Any fans of the Iberostar resort complex in the Riviera Maya?  It’s a mega-resort with five separate all-inclusives; where you book will determine which other resorts you can access.  For those who aren’t familiar with the property, there are almost 2,000 rooms, 20+ restaurants, more than a dozen pools, two spas, two gyms, and a small shopping mall across the road from the resorts.  There is a lazy river, wave pool, and a newer water park for those who want some water fun opportunities during vacation.

If you are looking to book one of these resorts, you may not recognize the new names, so here they are:

1. JOIA Paraiso By Iberostar (formerly Iberostar Grand Paraiso).  Iberostar has adopted JOIA to represent their adult-focused, top-tier level of resorts.  That doesn’t necessarily mean adults-only–the resort in Aruba isn’t and it’s still classified as an Iberostar JOIA property. However, this property in the Riviera Maya is an adults-only luxury resort with full access to all other resort amenities; stay at one play at five!  This resort recently did some renovations and now all ground floor (or first floor, as Mexico often refers to that level of room) oceanfront rooms have direct beach access.  As of summer 2024, most restaurants are first-come first-serve with the exception of the Japanese restaurant.  This resort will be closed August 2024 for some additional updates.
2. Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites and Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo.  Not a major name change here–both resorts are considered to be Selection resorts, meaning those two are the top-tier family-friendly resorts.  Just because they are grouped together and share the same pool, however, doesn’t mean all their amenities are interchangeable. For example, Paraiso Lindo guests do not have access to the famous “snake bar” at Paraiso Maya, nor the French and Teppanyaki restaurants at the Paraiso Maya.  Rooms are slightly larger at Paraiso Maya.
3. Iberostar Waves Paraiso Beach (formerly Iberostar Paraiso Beach) and Iberostar Waves Paradise of the Sea (formerly Iberostar Paraiso del Mar).  Iberostar Waves resorts are classified as budget-friendly, family-friendly resorts within the brand.  Be aware that these two resorts share amenities, but guests cannot visit the other more expensive resorts.  Guests can, however, purchase a water park daily pass for $300 Mexican Pesos p/person.

Below is a quick montage of resort photos (done by Travel For Adults And Those With Older Children) for those interested in the luxury adults-only resort, JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar.  If you are interested in other resort videos from this complex, there are many great ones to view on YouTube.  So, who’s interested in going?