At the invitation of a resort hotel on the Mayan Riviera, we enjoyed a 3-night fantastic vacation experience at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso last week.
One of the best advantages of living in Texas is that it is only 2 hours 15 minutes, and you are in Cancun, then a short 20-25 minute drive, and you are ready to go to the beach!!! We purchased round-trip private transfers for only $115 for four of us from the best transfer and tour operator in Mexico, Lomas Travel. They were Johnny-on-the-spot with quick service as usual, both in picking us up at the airport and at the hotel.
The resort is an adult-only, all-inclusive property, and even though it is next door to the companion Iberostar Maya, Lindo, and Paraiso Beach properties, the service personnel make sure that only adults enjoy that property. When you enter the registration area, the soft floral smell gets your attention, then the beautiful chandeliers and goldleaf and glass furniture further enhances your senses. You are greeted with a cool towel and a mandarin sour iced drink as the pleasant agent at the counter gives a brief orientation.
We were escorted to our rooms and immediately went to the concierge who was assigned to our section and with her guidance made dinner reservations at two of the four restaurants for the next two nights. . . .one night at the Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant and the other night at the Gourmet Restaurant. The third night we ate at the International Buffet. . .just a grand feast of everything good!!
They have a large activity pool with ample lounges, they also have a Serenity Pool where there are some whirlpools at each end of a quiet pool, and they have an indoor pool that is associated with the full-service spa. All this plus the deep and wide beach that stretches over a quarter of a mile wide again with lots of lounge chairs and shade tents.
One of the attractions of this property also is that a great golf course is available for guests at a reduced price. In fact, with some promotions, one round of golf is free for at least a 3 nights stay. The course hosts the Canadian PGA each spring and is always in excellent shape.
The hotel was over 85% occupied, and the majority of guests were from states in the North. We visited with folks from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Connecticut, all escaping the cold weather of the North. The temperature during our 3-day stay was 83-85F… .soft breeze, gentle rain for 5 minutes one night.
We had some folks go with us who paid only $2500 for this experience, and it was well worth it. So.. . .we encourage others to consider this “gift of travel” to each other for Valentines, Anniversary, Birthday, or just getting “outta Dodge”, and let the counselors at The Travel Factory guide your thinking. We are at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040, or look for us on the web at www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.