Sure, couples could choose any number of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya for a getaway, but according to John Long, v.p. of sales and marketing for Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, they wouldn’t get the first-rate service and romantic ambiance guests of the five-star, adults-only Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso receive.
“Nothing is as rich in romance as the extraordinary tropical setting couples will find at Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso,” says Long. “From butlers who will take care of couples’ finest requests, to our 24-hour room-service team, chefs and entertainers, every person who works at Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso believes that providing an unforgettable experience to our guests is our number one priority.”
In Close Quarters
Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso is located within a 5-property complex that also includes Iberostar Paraiso Beach, Iberostar Paraiso del Mar, Iberostar Paraiso Lindo and Iberostar Paraiso Maya. All share the Playa Paraiso Shopping Center and an
18-hole championship golf course; however, the Grand category property, general
manager Alberto Herrera says, is the resort to book for couples ages 30-60 traveling
without children.
While partners will find themselves with plenty of room for canoodling in the Ocean Front Suite I roomed in—a spacious 646-sq.-ft. space with a decadent marble bathroom, king-size bed and private balcony with outdoor hammock—Long suggests springing for a Superior Ocean Front Corner Suite or a Honeymoon Villa, as those are, in his opinion, the best options for a couples on a romantic getaway.
“The first features a king-size bed and private wrap-around terrace with ocean views to witness Mexico’s most romantic sunrises, a whirlpool, 24-hour gourmet room service, concierge, butler service and luxurious amenities,” he says. The second boasts a private pool and outdoor garden area, a large living room area with a garden view, and an indoor hammock, plus one 50-minute massage per person, a 20 percent discount on additional spa services, and romantic dinner in suite with personal server. Rates at Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso start at $281 pp dbl per night; $381 pp dbl per night in a Superior Ocean Front Corner Suite; $431 pp per dbl in a Honeymoon Villa.
Bonding Activities
The first item your lovebirds should check off their getaway to-do list is a couples’ massage at the spa. Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso offers its own 9,843-sq.-ft. Paradise Beach Resort Spa complete with jacuzzis, a solarium, a sauna, Turkish and Roman baths and thalassotherapy pools, and is definitely the more exclusive option as SPA Sensations at the Playa Paraiso Shopping Center is shared by guests from all five properties.
Couples can also arrange for a private 3-course dinner on the beach during check-in or with the concierge for around $250, including an option of red, white or rose wine, or, dine at one of the five aforementioned restaurants. Venezia, in particular, is quite the romantic spot offering a la carte Italian favorites such as potato gnocchi and osso buco in a dining room adorned with Roman busts and large murals depicting mythological scenes. After such decadent meals, your clients may be inclined to roll themselves to bed after dinner, but they’d be missing out on a stellar line-up of evening entertainment happening at the onsite Coliseo theater or main pool—The Beatles, Circus, The Best of Broadway.
Not a fan of theater shows? Guests can provide their own entertainment three nights a week during karaoke at the Rhapsody Music Bar. It can also serve as a test of a couple’s resilience. During my visit, one brave twosome’s rendition of Darius Rucker’s Wagon Wheel wasn’t necessarily music to the ears, but seeing them encourage one another as they stumbled over the lyrics certainly warmed the heart.
Around Town
Cenotes are a popular choice for an offsite excursion considering the Yucatan Peninsula is sprinkled with thousands of these naturally formed underwater caves. Rio Secreto offers guided tours through a more than 3,200-ft. route on its nature reserve for groups of up to 10 people, including lockers, a wetsuit, a life jacket, a helmet with lamp, towels, a buffet with local dishes and non-alcoholic drinks starting at $79 per adult; $39.50 for children ages 4 to 12.
And if you truly want to impress your arduous clientele with a unique recommendation, suggest they catch a cab to the nearby 3D Museum of Wonders located on Playa Del Carmen’s 5th Avenue. Here, guests can figuratively step into the interactive artwork created with 3D-illusions as a museum employee guides guests through each whimsical display, snapping their photos at exactly the right angle to make it look as though they are tightrope walking across a suspension bridge, descending into a London Underground station alongside Lewis Caroll’s beloved literary characters, and playing a game of poker with a brood of smartly dressed pooches.
Contact Information
3D Museum of Wonders: 3dmuseumofwonders.com
Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso: iberostar.com
Rio Secreto: riosecreto.com
