Iberostar Paraiso Maya

Hi there,
My wife and I are just about ready to put down our deposit on a stay at the Maya. I've been looking for a while for a PDC forum and finally I found it. Anyway, we're not traveling alone - we're going to bring our son with us. He'll be about 17 months old when we get down there in early May. If anybody has any familiarity with infants at this resort, I'd love to hear from you. From what I understand, he's too young to participate in the kids club. And that's fine. But I also understand that they have babysitting available for a fee. Any reviews of the babysitting would be great...just looking for an hour or two on a couple nights, so we have a nice dinner. Also, are there any age restrictions on the kids or adult pools? Are we allowed to bring him in the lazy river pool?

Thanks for all of your help! Very much appreciated.

[kjd469]

Hi, I just returned Monday evening from the Maya. We didn't bring the kids, but there were plenty there. There is no adult pool, so you should be able to take your baby in any of them, however, they are fairly cool, so he may not appreciate being taken in. We saw plenty of people in the lazy river with their infants and small children laying/riding on top of them. The tubes are faily high out of the water, so he wouldn't really have to get wet. To be honest, if there is a big difference in price between the Lindo and the Maya, I would go with the Lindo. We didn't really experience any special treatment for being guests at the Maya, and the Lindo people seemed to have the same access to everything that we did. Either one would be great. However, there are elevators at the Maya, so if you didn't get a first floor room, it wouldn't be a problem with a stroller if you are using one. Good luck. Just ask if you have any more questions.

that's very good info to have, thank you so much! hope you had a great time!

[Karen in NYC]

Curious to know why you picked the Maya. If you havent already put down your deposit, pls let me know. I havent been there yet (going March 12-21), but for the extra money, I think you would be fine at the Lindo (my personal opinion, I am sure I will get arguments). The main diff betw Maya and LIndo is:
- larger rooms
- use of 3 private pools
- exclusive use of 2 restaurants at Maya
and a few other minor things.
I am beg. to think I am sorry I booked Maya. I dont know if the diff in Money (for me, for 9 days, about $550 diff.) is worth it. WIll find out soon!!

I havent heard of any age restrictions on the lazy river pool (make sure he has some sort of floaties - you will be "lounging" in a big inner tube.

I would say keep the kid out of the adult pool, unless you are going in quickly for a dip.

[babs31]

The pool will be fine by May temp wise. Just got back also and the pool was a little cool, but probably no cooler than pools here in Wisconsin in the summer time. We were at the lindo, primarly used the Del Mar pool. Also there is a nice childrens pool by the lindo with a nice playground. There were guest with toddlers in an area of the Del mar. No steps, the bottom of the pool just gradually got deeper. Was nice for the toddlers playing there. I was thinking that I was glad we were not at the Maya because we enjoyed the Del mar side, the walk would have been more of a distance.

[Calimari]

The Maya also has 3 "private pools" that are smaller. You might find that to be a nice area to be in with the baby, as it would be more private. We were at the Del Mar last week & got upgraded to the Maya. The rooms were much nicer, but for my money I'd rather stay at the Del Mar. At the Maya, we had a jacuzzi in the bathroom, 2 sinks, robes, tea by the coffeemaker, and a bottle of tequila & some nuts provided. The main pools have some zero depth entries, which might be nice as well.

calimari - we were wondering if there any microwaves available? our little guy is going through a terrible picky eater stage, and if we have to, we'll bring a few bags of instant mashed potatoes with us to keep him happy. thanks for all the good info...can't wait to get there!

[Calimari]

I did not see any microwaves there. We did have a coffeemaker in our room. Is there a dry cereal you can bring that you just add hot water to? Or can you just add hot water to potato flakes?

hot water and potato flakes works for me...yummy!

good idea, thanks!

We are headed to IB Paraiso Beach in June and are traveling with a 5 year old and a 2 year old. I did some research on the baby sitting services for those nights out alone. I was able to get in touch with a woman who was previously the head of the Lucy Club there. She said that all babysitters work for the resort. They are usually ladies who work at the front desk or on the switch boards. They do the babysitting in their spare time. Be sure to ask for someone who can speak good English - at least enough to understand. The cost is US$10 per hour for babysitting and you pay the money directly to the sitter after services are rendered. When are you going? Can you give me a update on your experience after you return? Thank you!

thanks jobeach! that's great information to have. i think we might be booking our trip this weekend...i certainly hope so. i'll report back once i have the final say...and a trip report will follow.


thanks again!

Iberostar Paraiso Maya Photos

http://www.iberostar.info/iberostar_paraiso_maya.htm

[mandy]

Just curious regarding the Maya versus the Lindo, when we were at the Lindo last July that had just put in a beach snack bar, is it still open? Do they have a beach snack bar at the Maya?

Do they still make those wonderful doughnuts at the Lindo?
mmmmmmmm the best!

[babs31]

We did not spend time on the beach, there was a beach bar....there are those snack bars at the end of the resorts just before you get to the beach area. And yes ...I had a doughnut every day! (my waist line feels it also!)

[kjd469]

Yes, the beach snack bar is up and running. It serves both the Lindo and the Maya. I too, can attest to the donuts still being plentiful. YUMMM!!