Iberostar Waves Paraiso: Perfect for an Epic Celebration
Imagine this: the warmth of the sun on your skin. Feel the soft, white sands between your toes. Look at the tranquil turquoise waters stretching out before you. Now, picture experiencing all this with your family, celebrating not just one, but two major life milestones. For many, the final year of college is filled with memorable moments, from senior trips to graduation ceremonies. But for our two ‘stars of the show’, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences were dimmed by the global pandemic. As the world slowly reopened, it was time to make up for lost time in a big way. Welcome to the story of our family trip to Iberostar Waves Paraiso in the Riviera Maya. It is was a paradise where missed celebrations were transformed into unforgettable memories.
A Celebration Beyond the Cap and Gown: Our Family’s Adventure at Iberostar Waves Paraiso
The graduation caps had been tossed and the diplomas framed, but no celebration. It was time to get started. Our family was eager to make up for lost senior year festivities. Iberostar Waves Paraiso in the Riviera Maya was a dream turned reality. Nestled along the breathtaking Caribbean coastline, this resort promised something for everyone—and oh, did it deliver!
Iberostar Waves Paraiso is part of the expansive Paraiso Complex. This complex comprises five 5-star hotels. Iberostar JOIA Paraíso, Iberostar Waves Paraiso, Iberostar Waves Del Mar, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo, and Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites.
Waves Paraiso is one of the family-friendly resorts. It caters to all ages. The resort offers a diverse range of activities and amenities. Guests can cool off in the outdoor pools. There is a children’s pool with Star Camp activities for younger family members. Guests can explore a variety of culinary options across full buffets and themed restaurants. The resort’s commitment to wellness and nature is evident. It invites guests to reconnect with themselves through Aliveness offerings. These include a workout session, golf, diving, or a rejuvenating spa visit. The resorts are surrounded by Mexico’s native tropical flora and fauna. They are also close to the world’s second-largest coral reef. Iberostar Paraiso Beach provides an ideal setting for guests to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying their stay..
The World of Iberostar Waves Paraiso: An Overview
Walking into Iberostar Waves Paraiso was like entering a slice of paradise. The worries of the past year seemed to melt away with the ebbing tide. The resort is renowned for its sprawling beaches, lush gardens, and exquisite architecture. It captured the essence of Mexican heritage blended with modern luxury. Here, we found the perfect backdrop for our long-awaited celebration. This was a place where the joy of graduation shone brighter than the Riviera Maya sun.
The design of five contiguous hotels gives guests a chance to wander endlessly through meticulously maintained gardens. There is a large variety of regional flora and fauna, including an impressive orchid collection. These resorts don’t just pride themselves on luxurious amenities. They also have a corporate-wide commitment to preserving the environment. They provide a sanctuary for both guests and wildlife. We also encountered a diverse range of local wildlife, including many roaming peacocks. We even woke up with a peahen basking on our balcony many mornings. The landscaping team turns a simple stroll into an explorative adventure.
For the Graduates: A Party Paradise
The college grads were eager to make the most of their belated celebration. They found no shortage of activities to fill their days and nights with excitement and parties. From snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea to exploring the mysteries of the nearby cenotes. Adventure was never more than a few steps away. As the sun set, the resort transformed into a vibrant scene of entertainment. Beach parties, live music, and themed nights created the perfect setting. The graduates danced the night away under the stars. It was a fitting way to celebrate their hard-earned achievements.
If we had been traveling with younger children, or even teenagers, we would have chosen its sister property, Selection Maya Suites. We would have chosen it for their extensive water park. But for freshly minted college grads cheated out of Spring Break, this was a great option. Not to say that it was rowdy, but the entertainment team was high-energy and very engaging. (Hi, Paquito, we miss you!!) There was always something going on at the main pool. The evening entertainment was balanced between a ‘club’ feel (be sure to compete for Mr. Iberostar!), immensely talented local musicians and dancers, and the traditional youth-focused stage shows. TBH: we skipped the youth theater for another round at the swim-up bar before dinner.
While the Adult Kids Partied: A Haven for Mom and Dad
While the graduates reveled in the festivities, Mom and Dad discovered their own slice of paradise. The kids had a pool-view room that was right in the center of the action. Mom and Dad chose an ocean-front room. At first, we were disappointed because there was a large fenced-in area blocking our view. But when we learned it was there to protect the many sea turtle nests. These nests popped up that spring. We were grateful to see it.
The resort’s world-class spa offered a tranquil escape. Treatments were inspired by ancient Mayan rituals promising rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit. The peaceful pool areas were reserved for adults. They provided a serene oasis to unwind with a book. One could also simply bask in the warmth of the sun. For us parents, this trip was not just about celebrating our children’s accomplishments. It was also about recharging and reconnecting in a setting that catered to our every desire for relaxation and luxury.
A Culinary Journey for the Whole Family
No celebration is complete without delectable dining. Iberostar Waves Paraiso excelled in this arena. With a range of gourmet restaurants serving international cuisines, each meal was a journey through global flavors. From fresh, local seafood to expertly prepared Mexican favorites, the culinary experiences were as diverse as they were delicious. This allowed our family to gather and toast to the graduates’ success with every mouthwatering bite.
One of the benefits of staying at a multi-property complex was the never-ending choice of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. We stayed for seven days and never ate at the same place twice. And don’t worry, frequent golf cart trolleys transport guests throughout their resort for those who prefer to ride.
The Essence of Celebration: Making Memories Together
Beyond the parties, the relaxation, and the gourmet feasts, the heart of this trip was about making memories. These memories would last a lifetime. We were creating our own Caribbean Moments. We laughed together over a shared joke at dinner. We competed in a friendly game of beach volleyball. We simply walked along the shore. These moments of connection were the true celebration. In a year when so much was lost, our family trip to Iberostar Waves Paraiso was a testament to resilience. It was a time of laughter and the enduring strength of our family bond.
In Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins
As the vacation drew to a close, it was clear. This trip had been about so much more than making up for missed celebrations. It was a rite of passage. It marked two young adults stepping into the next chapter of their lives. They were surrounded by the love and support of their family. Iberostar Waves Paraiso‘s endless activities, opportunities for relaxation, and moments of togetherness, provided the perfect setting for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. We carried home not just souvenirs. We also brought back a collection of Caribbean Moments, laughter, and experiences. These will inspire stories for years to come.
For any family looking to celebrate a milestone, Iberostar Waves Paraiso in the Riviera Maya stands as a beacon. It offers endless possibilities. It is also ideal for families wanting to reconnect in a setting of unparalleled beauty and adventure. Here, every day is an invitation to celebrate life, love, and the endless joy of being together.
Final Note:
My one piece of advice: unless you are looking to buy into their vacation club and time-share, JUST SAY NO to the offer for breakfast at the JOIA Paraiso. Do not attend the breakfast unless you plan to buy into their vacation club. It is a strong sales pitch. The Club is highly rated by many, but if you are not interested, be firm or they will ask multiple times.
