JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar (Formerly Iberostar Grand Paraiso) - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

10085 reviews

• 

  Singing the Praise of the Mexican Restaurant

  We were somewhat apprehensive of the "Legado" Mexican Restaurant especially since it had a new menu. We shared these concerns with Restaurant Manager Janeth upon our arrival. She reviewed the menu with us and pointed out her favorites. Norberto took our drink order and Janeth returned with Chef Angel who not only gave us recommendations but also told us how the pair the various menu items together. First was guacamole. Not the normal pot of green. A beautifully arranged plate of guacamole with radish roses, tiny cherry tomatoes and an array of baby greens served with 3 large chips. Next was five large shrimp with black garlic aoli and a spicy Chipotle sauce. The meal continued with marrow bone and braised beef short ribs that the chef said worked well together on a tortilla. Each was beautifully garnished and every item had a special sauce. Roasted cauliflower was served on delicious hummus. Our waiter Norberto brought each of our choices in a timed succession which allowed us to savor every bite. We concluded our meal with a shared strawberry dessert tamale and lava cake with ice cream. All in all it was a lot of food and the truth is without Chef Angel recommendations we might have order a totally different dinner. We hope you try all of the unusual and delicious choices on the new Legado menu. Thank you Janeth, Norberto and Chef Angel for an unforgettable meal.

  May 11, 2025
• 

  Disappointed at check-in and no offer of compensation!

  Our week would have been a 5 but we were very disappointed on day 1 and this affected our whole experience. We are 2 friends travelling and celebrating my friend’s recovery from cancer- very special week for us in many ways. We booked an ocean front room with two double beds. We were given one with a king size bed. Victor, the manager said he could not remedy the situation until Wednesday - half way through our precious week. This change was only offered after we pressed the issue and asked to speak to the manager. We are not picky or demanding customers but felt this mistake was serious and asked for compensation of some sort given that we’d paid top dollar for our suite and were not getting what we paid for. When we were finally moved on Wednesday the suite was in the building further down the beach where all the seaweed is raked - no one swims there - it was a clear downgrade. The AC in the room did not work properly - several requests to have it adjusted resulted in no change. Viktor, the manager, took no responsibility for our disappointment, offered no compensation of any kind and actually told us that we were moved to a “better” room. This was not the case. The wait staff, the beach staff and the room cleaning staff are the best asset this hotel has. They work very hard and are fiend,y and helpful. Jack, the yoga instructor, is a fabulous yoga teacher and added a lot to our stay.

  May 11, 2025
• 

  Overall disappointing

  Based on reviews I had very high expectations coming in, and full disclosure - that may be a part of the issue. I’ll break down my review individually; Food: 2/10. I left this resort so hungry and ready for a good meal. I get everyone has different salt preferences but if you don’t season your food, provide me salt. Every restaurant was disappointing. Every day was the same options at the buffet. A wide selection but all mediocre. The only notable thing I ate was the bone marrow at the Mexican restaurant. It was very good. What I can’t speak to is the desserts or sweet offerings, because of my required diet (medically). I’ll also say the Japanese restaurant was decent, which in the grand scheme of things - is a high mark. Outdoor activities: 2/10. Almost the same activities everyday. Bingo, throw a ball through some large object, etc etc. Why can’t pool volleyball before then 30-45 mins? It’s vacation. We’re not toddlers, we don’t need constant structure. The options to be active were not great. The days we were there it was red flag everyday so no water activities. Not their fault on that, but still disappointing. Drinks: 8/10. Extensive available high end offerings. Mixing was hit or miss, but the craft bar was excellent. Consistently. Events/shows: 2/10. Some were literally insufferable. The fire show had LED glow sticks and less fire. It was just underwhelming. The musical was so bad we left. I’ve been to WAY better shows at much cheaper resorts. The other lobby “entertainment” offerings were also rough. Who’s sitting and sipping a drink while listening to a trumpet? Flutes, lame but still ok. Golf: probably good and presumably drawing a large number of people based on what we saw. Social side: 2/10. We are in our late 30’s and early 40’s. Generally we make a friend or two on vacation but the overwhelming numbers were people much older than us, or in groups - so socializing together. If you want to drink at the pool bar with friends (who came with you) all day, then this is probably a decent resort choice for you. Room/grounds: 8/10. Room was clean, view was good, services were good. Always seeing people cleaning, pruning, the grounds are meticulously maintained. Spa: 1/10. Honestly, depends on who you get, always but my massage was effectively a beat down. Despite repeated asks to reduce pressure, she never asked about pressure but after my complaint, never adjusted to my requests. The spa pool was pretty though. I can say definitively I will not be back. For a “premier”, “luxury” line - it just didn’t meet my expectations. I frankly feel like 3 stars is being generous.

  May 10, 2025
• 

  Amazing resort

  The resort was very very beautiful. We had the best time with all the activities and shows. The pool and beach were so fun. One of the many things that impressed me was how beautiful and clean the bathrooms all around the property were. The food was the best we have eaten at any all-inclusive. Don't miss the Gala night at the buffet. We will definitely be going back.

  May 09, 2025
• 

  GRAND AGAIN

  Got to witness the new tables & chairs being unpackaged at Bella Vista for outside dining-asked all over where Myrna was located-finally someone said she was a butler in the main building and there she was-just doesn't seem the same without her personality around the pool-food was great-room was great-all good but for a couple of days of seaweed on the shore-people like Dennis-Ilse-Paulina-Nubia-Marco-Lorena-America -Naeomi-Elizabeth-Karolina-Lucas-Gonzalo-and many many others will make your stay-----GRAND----

  May 09, 2025