We stayed at this resort in November 2024 and we were excited to return this summer. It was sad to find out our butler Charlie and front desk clerk Adrian no longer work there, but we found the current staff to be just as friendly and attentive.

Our butlers and concierge in building 70 were wonderful and so pleasant to deal with each day: Reuben, Luis, Antonio, Manuel, Alexander, and Marcello. They checked on us daily/nightly and took care of our individual preferences, and made sure we had rides to wherever we needed to go.

Asael from concierge in the Main Building gave us many rides to building 70 in the golf cart and was a personable on each trip.

Even though I had no intention of becoming a member, Jesus and Lolita worked with me for hours and came up with a plan that worked for us, and in the end I left a Prestige Member and cannot wait to take my next trip. Jesus was very helpful and took time to make sure everything was OK even after he went home for the evening!

Carlos in Prestige Club was very helpful when my sister got ill on a yacht excursion.

Finally, Leticia at the activity pool was fabulous! Many times I was down at the pool early by myself while the rest of my family/friends were still sleeping. She was so friendly and nice to chat with. She always made sure I had what I needed to drink.

While the workers and the beautiful surroundings are the highlight of our experience at the Grand (Joia), we all concurred that the quality of the food seemed to go down hill a bit. It wasn’t awful, just not as tasty as some other resorts we have visited in the last few years. It won’t stop us from returning and I cannot wait to go to the new Iberostar on Eagle Beach in Aruba once it opens!

Incredible dinner at The Venicia again!! Don't miss the awesome Italian restaurant: Melchor and Manuel took such great care of us. Even the chef came out to meet us. The filet mignon was to die for, and the risotto was a delicacy. We can't recommend the place more, and you have to make sure to say hi the the staff; the simply the BEST!!!

We have been to 6 or 7 Iberostar Grand’s, and this was our second visit to the Iberostar (now JOIA Paraiso) and the Paraiso has slipped a bit. First off, the workers are still fantastic and go out of their way to make the visit special. Special shout out to Rey the towel attendant, who made sure my father was OK, after a fall on the first day.

Food-Breakfast was not as good as in year’s past; just average. Lunch was good and dinner was great every night. Abraham Lopez was a fantastic server in the Gourmet, and I would recommend people ask for him to be the server. Also, it has now First come/First Serve (RSVP are taken at the Japanese restaurant). Wait times were anywhere from 30-1.5 hours so please be advised.

The negatives-Housekeeping didn’t leave-soap, TP or water two of the four days. The lack of giving out water was a little frustrating. When you get a water, it is a a big bottle water, and when they leave them it’s only two per room. You can ask the bar for more, but it’s a pain not having water in the room.

Other helpful employees: Estela at the lobby bar (quick and super friendly) Victor at the front desk, Roberto at the Gourmet and Freida.