» Iberostar Paraiso del Mar Review - April, 2007 - Vacation Addicts | All Inclusive Resorts

Iberostar Paraiso del Mar Review - April, 2007

Let me start by giving you background. I have been traveling to Mexico since our honeymoon in 85. I have been going to this side of Mexico for 15 years and doing all inclusives for 8 years. As far as the AI’s I have been to the Palladium, Barcelo, Rius, Copa, Bahia and the Ib*’s all several times and then some. Sooo….
Went to the Pariaso Del Mar for 5 nights with the hubby. My 3rd time his first (he has been to the Tucan 3 times). We flew from CHicago to Cancun using Apple/USA 3000. Great check in got emergency row with legroom good view of tv and breakfast. Non eventful. Got to Cancun flew thru customs got the luggage and got to the bus waited for everyone then were the first to be dropped off.
Check in: Got a warm smile and greeting with a drink. We got the rooms that I requested and went immediately to our room, early!! Bell boy brought the luggage right away. I requested extra blankets and towel and hangers. GOt the hangers later in the day which was fine. I hung up the hubbys clothes put on the suits and headed out. Sunny and lovely !
First things first….had to have a scoop of butter pecan ice cream and the hubby HAD TO HAVE his cerveza, number 2 cause he had the first one in the room!!!! I showed him the sights and where everything was located, mainly the food and beer and icecream.
THis is our first trip without the “kids” in about 5 years. We left them home alone!! My boy is in college and my girl is in high school. No they did not have any parties and I am proud to say I raised two responsible kids. They value what we have enough not to risk other people destroying it or loosing it through a law suit from underage drinking!! I do have Nextel so I had constant verbal contact. They called me alot which I do not mind.
Any ways.. we roamed around the resort then went and cleaned up and had dinner at the main buffet. Crab claws the size of my fist, shrimp and mussels and caviar! The food was very good. I don’t understand complaints about it but everyone is entitled to their opinion. The desserts have more sweetness to them these days also. I noticed that at the Barcelo too.
We never seen a show. We walked past many times but we have seen almost everything there is to offer. We chose to walk and walk and sit in the cigar bar and talk (no one in there too often). Alcohol here is fabulous unlike the Riu or Barcelo (never been to the Riu Palace). That alone makes it work while. I like to have a cocktail or two and feel a little good, not looking to get smashed but also not wanting a virgin drink. My hubby liked the idea of scotch and tequila. He is a sipper not a shot person.
We would go to the center and look at the shops and also enjoyed the crepes, burger, fries and tacos! This was our dinner the second night. We hit each place then went into Playa to shop and stroll. If you haven’t gotten it yet we did alot of nothing together.
We walked the beach everyday and the hubby fished. He latched on to a few and lost them and caught some. All were thrown back. We walked down to the Mayan Palace and down around the other side too. I had to have put on many many miles. More beach walking than I have ever done and it was enjoyable. The beach is nice. Yes there are rocks in some areas but there is also smooth sandy areas too. Go and investigate. We never set up camp on the beach at the resort cause we were always walking it. I still gained 7 pounds!! I also ate everything in sight and 5-6 scoops of icecream a day not to mention all the deserts in the evening and the crepes!!
The hubby played beach volleyball and archery but that was pretty much it. He needed the kids for the games.
I know I am bouncing around, never been a good writer.
We had dinner at the Brazillian the 3rd night. It was ok. We weren’t crazy about it. I liked the salads and the desserts. Great service.
THe 4th night we had Japanese. Good food but no show. I was disappointed. Last time we had a fabulous show this time nada, nothing, ziltch. The hubby did get into a great conversation with a Canadian gentleman about hunting and fishing so he was as happy as can be!
THe 5th and last night we did the buffet again. Great as usual.
We went down to the main breakfast 2 times and I am glad that was all cause the donuts are to die for. That was the last thing I needed was to gain more weight. THere is so much to choose from. I guess I could have lived on fruit, fiber cereals and salad but NO WAY!! THere is too much good stuff. Can you tell I am a foody!!
Onwards…they had the shop people set up outside the show area every 3rd night or so. THey have a band in the shopping center Mon, Wed an Fri. THey have tons of activities during the day. Never made to to see the putting area by the golf shop and never made it into the spa. They have a card room and a pool table room and a internet library, and a sports bar and a cigar bar and more and more bars through out the whole place. They have tennis courts etc. Never used them either.
The gardeners were ALWAYS working. People were always cleaning. We were always greeted and smiled at even by the truck drivers delivering goods to the little shops etc.
If I had to pick on anything it would be the fact that we didn’t get a show at the Japanese place (hubby was still happy) and we were ignored at the burger place one night but the boy was deepfrying the hotdogs and grilling the chicken nuggets so I don’t think I minded leaving. (didn’t need the food anyways)!!!
We saw some brides. THey had weddings on the beach, in the gazebo and I would imagine in the chapel. THey had the receptions in the sports bar, at the disco and at the pool bar(covered area in case of bad weather). The brides looked happy to me.
What else…..oh we got a knock on our door a got a free little bottle of tequila and came back to our room to 2 free t-shirts. We also saw our names as repeat guests on the board in the front lobby. I also liked the big seashell filled with candy and gum at the front desk. It disappeared on the last day. My hubby says cause I took it all!!!! The maid gave us extra beer when we left our not in the fridge and she left a pretty plant in our room on the second day. I like little touches like that! Makes it special. Had towel are eveyday.
THere were lots of kids but I think it was still spring/easter break for some. I was here in Jan/Feb once and did not notice as many kids but that was a year ago and maybe it has become more popular for families.
It is amazing how this resort has transformed. I remember talking to the cart driver 7 years ago when it first opened, and the guy telling me how one day were gonna have”like 3 more resorts with golf and a shopping center” and I said hmmmmm. Sounded like too much! I LOVE IT !! We celebrated my daughters 10th birtday here and now she is going to be 16! Seems like only yesterday.
Well guess what??? We are going to celebrate Thanksgiving here with the hubbies brother and family!!!! My hubby fell in love with this place the first day and gave the ok. Soooo I have to get off the computer now and go to work to start saving again. Yes that is my job. I work to go to Mexico!!!!