Experience Authentic Mayan Culture At Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites In Riviera Maya

Paradise awaits at Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites, an environmentally friendly and action packed resort in gorgeous Riviera Maya. With summer vacation around the corner, you will want to keep this incredible resort on your radar because it’s perfect for kids of all ages and my son and I had a blast. Located along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, this tropical destination has a deep rooted history where you can explore ancient archaeological sites in addition to long stretches of sandy beaches, diverse forests, wildlife, and aquatic natural wonders like cenotes and lagoons. While exploring the region you are visiting is always meaningful, choosing to stay on property at Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites allows you to experience Mayan culture and all that this Caribbean destination has to offer right at the resort.

Mayan Inspired Décor

Just 30 minutes from the Cancun airport, your authentic Mayan adventure starts in the impressive lobby with a recreation of the legendary pyramid of Chichén Itzá. Large statues and beautiful artwork honor the ancient ruins and around each corner is another reminder of Mexican heritage and civilization. Even the lazy river is themed like a jungle to pay tribute to the land it’s built on. The resort is located on the stunning beachfront of Playa Paraiso in the Paraíso Complex along with four other Iberostar hotels, all five stars.

Should you want to tour the real Chichén Itzá, an active archeological site, it’s only two and a half hours away and tours will pick you up from the resort for a day of adventure.

There are 434 spacious modern suites and we loved our private patio hammock with views of the sparkling pool and towering palm trees. Chirping birds and peacocks greeted us every time we went outside.

Stylish rooms are equipped with a coffee maker, ceiling fan, flat-screen TV, safe, whirlpool bath, mini bar and more. If traveling with little ones, the Junior Suite Star Family is the room of your dreams with trundle beds perfect kids and an authentic teepee. All Iberostar hotels are free of single use plastic and guests have access to unlimited purified water stations throughout the resort.

Exciting Entertainment And Activities

Iberostar has new paid shows to spice up your evening. We attended Ilúzio, an immersive dinner show combining impressive cuisine (vegan options available) with non-stop music and action that will have you dancing in the aisles, or at least in your seats! The spellbinding musical adventure about a battle of illusions, integrates iconic songs and spectacular magic tricks, all presented in the impressive El Coliseo Theater at the nearby Iberostar Grand Paraíso hotel.

Other activities include spinning, sunrise yoga, kickboxing, Zumba, darts, volleyball, bingo, and a beach workout. Kids activities include slip and slide for teens at Aqua Fun, arts and crafts with a Mayan twist, and tons of Mexican inspired games at Star Camp, a children’s activity program divided into age groups. As part of Iberostar’s sustainability program, Star Camp’s outdoor play area was built with more than 7.17 tons of recycled plastic, equivalent to about 32,500 1.3-gallon jugs, saving 65 trees.

Healthy And Delicious Mexican Food

As vegan travelers we are thrilled when plant-based options are readily available and Iberostar never disappoints. Gastronomic excellence is one of the chain’s guarantees and this is achieved through high quality, fresh and natural local ingredients. There are five themed restaurants including cuisine from Brazil, the Mediterranean, and Japan, and guests have access to another 11 restaurants in the complex. Our favorite was El Tapatío, an authentic Mexican buffet open for breakfast and lunch, and at dinner they serve à la carte dishes that include traditional recipes from all over Mexico. The talented Chefs create delicious fajitas, tacos, burritos, and whipped us up vegan desserts Mexican style.

Refreshing Water Activities

Stay cool with your choice of nine pool areas surrounded by Mayan inspired architecture. The invigorating wave pool is perfect for families, or simply float on the lazy river surrounded by Riviera Mayan vegetation. Younger kids have a splash pool to themselves to play safely at their leisure. For an exhilarating thrill head to Aquafun, an area with seven water slides including four turbo racers, an aqua tube, and an open slide. Or stay in shape at the athletic pool with an aqua class and mingle with others from around the world.

Colorful rope hammocks are scattered around the property as are Balinese beds to relax with a book. Take a walk along the boardwalk through the forest and you will be at the beach in minutes. There are scheduled beach activities or chill under a coconut leaf cabana to soothing ocean waves sipping a margarita or fresh pineapple juice before cooling off in the glorious Caribbean Sea.

Nature, Wildlife And Responsible Tourism

Iberostar is a family-run Spanish company committed to responsible tourism. Wave of Change is their movement to protect oceans, mangroves, wildlife, restore nature, improve coastal health, and combat climate change. You can see their work in action throughout the resort.

“The mangroves absorb 10 times more carbon dioxide than terrestrial forests, helping to combat climate change. They are characteristic of tropical areas and protect coastlines from the wind and waves. At Iberostar, we are protecting mangroves and planting more around our hotels in the Riviera Maya and Punta Cana.” – Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

The hotel participates in the Marine Turtle Protection and Conservation Program to preserve and protect four species of sea turtles reaching the Iberostar Playa Paraiso complex. Depending on the time of year, guests can visit Iberostar turtle camp and see how they help these creatures of the sea. Be on the lookout for lounging iguanas chilling under the sun and save time to visit the cenote near Paraiso Beach.

But our favorite resort critters are adorable wild coatis. These fur balls with long ringed tails look like their relative the raccoon and live in the Mayan jungle on property. Watch them swing from trees and play in the sand living their best life. Like with all wildlife, it’s important not to feed or touch them. By leaving only footprints behind you help preserve nature and wildlife for generations to come.