James Travel

Andy James, co- owner of James TravelPOINTS, an American Express Representative office established in 1957, recently visited the Iberostar Paraiso Grand All-Inclusive Adults Only Luxury Resort located south of Cancun Mexico along the Riviera Maya.

The Iberostar Grand Paraiso, is a unique contrast among its other branded peer properties situated on the same complex.  As you enter the gates and drive past the other Iberostar resort properties (Paraiso Beach, Paraiso Del Mar, Paraiso Lindo, Paraiso Maya) you will notice this beautiful large complex.  The Paraiso Beach & Del Mar are aimed for the budget minded all-inclusive guest.  Both properties provide standard dining amenities.

The Lindo claims to be a 5 star property, but it’s my opinion to be more of a nice 3 ½ – 4 star family friendly hotel.  It appears to be a party atmosphere  with over sized pools and beautifully landscaped gardens. The main pool, the wave pool, the lazy river pool all connect  to a large swim up bar.  Music and entertainment is always “on-tap” with many activities available all day.  The pools are large and great to swim in, but it can be noisy and alive.

The Mayan, a nice intimate  property. I would consider this property to be a 4 star property. The Mayan  has its own unique features and is very family friendly but  seems to be quieter than the Lindo.  Both the Lindo and Mayan have a good selection of  restaurants and bars from buffets to ala-carte dining.   The hotel staff  is friendly, helpful and ready to serve you.

The Grand Paraiso, the “Parthenon” of the Iberostar complex,  is  a true 5 star adult’s only exclusive property, geared toward sophisticated quiet adult relaxation.   Guests staying at the Grand have multiple dining options and privileges at the other four properties as well.  Guests staying at any of the other three properties DO NOT have privileges at the Grand Paraiso it’s exclusive to  Grand guest only.

The Grand Paraiso is luxurious.  As you enter the lobby you will notice a large indoor terrarium in the center.   Surrounding the terrarium,  is a nice lobby lounge bar. This bar plays soft music during the evening hours, and is a nice quiet intimate  evening get-away.  Other guest amenities include a computer room, billiards/game room and a cigar bar.  As you pass through the lobby you’ll experience  modern spacious hallways en-route to your private room. Each floor  has its own concierge, who is ready to set up your dining reservations, excursions or activities.  The Grand Paraiso rooms are spacious and contemporary with a separate sitting room and outdoor patio.  In your luxury room, you’ll find a  comfortable bed with beautiful linens, a fully stocked mini bar with snacks which are included and stocked daily and  a nice flat screen T.V. with all cable channels you need.  To accommodate your clothing attire, there are  2 large separate closets and plenty of drawer space.  The bathrooms are large with a walk in shower, large whirlpool  tub, toilet and two separate vanity sinks.

The Grand Parasio has all the modern conveniences and exclusive privacy the resort touts.  It’s luxury and it is quite.   You’ll find a large Spa which includes  a 20 meter indoor pool and exercise room.  Other pools on the property include a large “quite pool” where lounge chairs and guests are spaced for intimate conversation and relaxations in a manicure  landscaped setting.   The largest pool approximately 100 meters in length is a “salt water” pool with a refreshing swim up bar.  This  pool has great views of the ocean with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas.  The ocean is only a short walk away on a beautiful stretch of beach.  From your lounge chair under a palapa, on the beach you’ll find staff members ready to take your drink or snack order.   The ocean is a beautiful turquoise color and is a mild temperature. Swimming is a must and quite refreshing.  The ocean surf is mild and the bottom is sandy.  Snorkeling is not great in this area, you’ll need to go to Akumal for some this.

For all Iberostar guests who want more than sitting on the beach or lounging around sipping a tropical drink, there is a 18-hole golf course, 8 tennis courts, miles of walking paths and a shopping complex on site.  Most guests are content spending their vacation absorbing the sun and relaxing.

The Grand Paraiso has 6 restaurants on the property and all are very good.  The service is top notch and dining reservations are recommended.  There are 5  ala carte restaurants and 1 international buffet.  A nice house wine selection is included with the meals in all the restaurants.

How would I rate the Grand Paraiso.

It’s exceptional, a true 5 Star property with originality over conformity. This luxury all-inclusive resort has a refreshing array of character and ambience and it is big.  The Grand Paraiso  brings the highest standards without being standard.  They have a nice variety of dining and guest service amenities which are unique and distinctive.  This is the kind of hotel you can lavish and pamper yourself and guest with, if you can afford it.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!