I was twenty-eight the first time I vacationed outside of the United States. A bit nervous, not knowing what to expect, I never thought I would travel not once, not twice, surely not six times, let alone, chose to get married there one day.
Hola! Welcome to Mexico! Our favorite vacation spot – our home away from home. Our winter getaway from the snow and cold every February; the perfect time to go and get a good break, before the spring breakers take the beach and prices go up.
Luckily for me, my husband has traveled a bit and has been to Mexico several times, specifically to Iberostar resorts – so when it came time to vacation, this was the spot we went. Again, I had no expectations, and was just excited to say I was going to Mexico! Heck, I was expecting a Holiday Inn built right on a sandy beach with an unlimited supply of fruity umbrella drinks! I was sold when I knew there was going to be 80-degree weather, let’s be honest!
It was 2017, wheels up, and we were off for a long weekend. Who knew from that very first trip Mexico would always, and I mean always, hold a very special place in my heart?
From there on out, every February, we knew we had a vacation to plan! And in 2019, our family had started to join in on the fun. Bringing people along with us, to one of our favorite spots, brought us pure joy. To show them our favorite spot at the pool, introduce them to our favorite bartenders, have them try our favorite foods, it was a true experience.
And then, in 2022, we decided that Iberostar Paraiso Beach was going to be the spot we got married – with more of our friends and family. So, you may be asking, why this resort? Why did we choose this one resort, year after year, and then again for our wedding? Why didn’t we try something new?
Iberostar Paraiso Beach, in Riviera Maya is truly your home away from home destination spot. It is large, but once you get familiar with the pathways, restaurants, and lobbies, you are easily pulled into a jungle of tropical palms, pink flamingos, and sandy beaches. I will never forget my first time stepping off that transportation bus from the airport and was in absolute awe at what I was witnessing. An open lobby, birds flying around, flamingos walking around, while we were greeted with a tray of tropical drinks and directed to check in. Every single employee had a smile on their face and spoke to us as they were waiting for us to arrive.
We can all relate, we complain about our jobs, the amount of work we have, and that we feel underappreciated. Well, while vacationing, I never once heard an employee complain. They are working in 80+ degree heat and have more clothes on than we do in the summer – they are out cleaning sand pits, and hand stamping them with the Iberostar logo every hour, they are cleaning their room, leaving floral arrangements and towel animals, and making sure your fridge is stocked with cold beer and water. Not to mention, during the length of our stay, we saw some of the same employee’s day after day, no day off, and they were just as happy as they were the first day we saw them. They truly love to work; and they truly love to make their vacationers happy.
I was sad when it came time to leave, because I felt like I was leaving behind a family. You get to know these workers, you have conversations with them, you smile and laugh with them. They are just good people – and the people are what made me come back, year after year. I was comfortable, I felt like I was home with friends and family.
When it came to the grounds, like I had mentioned, the workers were always out improving the grounds, the beaches, the pool. Everything was taken care of. If something was out of line, you would see an employee go and adjust it. Attention to detail was to a detail of respect.
The rooms were also cleaned and respected. Typical rooms for vacation, but for me, I am not in my room, I am in the hot sun, by the pool or on the beach. They are brightly colored décor, have the necessities, balconies, bathroom, works for me! IT was clean, and that is all that matters to me.
The food. Now, this feedback is coming from a not so picky person, so please understand my opinion. I am truly not picky and can find something on any menu. At Iberostar, if you cannot find something to eat, you may be the pickiest eater on the planet. From buffet style, where there are several different options being served, to specialty restaurants from Italian to Sushi to Steak!
Let’s not forget about the DELICIOUS TACO place by the mall…. Yes, this resort had a shopping mall on-site. Walking distance, and within the gated resort. So convenient! The mall had a cigar shop, crepe dessert, shopping centers, a club, a casino, a spa, ice cream, kids’ playground, a burger restaurant
There is even an ice cream bar by the pool! Who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot day!
The resort also has a huge gym on-site, an urgent care, and a kids day camp.
With Iberostar having five resorts within, all lobbies of each resort are themed, so if you get the chance to walk through them all, it’s an experience to see the design of each individual resort.
Oh, and the wi-fi is free, and is reachable almost everywhere at the resort – huge plus!
Now, are there resorts that are absolutely stunning with their modern style and an increased pallet for food, absolutely. But for a four-hour flight, and for the price of Iberostar Paraiso Beach, you truly cannot beat this vacation.
Iberostar will always hold a special place in our hearts. I have spent six vacations there, and one special vacation was my wedding. Will we be back? I am sure one day, but for now, we are going to explore – but we will always recommend Iberostar because it has always been a favorite of ours <3
XO
Meaghan
