Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun vs. JOIA Bávaro for Thanksgiving — sibling trip?
My sister and I are deciding between two Iberostar resorts for a 4-night trip. We have both reservations held and are looking for firsthand opinions before deciding.
Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun
~$1,185 total for 2, all-inclusive
One Bedroom Family Pool Walkout
Family-friendly
Great value/room, but we’re concerned about the beach quality
JOIA Bávaro
~$2,008 total for 2, all-inclusive
Standard Suite
Adults-only
Better beach reputation, butler service, and more upscale overall
About $822 more total, and we’d give up the pool-walkout
We’re looking for a beautiful beach, good food/drinks, relaxing but still fun, and enough entertainment/activities that we aren’t bored. We’re not looking for a huge party resort.
For anyone who has stayed at either (or ideally both): How were the beach, food, rooms, service, and overall atmosphere? Is JOIA too quiet? Does Riviera Cancun feel very family/kid-heavy? Is JOIA noticeably a higher tier and worth the price difference?
Also interested in experiences with IHG Platinum upgrades, the JOIA butler service, and any excursions you’d recommend for a short trip.
This will be our first Iberostar experience and my sister’s first trip to either Mexico or the Dominican Republic. Would love to hear the good and the bad!
Any additional info that may be helpful: Airport Transfers, extra activities, etc, please feel free to share. Thanks!