Planning a Caribbean escape often leads travelers straight to the bustling hotel strip of Cancun, but nearby Puerto Morelos offers a much more relaxed coastal vibe. The property formerly known as Now Jade Resort and Spa Cancun—now operating under the Hyatt Inclusive Collection as Dreams Jade Resort & Spa—sits right along this quieter stretch. It delivers an all-inclusive setup without the chaotic energy typical of downtown party zones, making it a strong contender for both families and couples.
Navigating a massive tropical resort requires knowing what to expect before booking flights. This review breaks down accommodations, dining, beach conditions, and common pitfalls so you can decide if this Puerto Morelos property fits your travel style.
Resort Layout and Location Overview
Situated about 20 miles south of Cancun International Airport and just outside the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Morelos, the resort strikes a balance between accessibility and seclusion. You don't have to endure a grueling two-hour van ride down to Tulum, but you're far enough from the Cancun nightlife strip to actually hear the waves at night.
The property features 550 suites, which means it's large enough to offer diverse amenities without feeling overwhelmingly massive like some mega-resorts in the Riviera Maya. Walking paths meander past manicured tropical gardens, three heated outdoor pools, and a wide beachfront facing the Caribbean Sea.
Room Categories and What They Include
Every room on the property is technically a suite, starting around 500 square feet and featuring private furnished balconies or terraces, hydrotherapy tubs, and nightly restocked minibars.
- Junior Suite Tropical View: Overlooks the lush interior gardens; ideal if you prefer quieter mornings away from pool activity.
- Junior Suite Ocean Front: Positioned closer to the water with direct sightlines of the Caribbean.
- Preferred Club Suites: Upgraded tiers that grant access to a private lounge, exclusive pool areas, upgraded bath products, and continental breakfast options.
If you're traveling with children, look into the family suites or connecting options that give parents a bit of privacy while keeping kids close.
Dining and Culinary Options
The all-inclusive model here operates under an "Unlimited-Luxury" framework, meaning meals, snacks, and top-shelf alcoholic beverages are included without requiring restaurant reservations for most venues.
The property houses several distinct sit-down restaurants alongside casual grills and a 24-hour café.
- Capers: Serves classic Italian dishes and pasta within a Tuscan-inspired setting.
- Spice: Focuses on Asian cuisine, featuring an indoor Zen garden and interactive Teppanyaki tables (which do require a quick heads-up to the concierge to secure a spot).
- Tamarindo: Highlights traditional Mexican flavors with regional small plates and entrées.
- Carnival International Buffet: The primary hub for breakfast, lunch, and themed dinner buffets featuring live cooking stations.
- Coco Café: Open around the clock for premium coffees, pastries, and late-night paninis.
Dress codes vary by venue. While daytime poolside dining is exceptionally casual, evening spots like Capers and the French-themed restaurant Mercure enforce resort-formal rules requiring long pants and collared shirts for men.
Pools, Beach, and Daily Activities
Water takes center stage during any stay in the Mexican Caribbean. The resort features three distinct pools: a lively main activity pool with a swim-up bar, an infinity pool, and a quieter adults-only tranquility pool for travelers seeking peace.
The beachfront offers soft white sand, though visitors should note that seasonal sargassum (seaweed) affects all of the Riviera Maya coastline to varying degrees. The resort works hard to clear the shore daily, and offshore barrier reefs help soften incoming wave action.
- Explorer’s Club: A supervised program for children aged 3 to 12 featuring arts, crafts, and campouts.
- Core Zone Teens Club: Tailored for adolescents with video games, table tennis, and social events.
- Land Sports: Tennis courts, fitness center classes, yoga sessions, and beach volleyball keep active travelers busy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
First-time all-inclusive travelers often run into a few avoidable friction points that can dampen an otherwise stellar vacation.
Don't assume all restaurants are open every single night. The resort rotates operating schedules for its a la carte venues during lower-occupancy weeks, meaning specific cuisines might be closed on certain nights. Check the digital app or concierge board upon arrival to map out your dinner plans.
Another common oversight involves airport transfers. Standard vacation packages bundle shared shuttles that make multiple hotel drops along the Riviera Maya. If you hate waiting an extra hour at the airport while other passengers clear customs and board, book a private transfer ahead of time.
Finally, don't ignore the dress code rules for dinner. Packing only shorts and flip-flops will lead to awkward conversations at the entrance of formal venues like Mercure or Cin Cin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the resort adults-only or family-friendly?
It is entirely family-friendly. While it features designated quiet zones and an adults-only pool, children are welcome across the property and have dedicated club spaces.
Do I need to make reservations for dinner?
Most restaurants operate on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. Reservations are only needed for the Teppanyaki tables at Spice.
How far is the property from Cancun International Airport?
The drive takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes south, depending on traffic conditions and whether your transport is direct or shared.
What is included in the all-inclusive package?
All meals, snacks, 24-hour room service, international and domestic top-shelf spirits, daily minibar restocks, non-motorized water sports, and live nightly entertainment are covered in the standard rate.
