Many Canadians love to head south for a holiday when the colder months of the year roll around.
One popular destination is the Iberostar Grand Paraiso. If you're thinking of heading to this sunny paradise, you've got the right idea. Here's everything you need to know about this incredible hotel.
The Iberostar Grand Paraiso is an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico. The resort is adults-only and is a five-star property that overlooks the ocean.
The resort offers a wide mix of room types. Guests can choose from villas and suites, some of which have private pools and gardens while others offer direct beach access.
Mexico has a unique ecology, made up of both beaches and rainforest. The jungle is located in the inland parts of the country, while the beaches can be found on either side of the nation.
Mexico borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country has a subtropical climate, experiencing relatively warm temperatures year-round.
There are many different kinds of plants and animals in Mexico. You'll see animals such as wild dogs and jaguars. You'll also see plants such as coconut trees and towering palms.
Getting to Iberostar Grand Paraiso
Do we have you packing your bags and booking your flight yet? If so, here's what you need to know about getting to the Iberostar Grand Paraiso.
Location
The Iberostar Grand Paraiso is located in Cancun, Mexico. It's situated on the beach, giving guests stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Transportation
The Iberostar Grand Paraiso is located 32km from the Cancun International Airport. It'll take you about 30 minutes to get to the hotel, and you can take advantage of their convenient car rental service to make it a simple and smooth journey.
Local Language and Culture
Mexican culture is a unique mix of European Spanish traditions and ancient Mayan traditions. You'll find unique Spanish phrases here that stem from the area's Mayan influence.
Is It Beneficial to Know a Little Spanish?
The official language of Mexico is Spanish. If you're going to visit Cancun, you'll be able to get by with minimal to zero Spanish. Resort staff and workers at local attractions all speak English, and many tours are offered in multiple languages. It's always a good idea to learn some key words or phrases that could help you communicate with locals.
The Atmosphere at Iberostar Grand Paraiso
The Iberostar Grand Paraiso has a unique vibe thanks to the fact that it's only for adults. You'll find a mix of party areas of the hotel and romantic nooks for couples to enjoy.
The decor in the hotel is very modern and makes you feel like you're living in the height of luxury. Plus, the oceanfront location gives it a tropical feel.
How Do People Rate the Service?
People couldn't rate the service at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso higher. Guests loved the fact that the hotel offers 24-hour concierge service as well as personal butler service to take care of their every need.
They also gave big shout-outs to the cleaning crew. The hotel was impeccably clean, with not only the public areas being spotless, but the rooms being cleaned up on a daily basis, too.
Hotel Amenities
There are some amazing amenities at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso, which is why so many Canadians head there every year. Here are the best amenities to know about.
Restaurants
You'll love all seven of the hotel's fantastic restaurants. These restaurants are a mix of buffet-style dining and a la carte menus. There are so many different food options, including Mexican, International, Gourmet, Japanese, Italian, and steak.
No matter which meal you choose, you'll love the taste and variety. Just make sure to visit the Mexican restaurant at least once so that you can try a plate of tamales!
Bars
There are seven bars at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso, each of which has a unique vibe. You'll find a swim-up bar, beach bar, spa bar, theatre bar, lobby bar, pub bar, and smoking bar at the hotel.
No matter which bar you go to, there are plenty of drink options for you to try. Just remember to try a margarita - you can't say you've been to Mexico until you have!
Beach and Pools
You won't have to worry about little kids at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso. All three of their pools are adults-only, with one of them even featuring a swim-up bar!
You can also relax and unwind in the jacuzzi and hot tub on the property. Or, head down to the beach and sip on a cocktail from the beachfront bar near the water.
Sports and Recreation
Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you have to skip your daily workout. Head to the gym and use the treadmills, cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights. Or, join a yoga, tai chi, or water aerobics class.
If you'd rather, you can head out to the 18-hole golf course nearby. Enjoy a couple of rounds on the putting green at the 72-Par course.
Apart from golf, there's tennis, volleyball, and ping pong. Or you can sit down for some table games and work out the mind.
Watersports
Wanting to get out on the water? The hotel offers snorkelling and scuba diving for those who want to see what's beneath the ocean's surface.
Or, you can try boogie boarding, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing. The beach also has tons of loungers for those who prefer to simply relax and unwind during their trip.
Spa
If you want to spend a day spoiling yourself, the spa is the perfect place to do so. Enjoy a massage, facial, or body treatment or sit down for some of the delightful beauty services.
You can also take a swim in the Roman baths, try the sauna, enjoy a Temazcal, or check out the Turkish baths. Plus, you can book private massages and services on the beach or for couples.
Day and Night Entertainment
There are tons of things to do at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso, no matter what your hobbies are. During the day, join in a workshop or fitness class on the beach. Or, head to the pool for some fun poolside parties.
At night, you'll enjoy a wide range of entertainment. Sit down to shows, join in the fun at the beach party, or dance the night away at the disco. All events are 18+, meaning your fun will be kid-free.
Butler Service
The hotel's butler service will make your day truly incredible. Your personal butler will help you unpack and store your belongings, guide you to your room, take care of laundry, and more.
Excursions
There are some incredible excursions in Cancun, which is one of the reasons it's such a famous tourist destination. Here are our top tourist excursions for you to check out.
Chichen Itza
Rising out of the heart of the jungle is the incredible Chichen Itza pyramid. This pyramid is part of an ancient Mayan city and was once a temple to their gods.
Today, tourists can visit the temple and learn about the history of the area. You'll get a chance to check out four cenotes and walk around beautiful Mayan ruins.
Tulum
If you loved Chichen Itza you should definitely head over to Tulum. Tulum is a spot where you can view more Mayan ruins, these ones located on the cliffside overlooking the ocean.
The ruins feature several temples, a palace, and sweeping vistas of the Caribbean Sea. You can even take boat tours of the shoreline to get beautiful views of the ruins from the ocean.
Coba
Another unique area to visit in Cancun is Coba. Coba is a Mayan pyramid that's located in the heart of the jungle. This pyramid is very different from those that you'll find at Tulum or Chichen Itza.
What's really exciting about Coba is that you can actually climb up this pyramid. You'll enjoy stunning views of the archeological site as well as the entire jungle.
Xcaret Park
If you want to really learn about Mayan culture you've simply got to visit Xcaret Park. Xcaret is a park full of cultural exhibits and a show full of traditional Mayan music and dance.
In addition, you'll have the chance to explore the beauty of the Riviera Maya. Explore caving systems and swim through beautiful lagoons and pools. It's the perfect place for you to get into the adventurous spirit.
Xoximilco
Calling all party people! Xoximilco is a party boat that takes you along Cancun's shoreline and into the Mayan jungle.
As part of your boat ride, you'll get to watch amazing traditional dances performed in stunning costumes. And, you'll get to try classic Mexican meals and sip on delightful cocktails from the open bar.
Is Iberostar Grand Paraiso Kid-Friendly or Adults Only?
The Iberostar Grand Paraiso is an incredible place to stay, but it's not kid-friendly. In fact, the hotel only allows guests ages 18 and older.
That means that the area is perfect for individuals who want to party or for couples who want a romantic getaway. However, families will want to look at one of the nearby resorts for a place for the whole family to stay.
Is It Safe to Travel off the Resort Alone?
Cancun is considered to be pretty safe for visitors who want to travel alone and step off the resort for a while. Since the city is such a popular tourist destination, it caters to foreigners and is relatively safe for solo travel.
However, if you plan to venture into less trafficked areas, be careful. Towns that are off the beaten path aren't as safe and might not be the best place for solo travellers to hang out in. Always let the front desk know if you plan on leaving the resort for safety.
Are There Extra Costs to Be Aware Of?
Even though the Iberostar Grand Paraiso is an all-inclusive resort, there are a few amenities that cost extra. Here are the extra costs to be aware of when visiting this hotel:
Internet cafe
Meeting facilities
Car rentals
Medical services
Gift shops
Laundry and dry cleaning
Golf
Spa and beauty services
Scuba diving
Best Time to Visit Iberostar Grand Paraiso
The best time to visit Cancún is from December to April. This is during the area's dry season, which means you'll enjoy sunny skies and cooler temperatures that make it easy to be outdoors.
We recommend visiting in early December or late April. The tourist crowds are the lightest during those times, making it possible for you to avoid long lines at local attractions.
Overall Reviews
Overall, guests love their stay at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso. The hotel receives an overall rating of 5 stars on TripAdvisor thanks to its fantastic service, value, cleanliness, and location.
Guests in particular felt that the cleanliness and service of the hotel were fantastic. Many guests also reported loving the convenient location of the hotel and its close proximity to the beach.
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DETAILS
Star rating
5
Is it kid-friendly?
No
Is it safe to travel off the resort alone?
Yes
Best time to visit
December - April
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Trip Today!
Spending a week or two in Cancún is the perfect way to relax and unwind while escaping the cold weather. And, when you stay at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso, you'll be in for a vacation you'll never forget.
Are you ready to book your stay? Make sure to take out a travel insurance policy first. Get in touch with us at Insurdinary, and we'll help you get the best travel insurance policy out there.