IBEROSTAR Paraiso Maya

Part of the Iberostar resort complex, the 432-room Iberostar Paraiso Maya is a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort located on the Riviera Maya, set among the mangroves and rain forest, with its own private, white-sand beach. The resort's architecture and decor pays homage to Mayan culture, art, and history, from the centerpiece lobby bar built under a modernized replica of the nearby pyramid at Chichen Itza to the Mayan artifactsfound throughout the grounds and common areas. The Paraiso Maya is one of five resorts in the Iberostar complex, and guests can use the amenities and restaurants in four of the five. This resort is aimed at families and groups traveling together, with plenty of activities and entertainment to suit guests of all ages, as well as a sprawling pool complex that includes a wave pool, lazy river, and a kids' water playground. Rooms are simple and clean, if a bit worn around the edges, with Mexican-inspired furniture, textiles, and artwork.

 

Pros

 

• Private, white-sand beach

• Pool complex has a lazy river, wave pool, and swim-up bars

• Convention center with event and wedding planning services

• Baby Kitchen open 24 hours for parents of small children

• Bars include poolside, beach, lobby, swim-up, and nightclub

• Eight a la carte and buffet restaurants; some are adults-only

• Kids' club, playground, and kids' pool for tots

• 18-hole golf course on grounds

• Activities include water sports, basketball, beach volleyball, yoga, and archery

• PADI/SSI-certified dive center on-site for lessons and excursions

• Full-service spa features sauna and steam room

• Evening entertainment, including separate discos for adults and teens

 

Cons

 

 

• Lots of weddings held here means lots of groups

• Small parking lot only accommodates around 20 cars

• Room decor is worn and beds feel old

• Sprawling grounds take a while to get around

• Separated from the beach by a mangrove grove