Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso

The best of all worlds, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso combines all-inclusive convenience with luxurious accommodations, butler service and a breath-taking Caribbean beach.

Richly adorned with murals, mosaics and marble, the classic Greco-Roman Grand is lovingly maintained by a friendly staff. Computer and Internet access is free at the business center. One of the most delightful luxuries is the all-inclusive mini bar in your room. It's restocked with bottled water and other essentials at your request. Just press the butler button on your room phone.

All-inclusive daily rates at the Grand start at $375 per person for double occupancy. The property features 135 standard guest suites (500 square feet), 120 oceanfront suites, 45 ocean-view suites and 10 villa suites. All suites offer private terraces or balconies, gourmet coffeemakers, a lighted cosmetic mirror, bathrobes, extra-large safe, Jacuzzi and walk-in shower.

Children are not allowed at the adults-only, ultra-luxurious Grand, but they are catered to at Iberostar's four neighboring Playa Paraiso resorts. The Iberostar Paraiso del Mar, Beach, Lindo and Maya, which feature Iberostar's signature high-quality and service levels, all have excellent kids clubs and playgrounds.

The plaza, which is within walking or shuttle distance of the Grand, is a perfectly manicured Mexican village. The center offers shopping, snack bars, a teen dance club, a nightclub and a spa. Food and drink at the plaza are part of the all-inclusive package. Note: The tequila was ridiculously over priced at the tequila shop at resort's shopping plaza. The airport or nearby Playa del Carmen and Cancun offer much better prices.

El Spa is a magnificent 32,000-square-foot pleasure palace for those who want to be pampered every which way. There's everything from an authentic Turkish hammam to a Mexican temazcal. I highly recommend the clay massage.

Golfers won't want to miss the 18-hole Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club course, which was designed by the inimitable P.B. Dye. Salsa lessons are offered poolside at the Grand, and the resort has its own private spa and fitness center. Guests can take out catamarans or kayaks, plus there's parasailing, pool, tennis and more.

Grand guests may dine at any resort restaurant within the five-resort complex, so cuisine options are diverse. Among the Grand's gourmet dinner restaurants are stylish Italian, French and Japanese bistros as well as a surf and turf restaurant. The breakfast and lunch buffets at the Grand offer a diverse selection of fresh, perfectly prepared foods.