TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Lovely place with a good golf course but a horrible system for having people eat dinner. No reservations. You have to show up and once the restaurant is full you get on a list. They can text but not email. So come early or go to the buffet. Tried 3 restaurants tonight at 7-ish. 30 +/- min wait at each. 3-4 couples waiting it out at each place. Who knows how many waiting for texts. Just awful.

We return here for many reasons. The staff are so fabulous at this resort, you truly feel at home, but better lol. The food is great, we love their buffet restaurant, so much food! The beach is powder sand the water is warm. The beach loungers are well spaced and you can always get a spot at the beach or pool, no need to get up at dawn to get a spot. Just a great place all round.

This was our 3rd visit to Joia Paraiso October 25th through November 1st, 2025. If you read my review from Nov. 23, 2024, you will see that we had stayed in an Ocean Front room with butler service – which we loved. During that trip we enjoyed being at the quiet pool, and so we decided to try a pool view walk out suite, and we were VERY happy with the room! We would have breakfast, go to the larger pool until around 10 a.m., then move to the quiet pool for the remainder of pool time. Breakfast and lunch buffet were excellent. We were again taken care of primarily by Christian. He is the most caring and friendly person not just to guests - we witnessed how he happily and quickly helped his co-workers if they happened to need assistance. He is a shining example of what Iberostar Joia is about. When he had a day off, we certainly were taken care of by others with no complaint at all. Great group of people from greeters - to servers - to those clearing plates and setting up - to the chefs and those that attended to the food stations. We also loved the dinner buffet especially for Halloween what hard work went into that! Of the sit-down restaurants, our favorites on this trip were L’Atelier, Embers, and Haiku. We loved the food and were so glad Embers added the crab cake to the menu! We had wonderful waiters/waitresses at ALL meals, particularly Emelio in L’Atelier - there is no way you don’t smile when he waits on you, he emits such positive energy. For those concerned about no reservations (except Haiku) we never had a wait. We were taken care of at the pool by Adriana who remembered our drink preferences and was so friendly and attentive. Every one of the pool attendants made sure we had towels and they were always checking to see if we needed anything – what a group of hard-working individuals. Much appreciated. Would we come back?? Already booked a return trip. For those that are curious – we booked the pool view again. We loved the Ocean Front (nothing like it when you open your door and hear those waves and look out and see the beauty) but we really enjoyed the option of being able to walk to lobby bar, buffet, and restaurants (except Ember which is in a lovely ocean front location) without going outside. While you can’t see the ocean you can see gorgeous flowers and tropical landscapes. The most beautiful grounds!! Thank you to the landscape crew. My husband had always insisted on ocean front anywhere we would go in Jamacia or Riveria Maya since the 1990’s, but age has opened him up to other options!! That is the beauty of Joia Paraiso – they have so many room locations to meet anyone’s preferences or vacation budget. We had an enjoyable and relaxing trip!!! Thanks to all.

Day of the Dead has been celebrated in Mexico for over 3,000 years. November 1 and 2 are set aside to honor deceased family members and celebrate their lives. The Joia created a magnificent day of remembrance for guests and employees involving every department of the resort. The first decorations one might see would be in the arched marble walkway between building 72 and the atrium. The staff hung hundreds of cempasùchil (marigolds) from the chandeliers, sprinkled petals on the floor, turned off all of the sconce lighting and placed lit candles on the floor to guide your way. The Bellavista Buffet prepared Day of the Dead breads or "pan de Muerto" where dough bone shapes are baked into the small breads. The maintenance staff created an alter or "ofredas" in the atrium complete with offerings of food, beverage, cutout paper flags and candles symbolizing earth, water, wind and fire. The entire display was amazing and took on a special meaning when resort employees placed framed pictures of their family members who had passed. The show that night was Day of the Dead, a one-time performance celebrating the day. We participated in skull painting with the activity members and were able to bring our skulls home as a souvenir. But perhaps the most elaborate were the members of the activities team who were in gorgeous full costume with intricate make-up. We have been to the Grand 10 times but this was our first experience celebrating Day of the Dead. It was very special and we hope to share in its culture again in the future. If you are planning a fall trip to Joia Paraiso, you may want to arrange your days to partake in this beautiful and historic celebration.

We would like to thank The Manager For assigning us a room perfectly Located for mobility issues! This is our 5th stay at this beautiful Resort. It is immaculate, friendly and The food is elaborate and delicious. The staff are attentive and provide Personal service to everyone. We are already planning to come back In February. The wildlife is fun to watch! We are staying 10 nights and wish It was longer! Joy and Bruce Toronto, Canada