08 MAR 2017: The Iberostar Parisio Lindo in the Mayan Riviera didn’t invent hospitality, but the resort is a shining example of what hospitality ought to be.  Our example started when Daniel checked us in. Friendly, efficient, and fast – perhaps the best check-in person we’ve ever had. Then he called us to make sure everything was fine in our room half an hour after we opened the door.

When we reached our junior suite, and opened the patio door, we were greeted by views of dozens of coatis. Several times a day our balcony provided orchestra seats to a wonderful group of wildlife below us in the Manglar. Much of the vegetation is original in many areas to be sustainable. Mangroves typically have numerous tangled roots above ground and form dense thickets. This is the dry season, so there were absolutely no bugs.

The grounds are spotless, and beautiful. Yes, this property with five resorts on it, is huge, but the golf carts are very frequent, and once your client gets the hang of it, they will probably walk often. The property works.

If you have clients with mobility issues, choose the ground floor, and the ones closest to the restaurant and lobby for them. There are no elevators, nor ocean front rooms. Or book your clients at the Maya. It’s next door and does have elevators.

Iberostar is a family owned business, now in its fourth generation, and they have 23,000 employees.

The lobby also works. It is divided into sections with check-in-and out and air-conditioned. There is water everywhere creating a lovely feeling of peace. The designer was certainly thinking of the comfort of guests, who often arrive tired and grumpy. Across the courtyard is a bar, with yes smoking tables on the patio outside.

The pool, as in all all-inclusive resorts, is the centre of life on the property. This huge water playground works. The animation team keeps guests amused, but those who just want to read can find quiet corners where the noise is muffled by waterfalls, and other water features. There is a slow lazy river tucked in by the kid’s club, and a wave pool that little kids, and their parents love, though teens will turn their noses up I think.

There is a programme for the 13-17 year olds. The kid’s outdoor waterpark play area is very nice, a new two story indoor kid’s club will be built in 2018. Their child programme gets great reviews.

La Pagoda, the largest buffet, is a pretty spot, and the buffet itself is in a separate room, something I really like. It keeps the dining room quieter. There is a grill, so people can grill their own sandwich, and a microwave for people like me who hate lukewarm food. The food choices are amazing.

Close to the beach and the pool are two snack/ buffet restaurants, with less selection, but plenty of choices for those who are anxious to hit the beach.

Located on the white-sand Playa Paraiso, there will be a new restaurant in 2018 with healthier food options.  People rave about the paella at the beach. There are numerous restaurants in fact, and seven a la carte options. Reservations are booked quickly, encourage your clients to book right away, or before they fly.

Peacocks strut their stuff all over the property, charming children and adults.

We had dinner in El Rancho steakhouse in the Maya one night and Tom is still raving about his steak, while I couldn’t get over the fabulous decor of this restaurant and really all the others as well. Our dinner conversation was about the old days when a la carte’s seemed to be a reluctant afterthought, stuffed into a dark dreary room.

For those who wonder about the difference between the Linda and the Maya … the Maya has elevators, and the rooms are a bit bigger with a tub and a separate shower.

There is an on-site golf course.  The spa Sensations is in the Mall.

The shopping centre is interesting and all five resorts can access it. There are a number of small eateries there, and yes, they are included: the taco place, an ice cream and crepes, an old fashioned 50’s burger joint, and a cafe and pastry shop. This is also where the spa is.

There is a included merry-go-round for the 4-12 group and there is often entertainment in the typical Mexican square. Sensations, the spa is here.

Adriane Romero is the executive assistant manager, and seems to be everywhere with lots of time to help guests and staff. Gabriel Bover Alvarado is the GM of both resorts, and you’ll find him eager to help with your clients, and available. Senior staff made a point of coming to talk to me. I was impressed.

“This year we’re concentrating on “service”, we always listen to our guests, but this year it will be a priority. There will be more training and we’ll introduce the “What’s up” app.” says the GM.

He knows what’s happening on the property. “ How many coatis are there?” I asked.   Eighty was the reply. They bed down at 7:30 pm and are up at 6 am. The animals know the kitchen hours so they’ve adjusted.

Both Sunwing and Transat have a “kids stay free” programme.