Final Verdict on Iberostar

Go! It is an amazing family-friendly resort. Tons of activities for all ages, decent food, fantastic beach, great pools and amazing activities. Rooms are nothing fancy, but nobody wants to stay in their room on vacation…

Bye until next time….

Iberostar Paraiso Lindo~Riviera Maya, Mexico

RIU Paraiso Lindo

An all-inclusive stay, thoughtfully reviewed

Before Palm Springs, I spent time in the Riviera Maya at Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo. RIU is a well-known all-inclusive brand, and this property represents its more family-friendly offering—designed for travelers who want ease, structure, and a predictable rhythm to their days.

First Impressions & Setting

Well-maintained, beautiful grounds.

The resort is polished, efficient, and clearly managed well. Arrival is smooth, the grounds are well-maintained, and the beachfront location is appealing—easy access to the water, multiple pools, and plenty of space to settle into the day without planning. The common areas and rooms were kept very clean. (I am a cleanliness freak)

Beautiful walkways surrounded by nature.

There’s an immediate sense of order here. Everything works as intended, which is exactly the point of a large all-inclusive.

Rooms & Comfort

Rooms are comfortable, clean, and consistent with the brand’s upscale positioning. This isn’t design-forward luxury, but it is functional and reliable. Everything you need is present, and nothing feels overlooked. When booking, ask for a refurbished room. The older rooms are very dated. Rooms are generally small.

Talented artistic staff!

Updated Room, Make sure to request one!

Palm Springs Out and About

Eating, wandering, and days well spent

After settling into the Skyfall House, Palm Springs was ready to be explored!

Eating Out and Taking Out!

Despite Palm Springs reputation for relaxation, many of the restaurants I visited required advance reservations, particularly for dinner. Planning ahead paid off. Dining here is less about spontaneity and more about knowing where you want to land.

Some of my favorite meals came from places that offered plant-based foods. At Clandestino, the vegan tamales were the best I’ve ever had—rich, delicious, and deeply satisfying. The vegan nachos were a close second, and a fellow vegan diner insisted I return for the “taco chips” next time, which felt like a local endorsement worth honoring. The coconut sorbet, an enormous serving, was so good that it was hard not eat it all.

Coconut Sorbet at Clandestino!

Tropicana offered a different energy altogether: fun, lively, and confident. A tofu bowl over black rice and vegetables felt both healthy and indulgent. The sauce was delicious.

Palm Springs also excels at takeout, which pairs especially well with a house stay. Two standouts were Chef Tanya’s, which has two locations and is often marked by a line out the door, and Native Foods—reliable, satisfying, and easy to work into the day. Having strong vegan options that travel well makes evenings at home feel effortless.

Wandering & Shopping

Palm Springs is a city that invites wandering without urgency. The downtown area is a mix of a few chain stores, boutiques, vintage wear, restaurants, and souvenir shops. El Paseo in Palm Desert is a street with a totally different feel. Expensive boutiques, jewelry stores, and restaurants line the streets. There are chain stores as well, along with plenty of small coffee shops where you can sit down and recharge. Great way to get your steps in if you tire of hiking!

Movement & Balance

Hiking is a highlight here. So many trails to choose from, for all different abilities. My personal favorite is visiting the Indian Canyons, where the senior fee is $7.00. Andreas Canyon is a good beginner hike: a little over a mile loop and sheltered by California fan palms. There are plenty of free hiking trails in Palm Springs, too!

The Takeaway

Palm Springs works best when you don’t try to do too much—but it does reward a bit of forethought, especially when it comes to dining. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy shaping their days rather than following a fixed itinerary, particularly when paired with a house stay that offers privacy, flexibility, and a calm return.

All opinions are my own.

Palm Springs Lived In

The Skyfall House

Palm Springs is often framed as a hotel town—pools lined with chaises, housekeeping services, and people watching. This stay reminded me how different the city feels when you experience it from a house.

I rented the Skyfall House through VRBO and used it as a base rather than a destination. What happened was not a checklist trip, but more of a slow-paced rhythm of mornings with coffee outside, looking at the mountains; days spent out in the desert and around town; evenings that felt unhurried and social. It was Palm Springs as a place to live, not just visit.

The House

Amazing pool, spa and views!

The Great Room has two steps down from the kitchen.

Skyfall is a modernized older home. It was built in 1963. The pool of the 2,790-square-foot home was built first, and the house was built around it. The unique layout features a split floor plan with two primary bedrooms (at opposite ends of the house), plus an additional third bedroom and four baths. Clean lines, terrific views, and a layout that encourages both solitude and gathering. The pool anchors the property, but the real luxury is space—space to read, to host friends, to come and go as you please.

Staying in a house changes the tone of the trip. There’s no lobby, no ambient music, no sense of being “on.” Mornings are quiet. Coffee happens outside, around a fire pit, in your pajamas if you like.

The Days

Most days followed a simple pattern: out early, back mid-afternoon, out again in the evening. I hiked, wandered neighborhoods, shopped, met up with family and friends, and ate out or did takeout.

What This Trip Taught Me

Palm Springs shines when you don’t overschedule it. A house stay like Skyfall is ideal for travelers who value flexibility, privacy, and a sense of place over constant service. It’s especially well-suited for trips that mix social time with personal downtime—family visits, long weekends with friends, or solo stays that still feel connected.

This isn’t the Palm Springs of pool parties and packed brunch patios. It’s quieter, more spacious, and more personal. And for me, it’s the version that lingers.

All opinions are my own. This stay was booked and paid for independently.

Castle Hot Springs Final Verdict

Who Castle Hot Springs Is — and Isn’t — For

Visited: October 2025 | Traveled with my partner, Buck

After spending time at Castle Hot Springs and evaluating the experience across settings, rooms, sleep quality, dining, service, and overall pace, it became clear that this property is designed for a very specific traveler.

Castle Hot Springs is intentionally quiet, structured, and contained. It prioritizes rest, routine, and disconnection over choice or stimulation. For the right guest, that focus can feel deeply restorative. For others, it may feel limiting.

Castle Hot Springs is truly amazing!

This Experience Works Well For

Castle Hot Springs is especially well-suited to travelers who value silence, deep rest, and a highly controlled environment.

Guests who appreciate limited guest counts, minimal evening activity, and a sense of removal from the outside world may find that Castle Hot Springs delivers something increasingly rare: uninterrupted quiet. Cell phone usage is discouraged.

This Experience May Be Less Compelling For

Travelers who prefer flexibility, variety, or spontaneity may find the experience restrictive. The structured nature of meals, activities, and daily rhythm leaves little room for customization, which can feel confining to those who value choice.

Guests who associate upscale travel with breadth—multiple dining options, varied programming, or lively social energy—may feel the experience lacks range.

Final Perspective

Castle Hot Springs offers a distinct interpretation of an upscale resort experience, one that places restraint and intentionality above abundance.

For travelers seeking stillness, restoration, and a carefully managed environment, it can be a rewarding retreat. For those who value autonomy and variety, it may feel overly prescriptive.

Overall Verdict:
A highly intentional wellness retreat best suited to travelers who value quiet, structure, and deep rest over flexibility and choice. I personally loved it!

All opinions are my own.

Rooms and Sleep quality

Rooms & Sleep Quality at Castle Hot Springs

Visited: October 2025

Rest is central to the experience at Castle Hot Springs, and expectations around sleep quality are high. During my stay, the environment supported deep rest, and the experience was shaped as much by the setting as by the rooms themselves.

Quiet, Setting, and Nighttime Atmosphere

The overall property is notably quiet. With separate cabins, limited guest capacity, and a remote desert location, external noise is virtually nonexistent. Except for the braying of the wild donkeys! There was a bar with live music  that stayed open after dinner, but we opted to turn in early.

Our Room

The cabins

.

Bed Comfort & Room Design

Beds were comfortable, with supportive mattresses and quality linens. Rooms felt thoughtfully designed rather than decorative, prioritizing calm over visual statement. There are no TVs in the rooms.

The overall effect was one of simplicity, appropriate for a property where sleep and restoration are central to the experience.

Sleep Quality Overall

Sleep quality was strong throughout the stay. The combination of quiet surroundings, limited evening stimulation, and comfortable bedding made uninterrupted rest easy to achieve.

For travelers who prioritize deep sleep and stillness as part of a wellness-focused stay, this is an area where Castle Hot Springs outperforms.

Overall Impression

Rooms at Castle Hot Springs are designed to support rest rather than impress. While understated, they align well with the resort’s broader philosophy.

Room & Sleep Verdict:
Quiet, comfortable, and well-suited to restorative travel.

Castle Hot Springs Morristown, Arizona

Castle Hot Springs Review

Visited: October 2025 | Traveled with my partner.

I visited Castle Hot Springs in October 2025 with my partner, Buck. This review reflects my personal experience during that stay

Castle Hot Springs offers a very different experience from large destination resorts. Remote, intentionally quiet, and all-inclusive, it is a restorative retreat rather than a place of abundance of choices.

Surrounded by peacefulness

First Impressions & Setting

The setting is striking. Reached by a long, winding drive through the Arizona desert, Castle Hot Springs feels deliberately removed from daily life. The property is compact and well arranged, with the surrounding landscape playing an active role in the experience.

Silence, space, and slowness are part of the design. From the outset, the resort shows that it is meant for rest and restoration rather than stimulation.

Overall Experience

The experience at Castle Hot Springs is highly curated. Meals, activities, and time spent on the property follow a gentle rhythm that encourages guests to disengage from schedules and distractions such as cell phones.

Who This Resort Is — and Isn’t — For

Castle Hot Springs is particularly well-suited to couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a restorative experience centered on wellness, nature, and calm. Guests who value silence, limited guest counts, and an intentional daily flow are likely to find the experience deeply satisfying.

Travelers who prefer choice, nightlife, or a wide range of dining and activity options may not enjoy it here.

Initial Verdict

Further posts will explore specific aspects of the stay, including accommodations, dining, and service, in greater detail.

All opinions are my own.

Service and Activities

Service at Fairmont Mayakoba was generally courteous and well-intentioned. Staff were visible throughout the property, and most interactions felt warm and responsive. That said, service consistency varied by location and time. We were there right after Christmas, and the resort was full.

Mermaids on the beach.

Activities & the Beach Experience

The beach itself is a standout — well-maintained, walkable, and actively cared for by staff throughout the day. Lifeguards were present and attentive, including during periods when jellyfish were in the water, and safety responses appeared organized and practiced.

A wide range of water activities is available, including banana boats, kayaks, paddle boards, sea scooters, and inflatable rides. These activities are operated by a third-party provider rather than directly by the resort. Also, there is an on-site championship golf course, bike rentals, and walking paths.

Guests interested in water activities should factor in both the added cost and the independent nature of these services. One note, there was no information regarding activities on the property. There was a Christmas village on site, which we only found out about from a golf cart ride. The kids loved it!

Service & Activities Verdict: Amazing! Bring your own sand toys, balls, and other toys. The small shop by the pool is crazy expensive!

Rooms and Sleep Quality

Rooms & Sleep Quality at Fairmont Mayakoba

Visited: December 2025- Deluxe Casita King

Room comfort and sleep quality are always important. Especially on vacation.  During my stay at Fairmont Mayakoba, the experience was mixed, with physical comfort offset by issues that affected sleep quality.

Bed Comfort & Linens

The beds themselves were comfortable, with supportive mattresses and soft, well-chosen pillows. Sheets felt smooth and high-quality.  From a purely tactile standpoint, sleep conditions were great.

This was one area where the resort met expectations. 

Noise & Sound Insulation

Where the experience fell short was sound insulation. Walls were thin enough that noise from neighboring rooms was audible throughout the stay. Conversations and nightly kids' screaming carried more than expected. Also, there are plantation shutters in the room, no blackout shades, if that is important to your sleep quality.

For guests who prioritize quiet—or are light sleepers—this is an important consideration that meaningfully affects overall rest.

Room Amenities & Consistency

Amenities varied by room category. Beachfront units were equipped with Dyson hair dryers, while other rooms, including mine, provided standard Conair models. Toiletries were Le Labo, a welcome and expected touch at this price point.

These differences were not problematic in themselves, but they did reinforce the importance of understanding room category distinctions when booking. Also, the beachfront rooms were larger.

Bathroom Design & Functionality

Bathrooms were well-designed and functional. Double sinks, ample counter space, and a built-in bench in the shower were thoughtful features, and water pressure was consistently strong — a small but meaningful comfort detail that contributed positively. 

Overall Impression

From a comfort perspective, the room's physical elements were well executed. However, sleep quality is about more than bedding alone, and the lack of sound insulation detracted from what was otherwise a solid in-room experience.

Room & Sleep Verdict:
Comfortable, but not consistently restful. Best suited for heavier sleepers or guests less sensitive to noise and light.

Dining at Fairmont Mayakoba

Dining should always be enjoyable, especially on vacation! At Fairmont Mayakoba, there are 8 restaurants to choose from. During my stay, the dining experience was inconsistent, 

At its best, the food was creative and delicious. At other times, it was very disappointing.

Breakfast: A Clear Contrast

Breakfast is offered primarily in two formats: an à la carte beachfront restaurant and a larger buffet-style venue.

We only ate at the beachfront option that was at Brisas. Items such as French toast, fresh orange juice, and pastries stood out. My grandchildren gave the chocolate chip pancakes a thumbs-up.

Breakfast at Brisas

Consistency Matters

Across the stay, food quality fluctuated. Some dishes — particularly sweets like churros — were genuinely fabulous, and thoughtful touches such as fresh herbs and macerated fruits appeared throughout the menus.

We ate at Bassano, Laguna, Fuego, at the Fairmont Mayakoba, and Saffron, which was located at The Banyan Tree. Reservations for all restaurants must be made in advance of your arrival. The pasta and pizza at Bassano were a hit with the kids, so we ate there twice. Though the food the first time was much better than the second time. Saffron was the most expensive restaurant I have ever eaten at, and other than the fried vegetable egg rolls, nobody liked their food.

At an upscale resort, food and reliability matter. It is disappointing when the food sucks.

Overall Impression

Dining at Fairmont Mayakoba offered occasional highlights but lacked cohesion across venues and meals. While some individual experiences were enjoyable, don't expect the food quality to match the price.

Fairmont Mayakoba

I recently stayed at Fairmont Mayakoba, a large resort set within the Mayakoba development on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. I traveled with my partner, my daughter and son-in-law, and two grandkids, aged 5 and 4.

Fairmont Mayakoba —beautiful, expansive grounds, friendly staff, and a gorgeous beach. However, the experience did not always match the price, and certain details were missing.

In this review, I share my overall impressions of the resort - what worked well, where the experience fell short, and who Fairmont Mayakoba is likely to suit best. Specific aspects such as dining, rooms, and service are explored in more detail in separate posts. - visited December 30, 2025- January 4, 2026