Review of Iberostar Paraiso Joia and Surrounding Properties

The Iberostar Paraiso complex is a stunning blend of luxury, culture, and meticulous attention to detail. Walking through the five properties—Waves Tucan, Paraiso, Waves Paraiso Beach, Selection, and Paraiso Joia—reveals a thoughtfully curated environment that captivates with its beauty and sophistication.

Art and Atmosphere:

- Iberostar Paraiso Joia as a Palace of Art: Joia stands out as a true palace of art, seamlessly blending artistic elements with luxurious architecture. The intricate tilework, majestic pillars, and remarkable woodwork create a grand, inviting atmosphere.
- Resemblance to the Sixtine Chapel: The artwork at Joia, including a painting resembling the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel, adds cultural reverence and elevates the artistic narrative.
- Smart Ecclesiastical Receptions and Mystic Jars: The reception areas evoke a sacred ambiance, while mystic jars with inscriptions blend art and spirituality.
- Dynamic Art Scenarios: Changing art scenarios across the properties keep the experience fresh and engaging.
- Artistic Gardening and Facilities: The meticulously designed structures, halls, and artistic gardens enhance the natural beauty of the properties. The shopping centers, kids’ toboggans, and wave pools blend art with entertainment, and the transportation system integrates seamlessly with the resort's landscape, showcasing mangroves and wildlife vegetation.

Facilities and Maintenance:

The operational excellence is evident in the pristine condition of the facilities. The maintenance and engineering teams have excelled, especially in the vibrant gardens, well-kept pools, painting happening in all areas, and immaculate sports facilities. This reflects Iberostar's commitment to a world-class experience.

The inclusion of pickleball courts, elegantly equipped with paddles and refreshment stations, highlights Iberostar's dedication to diverse recreational options. The sports portfolio is extensive, including tennis, soccer, golf, yoga, and ping pong.

The Star Camp program offers a range of engaging activities for children, combining education and fun. This initiative ensures young guests have an enriching experience during their stay.

The staff play a crucial role in the exceptional guest experience. Geraldine’s insightful and enthusiastic tour, Omar’s impeccable service at the pool bar, and Danna’s professional concierge assistance all contribute to a memorable stay.

The complex features saltwater pools, Mayan-inspired ornaments, and a Mexican Pueblo with colorful Alebrijes. Dining options are varied, with the Fairy Tail coffee shop and Acuarion Bar providing relaxed spots. The digital menu system with QR codes by the pools adds a sophisticated touch, while wait staff are readily available to assist if preferred.

Conclusion:

The Iberostar Paraiso properties, including Waves Tucan, Paraiso, Waves Paraiso Beach, Selection, and Paraiso Joia, represent the pinnacle of luxury, art, and exceptional service. The dedication to maintaining high standards is evident in every detail, making these properties a premier destination for those seeking a blend of cultural richness, sophisticated design, and outstanding hospitality.

My husband and I just returned from a VERY ENJOYABLE AS WELL AS RELAXING weeks vacation at the Grand Paraiso. It was our second stay and there were some changes that were disappointing, but overall, the resort is excellent because of its staff. As previous reviews have stated, the Grand Paraiso is so 'GRAND" because of the hard work and personal dedication of the pool staff, entertainment crew, restaurant waiters, cleaning personnel and hands on managers.

Realizing that the Pariso is going to be in the process of extensive renovations to its exterior, I feel it will be unfair to comment about the much needed repairs to the main outdoor pool and the buildings architectural exterior. However, our room- an upgraded beach front in building 70- requires a great deal of "upgrading" if the hotel wants to be considered a five star hotel. The shower is horrendous with cracked floors and shower head with little to none pressure. The sinks are totally stained with rust and the floor tiles are broken.
One thing sorely needed in the rooms, are updated electrical plugs and a clock!

The staff is great! As noted in the frequent online chats, the staff is what makes the hotel a five star resort.
Great thanks to: Vididiana, for her outstanding service. She is an amazing lady.
Elizabath Pech at poolside.She is very hardworking and we learned so much about the Mayan culture from her friendly chats.
And a very special to Elizabeth in Customer Relations. She was extraordinary in helping us out with the most disappointing part of our Paraiso stay: the new first come, first serve Restaurant policy.

The new restaurant policy put a severe damper on our stay. We do did want to stand around, waste time waiting for a restaurant table every evening! Even in our local home town, every restaurant (except fast food) takes reservations. Nowadays, a customer can easily use the web/internet to make a restaurant reservation. If one slot is filled, we will know to get another or go elsewhere. This new feature was the most disappointing part of the hotel.

However, the waiters at the restaurants were outstanding- especially dinner at the French and Italian. My favorite was the Italian-delicious food, service and ambience. Breakfast and lunch at the buffet was an "event." The presentations were superb and the variety was bountiful. The steaks and lobsters, however, were always overcooked and dry...leaving plenty of room for the delicious desserts.

The entertainment in the evenings always was fun and interesting. The two special Mayan dancing specials were outstanding. The events were varied and really special.

Our check in, however, was very disappointing. We were seated in the bar area and told we did not have to use the desk concierge because of our upgraded room Instead, my husband and I sat and waited for more than 45 minutes! Then we were introduced to the hotel by a totally obnoxious personnel Luis who proceeded to tell us about all the hotel rules- like we were checking into an institution. Luis should never be in hospitality- as his attitude was consistently rude, condescending and NOT AT representative of "butler service". The other butlers at Building 70 were Outstanding==FRIENDLY AND ALWAYS HELPFUL.

Carlos, the desk manager was the best! The front desk and concierge were absolutely wonderful--always friendly and consistently helpful.

We wish the Grand Pariso the best of luck with their upcoming renovations and we look forward to our next vacation there.