but it seems like you never know what you’re going to get. The beach’s appeal is further diminished by a large construction project right next door whose completion date is unknown. One online reviewer commented this resort would fare better if it was moved inland, and I don’t disagree. Look beyond the brown though, and you’ll see the bright turquoise water you came to Mexico for.

© Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa

Bottom line: Dreams Sapphire feels like two resorts in one. The Club & Villas section delivers spacious accommodations, a standout rooftop pool and one of the property’s best restaurants. Beyond that retreat, however, the dining, beverage and beach experiences become far less consistent. Travelers who prioritize powdery sand, swimmable water and exceptional food may be disappointed, but those seeking a mid-priced all-inclusive with genuinely warm hospitality will find enough to like.

Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa’s Club & Villas

V4HM+MQ Privada, Supermanzana 11 Manzana 9 Lore 10

77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico

tel 52 998 872 8383