
From the moment I arrived at JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar, I knew I had found my perfect escape. This adults-only beachfront hotel in the heart of the Iberostar Paraíso Complex was pure luxury, and it didn’t take long to realize how perfect it was. While staying here, you have access to all five resorts in the complex, including their top-notch restaurants, activities, and shows. But honestly? I didn’t need to go anywhere else. JOIA Paraíso had everything I could want: amazing food, stunning pools, and plenty of ways to relax or have fun.
I spent eight nights here (which turned into nine days), and while I did pop over to check out the other resorts, I found that JOIA was more than enough to keep me entertained. It’s the kind of place where you can fully unwind or dive into exciting activities, all while feeling like royalty.
If you’re planning a trip to JOIA, keep reading! I’m sharing the best things to do so you can make the most of your stay in this luxurious paradise.
Access the Weekly Activities Calendar
I hate waiting until I get to a resort to figure out what’s happening! I’m one of those people who has to have my whole potential schedule figured out (and they choose the day of what I actually have energy for).
So one of the most helpful things for me at JOIA Paraíso was to check out the weekly activity schedule in advance. Before your trip, simply download the Iberostar app, open it, and scroll down to “How to have fun at the hotel?”. There, you’ll find the weekly calendar with a full lineup of activities, from morning to night. The schedule may change based on seasons and guest preferences, but it gives you a great idea of what’s happening.
I’m also sharing a screenshot of some activities in the app to give you a preview!



Fun in the Sun: Beach Activities
Beach Volleyball & Beach Soccer
The beach volleyball is one of the most popular activities with the water setting the perfect backdrop.
However, as soccer players we were also super excited to have beach soccer at least twice a week! (we also learned it’s much harder to play soccer on sand than grass).

Beach Tennis
Beach tennis at JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar is another must-try activity! Enjoy the game on the beautiful sands of Riviera Maya. Prior reservation is required due to limited spots, so be sure to book ahead
Spikeball
Played with a small, round net and a ball, spikeball is a fast-paced mix of volleyball and four-square. The action is quick, the energy is high, and the sand adds an extra challenge.
KAN JAM Game
Try your hand at KAN JAM, a fun and fast-paced beach game where teams aim to toss a disc into a target can. It’s the perfect way to get active and enjoy the sun with friends at JOIA Paraíso!
Beach Fitness
I started many mornings at JOIA Paraíso with a rejuvenating yoga session by the beach, connecting my mind and body while soaking in the beauty of the Riviera Maya. If you’re looking for something more intense, I’d recommend trying beach Zumba or the 30-minute high-intensity beach workout, which uses the sand’s instability to challenge your strength and endurance.
Just remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a towel!

Water Recreation
Water Volleyball
For a little friendly competition, water volleyball is a great way to get active and enjoy the pool. Played in the resort’s pool, this activity is both social and energetic, giving you a chance to meet fellow guests and have some fun in the sun.

Scuba Try-Out
At JOIA Paraíso, you can try out diving equipment right at the pool. It’s a fun way to get a feel for the gear and explore the basics of diving in a safe, shallow environment. If you enjoy it, you can sign up for a full class with certified instructors to take your skills further!

Crazy Games
Take part in the Crazy Games at the pool for an action-packed experience! With a variety of playful challenges and team competitions, you’ll race, jump, and laugh your way through thrilling activities designed to keep everyone on their toes. Plus you can walk away with t-shirts and hats!
Mayan Water Game
This had to be the coolest pool game inspired by the Mayan ballgame. Using a ball, teams race to score points while navigating through water, adding a refreshing twist to this ancient-inspired game.



Water Blackjack
Enjoy the thrill of the classic card game, but with a splash of fun as you play poolside. It’s a refreshing twist on a casino favorite—perfect for some lighthearted competition under the sun!
Pool Fitness
At JOIA Paraíso, there’s no shortage of exciting pool fitness activities to keep you active and energized.
- Water Kickboxing: This dynamic class combines the benefits of kickboxing with the resistance of water, giving you an excellent workout that’s gentle on your joints but still highly effective.
- Aqua Pole: I also gave Aqua Pole a try, which was one of the more unique offerings at the resort. It’s exactly what it sounds like: using a pole in the pool to work on strength, balance, and flexibility.
- Aqua Paddle Board: I tried Aqua Paddle Board as well, which was an amazing way to engage my core while balancing on the paddleboard in the pool.
- Aqua Fit: The Aqua Fit classes in the pool were a fun and low-impact way to tone muscles, and the beach workout was the perfect way to enjoy the stunning views while getting a full-body workout.
- Zumba: The high-energy sessions by the pool looked like a blast, with lively music and tons of movement to keep you on your toes!



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SPA Sensations
The spa at JOIA Paraíso was one of my favorite places to retreat to after a long day of activities. Unlike many resorts where the spa is exclusive to certain guests or treatments, here, the spa is open to all guests all the time, which I loved. It’s home to a hydrotherapy pool, complete with different areas for water massages and self-guided relaxation techniques.
Additionally, the spa features a retractable roof, meaning you can continue to enjoy the hydrotherapy pool and its healing properties even if it’s raining.



I spent time relaxing in the warm jets and taking advantage of the sauna and steam room in the women’s locker room. If you’re looking for a more indulgent experience, the spa also offers a variety of Mayan-inspired treatments, like the Mayan Ritual that incorporates traditional healing techniques using local ingredients.
You can enjoy these treatments either inside the spa, outdoors in a private hut, or even on the beach in a secluded massage area.

FIT & FUN Gym
Stay active with a variety of fitness options across the Iberostar Paraíso complex. All five resorts share the Fit & Fun Gym, where you can enjoy a wide range of group classes like Pilates, Zumba, kickboxing, spinning, boot camp, and more. Most classes are included, with extras like Aero Yoga available for a small fee of about 800 pesos ($10). For a more personalized experience, you can also book a personal trainer for around $10.
JOIA guests can enjoy exclusive access to the on-site fitness center, featuring state-of-the-art equipment for strength and cardio workouts. Located in the spa area, this gym had everything I needed for a solid workout, from cardio equipment to weights.
Evening Entertainment
Nightly Live Shows
One of the standout features of JOIA Paraíso is its nightly live shows, which are an absolute must-see. They were absolutely top-notch, especially considering this is a luxury resort. Every night was something different, and the quality of the performances blew me away:



- Fire Show: A jaw-dropping spectacle with incredible fire dancers lighting up the night sky.
- Rock Show: A high-energy performance that had us rocking out to some classic hits.
- Mistik Show: A magical, mysterious performance filled with intrigue and acrobatics.
- Traditional Mexican Show: A celebration of Mexican culture with storytelling, incredible dancing, and vibrant costumes.
- Latom Show: This Latin American dance show was so full of energy and color — definitely a crowd favorite.
- Circus/Acrobatic Show: Watch in awe as performers demonstrate their gravity-defying skills on silks and aerial rigs. This acrobatic show was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Live Music: Most evenings at JOIA, you’ll be treated to live music, ranging from relaxing acoustic performances to upbeat Latin rhythms.
Each show is professionally done, bringing a high level of entertainment that really adds value to your stay.



Live Music
Most evenings at JOIA, you’ll be treated to live music, ranging from relaxing acoustic performances to upbeat Latin rhythms. We loved winding down by the bar, enjoying some cocktails while listening to everything from chill acoustic performances to lively Latin tunes. It set such a great vibe for the evenings.

Karaoke
Karaoke Night was the perfect way to let loose after a day of activities. It was a hilarious evening where guests could take the stage and sing their favorite songs. We had a blast watching guests of all ages sing their hearts out, and there were plenty of laughs along the way.