A long overdue review but much needed as I know how useful these are for management, staff and other guests. This was our 10th time returning to an Iberostar property, so, you can say we like the brand. This time was just like all the others, perfect, fun and well worth the trip.
As members, we do receive perks, we enjoy these and understand while this is type of vacation club isn't for everyone it works well for us, and IT IS NOT a timeshare. I will add this was helpful when the company implemented no dinner reservations. While our group of only 2 had no trouble most nights, we did have to move some things around last minute and they assisted with that wonderfully.
I'll add the nightly shows do seem hit or miss. I remember years back every show was amazing, the music, singing, and dancing was something to not be missed. Then just post covid there was a change in entertainment companies and that was a HUGE hit. It was very poor, I will say this time seemed better but not the best. There was a happy medium and acknowledgement of when good shows were coming verses not so good shows. Honestly, we could not even sit through the Fairy Tales show it was terrible, but we were incredibly impressed with the Mexican Folklore. We miss the Rock shows and do not feel that it is worth it to pay for added 'better' shows in an all-inclusive. I know the staff are not fond of those outside companies shows either.
We left no stone unturned this trip and tried a little bit of everything, from excursions to Dolphin swimming booked through W2M and Iberostar company, who I HIGHLY recommend. We participated in games, the pool/foam parties which are a hoot. This place means so much to us that, my boyfriend now fiancé proposed on this trip making it such a wonderful memory! The tattoo shop is so well maintained and wish more people knew about the amazing work William does. We utilized the on site photographers for a small engagement shoot. They worked us right in and took some wonderful pictures, even with our camera shyness.
I cannot say enough good things about the staff, from grounds people, to club/prestige concierge to all the bartenders and we cannot leave out the Star Friends. We come back 1-2 times per year specifically for them. Below is a short list of names that deserve added recognition, unfortunately I don't carry my phone all the time to remember/write them all down. Delver, Hugo, Allen, Eirch and Frank, Demeitro in the club, the bartenders, Angel, Alejandro, Roger, Gabriel, and SO many more. The entertainment team that truly are considered friends, Eliut, Emily, Juliana, Daniel. We had servers that stuck out to us like Gilberto at the Smokehouse, and so so so many others.
I also want to add that the shopping mall has some of the best food, though we are not picky and enjoy most of the restaurants and buffets. The mall also has Ek Balam Tattoo who has now done 2 of my fiancés tattoos and they are not only incredible artwork but some of the best healing tattoos I have ever seen. Highly suggest going to William!
We cannot wait to be back! This vacation was one we will never forget!