Joia Paraíso By Iberostar

“The Grand is Back”

This trip was our 5th time staying at the Grand (now JOIA) and I'm happy to say what we experienced was how this resort used to be before the "covid years". The last time we stayed there was in 2022 and the resort was much different that time compared to 2019 and now in 2025. It was great to see t… more

This trip was our 5th time staying at the Grand (now JOIA) and I'm happy to say what we experienced was how this resort used to be before the "covid years". The last time we stayed there was in 2022 and the resort was much different that time compared to 2019 and now in 2025. It was great to see the theater was back in play. In 2022, guests had to pay extra to attend a show (supposedly the theater was being leased by a private company). Having nightly entertainment that didn't cost extra is a big plus for us. The food at the buffets (breakfast and lunch) were much better too with a lot more variety to choose from. The specialty restaurants for dinner were pretty much the same as years past (we've always been very satisfied with the food). The drinks are really good unlike some resorts that use watered down alcohol or barely any at all. We did notice that the staff seemed much happier and all of them were great. The staff really do go out of their way to make your trip enjoyable. Special shout out to Mario and Leonardo at the breakfast/lunch buffets as well as to Hector who has checked us into our rooms on all 5 trips. I would also like to thank the front desk staff. You have always responded to my emails prior to arrival and you got us the same room we've had for every trip down there. Thank you everyone....we greatly appreciate your efforts and I'm grateful that the Grand is back to it's former glory. The resort is beautiful and always has been. We look forward to our 6th visit.

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“The trip did not disappoint.”

The Ocean front room with easy access to beach was wonderful. Choices of food selection great. Entertainment and fitness staff kept us on our toes and busy. Elizabeth the pool concierge was a delightful and helpful. The evening entertainment was high energy and very good. Wonderful trip and would d… more

The Ocean front room with easy access to beach was wonderful. Choices of food selection great. Entertainment and fitness staff kept us on our toes and busy. Elizabeth the pool concierge was a delightful and helpful. The evening entertainment was high energy and very good. Wonderful trip and would definitely come back to this property.

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“The Reviews Are Legit - Pure Paradise!”

How is it when you first walk into a new resort... you've read all the wonderful travel reviews, but you're still unsure if it's really legit? Believe me, they were all right! This resort is amazing in every single way. We just returned from the Joia Paraiso Iberostar, and I can't stop raving abou… more

How is it when you first walk into a new resort... you've read all the wonderful travel reviews, but you're still unsure if it's really legit? Believe me, they were all right! This resort is amazing in every single way. We just returned from the Joia Paraiso Iberostar, and I can't stop raving about it! From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. Check-in was an absolute pleasure thanks to Mauricio—what a delight he is! We were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a first-floor oceanfront butler room (thanks to our IHG status). Although only a double beds room was available, they put them together to create an enormous king bed, and it worked out perfectly. During check-in, the General Manager (I wish I remembered his name!) came over to personally welcome us, knowing it was our first time at the property. Such a kind gesture! I really want to send him a personal thank-you for making us feel so special. Our cart driver to the building was so friendly and knowledgeable, giving us tips and insight into the resort. Then we met our butler, Ruben, who was nothing short of wonderful! He was attentive, engaging, and made sure every request was handled promptly. But all the Butlers were amazing, including Anna! When we entered the room and saw the sliding door to the ocean, we were blown away! The view was like stepping into a postcard—just a few steps from the sand. We truly appreciated the upgrade, but as we explored the property later, we agreed that every room has its own beautiful and unique view. Our absolute favorite dining spot was the Ember Steakhouse. Do yourself a favor and try the wood-fired bread, hot cheese appetizer, smoked Romaine salad, and the short rib—it was all perfection. The service matched the food in excellence! We also enjoyed the Italian restaurant while sitting out on the terrace and soaking in the view and the food was delicious, but we found the French restaurant to be just "meh" compared to the others. If you’re into seafood, the Gala Buffet night is a must-visit. Even though we don’t eat seafood, there were still plenty of tasty options. And the room service was really good, and arrived hot and fresh. A visit to the coffee shop after dinner for treats and affogato was a sweet end to our evenings. Again, the staff made every experience delightful. The main pool is massive, with beautiful green-blue hues that match the ocean in the afternoon light. Just a tip—get up early to reserve your spot as chairs and cabanas fill up quickly. I do wish they had a cabana rental option, as we enjoy that at other resorts. The beachside grill was our go-to for lunch—burgers and tacos with unbeatable views and excellent service. The lobby entertainment at night was fun, and the outdoor fire show was absolutely spectacular—something truly unique and worth seeing. We also made a habit of winding down at the Rhapsody Bar every night for games, dancing, and a relaxed post-dinner drink. It’s the perfect spot to end the evening. Don’t miss the indoor spa pool with the retractable roof and hydrotherapy edges—it’s such a peaceful oasis, both inside and out. The quiet pool was another favorite for some tranquil downtime, surrounded by lush greenery and calming vibes. The decor and ambiance throughout the resort are grand and luxurious, but what truly made this trip unforgettable was the staff—always smiling, helpful, and genuinely committed to making our vacation perfect. We tipped generously because they work so hard and truly deserve it. Four days just wasn’t enough, and we’re already planning our next trip back! This place far exceeded our expectations, and we can’t wait to experience it all over again. Thank you, Joia Paraiso Iberostar, for an absolutely incredible stay!

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“A beautiful resort”

I have MOSTLY positive things to say about this resort. It is a stunning, massive property. Our room was fantastic and our view was to die for. I loved that I could walk over to the other resorts attached and see where I stayed with my family as a kid. The whole place felt opulent and well maintain… more

I have MOSTLY positive things to say about this resort. It is a stunning, massive property. Our room was fantastic and our view was to die for. I loved that I could walk over to the other resorts attached and see where I stayed with my family as a kid. The whole place felt opulent and well maintained. They really keep things clean and beautiful. Most of the staff is fantastic. Fatima in particular, our butler, was so kind and really great about providing what we asked for. We loved the buffets, they had so much variety and delicious food, the drinks also were great. We ate at the Italian and Japanese twice. The fire show and the circus show was amazing. We loved singing karaoke and all of the entertainment staff was also so lovely. I really would come again, I absolutely think back on this trip with admiration. My minor issues which takes away a star for me- #1 being the restaurant situation - they don’t allow reservations at any of the restaurants other than the Japanese. So each night when we tried to go for dinner, they were telling us that it would be around a 50 minute wait. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t have a different system for that. It was frustrating to not get in at all some nights. #2 would be the room cleaning - a lot of days housekeeping wouldn’t come around until 4 pm or later in which we had already spent the whole day at the pool or beach, and were ready to shower up or nap before dinner. It was many days in a row this was an issue. They did, however, do a great job when they cleaned. The app doesn’t work for a lot of things that it would be great for. Requesting rides, drinks etc all didn’t work. I had to redownload the app at one point cause it kept quitting. Our butler was great so it wasn’t a massive issue but a fix on that would be fantastic. The beach is very rocky- luckily if you walk over to the other beach the water is clear and beautiful. I did get a jellyfish sting though lol! Last minor thing is that they lock the safes for you if you forget to do it, and then you have to call up security to come reset it. We remembered all the times but once, and had to wait 25 mins in our room though antsy for breakfast for security to come unlock it. I would hate to be in this situation, realizing it prior to the airport. I still think it’s a good idea to do, but it would be nice if they came up faster. Or I could just learn to remember better, lol! My minor complaints really are so small compared the amazing time we had at this resort. I feel so relaxed and rejuvenated after having been here. I’m sure they will see us again. Thank you so much!! Ps- go to the rhapsody bar. The BEST drinks there!!

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