Paraiso del Mar

[gerard]

Mt wife and I stayed at the Del mar late Jan to early Feb 2005.This was the best accommodation we have stayed at in 8 years of holidays at various locations around the Caribbean.
The resort is beautifully maintained and a lot of emphasis is placed on reserving the  natural and environment.
The beaches at the resort are pristine and, although a large resort, never appeared crowded to the point of being uncomfortable.
Take a stroll around the pool area but be sure to allow enough time because this pool is "muy grande" with river, waterfalls and built in natural Jacuzzi.

The rooms are classy very clean and very comfortable. I have never seen as many cleverly made towel animals in all my holiday experiences, I think our made had a university degree in towel animal construction.

Try and book the a la carte restaurants when you arrive, Japanese, Mediterranean, Italian, Steak all recommended. The Tropical though was not to the same standard as the rest Don,t worry if you can,t book, the Buffets are as delicious as anything on a first class cruise liner.

On two occasions we walked along the beach,( down the right hand side as you face the water),after a half mile the beach is quiet and tranquil. Walk a further 2 miles and you will arrive at Paradise beach at Miraroma. There cannot be a whiter more powdery beach anywhere in the world, ( well maybe). You can fish from the pier or take a fishing trip by booking at the facility on the beach. There is a bar and a restaurant and sun loungers provided.

If you don,t like waking you can take a taxi from the hotel and arrive at the road end of the beach, there is an entry fee but you can use this as a credit toward any food or drink you have there. Don,t miss this place.

Another trip not to be missed is Xel Ha must be the eighth wonder of the world. A beautiful Natural lagoon surrounded by tropical forest and wildlife. If you want to snorkel this is the place. Hire a snorkel and life jacket,(obligatory),and keep the snorkel for free afterwards. Allow a full day to enjoy this phenomenal experience.

Back to the hotel and the only complaint I can mention. As a del mar or beach guest we cannot use the Lindo for food or drink other than booking the Italian restaurant therein.
I n the restaurant you can help yourself to fine food and served as much wine as you desire. We tended to eat between 8.30 and 9.00 so when we left the restaurant at 10.00 we liked to have a nightcap. On trying to obtain a drink at the reception hall bar we were told we could not have a drink as we were Del Mar guests.
I thought this to be quite petty and embarrassing and maybe the management could allow two vouchers with the restaurant booking, for use if required after your meal. Iberostar are you out there listening, what do you think?

Apart from that one grump this holiday will be long remembered for all the positives we experienced.

If you are reading this and thinking of visiting this resort then think no more and start booking you will have a great time.

                             Adios,  gerryodin@tiscali.co.uk

[kb2079]

Thanks for your post.  We are traveling to the Del Mar in May.  I have some questions about this resorts's accessibility to Playa del Carmen.  Can you tell me what you know about the buses and their schedules to Playa del Carmen?  How far is it?

Thanks!

[CoralReef]

Playa del Carmen is about a 20-minute ride on the free Iberobus shuttle. It drops you about 10 minutes' walk from downtown, at the aviary.

When we were there, the bus left Iberostar at: 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM; and departed PDC on the following half-hour (ex. 9:30 AM, etc.) One of the shuttles was air-conditioned and one wasn't.

[jonny]

Thanks for the post the walk up to the peir sounds great,if i can get my girl to walk that far,may have to take taxi,but it sounds great,thanks.5 weeks to go!

[raider]

that does sound great i will definitely take that walk, playa is a great little town i would recommend going to senor frogs and sit on the deck that hangs above the water by the pier the view is AWESOME! the tequila fish was pretty good there and the cook right next to your table!