Iberostar Waves Paraíso del Mar - All Inclusive

Beautiful property. Clean rooms. Service wasn’t that great. May have to do an upgrade if we were to return.

This was our fifth visit to an Iberostar resort in Riviera Maya. The resort grounds are always beautiful, the staff is friendly, welcoming, and professional, and we always feel like family when we come. The restaurants, buffets, and even the beach food is delicious and fresh with great variety. The Spa was incredible. We feel at home at Iberostar and will be visiting many more around the world because of our stays at Paraiso Maya and Paraiso Lindo.

Very clean

1) check in is disproportionately time consuming compared with comparable resorts 2) the difficulty with obtaining restaurant reservations means customers paying the same amount might not experience the same ammenities 3) the lack of consistency between the app reservation ability and what can be procured from the concierge means that to enjoy specialty restaurants requires taking time away from the family vacation 4) having pool bars only with no stand alone bars is absurd - I should not have to get into the water to get a drink, and people are able to camp out at the bar taking up all the space 5) it’s nearly impossible to obtain cash in reasonable amounts to tip, which is particularly problematic because of the following: 6) tipping in cash is the only way. Cruise ships figured out how to make this more convenient literally decades ago - why can’t this resort? For example, I am not going to carry cash in the pool so I can tip the pool bartenders

The whole area is occupied by 4 Iberostar hotels, this is 1 of the 2 lowest grades. These 2 lowest grade resorts share all the facilities with a big long swimming pool in the middle. The long stretch from the inland to the beach is in the order shopping mall, gym, reception, restaurants, then rooms, rooms and rooms, then beach. There are several shuttles running along the resorts, but may not be very frequent. The swimming pool area is quite spacious when compared to the 1 besides of higher grade. But the higher grade’s pool has more features, like wave pool. The pool has a very nice member only area. I think these 2 lower grade resorts were the 1st to build so they occupy the best part of the beach. The beach is always wavy and not suitable for swimming. There are rocky areas and sea weed lies along the beach. The rooms are in 3 levels buildings stretching from the beach inwards, there is no elevator. You can arrange with the front desk to pick up and deliver the luggages. The room is simple, clean and spacious. There is a rack of clothes hanging lines in the balcony. May be because of low season, for breakfast and lunch, there is only 1 restaurant open at 1 time and it can be far away. Breakfast and lunch items are basically the same everyday. Dinner buffet has some special theme nights, but most items repeat. Food, service and atmosphere are better in the other restaurants in the resort but may be difficult to book. The staff are friendly and helpful, the front desk had ran to the neighbouring hotel to get me some US$ change, much appreciated. There are always minor maintenance problems with Iberostar hotels, this time the drinking water refill was not working, running out of hand soap refill and the toilet would not stop flushing.

The surrounding jungle and the different animals.

2nd scuba experience. Zalo was an awesome scuba instructor—patient, knowledgeable, and highly professional. He made everything feel safe and easy—clear communication and pool preparation made for a great experience. Highly recommend!

Our stay at Iberostar was good but I would not book here again. Here are my reasons why: they don’t have any elevators for the hotel buildings, the food for the restaurants and buffet was alright nothing memorable and not enough shuttles or we would be denied a ride (due to wristband color, a full shuttle, or ignored) so expect to do a lot of walking if you are looking to explore the resort. Last thing, which was very inconvenient you had to make reservations for the restaurants that require reservations the DAY OF specifically in the morning if you want secure a spot. This does not make sense especially when you want to relax and enjoy your vacation.

All of the restaurants that we tried at the resort were very high quality, and the food was delicious. The staff members were all very friendly and helpful. The pool, beach areas, activities, and amenities were fun and inviting. We loved our stay!

Very nice property. Great staff.