By Richard Chudy

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand...
Is all that we see or seem,
But a dream within a dream?
From "A Dream Within a Dream" by Edgar Allen Poe

Waves crash upon the beach mere steps from the comfort of the shaded hammock that envelopes me like a cocoon. A cool drink appears by my side. I drag a foot in the sand while swaying side to side and gaze out upon the endless ocean in front of me. The drink cools me from the inside out and I wonder... am I awake, or am I dreaming? If I'm dreaming, let no one wake me.

Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa is someplace very easy to get to but very hard to leave. Located mid-way between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, this oceanfront resort is just as gorgeous as the land that surrounds it. From the time you arrive and spot your name posted on a welcome board near the bellman's kiosk, you just know this is going to be something special. Once greeted by a porter who quickly checks your bags, you're led to the front desk where both warm smiles and cold champagne flow freely. Minutes later you're escorted through arched corridors to your ocean view room, champagne glass in hand. If you're like me, the first thing you do is walk to the balcony to see what you can see. I liked what I saw... nothing but beach and clean, blue water.

The architecture melds open-air hacienda and colonial Mexican design into a golden seaside gem. Elaborate columns line marble floored corridors, waterscapes and lush landscaping, rich woods and unique artworks create an elegant atmosphere. Everywhere you look there are arches. From the impressive entrance to the front desk, these arches engage the eyes and call attention to fountains, palm trees and at night, gas braziers that light the many levels of the resort with their dancing flames. Multi-colored lighting bathes the grounds in warm and exotic hues furthering the beauty that is Dreams Los Cabos. The feeling is one of grace and refinement but without any pretentiousness.

Dreams Los Cabos boasts 308 ocean view suites. The décor is bright and understated with first-class furnishings and upscale amenities such as robes and slippers, a welcome fruit basket and more champagne on ice, an impressive feat as we were several hours late yet the ice had just begun to melt. The first impression is that the management is focused on pampering their guests and they have assembled a well-trained and courteous staff to accomplish the task.

Suites range from Juniors that offer one king or two double beds, a sitting area with sofa and coffee table and a writing table with high-speed data ports for those that need to keep in touch or check on business issues. The next level up is the resort's Luxury Suites with all of the amenities of the Junior Suite but with a separate living room with dining area. Continue up the scale and you'll find Honeymoon Suites, Governor Suites, Corner Suites, two bedroom Master Suites and the crème de la crème - Presidential Suites with two or three bedrooms, courtyard entrances and as many as three terraces. All rooms have ocean views.

Dreams Los Cabos is an all-inclusive resort, an ever-growing segment of the Cabo resort scene, and does all-inclusive in a grand manner. Unlike most other all-inclusive resorts, the all-inclusive concept here even carries over to the in-room bar. No airline mini-bottles or cheap, off-brand libations ever make it into the rooms. If you're looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a before dinner drink, you need not venture from your room as both liquor and mixers are full-sized, top shelf and part of the package. Staff members replenish both the bar and the in-room refrigerator daily and early. The usual accoutrements can also be found in-room including coffee maker, iron and ironing board, plus a plethora of luxury toiletries in the marble and tile bathrooms.

There is no shortage of choices when it comes time to satisfy an appetite. With five restaurants on-site, waiting for a table or being confined to a limited menu is not an issue you'll have to face at Dreams. For morning fare, order in from room service or visit El Patio or the Seaside Grill both of which open at 7:00 AM. For lunch your choices grow with Oceana joining El Patio and the Seaside Grill with lunch hour extended until 3:00 PM at El Patio, 4:00 PM at

In addition to the wide variety of fare conjured up by the staff at Dreams, theme parties, nightly live music and an outdoor movie screen add to the mix. If you're old enough to remember the good old days when drive-in movies were part of American culture, you're in for a real treat. Lay back in a padded chaise lounge, order a cocktail and enjoy a good movie while under the stars. Just know that it's not always easy to keep your eyes on the screen when what surrounds you is as beautiful as the night sky in Los Cabos.

With football season just beginning, Monday nights may never be the same. Tailgate parties are part of the program and those hungering for good old-fashioned tailgate foods can sink their teeth into nachos, hamburgers, hot dogs and all things football. If the Philadelphia Eagles are playing, look for Philly cheese steaks, it it's the Chicago Bears, grab a slice of Chicago style pizza. It's almost as if they invented the game here. The surround sound system makes you feel the game, not just watch it and there is nothing like a happy and loose crowd to make a game all the fun it's supposed to be.

Recreational activities are a big part of why Cabo has become the vibrant tourist Mecca it is. On-site, the resort has a variety of things to do to pass the time including a bungee jumper, aerobics classes, full gym and fitness center and a host of game courts that dot the premises from tennis to volleyball and croquet. Off-site activities can be arranged by the helpful concierge staff and include hiking and mountain biking, golf, ATV tours and sightseeing. For those with more of an aquatic nature, try your luck sport fishing, dive with the fishes in the Sea of Cortez, or take to the sea on your own personal watercraft just to name a few.

Children are not forgotten at Dreams with the Explorer's Club for Kids. The fully supervised program is designed to entertain and enlighten the younger crowd. Activities change daily and are not only fun but educational as well. Children explore the worlds of science and nature and are encouraged to take part in such events as weekly campouts in tents at the club. Parents can rest easy knowing that their children are safe and secure - the resort even supplies a pager so that getting in touch with a parent is fast and easy should the need arise.

For many, all the recreation wanted is the simple pleasure of sunbathing poolside and that group will not be disappointed. Dreams Los Cabos three picture-perfect pools, two with swim up bars, are a sun-worshippers paradise. Pool service is very attentive and the lush gardens that surround them are just spectacular. If it gets a little to hot, grab a pool float.

After a long day of tanning, golf or fishing, nothing rejuvenates like a little time in the spa. From facials to massage to Salt Glow therapy, the Spa at Dreams is ready, willing and able to pamper even the most discriminating traveler. If the tanning wore you out and you can't leave your room, that's okay, they'll come to you.

As a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Dreams Los Cabos sets a high standard and does not fail to meet it, in fact, it exceeded my expectations and that is no small undertaking. Wonderful architecture, outstanding staff, well appointed rooms and attention to detail make this place a dream, just not one that I wish to wake from.

RATES

Junior Suites with Ocean View start at around $149.00 per person - All Inclusive

For current rates, please visit the Dreams Los Cabos Resort site at http://www.DreamsResorts.com, for more information about Cabo visit http://www.CabosBest.com.
About the Author

Richard Chudy is the author and President of Cabo's Best, a travel website dedicated to Los Cabos. To learn more about Cabo, visit http://www.CabosBest.com or email Richard at cabo rich@cabosbest.com.