Head to head
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & SpavsJOIA Paraíso by Iberostar
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Scores at a Glance
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & SpaJOIA Paraíso by Iberostar
Overall
8.6
9.1
Beach
9.0
8.4
Food
8.2
8.6
Service
8.0
9.3
Rooms
8.8
8.9
Luxury
8.5
9.0
Value
8.0
8.5
Romance
8.2
9.2
Scores out of 10 · higher is better
Quick Stats
| Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa | Measure | JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Overall Score | 9.1 (better) |
| 5-star | Star Rating | 5-star |
| 4.3 (445) | Google Rating | 4.9 (8,302) (better) |
| (better)From $172 | Price / Night (pp) | From $234 |
| No | Adults Only | Yes |
| Yes | Kids' Club | – |
| Oceanfront | Beachfront | Near coast |
| Grand | Resort Size | Mid-size |
| 90 min | Airport Transfer | 40 min (better) |
All Scores
| Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa | Measure | JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| (better)9.0 | Beach | 8.4 |
| 8.2 | Food | 8.6 (better) |
| 8.0 | Service | 9.3 (better) |
| 8.8 | Rooms | 8.9 (better) |
| 8.5 | Pools | 8.8 (better) |
| 8.5 | Luxury | 9.0 (better) |
| 8.0 | Value | 8.5 (better) |
| 8.8 | Family | – |
| 8.2 | Romance | 9.2 (better) |
| 8.2 | Quiet | 8.8 (better) |
| 8.0 | Adventure | – |
| 8.2 | Wellness | 8.7 (better) |
| 7.0 | Remote work | 8.2 (better) |
Of the 15 measures we call, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa leads on 2 and JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar leads on 13.
Vibes
| Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa | Measure | JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Romance | Yes |
| Yes | Quiet | – |
Activities
| Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa | Measure | JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Spa | Yes |
| Yes | Diving | – |
| Yes | Water sports | Yes |
| Yes | Nightlife | – |
| Yes | Kids | – |
| – | Golf | Yes |
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa
- Guests 18 and over get free access to the neighboring Secrets Playa Esmeralda, which adds adult-only dining and bars
JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar
- Adults-only all-inclusive
- 6 places to eat
- Full-service spa
- Butler service
- 35 min from CUN
Pros · Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa
- New rooms
- Water park and kids/teen clubs
- Strong beach
Pros · JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar
- Service
- Complex access
Cons · Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa
- Long airport transfer
- Dreams beach can be choppy
- Service still uneven
Cons · JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar
- Walking distances
- Sargassum
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