In order to relax and enjoy the resort before the festivities we suggest arriving Wednesday, January 11th or earlier if you like. You can depart Sunday, January 15th or Monday, January 16th or stay longer on or off the resort. This is also a vacation for you! Melissa and Alex will be arriving to the resort Dreams Wednesday, January 11th. We are departing Monday, January 16th.
1. Valid Passport -- Shouldn't expire within 6 months of travel. 2. Sign a Health Form. See attached website under the "Travel" tab for information and Costa Rica entry requirements. 3. Strongly suggested: Travel Insurance. See the travel agent website for more details. Travel insurance and supplemental coverage are required for unvaccinated travelers.
1. Length of travel from NYC area: Direct flights are available (4.5 - 5 hrs.), however, flights to Costa Rica early in the week may include one-stop and a short layover. 2. Length of travel from ATL: 4 hrs. 3. Customs and security check upon arrival to Costa Rica and the U.S. 4. Shuttle service to resort: 75 - 90 min. See below for more info.
The drive to Dreams from the airport is roughly 1.5 hrs. In the first hour, you drive through well-maintained and paved roads. The drive is scenic and you may see a volcano on your way to the resort. The last half hour can be a bit bumpy although scenic. If you have traveled through rural parts of the Philippines or any other country or state where the roads aren't paved well you should be fine with this leg of the journey to Dreams. Please prepare accordingly. For those who may want to split up their trip from the airport to the resort (or vice versa), we recommend staying at the Hilton Garden Inn near the Liberia airport.
This is an all-inclusive resort. The rates listed on the travel website include room, food, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), airport transfer service, and gratuity. Preferred and Premium room types have been reserved for special rates. Bring cash to tip the wonderful staff! (American dollar accepted)
The local area to Dreams Las Mareas is fairly remote and not close to many grocery stores, shops, etc. However, there are many great Airbnb's in the area as well as restaurants. If you choose to stay at one, we suggest renting a car and buying necessary items and groceries closer to the city areas before you drive to your Airbnb.
If you are staying off the resort, there is an approximate $100+ "Day Pass" required to enter Dreams Las Mareas. This includes the day of the wedding and you'll need a "Wedding Pass". The staff will require a list of names prior to entry and IDs must be left at the concierge upon arrival. The Wedding Pass allows off-resort guests to enter 30 minutes before the ceremony starts and stay until 30 minutes after the reception finishes. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: The number of guests that can stay off the resort and attend the wedding is LIMITED. We encourage all our invited guests to stay at the resort during the weekend, if possible. If you decide on alternative accommodations, please contact either Melissa or Alex to update us on your travel plans. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding with this matter.
Hot, dry, and breezy. Average Temperature: 84 F - High 91 F/ Low 71 F. Our events will take place outside, during the dry season. Although unlikely, brief rain showers are a possibility.
1. Sunscreen 2. Bug Repellent 3. Bathing suit 4. Beach bag 5. Rain Jacket 6. Medicine, Dramamine 7. Water shoes or sandals with tread 8. Metal tumbler (to keep drinks cold!) 9. Ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones, noise machine There is a gift shop but it is at a premium.
There have been reports from resort guests of seeing wildlife-- monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, and on some occasions, snakes, although this is very rare. For most of us city folk, please be open and mindful that we are in a tropical area with wildlife and we are guests to their ecosystem. We can also enjoy watching them from a distance. Wildlife coming into rooms scarcely happens, however, we like to be cautious. Please avoid feeding animals or leaving food out on the balcony to prevent visitors. Keep balcony door closed and locked when not in use. If you are on the ground floor a helpful tip is blocking the space between the door and floor with a towel.
The beach attached to Dreams is public and offers services from the resort (kayaking, volleyball, beach chairs, etc.) and local businesses (massages, trinkets, and excursions). The Arboleda and Santa Elena beaches are a beige and sandy brown.
No! The power plugs and sockets are the same as the U.S.