We have stayed at 3 Mexican Secrets resorts (Maroma, Akumal, Playa Blanca) over the last 4 years but decided to try JOIA this year. They are all adults only, and highly rated and similar priced. We stayed in the beach view Butler so it was higher rated than the cheapest Secrets rooms we stayed at Beach - Certainly all 4 are comparable but I do give the edge to JOIA as there is a better effort to control sargassum with a 3 mile long floating barrier to try to control it. It made going into the ocean pleasant Room - JOIA is the smallest of all the resorts although that was not really an issue. Secrets did a better job in comfort and convenience. The bathroom is where JOIA is really weak. Too small. The tub was old and the had lots of small cracks, we did try to use it but when the jets were turn on, black dirt came out and it was gross. The shower had only the rain shower and it was noticeable plugged so not a great experience. Cheap quality soaps and shampoo. Secrets Playa blanca was the clear winner although all of the Secrets were better Grounds - JOIA easily won this one. All of these resorts are beautiful, but the ship, and plants, and size was a winner here. No crazy stairs to the lobby like all of the Secrets. The lobby is really nice, and lots of things happening at the lobby too. Maroma was a close 2nd, Food - Now this one is certainly interesting. Akumal was the best for us, but JOIA had both pluses and Minuses. One thing we like it to go to the specially restaurants at a resort, to enjoy a specific meal. But the buffet at this resort was the best meals we had. Better than Secrets too. Especially Thursday night Gala where it is seafood night (lobster and crab). Do not miss this. The Italian you would think is great, but it was not. The French was way better, and the Steak/seafood Gallion was good but not great. (although the steaks were really good) The Asian is basically a teppanyaki which every resort has, if you like that. I think an update on menus is greatly needed and perhaps updating the restaurant/buffet itself is needed. The buffet room looks like 70's banquet room, although we certainly enjoyed breakfast and lunch here. It is puzzling as the ship is in the centre of the action and feels like a European dock side. The outdoor buffet is just ok but the seating has a nice view of the beach Drinks - ok but not great. Too often they served us poor quality spirits even when we asked for the premium stuff. Right in front of us too. Why do they even have the poor quality stuff there. This is a premium #1 resort, act like it Activities - Golf course right on the resort, tennis is excellent but could use a dedicated pickle-ball court (do not try to convert a tennis court to that, it will only fail. (Maroma tried and failed miserably) a dedicated pool volley ball court is nice touch. But organized activities is weak. Secrets does a way better job and certainly more interesting. Pools - Just ok. Too many cracks and damage around the pool. Missing and damaged tiles everywhere. The temperature of the water was a little warm and hot tub was nice but really too hot. The really great thing is that the resort does not charge extra for the cabanas. Nice touch and kudos to JOIA for that. Akumal and Playa Blanca do charge for cabanas. To be honest, even with the extra charges, the pools at these 2 secrets really blows this resort out of the water. (not Maroma) It would have been cool if the ship was part of the swimming pool instead of just a prop. An adult water park of sorts, with the swim up bar in the ship. (ok I am dreaming now) Spa - disaster. The water therapy was included so we tried it. It was located inside our building facing the ocean. Sounds great right? wrong. It is a hot tub in a room with 2 chairs, steam room and sauna. Showers not working. The fitness room is here too. It feels like a joke or something. Come on JOIA. Even a cheap Dreams kids resort we stayed at had better facilities. Don't even offer it as it cheapens this beautiful resort. Overall - While we did enjoy this resort, Beach, buffet, grounds, tennis and poolside cabanas, there were too many negatives for us. Bathroom, spa, restaurant choices. There are so many choices to go to at this price point (high end cruses, high end resorts). We won't be back sorry to say.

The rooms were amazing. Large, clean and everything functioned well. The common areas always kept clean and the vegetation well maintained and trimmed. The water filtration system is fantastic, available throughout the resort. Every bar also has water dispensers with fruit infused cold water. The food was great everywhere. The restaurants did not require reservations or limits. At some there was a very short wait and at some no wait at all. The wait staff was amazing. Highly recommend Daniel at the Spanish restaurant. The activities provided at the hotel were numerous and diverse. James is amazing at the Archery and Rifle Shooting classes, as well as other events too. The equipment in the fitness room is quite new and the atmosphere was great. The beach is fairly small, but it was not very busy. We always were able to find lounge chairs available. One drawback was that you cannot walk along the beach for longer than the hotel width as the water comes all the way up to the retaining walls of the adjacent hotels.

The level of service has dropped somewhat.Nobody cleaned the sun loungers on the beach.There were often not enough towels in the room. the evening entertainment is very boring.There were no towels in the quiet pool in the evening.

Just returned from a 7 night stay at parisio Maya Suits. The resort is stunning and massive as you have access to the 3 resorts below the Maya level. The grounds are meticulously maintained and beautiful, the attention to detail is evident. The food was abundant and always a great selection in the buffets. We had 3 al la carte bookings and enjoyed them all. The beach was nice but going in sargassum season you can only expect it to be ok, the resort had installed sargassum barriers to help and it has bit the water didn’t have the turquoise colour that we all love. Sadly Mother Nature rules here, having said that the resort is constantly cleaning the beach for everyone’s enjoyment. The staff are friendly and more than accommodating for any requests.

Every thing about this resort is absolutely beautiful from the entertainment staff to the cleaning staffs everyone was great to deal with I would for sure go back and also recommend this resort to friends and family five stars for sure

We just returned from a 7 day trip here at iberostar selection riviera cancun …. We were in building 1 - with swim up , outside jacuzzi and inside jacuzzi. The room itself was beautiful and larger than expected. from speaking with neighbours we learned that some have 2 double/queen beds and some have 1 king size bed. The outside jacuzzi was not often hot, however the water temps were never cold even in the main pools. the jets were nice , and if we wanted a HOT jacuzzi we had the option to use the one in our room which the water got really good and hot in there. Building 1 swim ups attach directly to the main pool area where the swim up bar is , and where most afternoon activities were held. We discovered that the swim ups in building 2 where not attached to the main pool , and were directly infront of the Members only swim up pool/bar. Building 2 - as mentioned lots on this page gets the most sunshine during the day… it often was over building 1 by noon or shortly after.. which was no bother for us bcoz we could easily swim to main pool area to chase the sun if we wanted. building 2 is more “private and quiet” with more sun. it was still plenty warm without the sun however. Now onto food - The buffet was surprisingly good! there are daily themes (asian , mexican , even a steak and lobster evening) which kept the options flowing and changing throughout the week. The À la Cartes did not require reservations, or pre-planning .. but there was sometimes wait periods depending on what time you chose to go. (they take your phone number and text on Whatsapp when your table is ready so you don’t have to stand around if you don’t want to).They have several à la carte options open each evening from 6-10pm. Options include Spanish, Mexican , Caribbean, Italian. There was also a fire oven pizza “shop”, pop up bbq , pop up taco stand , and other random pop up goodies like popcorn , civeche, ice cream. During our stay only 2 main restaurants were open each evening and rotated back and forth while buffet and pizza where open everyday. I personally give all dining inc buffett an easy 5 star. i was beyond impressed by the food quality and options. There was also room service from 11am-1030pm , we had that several afternoons and it was also fantastic ! (chicken fingers and fries, club sandwiches, quesadillas etc) which were all yum yumm as well. desserts were also plentiful at all options. Entertainment- There was daily entertainment during the day and evening . And in the entry of the buffett you would find a daily calendar listing all events for the day. Also when you turn on your TV the main screen would list all event schedules for the day/week. The evening shows were absolutely amazing from circus to fire show , live music etc .. All that we attended surpassed my expectations!! The afternoon entertainment staff at the pool were so fun ! foam party was a great time ! The beach - As mentioned lots the beach is long , but not very wide.. It’s deff plenty to enjoy if that’s you’re thing. The seaweed was deff in full force though, and bcoz we’re both from “beachy” areas we were overly worried about missing out on a massive beach. it was certainly enough to enjoy . Overall service was incredible, always smiling faces and willing to help staff. Building 1 had a “butler” who walks around all day long offering drinks - special shout out to Mario ; he was our guy !!! pushing margs at 9am LOL, we didn’t argue often haha ! When you check into your room your provided 3 large glass refillable water bottles and there are several drinking water refill stations around the resort. The room key saga ; NO MORE .. bcoz this resort uses bracelets that get you into your room so no need to ever wonder if you’ve forgotten it behind you when you leave, or searching your pockets as you arrive. Animals - There are some raccoons , coatis (soo cute) and lizards. but they mind they’re own business. saw a raccoon climbing in a trash can , but what do you expect from a trash panda ?. We were super impressed by the lack of bugs. we only had mosquitoes one night and it was after a good rain , i usually get eaten alive all week long on vacation and only came home with 2 bites and never once had to dose myself in bug spray ❤️. only saw one spider all week , and he was outside so no biggie there either. Shower pressure and temp was good, and spacious. i could go on forever , but i think i’ve covered a lot of important parts for now . there is a convenience/ souvenir shop in the lobby as well as a “high end” bikini and sunglass store. we ended up negotiating a good price for some versace sunglasses ❤️ Lastly ; and something i had not seen posted prior to my trip. there is a TATTOO parlour right on the resort ! I got a beautiful tattoo of a sea turtle on my arm , he was insanely fast and talented. Prices were very fair as well. my ONLY downside to this resort is how PUSSSSHHHY the “time-share” , “members club” people are in the lobby , from the moment you check in they harass you to attend a breakfast which is 1.5 hours of them trying to convince you to sign up for a membership. I highly recommend you be assertive with them or they will harass you everytime they come in your vicinity for the entire week. They mostly linger around the lobby , but sometimes float out around the main grounds as well… They were literally relentless, but other than them i have ZERO negative to say about this place, or the staff. Rather than photo bomb a bunch of pics - please ask and i’ll be sure to share … i took a GAZILLION photos , so there’s a good chance i have anything you want to see. Most definitely will be returning there again in the future !! ❤️

There is so much to love about JOIA Aruba. The hotel is clean, new and well laid out, with spacious rooms, comfortable beds and lovely amenities, including quality shampoo and conditioner. Housekeeping and turndown service were excellent. The pool area is beautiful, with amazing views, comfortable loungers, cabanas and daybeds. Service was excellent, and we appreciated the towels, sunscreen and water provided. The beach beds and beach service were equally wonderful—and Eagle Beach is hard to beat! The breakfast buffet was another highlight, with an amazing selection. There were, however, two significant disappointments. The spa was under renovation, and construction around the pool brought noise and fencing that obstructed the views. None of this was disclosed when we booked, which would have helped us make an informed decision. During our stay, a private wedding also closed the entire adults-only pool section, including the bar and lounge, for the full day and evening. We were relocated to the family pool and offered an ice cream for the inconvenience. Our beach day was also shortened as we were asked to leave our chairs so they could set up for the wedding. We’ve stayed at many resorts that host weddings, and this was a much greater disruption than we’ve experienced elsewhere. I would still recommend JOIA Aruba—it’s a beautiful resort with excellent service and many thoughtful touches. But management needs to give more consideration to paying guests when planning construction and private events. Advance notice, reasonable access to amenities and a more meaningful gesture when guests are displaced would make a real difference.

We have gone to this resort 8 times now, and would rate it very good. They have installed a floating barrier well off the beach which keeps most of the sargassum weed from coming ashore. Also, since last year, the coati population is much lower, and they have put simple locks on the garbage cans to try to keep the animals out, but they are smart enough to defeat the locks. Good try, but better locks would help a lot more. Also, they need to have more highly visible signs to discourage people from feeding them.

Going to the JOIA Paraiso was our first all-inclusive experience, and we loved every single moment of it! The hotel is palatial and beautiful. Our room was huge and well appointed. The bathrooms have two sinks, a spacious shower, and a jacuzzi bathtub. The bed was large and very comfortable. The staff were helpful and smiling all through the day. They were always ready with towels, to take a drinks order, and would even come by to apply cooling cucumbers and facecloths. The best part for us was the food! We specifically wanted to go somewhere with good food and we were blown away. The buffet was always excellent, with a huge variety of quality food. From made to order breakfast waffles, pancakes, crepes, and/or French toast, to made to order omelettes and eggs. We ate so much fresh fish, especially the ceviche. Our favourite restaurant was Legado, the Mexican restaurant. We had a perfect meal of whitefish ceviche, perfectly cooked steak, and the best churro dessert we have ever had. We spent most of our time relaxing at the quiet pool. We could fill our insulated cups with an excellent drink from the main bar and nurse a cooling beverage for hours as we swam or read a book at our beds. This was exactly the vacation, rest, and break from our busy lives that we were looking for. We are making plans for the next time we go!

Traveled as a couple in September 2026. The goods: beach is calm, clean, lounge chairs and palapas are readily available. Room is spacious and clean. Just line up for a-la-cart restaurants (except for Samurai which requires advanced booking). Buffet and other restaurants offer a wide variety of tastes, Jamaican theme night even offers fresh coconut water! Quick response (within the hour) to our service requests. Every hotel worker provides service in a friendly and professional manner. Floor managers knocked on door to check if everything is satisfactory at the end of the day. The gym is adequate and is underused; we used it twice daily after meals. Need to improve: reduction of waiting time to access a room; web check-in [webcheckin.iberostar.com.] prior to arrival did not save us time; we received our room past 5pm, ie. more than 2 hrs later (Btw, confirmation # used by Hotel is different than that issued by Tripcentral.ca, eg. 012345678001 vs 12345678; challenging to web check-in). Iberostar App should have reporting function for room facilities remediation, etc. Tip: Download Iberostar app to your mobile phone to plan your day/week including which hours restaurants are open for the day. While on the beach, you even receive message 'your room is clean' We will book again in the future!

Hotel is amazing Beach and pool are very close to the hotel A plus to have bars and jerk hut by the beach Excellent service. Workers are very nice and friendly. My room cleaned twice daily. Good food selection. They have something for everyone.

The views from the hotel was amazing. Lots of activities to do like evening jazz in the lobby with popcorn, dancing on the beach or even pool relay during the day. Fun for everyone!!! Every staff was friendly and ready to help you. Can't wait to go back

Beautiful beach clear water no seaweed which made us very happy, Beautiful grounds, eco friendly which was good and bad for me, we couldn't enjoy the lobby due to no air conditioner and no fan, so we were basically drenched in sweat, the food was very good and the employees was very helpful, I wouldn't go back to this resort ,but would choose a more upgraded resort next time...cozumel is beautiful.

Love this resort! A perfect mix of relaxing and fun. I recommend anyone wanting some amazing views, good food and a bit of quiet to go for a visit. My only issue was the lower floors rooms weren’t our preference so we had to upgrade.

We visited Joia Paraiso by Iberostar from June 3 to June 10 in building 71 oceanfront butler suite , room 7152. It's not our first time here, we're going every year sometimes twice a year. I'd like to mention I'm very picky, but I'm not going to look to any another resort for our vacation. Amazing staff, the best food and cleanest resort! I'd like to say special thank you to our butler Bernardo who took great care of us, and Daniel from lobby bar! Thank you you guys! you're the best!!! Also I'd like to say big Thank You to entire team of Iberostar who's working very hard every day to feel us welkome!

This resort had great food, great amenities and really friendly staff. The resort was very clean and spacious with well thought design. The coffee shop was my favourite. The fully loaded gym and the casino were a bonus because we had access to the other Iberostar resorts through Joia. The only part I would say needs improvement is the entertainment during the day and night. The night shows felt very repetitive and nothing special. There was also no dock/live games/dancing/entertainment at the pool during the day.

This was our second stay at this resort (the first was 3 years ago), and overall we had a great experience both times. The staff were very friendly and hardworking. Communication could sometimes be challenging as many staff members spoke limited English, and we speak very little Spanish, but everyone was always kind and helpful. The food was decent overall. We mostly ate at the à la carte restaurants, which could be a bit hit or miss. The French restaurant was our favourite. We also discovered the beach restaurant partway through our trip and ended up going there several times. The BBQ was excellent and probably the best food we had during our stay. Lunches by the beach were also very good, especially the burgers and steaks. The fresh pineapple was amazing, and the drinks were consistently great. Our room was comfortable and well-maintained. We did find a cockroach on the first day, but given the tropical climate, it can be expected. The beach was one of the highlights. There was very little seaweed compared to neighbouring resorts, and after walking along the beach to check out other properties, we felt our section was easily one of the nicest. Finding a lounge chair could sometimes be difficult later in the day, but if you went early, it wasn't a problem. The gym deserves special mention. It's one of the best resort gyms we've seen, with modern equipment and plenty of variety for a good workout. We also thought the night entertainment was well done! Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and would happily return again.

Absolutely beautiful hotel and grounds. Food was everything and anything you could ask for especially the buffet. Highly recommend the Italian and French alacarte restaurants. We would definitely return again.

We spent a week here (June ‘26) and it was absolutely fabulous. The staff were lovely, friendly and engaging. The activity crew were amazing, especially Joselyn, who was so outgoing and really took pride in her work. The food was excellent! There were delicious selections at the buffet (we only ate breakfast and a few dinners here) but enjoyed it very much! The Asian and Mexican à la cart restaurants were extraordinary. No pre-booking required and no long waits. The rooms are spread out in colourful bungalow type units. Our room had high ceilings and was well air conditioned. There are fresh water refill stations spread across the resort with glass jugs in the room to fill. The bar fridge was well stocked daily with beer and soft drinks. The beautiful trees and landscaping, with birds singing all day was my favourite part, along with the beautiful flamingos and peacocks roaming the paths. The only small downside was the coral entry to the beach. Water shoes were a must but the beach had plenty of lounge chairs and there was lots of room with nice white sand. There is a long pier with entry to the water which was great. . I would highly recommend this resort. Many patrons staying at the hotel had been multiple times and I can understand why! We would highly recommend the Iberostar Waves Resort!

Beautiful spot wonderful property and the food was amazing. The golf course and the staff are great. The only thing was the seaweed on the beach, your contract company did a great job cleaning up. Looking forward to our return to the coral resort.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. I thought their entertainment at the pool was really fun. The food was delicious. The pool setup was very nice. All the different pools. Lots of chairs. If we wanted to suggest anything we would say absolutely nothing. It was all wonderful.

JOIA Bavaro Iberostar is such a warm and welcoming place. You are catered to from beginning to end. The grounds, beach, pools and hotel are amazing! I would not hesitate to recommend this adult only resort! Kathleen

I recently got back from a week at the JOIA Paraiso Iberostar in Mexico. It was absolutely perfect. All the staff from check in to servers to housekeeping were absolutely wonderful. The rooms are huge and very clean. The pools were great. They have a quiet pool of you want more of a relaxed feel. The food is very good. Buffet and restaurants were all great. The grounds are beautifully kept. The gym and spa we're super great. The only con I have is the beach. It's very rocky and rough with lots of seaweed. Aside from that it was a great vacation and I will be back for sure.

I cannot find anything negative to say at all the rooms are nice, the airconditioning is cold, as are the drinks. The food is really good here lots of things to do and the beach is beautiful. The staff at this resort can't be beat from the grounds people to the concierge and front desk staff are all amazing. Everyone goes out of their way to make your vacation a great one. The entertainment staff do an amazing job during the nightly shows. I have been to this resort now 5 times and will be going back again as soon as i can.

We just returned from the resort and loved almost everything about it. The service and staff in the restaurants and at the desk were unbelievably kind and attentive. The food was great. However the pool bar was completely the opposite. We knew the beach wasn’t great and specifically when to be at the pool bar. Aric was the only bartender who was friendly and attentive and worked incredibly hard to keep up because it was mostly only him. The rest of the time it felt like I was inconveniencing them asking for a drink and waiting way too long. The members only pool had two bartenders and two servers for minimal people and were standing around doing nothing. We had a swim out room that connected to the pool bar and that was great but there were rarely any servers taking care of the swim out areas. Overall it’s a great resort but we may not be back because of the extremely poor service at the pool bar.

Beautiful atmosphere, service was exceptional, room’s very clean.. always replenished fridge, etc.. Lots of huts and chairs around large pools.. all employees are so professional and friendly.. they go out of their way.. . Fabulous food selection at the buffet, never empty trays of food always replenished quickly.

Loved everything about this place. The food was incredible, the staff were friendly and hard working, and we were happy with our room (we upgraded to an ocean view). Several pools to choose from, and we enjoyed the numerous activities for adults and kids. Loved the policy of "anything on the lounge chairs before 9 am will be removed", which prevented people from reserving chairs. There was never a shortage of chairs, and lots of locations to choose from. The coffee bar was a nice bonus, and there were several places along the edge of the property that you could sit quietly in the shade and enjoy it. The entertainment was great, all through the day and night ... and I don't say that very often !! It was easy-listening, and not outrageously loud by the pool. The peaceful live evening entertainment was moved to the lobby bar, or rooftop bar, ...or to the basement if it was going to be loud, and possibly an irritant to the guests. Perfect!

The iberostar hotel complex is extremely large and offers a variety of dining options, activities, and leisure. The golf course is well groomed and challenging. The shotgun start is ideal for everyone to play in the morning. The hotel rooms were large, clean with portions remodeled. Specialty restaurants, lack some authenticity in the food that they prepared. Overall, the iberostar is definitely a destination choice.

The grounds at Iberostar Costa Dorada are very nice and walkable ( we loved the Peacocks ) There was lots of palpalas and loungers terraced area, shaded areas at the beach ( pool loungers were taken early ) Lots of food choices at the buffet. The Beach BBQ was very good and they did Paella every day at the beach. The room was very comfortable and clean. Long beach walks and there was some garbage on the beach that was washed in but cleaned up every day. The activity crew and staff were awesome. No vendors on the property but a market nearby if you wanted souvenirs. Very nice lounge area for evening entertainment.

The hotel is a bit dated but is apparently undergoing a substantial renovation this summer. The king bed was amazingly comfortable! The staff were always friendly and knowledgeable. The food in the buffet was well presented and had a good variety for all sorts of tastes and dietary needs. It was very difficult to get a lounge chair at the pool and the beach. They were always taken with a towel or something small early in the morning and that's the way they sat in some cases for hours and not being used. This was very inconvenient and inconsiderate of other guests wanting to enjoy a lounge chair. Electrical plugs are limited in the rooms and can be a bit inconvenient with all of today's gadgets. If you use medical devices such as a CPAP, bring an extension cord, about 8 feet long.

Stayed at this resort from the 6-16 of April The resort had beautiful grounds well maintained The pool needs to be revamped needs new tiles and filter system The rooms were alright good air conditioning but a lot of humidity nothing dries in the room Fridge filled with beer and pop like the idea of no plastic in the room glass water bottle you fill yourself at water depos good water pressure and hot water great towel service Maids keep rooms very clean friendly staff everywhere Good Food everywhere in Buffet Restaurants Snackbar& Beach Lots of Activities Could Use bigger TV for sports I would rate this resort 7 out of 10

Older but good resort needs work at pool area algae around the pool could use weekly power washing. Buffet area was good could use more a la carte restaurant, beach bbq was excellent. Night entertainment could use some changes same dancers every nite but different themes. Beach area lots of chairs. Staff was excellent lots of games.

This resort is beautiful. The rooms are very nice & the beds & pillows are super comfortable. The food was great, especially the daily BBQ near the pool. The staff at the restaurant were awesome always took care of you, and very very nice. The hamburgers were so good. The pizza hut was just ok pizza. Many pools which was great, but only things I disliked was no stairs in the pool, only ladders to get in and out of the pools. The coffee shop had great cappuccino. The front desk people were super nice, but the only downfall was after you are checked in the send a rep to talk to you about the resort and the get you to be involved in a 90 min meeting about selling their resort to you in a similar of timeshare. Some become very aggressive, not all! The rep i had did! if you repeated say NO! This was the biggest downfall for me I come to relax and not have to deal with Reps repeatly coming and talking to you about buying into their packages to return to cut out the middle person basically ( airlines/ travel sites) this was a big turn off & why I wouldn't recommend or return to this resort. My opinion this is situation is making people not wanting to return after dealing with this. I had talked to other guest also that didn't like this, & said they wouldn't return either because of it. The entertainment was great. The lobby bar wasn't open 24 hrs and open later which was kinda off has you would have to find another place to get a beer or drink until they did. They should have at least 1 bar open 24 hrs. The beach is non existent, very very small. We knew this but it was kinda a big downfall also. Their was 3 designated smoking areas with seats to sit but they ready should have some shade around them has it is full sun at all. Overall the staff was awesome, but not the Reps selling, this didn't sell me to return unfortunately. It was a nice vacation but not the resort for me. I wished I had a better experience for my 1st time in Mexico, it was just OK for this resort~ just my opinion.

Lived up to it's name & reputation. The service was excellent and very professional. Friendly staff throughout and the housekeepers were very attentive. The optimal size - great beach with lots of shade, close to bar, lunch buffet & restrooms. Self-serve pop machine with ice dispenser at beach, with soccer nets and a volleyball area. The surf was gentle and sand was fine; there was some sargassum but only in a small area. Rooms were clean and in good repair, with both local electrical outlets and U.S./Canada plugs as well. Main buffet restaurant always stocked with plentiful choices, lots of fresh seafood with great selection of salad veggies, sweets, breads, and condiments. Next time we come to Puerto Plata we'll be looking here first!

From the staff, to the food and the resort itself we had an excellent time! Would go back for sure!! Staff was excellent, food selection was top tier and offered a great vacation spot! Beaches were clean!

This resort is good value for the money. It's a bit of a smaller resort, only one pool and the walkable beach front is limited, maybe .5 km. The beach itself is clean and well maintained. Like most Caribbean destinations there are issues with seaweed but the Iberostar staff were on it daily. Our swimming area was mostly free of seaweed. We spent all our time at the beach but the pool area was well used and is nice with swim up bar. Staff are terrific and the food was above average at this price point. Our room was good, showing signs of use but overall ok.

The hotel was almost perfect. Great fitness facilities, pickleball courts, pools, rooms, grounds, coffee shops. My only complaint is very hard to get dinner resos anywhere and walk in was almost impossible. So Buffett dinners were common back ups. The beach is very seaweedy but they work all day long trying to clean it. Ocean was hit or miss to swim in . The booking process was filled with errors and credit card charges and west jet cancelled our flight and rebooked a day later but did not compensate for the lost day. So our 7 day all inclusive turned into a 6 days all inclusive. No apology, no hotel vouchers, no food vouchers. West jet left us high and dry.

My granddaughter and I recently stayed at the Iberostar Waves Resort in Puerta Plata. All staff were very friendly; the front desk immediately saw to two of my concerns - I wanted a flatter pillow plus our room safe needed resetting. I am very particular about food. The food at the main and beach buffets was fantastic - I had made to order omelets in the morning and at night they put a steak or other meat on the grill for you if you wanted. There was also seafood, even smoked salmon in the morning. I am lactose intolerant and they catered to people with food allergies. They had soy, almond and oat milk plus gluten free bread and low gluten bread. They even had a low sugar desert area. Deserts were five star and they often had a chocolate fountain with fruit kabobs for dipping. Three a la carte restaurants were very good. They cooked paella or seafood in a large caldron outside every day. I loved that. Plus they had a stage at the beach for beach night or excercising. I loved the hotel lobby and the adjoining large bar/coffee shop/seating area. There were shops to browse in plus a general/tourist store. The resort had a plaza with a huge fountain and seating at tables. It reminded me of the outdoor plazas in Europe and I am sure that the fountain was quite old. The bricks around the fountain looked quite old so maybe they moved the fountain from an old town. People played cards during the day and after supper listened or danced to the small band at the village plaza. There was a huge theatre with a show every night. There were lots of activities at the resort - from bingo, outdoor chess, ping pong, spa, gym plus the swimming pools. They even had a enclosed area for young children. We were there from March 10 to 17th and I picked Puerta Plata (instead of Punta Cana) to avoid the seaweed on the beaches. Unfortunately there was seaweed on the beach but there was always a fairly large beach area to get into the water. Water was warm. The resort felt like home and I am looking forward to going back to the Iberostar Waves resort next year.

This was our 3 rd time to this resort and it never disappoints. Staff are super friendly especially entertainment and kitchen staff . We brought a lot of people with us this was their first time but they all seemed to enjoy it a lot as well . Would return there for sure highly recommended it .

The Hotel was beautiful. The grounds were kept well. The staff were exceptional and the food was so good. Unfortunately our room was clean but there was a musty smell, but we just slept there so it was tolerable.

I haven't been to an all inclusive for a few years. I was very impressed with the all inclusive bracelets - never having to remember your key. Loved the water dispensary. The hotel was very clean, the staff - outstanding . However, I didn't understand the crazy spa prices and having to pay for pinot grigio. Loved the pools and location. Loved Jamaica night set outside on the beach. Definitely a 5 star.

I have come back to this resort three times. The grounds are meticulously maintained and the people are so friendly and happy to help you. The food was amazing, the drinks were delicious and the pools are fabulous and well maintained! I would definitely return. The only thing I feel this resort needs to do is upgrade the rooms and bathrooms.

Hotel grounds and buildings are well kept. Good overall value. Decent quality and variety of food. Loved not having to worry about finding decent chairs. Lots of beach chairs and pool chairs with shade. Great beach and great terrace bar overlooking beach. Decent entertainment.

This was our first time at an Iberostar resort and we were very impressed. The buildings and grounds are immaculate and the staff is super friendly and helpful. The food was beyond our expectations: the buffet was incredible and the restaurants were all very good. Our favourite was the Spanish one, followed by Carribean. The décor and acoustics at the Italian restaurant could be improved. The coffee bar in the lobby is terrific -- and almost made up for the very mediocre coffee at the buffet. We also enjoyed the pizza place, the lunchtime burger cart and the ice cream stand. The rooms are large and well laid out, and all of them have balconies that are nicely furnished. The pools are endless. As everyone has noted, the beach is very narrow, with a lot of sargassam seaweed and it's hard to walk out due to the rocky bottom. However, the view is great, there are lots of lounge chairs and palapas available, the breeze blows constantly, and it's wonderfully quiet. The resort seems to appeal mostly to young families and couples. Everyone was friendly, quiet, happy and relaxed. It was exactly the vacation we were looking for. We wouldn't hesitate to go back.

Our family (2 adults, 13 year old daughter and 10 year old son) stayed at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo in early March 2026. We had an amazing time and loved the resort. Vibrant pool scene, kids loved the water slides and we spent hours in the lazy river. We also enjoyed just walking around the complex, there’s a lot to see. The food was good overall, good selection and availability (seemed to be food and a bar around every corner in the afternoons). The room was fine, not super fancy but very clean and functional. Entertainment was the best I’ve seen with live singers and not just lip syncing like you see at some other resorts. We are already planning our return!

This was our second time to this resort in as many years. The plusses: All staff and workers very friendly and helpful, without exception. The resort was clean and rooms well stocked. We are beach people and enjoyed the abundant sandy beach. It was groomed and cleaned daily. There was an abundant supply of lounges and palapas, both on the beach and around the pool. We had tried the a la carte dining on previous trip but stuck with the buffet restaurant this time around. The food was quite varied and plentiful. In the one week we were there we probably sampled only 25% of offerings. There were many families with toddlers the week we were there. Both outdoor and indoor and indoor play areas were available. Live music was provided evenings in the main building as well as outside the buffet restaurant. I would have liked the volume turned down a bit. But that's just me. The only drawback for us was with our tour provider who only flew into Punta Cana, making for a 1hr bus ride to the resort. We enjoyed our week in the sun. Will likely return.

Staff wonderful. Food plentiful and tasty - many plant based options which we enjoyed a lot. Beach was small with rocky access (bring water shoes) and snorkeling from the dock. Beach walk 1+km each way. Weather 30+C each day with some showers overnight. Rooms were clean, beds comfy and close to beach/pool and restaurants. No stairs. Have brand name liquor and dos equois beer. Small resort so quiet and relaxed for couples and families. Many activities if you want to on beach and in pool. Dive shop on premise with many boat loads of divers and snorkelers all day. Trips from resort by boat and 4x4 ranging from U$80-140 per day. Will go back.

We have been coming to this resort twice a year since 2018. It’s obvious we love the resort. The pool area and hallway areas are in need of some upgrades. The tiles in the hallways are old and many are discoloured. The outdoor walkways need a little repair to make them safer as they aren’t level and I have seen people with wheelchairs having challenges getting over when unlevel; just need some cement to join the unlevel walkways. Food and service is excellent and cooks and wait staff are extremely helpful and friendly. We are not fans of the à la carte restaurants and do not attend them anymore. The beach snack bar and the buffet restaurants are wonderful. Rooms are ok but need some brightening up. Bathroom showers tend to flood unless you take out the strainer plug entirely. Minibars need to include diet options for those that are diabetic or just cannot drink sugar drinks. They used to have them but our last 2 visits only had full sugar drinks and beer. We will return again in December as we have been advised that they are closing for 2 months to do major repairs and upgrades.

Still enjoyed my 3rd visit to the property. Food was excellent. Accommodation predictable and good. Golf course terrific! Staff very friendly as always. Weird shower design. There is nothing to stop the water on the shower floor going into the rest of the bathroom. Had to use towels to dam up the water. It was the same in 2009. Nothing changed?

This hotel was large enough to keep us engaged but not so large as to overwhelm us with large crowds. We had a swim access pool room that was recently painted, with a recently tiled private patio, with trellis screening; only 8 feet from a newly installed pool. This was our haven. We could venture out to the beach, enjoy dinner or hang out at the main pool but when we tired of having others around, we could retreat to our quiet oasis. The beach was raked clean and long enough to enjoy walking in either direction. There were two associated adjacent hotels that we could venture to that provided some shopping, though a little more variety of goods would have been nice. The food was good, with the exception of breakfast sausages that were hotdog wieners in disguise. It made us wonder how many were put on plates but rejected to the waste bin. I only mention this because it is easier to talk specifically about a singular fault than to praise the variety of food that was available and enjoyed. Service was pleasant, though few English speaking staff. All in all, this was an enjoyable venue and one that we would select again or recommend to friends. Cheers, Garry

We dealt with Jennifer Brown of Tripcentral. As usual, she's amazing. Thank you. To say this resort is large is an understatement. The grounds are amazing and extremely well kept. They do have trolleys. The buffet has lots to choose from. The restaurant dishes were amazing. I can't begin to tell you how great this place was. Stayed there 12 days and that wasnt enough.

Our room was great, the bottled water is very inconvenient but not bad. The grounds are beautiful and the birds at the buffet are really nice. For such a nice place the people painting are making a huge mess a the walkways making it very unattrective. The beach is great and the pools are good…kids love the water park.food is good and drinks are tasty. I would go back

We had an amazing 10 day stay. We have no complaints at all. Our daily room service was amazing. Always lots of towels; sheets were changed daily. The food was great…lots of choices. There were never any shortages. The pool area was clean and appealing. There was no seaweed on the beach during our stay (Feb 23 to March 5). We would certainly return.

We had an amazing 10 day stay. We have no complaints at all. Our daily room service was amazing. Always lots of towels; sheets were changed daily. The food was great…lots of choices. There were never any shortages. The pool area was clean and appealing. There was no seaweed on the beach during our stay (Feb 23 to March 5). We would certainly return.

The resort was wonderful. The check in process was smooth and painless and we were shown to our room by a bellboy. The room itself was large and very spacious with a nice balcony overlooking palm trees. The mini bar was stocked daily with 4 cans of beer, 4 pop bottles and a can of sparkling water. On every floor there was a water fountain from where one could refill the water bottle kept in the room. Ice dispensers were readily accessible. The bathroom rain shower was fantastic and the bathroom was well stocked with plenty of towels and toiletries. The resort had a couple of swimming pools which were nicely laid out. The food was amazing with such a huge variety to satisfy even the pickiest eater. Best of all were the bars where you had to hardly wait for a cocktail to be served. In addition, no matter where you sat - out in the gazebo, in the lobby or the pool - there were always waiters circling around asking you if you needed a drink. Even on the beach, servers always came by asking if you needed a drink. Very convenient. We especially enjoyed the daily lunches that were cooked on the beach on an open fire. The paella that I had here on the beach was probably the tastiest paella that I've eaten. The specialty restaurants were nice although honestly one could get better food in the buffets. There was no shortage of lounge chairs on the beach - which was a pleasant surprise as this has been a beef of mine at other resorts, where you either had to wake up very early to grab a lounge chair or wait till someone left and you got their chair. The entertainment got to be monotonous as every day there were the same dancers albeit in different costumes. But the dance moves were all the same and after day 3, one lost all interest. During the karaoke session, the backing track volume levels were so high as to almost drown out the singers. Also the schedule laid out on the Iberostar app as well as displayed on the notice boards was seldom adhered to. As soon as "shaggy" had enough people around, he would begin the tournament. This was not fair to those that came in time for the tournament and were disappointed. Shaggy should exhibit more professional conduct and should be aware of the times posted so he can stick to the times and not to his own schedule. A dart tournament that was supposed to start at 11:30am was almost finished by 11:10am. Twice I landed up at the correct time only to find that the tournament had finished. Venues were also incorrectly labelled as "At the Beach" whereas in fact it was outside the Bohio bar and not the beach. The confusing this is that there was also a dartboard set up on the beach. Maybe once upon a time they used to have the dart tournament on the beach. The table tennis was not even mentioned anywhere yet there was supposedly a tournament held daily. Another resident told me this. At the archery tournament, I found that the bow was designed only for right handed folks whereas I am left handed. Hope the resort corrects this so laft handers can also enjoy some archery. But overall we had an amazing time and were glad we chose this resort. If I were to offer a few suggestions, they would be as follows: 1. If you advertise a time for an event, please stick to it. 2. During Karaoke evenings, ensure that the volume of the backing track is such so as to not drown out the singer's voice. 3. Have a few more coffee machines at the restaurants so we don't have to wait in a line up every time. 4. Have more variety in the entertainment, not the same dancers every day. For example a magic show, or diffent dancers, or impersonators or a musical show. When one sees the same old dancers every day, one loses interest.

The Staff go above and beyond to make you happy. We loved the food. No reservations required. The Buffet was great. The rooms were OK. The bathroom sinks are very high and set back too far. The shower has a hand held and a rain shower. The toilet is low for us seniors. A handrail would be nice. The pool at our building #3 had no stairs to walk into the pool. Only ladders with 3 steps. Should be 4 steps. Trouble getting in and out of the pool. Walk in available at pool #4 but no handrails. Evening entertainment was hit and miss. A piano bar would be nice. Or a sports bar. We had a good time but would not go back until some changes are made.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Honest & Detailed Review We really enjoyed our February 5–12, 2026 holiday overall. The property itself is beautiful, and the beach is absolutely stunning — incredibly wide, soft sand, and wonderful for swimming. It is one of the nicest beaches we have experienced. Our family stayed at Iberostar Selection, while we chose Iberostar Coral for the Concierge service. We spent our days together on the Selection side, often renting cabanas, which we loved — both with and without them. The Coral section is definitely more elevated in feel. The rooms were fabulous, the views were breathtaking, and housekeeping and room service were very good. (A lighter room service option, such as a chicken club sandwich, would be a nice addition for late evenings when you don’t want a full meal.) The buffet was good, with some enjoyable themed evenings — the Asian night was particularly delicious. That said, after six days of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it does become somewhat repetitive. The casual beach bar menu was very limited (hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and fries only), though the more formal beachside restaurant was very nice for lunch. The à la carte restaurant experience, unfortunately, was disappointing. We were informed that policy had changed either just before or during our stay. Unless you were an Iberostar “Member” (which involves attending a 2–4 hour membership presentation), reservations were not being accepted. We were advised by Concierge to line up early when the restaurants opened to attempt booking later dining times (7:00 or 8:00 pm). We did so multiple nights and were turned away each time, often rather abruptly. The Japanese restaurant was the only one we managed to try — the food was acceptable, though the temperature inside was uncomfortably cold. This created inconsistency and confusion, as some guests were able to reserve while others were not. From what we understood, there were a number of similar complaints during that particular week. Guests who had visited in January 2026 or earlier did not appear to encounter these issues. The Concierge service at Coral was friendly but felt limited. Our previous experience at Dreams Resorts & Spas set a very high standard — concierge there were readily accessible and truly went above and beyond. At Coral, interactions felt more desk-based and transactional. We were frequently approached regarding the Membership presentation, and attention seemed to diminish once it was known we were not interested. That dynamic was noticeable. All that said, the overall resort environment is lovely enough that our family would happily return — even if dining remained buffet-focused. My son and daughter-in-law even commented that the food and beach surpassed the luxury resort they visited for their honeymoon nearby. For us personally, whether we return will depend on how the à la carte and membership dynamics evolve, as that aspect did affect the overall relaxation experience. We might choose to stay at the Selection next time and simply upgrade our room. I remain somewhat torn — time will tell! Enjoy your holiday! Additional Notes: The Selection Ocean View with Balcony rooms were very nice. The bathrooms were somewhat oddly shaped and slightly dated, but overall acceptable, especially given how lovely the beach, pools, and layout are. If adults-only is important, Coral is worth it for the generous, updated rooms. We participated in the hotel’s complimentary 30-minute photo shoot offer. Photos were $20 USD each to download, with package options available.

Enjoyed size of resort. Very clean. Nice room. Liked water stations. Enjoyed food. Hated the wine. Nice pool. Was windy so beach water was a little weedy. Friendly staff. Unfortunately I got sick o third night of stay which resulted in my being in bed for 30 hours. Then had to eat limited bland food and not drink for most of the rest of my stay. Two days later, my husband was also violently sick and spent the day in bed and couldn’t eat or drink much the rest of the trip with low energy. We didn’t get to partake of the Japanese or Italian restaurants due to illness

We just loved it! Everything about this place is great for a nice vacation. The beach, gardens, pool, food, room etc were all great! Staff were very nice and helpful, all service was great. The cherry on top were the birds and animals in the gardens, which we enjoyed a lot! Can’t wait to go back!

The hotel was clean, staff were friendly, buffet had variety. It was a good resort for a quick getaway. Close to the airport. Entertainment was weak compared to other resorts I’ve visited comparing to Mexico.

The hotel was clean, staff were friendly, buffet had variety. It was a good resort for a quick getaway. Close to the airport. Entertainment was weak compared to other resorts I’ve visited comparing to Mexico.

This resort offers everything and more! The food, entertainment, pools, waterslides, wave pool, activities, landscaping, wildlife and staff are all amazing! The drinks are delicious and the buffets have so many choices! We are going back for the 3rd time!

Great hotel and atmosphere. We also had great weather! Entertainment was really good and we always had great service! I would definitely recommend this hotel and location to future people who want to travel. It was worth the price!

Tammy from trip central went over and above to help our group of 11 book our vacation The staff at every level on the resort went out of their way to ensure we had a wonderful time Jorge with the entertainment crew had everyone on their feet and in the pool…Silva our pool server was outstanding always bringing drinks with a smile Soni was a huge help with any question we may of had The only draw back is there is no walking beach however there is 5 pools and chairs for everyone

The staff at the resort were very friendly and helpful. The pool and beach areas were terrific with plenty of sun loungers for all. I was disappointed with the lack of food variety on the buffets especially at lunch time. The ala carte restaurants were good. I would recommend the resort, but with a stipulation about the lack of variety for the food.

The service, food, and overall condition of the resort, pool and beach were all excellent. We were not disappointed at all despite the economic conditions in Cuba at the time. There was nothing we went without the whole time we were there and had an amazing trip. Would definitely recommend this resort.

Pros: The service is superb. The beach and ocean here is beautiful. The staff was all really great to deal with. Cons: hotel is old. Rooms are small for the price. Entertainment was sub par. Overall expensive for what you get so I think there are better resorts.

Where do I even begin with this outstanding experience at Iberostar? We booked an oceanfront room and it was truly right on the beach. Waking up every single morning to the sound and view of the ocean was absolutely magical. Stepping outside and being just a few steps from the sand felt like a dream. We also upgraded to the Prestige experience, and it was worth every penny. Having access to the exclusive restaurant on the 11th floor was a highlight. The massive rooftop offers breathtaking ocean views on both sides, such a spectacular setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For Cuba, I would honestly call it a seven star dining experience. The food at Prestige was that good. The three à la carte restaurants, Cuban, Japanese, and Italian, were also excellent. The quality truly impressed us. Even the house wine surprised me, it was really, really good. Housekeeping was impeccable. Our room was spotless every day, and we never lacked anything. The staff throughout the resort were warm, smiling, and genuinely kind. You feel welcomed everywhere you go, from the restaurants to the cappuccino station, yes, they even had my favorite cappuccino. The beach is probably one of the nicest I have ever experienced. Thanks to Alex, who handled our booking and told us we could walk the beach for long stretches, we enjoyed beautiful daily walks along the shoreline. It was stunning. The pool area was perfect for us. There were activities, but not too many, just enough to keep things lively without being overwhelming. There is a section for children, but during our stay there were not many, so the overall atmosphere remained calm and relaxing. Another thing that stood out: so many guests we met were on their second, third, even fourth visit. After experiencing it ourselves, we completely understand why. The price to value ratio is exceptional. If you are looking for a five star hotel in Cuba, with great food, friendly staff, a stunning beach, and only about 15 minutes from the airport, this is the place to be. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Fantastic experience from start to finish. This is our second time here and will be back. If you are looking for a relaxing, adults - only escape in Cuba with beautiful beaches and exceptional service, this is the place.

❤️We just returned from a fantastic holiday in Cuba. Special thanks to the amazing team at Iberostar Coral Enchenachos Cayo Santa Maria who went beyond expectations daily to make our holiday exceptional. Bar staff. Restaurant staff. Poolside staff. Housekeeping staff. Butler staff. Management staff. Coral is a small, quiet adults only resort with dedicated professional personalized service. Special shout outs to Yunily at Playa Enchenachos Bar, Yasser at the Main Lobby Bar, Randy at the Main Beach Restaurant and every member of the tremendous team at Coral. Yosmanny, Levon, Yahimi, Yohanny, Jackie, Alberto, Hector, William, Anier, Dismar, Diana, and Yandry are some names that come to mind. There are too many exemplary staff to remember all the names! This is a lovely, peaceful resort on a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach. Our suite was massive and we really enjoyed our private hot tub on the back deck. Daily maid service and nightly turn down service with fresh beach towels was greatly appreciated. The pools, walkways and grounds are beautifully maintained. New furniture arrived for the Coral lobby and dining room. Upgrades and repairs are constantly underway. A La Carte Restaurants at Selection are under renovation. We enjoyed our menu meal service in the Coral restaurant, poolside and beachside. Our vacation ended with a wonderful send off by the entertainment team. We were sad to leave these extremely kind, generous, hardworking, and very appreciative people. We will return when flights resume to Cuba. If you like a quiet resort with personalized service, I recommend Iberostar Coral Enchenachos!

Great and friendly staff! Very many activities across the resort. Staff are always around to play mini games, offer you a drink or invite you to different activities. Incredibly good kitchen, with a wide variety of food. The menu theme changes every day, but a lot of items remain the same. Overall we liked it very much!

The grounds boasted wonderfully green borders, trees, shrubs and flowering plants, even in February, and the groundskeepees kept our surroundings immaculate. The architecture was beautiful and the grounds were well planned and lovely to stroll, and the pool was very large and accommodating. We walked the beaches and soon discovered that this Iberostar had the most beautiful sand along this stretch of the penninsula; we called velvet as it was so smooth and silky. And, there was NO loud blaring music on the beach, which was such such a blessing. We could just enjoy the sound of the waves, soak up the sun, read....and just relax! And the staff were absolutely fabulous!! Friendly, helpful and gracious, which was utterly amazing considering that the Feb 2026 fuel embargo has ruined their immediate future for tourism. They were stalwart and smiling despite the threat. We had a lovely holiday at the Iberostar Prigin Playa Alameda and heartily recommend it to those who would like to relax and enjoy their all inclusive beach vacation in Cuba.

Friendly people, dated but very comfortable villas. Loved the private hot tub with ocean view. Pool clean Recreation games fun Entertainment satisfactory Chambermaids excellent Frig filled daily with drinking water , pop & beer Excellent bar service. Bar tender makes a fantastic mojito

The Staff at Laguna Azul is fantastic. Friendly, caring, beautiful people. The food is getting even better with beautiful presentation. And no lack of food, water or electricity. Selection of alcohol seems to have gotten wider. Lots of variety with more recognizable brands. Some rooms are dated but renos are in progress. 1 pool still out of commission but actively being worked on. Relax pool is open, with a few tiles missing, but seems to be getting worked at. Main pool is good to go. Wifi in the Lobby and most days available in the room. The Management is always looking to offer special entertainment such as the Super Bowl party, Valentines Day Dinners, bringing in the bikes and the classic 50s cars, etc Shoutout to Jose and Yarianny who were both on holidays our latest visit. 2 really great Staff members. Always a pleasure to see Maria, Pavel, Yosniel, Dania, Mady, Andy, Ari, Dido, Leodan, Umberto, Tatianna, and many of the others we have met. For a quieter holiday, upgrade to the relax. This gets access to the Relax pool and Relax lunch, which is more of an a la carte. The pool view is just plain beautiful and definitely go up to the Spa or Gym area for great views. Oceanview walk on the treadmill if its your thing.

We hope to return next year our time at the resort was great our room was out date but we want to.stay on the same floor next year in.3260.the food we rate 10 star for all the time we eat in buffet and the la carte The weather wasn't great of all the time we had 5 days of good weather that hasn't nothing do for the resort faults the workers were so helpful and friendly we felt so sad for all the workers that have no job they work so hard

Solid 4 Star resort. Excellent service from staff Kennedy, Carlos and Doulche. All 3 AlaCartes were very good. Pool was kept very clean, a bit cool but very refreshing. Bathrooms in rooms upgraded very nicely. Both buffets were also well stocked with great salad bars and hot foods. 7th time visiting this resort and will go back. One negative comment, the resort beach is nice but once u get to the public area’s there is garbage, plastic bottles etc everywhere.

Just returned from 7 night stay at Iberostar waves beach resort. 2 grandparents, adult daughter and grand child. Greeted by concierge asked to return later to hear about resort and wait for room at 3. Concierge started calling wanting us to attend selection suites next door for breakfast and to see what they have to offer. Room was nice. Elevators not always working and we had to walk up and down stairs way too many times. Stairwells very dark. When it rained the halls and stairwell were all wet. Our room was very clean, beautiful view and balcony. One bed was in deplorable condition. There were no mid support feet on both sides. The mattress felt like broken springs. Felt like I was falling out. Like a hammock. I reported 4 times to concierge and each time she would say she reported it and it would be looked after. I got the feeling they were well aware of it. Room 1136. We suffered with the bed for the entire stay. My spouse has 2 herniated disc's and bone cancer. I tried sleeping in the other bed with daughter and grandchild 3 nights. This was a very big turn off regarding this resort. The entertainment staff were great. The buffet was great and so was the staff. Italian restaurant wasn't worth visiting. Same food in buffet. The weather was not in our control and was very terrible so we didn't actually get to enjoy the resort as we should have, especially the beach. This was a cold front and we had high winds and cold weather with a lot of sea weed. We didn't appreciate the breakfast next door. It was a big sales pitch to buy into their Star membership program. They were herding people from room to room and desk to desk. That was a turn off. We did have a pretty good time considering all factors, but I doubt we would return again.

We returned from Iberostar Coral Esmeralda 2 days ago (Feb 7th)and had a fantastic, relaxing vacation. The resort was was quiet, had beautiful gardens, friendly staff and plenty of food including bread. There was always something good to eat at the buffet, we also had the option to eat at the Section Resort which was next door. The room was clean and the bed super comfy. The beach was beautiful! Soft white sand and crystal blue water. Loungers and shady spots were always available. The evening entertainment was good.We got a 750ml bottle of water daily in our room fridge, I brought my own water bottle from home and refilled it at the buffet or bar. Bugs were not an issue, so I didn’t have to use bug spray ( bring it just incase though). Tip with American or Canadian bills ( no coins). The Wi-Fi was annoying, it worked but I had to re-log in several times a day ( no big deal).It was great to safely walk off the resort and explore. I highly recommend this resort and would definitely return!

Hola Amigos !! We just returned from Iberostar Tainos Resort Jan 24-Feb 7 (our 3rd time here) and we had another excellent stay in Varadero Cuba. No problems other than the weather was a little cool at times but better than -23c in On. No shortages of anything food & booze & FUN!! It was an awesome trip as well as a great professional Staff. A huge thanks to Jania & reception Ladies who will take care of all your needs. Our maid Lay was one of the best we’ve had. I would highly recommend this resort as it delivers in every way. Too many to thank ❤️& ✌️ Thank you ! thank you !! thank you !!! We will definitely be returning in the near future to Tainos ❤️ LOVE Maggie & Andy ❤️❤️xo

Trip Central was great and the WestJet flight was smooth with no issues. Unfortunately, the hotel itself fell short of expectations. Amenities were limited and not as advertised. Our first room was not a family room as per our booking, and there was a mosquito infestation that made the first night very difficult — especially with our 1.5-year-old and 4-year-old, who ended up with many bites. We also requested a crib for the baby and were told repeatedly it would arrive “the next day,” but after five attempts, it was never delivered. To make matters worse, on the first night my wife’s foot was run over by a golf cart after the driver started moving before she was fully seated. Overall, transportation and booking were good, but the hotel experience was disappointing and not a recommendation by me.

ruben and yuri provided a comfortable and unforgettable experience for me and my friends, and within that we met new people that also shared the same positive experience. i would definitely come back.

Loved our visit and were blown away with the variety of seafood everyday! The pool & beach were stunning. The rooms were very clean, fridge well stocked and the bed was so comfortable. We will definitely be staying here again. My only regret is to not try on that dress in the Boutique, it was stunning!

Great little resort. Set on a hill overlooking the ocean. Clean, well maintained, and friendly. The food was amazing in the restaurants and buffet. Staff was very attentive. The waves were a blast to play in. We would go again.

The travel agent did not warn us how bad things were in Cuba. She said it was a great resort and in fact it was the absolute worst. Food is expected to not be great but it was the worst ever I’ve had in Cuba. The weather yes beyond our control but was terrible. Days to get beach towels then accused of stealing washroom towels, minor power outages, water being shut off, having to shower with hair towels. As well as the entertainment being so not up to par. Traveling there with a family of two and three children I; I believe something should be given back in return for this terrible vacation. I’m one to stick up for the beauty of Cuba and this vacation has completely changed me mind and the price paid for this? I am so upset about it.

We needed a bottle of water to make fluids, because my daughter had a fever, and we had to fight to get it. Complete disregard. I have photos of the liters of water left in the rooms; they are the liters that the hotel fills up, and they were dirty and rusty.

This was our first time in Jamaica but won’t be our last The resort was very clean, well maintained and there was very little noticeable remaining damage from the hurricane. The food was very good and the staff was over the top friendly and helpful.

Awsome Resort This was our 2nd visit to this resort and we will go again.Staff is very friendly and Resort is very clean..Drinks were great and shows were good too Japenese el-carte was great food and Show

Hotel was good services sucj as cleaning, foods and so on except paymemt currency. they signed on us and mxn pesso but accept only mxn pesso. it is not clear. there's no mentioned mxn only. thw worst thing is not about hotel service. trip central didn't quick response about flight cancel due to snow storm. I understood the situation but I lost almost 2 days. my departue was jan 26 8:30 am. actual depatrue was jan 27 aroumd 1pm even 1 stop at Montreal. your agent suggested it might be extend one day, not my request. he said it could be accepted by hotel or denied. it took 2 to 3 business day. I umderstood too. but follow up it was accepted or denied until saturday night. so terrible follow up

We went for a 4 day getaway last week. Weather was cool. Hotel was nice. Check in very delayed. Didn’t get our room until 5:40pm. Room was nice. No issues. Drinks at all the bars had great options. Great cappuccinos. Staff were all very kind and friendly. Food options were actually pretty good. This was our 7th trip to Cuba. So our expectations are realistic. I would come back. Lots of seaweed on the beach which they try to clean up by hand. Beaches past the hotels were FULL of garbage and so disappointing to see it never gets cleaned up as it’s the only place to walk. The other hotels on either side had more activities happening down on the beach. Coral side could use a bigger pool and a little more music it was very quiet. Selection side was almost too loud but a more fun option if you’re staying at the coral side and want a little action. Overall a good stay

The grounds were outstanding. Love the feeling of being in nature. Food at the buffet was good. The Asian restaurant was very loud and the food was disappointing. We had to upgrade our home. Our original room was dark and musty. The upgrade room was on a second floor, much brighter but still musty. Bed was very comfy. Wished there would have been bicycles available.

Always well tended grounds with attentive staff who make you feel like an old friend though we have been to this hotel multiple times They recognize some of hotel looks are dated and and are planning investment in upgrades shortly

Beautifully beaches, great snorkelling, older hotel but beautiful gardens, long walks, great people and events. Had Canadian night with steak, shrimps dinner. Next day big event with performers in the lobby, music and great dinner, lobsters, Sudhir, etc.

Buffets especially breakfast great. Rooms slightly outdated and there wasn't a chest of drawers to store clothes. Grounds and facilities great and very friendly staff. A la carte could be hit and miss. Would have liked a better understanding of ability to access other connected resort beyond use of the pools. Extremely clean everywhere and had lots of amenities for adults and kids.

We have stayed at Iberostar (Waves) Paraiso del Mar (as well as Iberostar Paraiso Beach) multiple times--and it remains one of our favourite resorts! While it was not pefect, it was still very enjoyable. FYI the negatives--We found the "Concierge" diversion after check-in to be not worth our time (discouraged us from meeting with our Air Canada rep to find out our transfer time because she wanted us to attend her "presentation" on the selection/club membership instead), and she did not advise us on the ability to book restaurant reservations on the app (usually after 1030 PM the night before) versus coming in the morning to see her. As well, the coatis near the garbage cans at the far pool area have learned to go inside and overturn them, making a mess and becoming pests a bit (Please, people, do not feed them or leave food on your lounger area or even in a bag, and be aware that they do bite--let them be). As well, at times the internet speed was not up to streaming, but one could always check emails. But these experiences were dwarfed by all the positives--a beautiful beach and pool area (and staff did confiscate belongings from chair hogs sometimes), with enough loungers and shade for everyone to enjoy the experience; delicious food at the buffet restaurants--the Plaza on the Beach side was our favourite--don't miss the Asian night for sashimi, tuna tataki, and other favourites. As well, we enjoyed the Mexican themed night at La Plaza. There was always something tasty to eat--from omelettes freshly made (small tips accepted but not required), many vegetable and fruit choices, healthy proteins including fish and seafood, and comfort foods, too. We enjoyed the French El Colonial restaurant (we lined up 20 minutes before the first seating to guarantee a spot)--order multiple Burgundy escargot appetizers if you want to share escargot (3 snails per appetizer), note that the Mezclum salad fried brie was a much larger sharable portion, and the Caribe Chocolate cold souffle sphere and wild berries was a delight! As well, I found the reservation for the El Rodizio was very worth our while--feel free to request a hotter sauce (we enjoyed what a believe may have been a habernero cream sauce in small amounts). The coffee shop in the shopping plaza area was a favourite, and there was ice cream and crepes also nearby. The gym was wonderful, and there were enough activities available to stay busy if one wanted. We found the ceramic painting to be ridiculously overpriced ($30 USD for a 3 inch plate??), though. We find this place perfect for families and all ages. We don't require air-conditioned buffets (the shade and fans keep the area very cool), and prefer the birds and animals in these resorts versus the more expensive Lindo/Maya resorts. PS rooms can be chilly with the A/C--bring pjs and feel free to request a blanket.

Absolute Paradise! An Unforgettable Cuban Escape at Iberostar Tainos From the moment we arrived, we knew we'd chosen the perfect getaway. The Iberostar Tainos in Varadero isn't just a vacation spot; it's a vibrant slice of Cuban paradise meticulously designed for relaxation and joy. Our room was fantastic—spacious, immaculately clean, and comfortable. Waking up to the tropical breeze and stepping onto our balcony to catch a glimpse of that legendary Varadero turquoise water set the tone for every perfect day. The beach is absolutely the resort’s crown jewel. The famous powdery white sand of Varadero met crystal-clear, calm waters that were perfect for swimming. The dedicated staff kept the area impeccable and were always on hand with fresh towels and a friendly "hola." We spent our days alternating between lounging on the stunning beach, taking dips in the large, well-maintained pools, and enjoying the fantastic animation team's activities. The dining experiences were a highlight. The main buffet offered a great variety of options to please everyone, and the themed restaurants were a delicious change of pace. Special mention to the amazing cocktails at the bars—the mojitos were perfection and the perfect accompaniment to those spectacular Caribbean sunsets. What truly set this resort apart, however, was the staff. Every single team member, from the tirelessly cheerful entertainment crew to the hardworking restaurant and housekeeping staff, was genuinely warm, attentive, and embodied the incredible Cuban spirit. They went above and beyond to ensure our happiness. Whether you're seeking a fun-filled family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a peaceful recharge, Iberostar Tainos delivers incredible value and a wonderful experience. We left feeling completely rejuvenated and are already dreaming of our return. ¡Muchas gracias por todo! 10/10 - A Perfect Varadero Beach Resort Experience.

Absolute perfection—again! This was our 6th or 7th stay at Joia Bávaro by Iberostar, and it somehow gets better every time. This resort has truly become our home away from home. Houston, our butler, was exceptional—professional, attentive, and genuinely caring. He made every detail seamless. Ery at the pool bar was incredible, crafting great drinks with a fun, welcoming energy that kept us coming back. Mornings were made brighter by Ortiz at the buffet, whose warmth and friendly service set the perfect tone for the day. The golf course was a dream, and exactly what we Canadians need in January—lush, beautiful, and a perfect escape from winter back home. From the outstanding staff to the beautiful grounds and flawless service, Joia Bávaro continues to exceed expectations. We wouldn’t hesitate to return and already can’t wait for our next visit. Highly, highly recommended.

We had an awesome week. The whole experience was great. We enjoyed the beach, the pool, the food and the staff. Our maid kept our rooms clean and comfortable. We were travelling with our daughter and son-in-law and granddaughter who is 2 1/2. Any concerns we had about travelling with a toddler were for nothing. She had the best time!

This resort was wonderful. The staff were great, the facilities were in good shape and pretty well maintained. Some of the boardwalks could use some work to make them a bit safer. There was always lots of food. The rooms were clean. The beach was amazing! The ocean was so clean. The evening entertainment was great, but not intended for kids. If you are looking for a great resort that gives to great value for your money, I would highly recommend this resort.

We loved the hotel, small and very quiet and quaint, with such an amazing and attentive staff. The beach is beautiful, you can walk for hours and see practically no one! Big shout out to Dairon at the Buffet and Armando who works the snack bar and the À la carte restaurant. We will be back!

I love this resort , it’s my fourth stay here. Only one complaint was the food was the same every day All the staff were very friendly and helpful I loved they put us in a ground floor room because of mobility issues. Because this resort is on the smaller size it is so easy to get around to the pool, beach, bars, and restaurants