No point in beating around the bush – we LOVE Iberostar Lindo.
We’ve stayed at this resort before and there are a few things we really like about it and some stuff to just explain about staying here. There are other maybe cheaper resorts, but we love the Mexican theme in this resort. When you walk in, it just feels grand. Each level has their own reception area and the Lindo’s is so nice.
Levels
There are levels at Iberostar. It’s one big resort with different places to stay
- Beach
- Del Mar
- Lindo
- Maya
- Palace
Beach is the lowest level and you can ONLY use that pool and eating areas. As you go up the list, you get whatever comes with your level PLUS any of the pools or eating areas below, you can go down, but you cannot go up!
One reason we like the Lindo (besides decor) is that the buffet eating area is air conditioned and after a hot morning on the beach it’s nice to escape to some AC. The Del Mar and Beach buffet area is basically out doors with netting to keep the birds out. We don’t typically stay in the Mayan because the decor is actually kinda creepy, huge snake right in the center when you want in, not our thing.
Staff
The staff here is awesome. I feel like they’ve always been super friendly, super helpful, super nice. Some places you go and you get really short help, like the Dominica Republic and other places, but here – staff is awesome.
Food
The food is amazing, I almost like the buffet better than the fancy dinners (depending on where you go, hibachi is a must here). There are sooooo many options. I can’t even explain all the options there are. Breakfast has like 10 different fresh juice and remember they are catering to an American and European group so deli sandwiches and cheese plus waffles and pancakes. Pizza and burgers at lunch, huge salad bars. SO MUCH GOOD FOOD.
As far as the restaurants go, we love the Hibachi place, it’s super good and fun. The Italian was weird, mostly seafood – I figured like spaghetti and meatballs but no. I feel like we did Mexican and I can’t remember how it was. Sorry. Again I think lots of seafood options and Ricky and I do not like seafood so less choices for us.
Beach / Pool
We mostly stayed at the beach this time, but for either place, get up early and reserve seats with a towel and maybe some flip flops. Chairs together go fast. And know where the sun will be that way if you want to be in the sun or out you get chairs on the right side of the pool. REMEMBER YOUR SUNSCREEN and reapply constantly – I can’t say this enough! We never went to the pool at the Beach/Del Mar area but it actually looked less crowded then ours which was weird but when we went this year (and it was in March during spring break) it really wasn’t THAT crowded.
One of the things we also like about this place is the beach is pretty long and walkable. We’ve been to other resorts where it’s just a small cove, but here you can walk, maybe just bring shoes because they don’t clear the seaweed away once you’re past the resort lines.
They also have a lazy river that was fun to lounge on and float around and it seemed like there were always enough tubes whenever we wanted to go.
Activities
There’s a ton to do here. You can rent kayaks or go on a catamaran for free, you just need to reserve a time. There’s a jet ski and parasailing but you do need to pay for those. And then there are other places to visit and go – we were content sitting on the beach, but I’ll talk about 1 excursion in our excursion post.
There’s also water aerobics which we do with momma – it’s actually fun, they do volleyball and had a foam party and people learned to salsa! They have a group of staff who’s job is activities and they’re always looking for people to join. Again, we’re content to sit, but if you’re an antsy person or have teenage girls/boys who need to move and be active, I think they’d like these people.
Kid Activities
I don’t know how it works but they have these “Star Kids” and it basically looks like they do activities with your kids all day long and babysit them. I’m sure it costs money, no idea because we don’t have any kids – but I’ve heard from parents their kids love the Star activities and don’t want to come hang out with mom and dad. There was also a pirate ship area that had water you could play in – that looked cool.
Evening Entertainment
It’s just funny. They did a disco night, a circus night, a karaoke night and a bunch others. The only thing is it starts so late and I’m so wiped out by then. I don’t remember if I made it through one whole performance this year. I’d rather be on the beach early than stay up… but it is something to do.
Animals
This resort has peacocks (that sound like a crying cat) there’s a swan over by Del Mar and a parrot. There are also tons of coatis that are so cute, but people, don’t feed these animals and be nice to them!!!!
Tips
- Go to the Star Cafe near the Lindo – good coffee, for a normal coffee just ask for an American coffee. We love creamer so we froze a big container and packed it in our bag (in a ziplock) and then use that during the week.
- Shopping plaza in the center area is open to anyone at any time, get a crepe up there and they even have a taco and burger place and ice cream! That’s where we typically get our souvenirs.
- There is a little an artisan night where local crafters set up booths and try and sell you things, we’ve never bought from them, but they are willing to barter with you – the Plaza shops are no bartering.
- If you like working out – bring clothes gear. The gym is super nice. They even offer classes. If you are in the weight area, go early – it get’s hot in there but everyone knows that so it’s also kind of crowded by 9am. Maybe go before breakfast right when they open.
- Try and wake up early one morning to catch a sunrise on the water! In January they’re beautiful! All depends on the air though.