Iberostar Grand Paraiso

Paraiso Joia 2025 review (Long) Let me start off by saying we are not new to this property. We have visited 7x usually 2 week stay. We stood in building 71 oceanfront property. The butlers we had during our stay were all new from last year’s visits. We did find it off from previous visits and are used to a butler coming to the room shortly after we arrive and that did not happen this time around. The next day we still haven’t heard or been approached by any so we walked to the other oceanfront building to see who the butlers were on that end and maybe they could help us because ours we couldn’t find anywhere… It happened to be all of the butlers we were used too and we told them we had arrived yesterday around 2pm but haven’t seen or heard from any of those butlers in that building. They apologized for them and low and behold shortly after I am almost positive that those butlers who knew us contacted them because when we went back to look for one it was like he was waiting for us 😂 But after that incident they became familiar with us and were amazing the rest of the trip. We did not use them much. We are easy, Just for pillows and ice at 4pm. Restaurants: This year we were absolutely amazed by the breakfast and lunch selections at the buffet. I was in love with breakfast. I forgot the kid every morning who would work in the pancake/ waffle and crepe section, but he is so sweet and made our morning everyday with his smile and cheerful attitude. He is a keeper. Don’t forget to tip him he deserves it 😊 Punta Sal: our favorite lunch spot Gala: we were not impressed. It’s a wow factor if you have never seen the previous galas there. A few years back it was a show stopper. I will say I am glad at least they brought back the live music at gala night. Legado: Not our favorite. It was a 1 and done this trip. Food was not what you would expect on a Mexican menu. Ember- we went 3x out of the 3x only 2 were excellent. Our 2nd time the food was not even edible. It was a disappointment. Both plates went back, not the steaks we ordered and ontop of that they were hard as a rock. The lobster was completely raw as well. It was so bad that the manager took our plates and didn’t even ask if we like it or not. A few minutes later he brought out the chef to come talk to us without us even asking. They knew those plates were awful and should have not been served to guests. But the chef and manager made it up to us and begged us to come back and give them another chance. We were hesitant because we have found since the moved Toni’s in door and relocated it and changed the name it has been inconsistent from day 1.. happened last year and happened again this year. But if your steak is cooked properly at ember it is delicious and don’t forget the chocolate cake it’s the BEST there. L’Atelier: AMAZING AMAZING 🙌 let me note that this was my least favorite last year, I absolutely loved it this time around. Service was exceptional, food was Delicious. We went 3x and all 3x it was Exceptional! Haiku-Bistro: Very good! We had delicious sushi always fresh and hand made. The fried rice was actually better this year than last. We enjoyed this restaurant as well. We went 2x and was looking for a 3rd but just didn’t align with our schedule. Venecia: this one was a shock to me. It was my favorite one of all time last year. Unfortunately, this year it lacked a little bit. It wasn’t awful it was just alright. We went 2x and it was enough. The table side pasta was tasteless, there was nothing to it. It’s something new they are trying at least that’s what the manager told us. Not a favorite. The steak was ok but not a favorite. If I had to rate the restaurants, our favorites would be #1 L’Atelier, Ember, Haiku, Venecia and last Legado. Food is very subjective this is just our opinions. I will say this year was a great improvement in food quality from last year. We enjoyed the restaurants more. Here are some of the amazing restaurant staff that shined for us Mr. Willy (William) Manager such a gem Guadalupe (breakfast) Javier (punta sal) Carlos (punta Sal) Venecia- Joel,Eusebio,Leonardo L’Atelier-Emilio, Felix (manager) Ember- Samuel, Yoari (chef) Manuel (manager) Pool waiters:They work so hard all day long back and forth carrying all our drinks. It’s not easy. They are amazing and are always running to cater to us all. Our favorites Leticia, Daniella and Lenin. All 3 are wonderful and made our day. Star Friends: they have the hardest job of all. No matter how bad life is for them they have to put that smile on their face and pretend they are fine. They’re AMAZING and are what makes a lot of guest return especially us. We have a few favorites 🫣 Joia has a good crew and they are the gem of the property. Here is some of our favorites. These kiddos are what makes Joia 💙 Luis, Carlos, Alma, Pedro, Viri, Ximiena ,Marlene, Julio Golf cart drivers: Amazing, always ready to offer a helping hand with a ride anywhere in the property. These guys are funny and easy to talk too, if you take time to get to know them you will see they are the best. Our favorites Ricardo, Asael and Gonzales. Sommelier: Jesus is awesome. He helped us celebrate my dad’s birthday with a special bottle and never left our side. He was actually helping the waiter clear off plates etc off our table. He was a gem. My dad enjoyed conversations with him throughout our dinner and he made his day when he started speaking Portuguese with him and talking about Portugal, he’s Very humble. Bartenders: Awesome! Joia is extremely lucky to have them representing the bar. Here are a few of those gems who made our day. Luis (pool cart, beach bartender) Daniel (lobby) Dario (lobby) Jonathan (rhapsody bar) Gerardo (rhapsody bar) Pool Towel Concierge: They work so hard. They have to lug heavy wet towels left behind from guest who choose to just leave it instead of putting them in the towel basket. This department is over looked for sure and deserves a praise. We were helped by Ivan and Fesh. Ivan is a bubbling kid always smiling and working hard to make your chairs or cabanas perfect. Fesh, she holds a special place in our hearts. She’s humble and doesn’t know her worth. She has potential to be something big a Joia. She’s a gem. Hostess- they’re all wonderful. Always with a smile on their face ready to seat you. I just wished more people actually tipped them 🥺 Gardner- Darvin! This guy has been working for years here. He can spot us a mile away and always runs up to us with a warming hug. He’s deaf but don’t underestimate him he can understand and communicate to get his point across. He is a warrior and hard worker. True inspiration. Live music by the pool: ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I want more of this. I wish it happened more often and consistent. It was the highlight of my trip. I just hope it continues to grow with the live entertainment by the pool. I loved it so much I wanted it daily 😂 🙌 Ice cream cart and floating fruit tray- I loved the ice cream cart, I found it very refreshing and a special touch to the day. The fruit tray it’s okay but not a fan of floating fruit in pool. But still a nice touch for those who enjoy it. Here is a list of some of the exceptional butlers who try so hard to make everything perfect! Gustavo, Ana, Mauro, Benjamin, Bernardo, Fatima, Gabriel, Mirna, Roberto, Angel, Karolina and Tania… Eli- works at the Joia spa smoothie bar. Such a doll and always made us smile. Management guest relations- Elizabeth and Paulina These 2 ladies are a blessing. They kept checking in on us throughout our stay and made sure all our needs were fulfilled. Our vacation would have not been what it was without these 2 gems. Iberostar is lucky to have them. The time has come to an end but we will 100% return. Not going to lie our experience this year was nothing compared to last year. Last year was a disappointment in many areas and this year we almost did not go back. As much as we love Joia it was hanging by thin thread. We opted to give it another shot and could not be any happier. We ABSOLUTELY had the BEST time this year. Not every resort is perfect but what you make out of it will affect your outcome of your stay. What keeps us coming back is the STAFF. They work so hard and are always smiling. The STAFF is what makes Joia so GREAT. Iberostar Joia should consider themselves very lucky to have the staff they have on that property because they are very hard to find now and days. These folks are the Shining Star and Treasure on this property and we are blessed to have them all as family 💙💜 They are the reason we come back!

Visited in early May 2025. We were in a room close to reception so at first it felt like our room was in reception but we got used to it. Everything about the resort worked for us , restaurants were easily booked , pool bar was good and the service on the beach was great . I wandered through the other resorts which was a good stroll . Had a short visit to the nightclub but being 55 plus we were definitely the wrong demographic. It was fun for an hour though. Main bar and staff were exceptional with great cocktails especially the pistachio martini. Reception very kindly opened up the sports bar for me at 10:30 am to watch my football ( soccer ) team win the league. Quiet pool was nice on the last day and the indoor outdoor spa pool was great after a day at the beach . Would recommend the resort as you can make it the holiday that you want . Everyone is different . We didn’t do the shows as it is not our thing

Wonderful relaxing vacation 😎 Everyone is so very nice! Entertainment nightly. Special shout out to Elsbeth and Diego by the pool. Luis and Carlos for the Entertainment and pool activities. David gives an amazing pool side massage with discounts for the spa 😍. There was so many on the wait staff to thank for a wonderful experience on our fourth trip here 😀!

We had such an amazing experience here! Right when you get to the resort they greet you with a drink, a cold towel and smiles. Throughout our stay the staff remembered our names and greeted us each time they saw us by our names. The food was amazing and the resort is extremely clean and there were so many activities to do. We will most definitely be back with many more vacations!

I'm a travel agent and visited this hotel many times before. The hotel's name was Iberostar Grand, not it's Joia Paraiso. Last year they renovated this resort, and changed name, and I decided to come back this year. PROS: You can't wish for better service than at this hotel. Excellent, 5 plus, personal. Whatever you need they will get it for you. Great, warm people. I can't say enough about service without mentioning butler/concierge team: Benjamin, Karolona, Mavro and Benito and Thomas. They're dedicated, sweet and helpful, no matter what you ask for. Bravo team! Food: Absolutely great food. Buffet has fresh made juices in the morning plus spa place has it 9am-2pm. So many varieties of food and fruits and berries in buffet, you mane it they have it. Loved lox, cheeses, veggies, eggs (10-12 cooking ways), bacon, pastries, etc... Always meats, fish, shrimps and of course great waiters. My favorite was Neri-sweet personality, fast with serving. Restaurants: visited Italian and Steak Empire. Loved Italian, wasn't impressed with Steak, lobster was overcooked, tasted like rubber, lettuce salad wasn't too tasty. Just wanted to mention that all restaurants have lobsters. My friends went to Asian, were not impressed. Buffet for dinner was always a winner!! At the restaurants Leo was our server. Did great job! Rooms are specious and clean. Housekeeping is doing great job! Beach area is great, beach beds with cushions, sand is white. Ocean was clean and calm all 4 nights we stayed there. CONS: It wasn't hotel's problem, but ocean has jellyfish which bites. Life guard has vinegar and that helped a lot from burning. One more con is outdated shower area, it has some black stuff around tiles. Also they are big about selling membership but not too pushy. I would definitely recommend this adults only place to my clients.