Iberostar Playa Paraiso

The massive Iberostar Playa Paraiso complex can be described in one word: luxurious. The finest details at every turn make this property shine as brightly as the ocean it borders. With majestic Neo-Renaissance architecture, gourmet dining options, kids’ camps, beachside activities and an array of entertainment options, this resort is a playground for the whole family. Shopping complexes and access to the palatial European-style El Spa complete the package. The resort’s newest adults-only Grand Hotel Paraiso boasts 300 all-suite guest rooms and 10 stunning villa suites that come complete with personal plunge pools and a lush garden patio. As Director of Golf Greg Bond said, “The hotel will surpass the expectations on all levels of even the most discerning clients.”  
    Located 30 minutes outside of Cancun on the Riviera Maya, golfers have been enamored with the P.B. Dye-designed 18-hole, par 72-championship course since it opened in 2005. In fact, the Playa Paraiso course recently hosted the Iberostar Riviera Maya Open in May, part of the Canadian Tour. Narrow fairways and dramatically undulating greens make this an attainable challenge for resort golfers. Playa Paraiso incorporates the native Mayan jungle and dramatic vertical movement to create a layout that is equally as arresting as it is interesting.     
    Fortunately, the all-inclusive service is not lost on the golfers. The pro shop carries the best names in golf equipment, and food and drink during the round is included and can be served at the clubhouse or delivered to the green while playing. Even better, a nearby lighted driving range and putting green gives players extra practice time before they face off with the glorious Playa Paraiso course.

What makes the property so special?  This Iberostar resort has it all. The Playa Paraiso complex consists of five high-end hotels that offer every imaginable amenity and activity needed for a memorable vacation. From The Galaxy Disco to countless restaurants and shopping to the El Spa and golf course, once you check into the Iberostar Playa Paraiso, you never have to leave.

What will visitors be surprised to find when they visit?  In the past, “all-inclusive” hasn’t had the best connotation. Not so at the Iberostar where the concept is brought to a new level. All-inclusive is at its finest at the Grand Hotel Paraiso, where guests are treated to private butler service.

What phrase best describes the property?  Pure indulgence

Fairmont Mayakoba

One of the premier resorts in Playa del Carmen, the heart of the Riviera Maya, Fairmont Mayakoba encompasses 45 acres designed around a series of crystal clear waterways. Opened in 2006, the distinctive nature of this Fairmont resort is evident from the moment of arrival. 
    To maintain the authenticity and delicate ecology, transport throughout the grounds is accomplished via covered boats called lanchas, electric golf carts, bicycles or on foot. Sheltered under the forest canopy, the property’s distinguishing features include the Willow Stream Spa with treetop treatment areas, a secluded beach in front of the world’s second largest reef, marked nature trails and an array of restaurants and bars. 
    Designed as a par-72 championship course, El Camaleón (“The Chameleon”) is rightly named for its diverse layout and ever-changing landscape. The course bends through tropical jungles, dense mangroves and oceanfront stretches of sand with holes bisected by massive limestone canals. Indigenous and environmentally inspired design aspects are evident from the opening fairway, which houses an ancient underground cavern unearthed during the initial stages of the course’s construction.  
    Carefully planned to include unique hazards and challenging greens, the 7,000-yard course has also been developed with all levels of players in mind and includes an extensive practice and learning facility and a minimum of five tee blocks on each hole. However, those looking for a real challenge will not be disappointed, as water hazards will come into play on the majority of the course.
      After a day on the links, golfers can head to the Willow Stream Spa and indulge in a unique “Golf Performance Treatment” endorsed by famed instructor David Leadbetter. The massage is said to improve flexibility by incorporating stretching and acupressure, and the treatment aids rapid recovery, leading to improved balance and swing rotation for distance and accuracy.

What makes the property so special? Architectural diversity. While the main resort is beautifully designed with a tropical flair and select guest rooms built like casitas, El Camaleón’s pro shop is uniquely modern. A shock of yellow adorns the exterior, while sharp angles and a clean aesthetic offer the perfect place to relax and refocus.

What will visitors be surprised to find when they visit?  El Camaleón was home to Mexico’s official PGA TOUR event, the 2007 Mayakoba Classic, where Fred Funk was the inaugural winner. The tournament returns to the Mayakoba February 18-24, 2008.

What phrase best describes the property?  Visually stunning.