JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar (Formerly Iberostar Grand Bavaro) - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

15710 reviews

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  This place is an absolute gem!

  We just finished 7 nights at JOIA Bavaro in Dominican Republic. This was our first trip to this property after multiple trips to JOIA Paraiso (Mexico) and JOIA Rose Hall (Jamaica). To be transparent, we are Iberostar members. This is our new home away from home. Overall, I’d put this resort above any other we have been to and it really isn’t very close. Paraiso is second place, and always will have a place in our heart since it was our first Iberostar experience and Rose Hall is third. Here are my thoughts: Property - Beautiful and well manicured. This is a hallmark of Iberostar and Bavaro was no different. The grounds crew were out all day every day making sure the lawn, shrubs, trees and flowers were all beautifully taken care of. Room - We stayed in a basic suite, which is usually what we pick. It was ground floor and facing the JOIA property. It was a few steps from the theater and close to everything. While a little smaller than Paraiso and Rose Hall, it was just as nice. Some people say it’s outdated and I just don’t see it. It is clean and there is nothing outdated about it. There is no large dedicated sitting area like the other resorts, but there was a chair and lamp. The bathroom only has a single vanity, but we made it work. The bed was extremely comfortable. The only downside was it has less places to store your clothing. All other amenities are nearly identical. It stayed cold, just how we like it and with the curtains closed, it was blackout dark. All perfect for us. Staff - This is one of the areas that the resort shines and is a cut above anywhere else. Every staff member was no less than outgoing and friendly and the vast majority were engaging and wonderful to interact with. The buffet and restaurant wait staffs were amazing and remembered us every day. The Star Prestige crew were all friendly and helpful. The pool bartenders were funny, loud and there to keep the good time going. The cleaning crews were excellent. Lastly, our butlers Armando and Houston were an absolute joy to be around. I really enjoyed getting to talk to them each day. They took care of every need we had. Food - I’m not exaggerating when I say, hands down, JOIA Bavaro has the best food of any Iberostar we’ve visited or any cruise line we’ve been on (Carnival and Virgin Voyages). Breakfast buffet, lunch buffets (2 of them), a lunch grill with burgers and nachos and speciality restaurants for dinner. All food was kept at proper temperature, was fresh, offered choices for every taste and we were pleasantly surprised as how delicious it all was. Sushi was fresh, desserts were plentiful and varied, breakfasts were awesome, steaks were cooked to perfection every time. I don’t know how they do it, but if this is the only reason you go, you won’t be disappointed. Pools and beach - Whether you prefer a quiet pool, a more boisterous swim up bar pool, or an activity pool, you’ll find it here. There are plenty of places to sit and relax. Chairs, with or without umbrellas, large thatched umbrellas that don’t allow any sun through, cabanas, Bali beds and everything in between. You may need to play the towel game if you want to be in a particular spot. Get out there early and stake your claim. The beach is one of the nicest I’ve seen anywhere. Minimal seaweed, beautiful white sand and turquoise waters. You can get drinks delivered to wherever you plan to be. Spa - My favorite massages of all properties. My wife gets daily massages and I get them every other day. The girls were all incredible and so friendly. Go for the hot stone massage if that is your thing. It’s my new go-to. Entertainment - There is something for everyone. Nightly music, singing, dancing and shows. We went to the Vegas show in the theater and it was really good. There is a disco open late for the younger crowd. I cannot recommend JOIA Bavaro enough. Go there now, bring some treats for the resort kitties, enjoy a relaxing vacation and tip everyone. They deserve it for the amount of effort they put in to make our vacations wonderful.

  Mar 08, 2025
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  Not the best experience, but made the best of it...

  This was my fifth time in the Dominican Republic staying at an adults-only all-inclusive resort. My gold standard is a resort in La Romana, where I've been twice. Compared to that hotel, my experience was sub-par. First off, the price. We went in July, which I don't imagine is peak season and the price was more than double what I pay at the other hotel. I was hoping our experience would be in line with the price, but sadly was let down. The grounds were okay, however the canals were not filled with water making it look a bit run down (see photo). From what I read, they require maintenance every year, but not sure why it takes months. One of the draws of the resort was the seaside feel with the boat in the middle, but without the water it looked off. Our room was on the small side, with twin size beds. It felt like there was not enough space for our things. The bathroom was a bit tight too, and we were told to keep our shades down the whole time for privacy. Service was mediocre - it was nice to be assigned a butler, but we only saw him a couple times across our five days. The one task he did help us with was making a reservation at the Japanese restaurant, which I appreciated. The other staff were friendly and attentive, but helped us to an extent. Our room keys kept de-activating. They told us not to keep them near our phones, so I made sure to keep it in a sleeve separate. My key de-activated the afternoon I arrived and the front desk accused me of keeping it near my phone. I had only used it one time at that point. This happened at least three times among us. Our hotel was on the second floor and any time we would try to take the elevator, it would glitch on us - door wouldn't open, wouldn't close, get stuck between floors. After a couple times, we just started to take the stairs for fear we'd get stuck in the elevator. We ordered room service for breakfast our first morning and it was almost inedible. The eggs were runny and the cream for the coffee was curdled. I had already put it in my coffee, so had to go without. Disappointing. There were times we would go to the all-day open-air restaurant and be waiting to request drinks - a couple times we had to go up to the bar and get them ourselves. Same with the poolside - we ordered on the app or via a server walking by and 30-40 minutes would pass without seeing our order. So then we'd have to get up and go to the bar to place our order, further increasing our wait time. After that, I would just go to the bar if I wanted something. The lobby water machine was always out of water at night, when we were thirsty. The activities, gym, and after-dinner shows were nice to have, but nothing special. It was hard to see the show the way the space was laid out. The foam party was unique and fun. I'm consistently surprised by the 5 star reviews of this hotel. My guess is many of the folks who visit only come to this hotel or chain and don't know what else is out there. I am not looking for luxury, but for how much we paid, I was expecting a certain standard. It was an okay stay, but unfortunately I would not come back.

  Mar 08, 2025
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  Great vacation

  The best resort with great service, food and entertainment. Houston and Armando were the greatest butlers. Friendly and attentive. They were always asking what you needed and would do their best to make sure you had everything you needed.

  Mar 08, 2025
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  Highly recommend -- best destination

  Danilo and Eduard were excellent butlers! They helped arrange transport, dinner, and even surprised me with a bubble bath. Above and beyond. They and the entire staff made our vacation absolutely perfect. From the wait staff -- Lely and Miguel in particular -- and our chamber maids -- Yudelca and Mariela -- we were treated exceptionally. Beautiful in every way. We will be back!

  Mar 06, 2025
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  4th time here

  I registered my room online as I was promissed quicker check in process. This is our 4th time here, fifth week all together. We love this resort especially in March as there is no seaweed in the water. When we arrived the receptionist was trying to help me but the room was jot ready. This is the first time this happened. Then I was explained by a female receptionist "Our check in is at 3pm, you didn't know" I didn't because every time I was here I got my room right away (same flight). So when we got our room and our vacation started I realized some changes and most of them great. I love our room location 7227, no buttler. I saw all the buttlers we had before and they recognized us and we're really kind especially Armando. Restaurants are much better as the offer is amazing now comparing to before. The only bad side is no booking, you have to come early. I don't like that. The only one you can book is Japanese restaurant and that is great. But honestly the offer in the restaurants is much better. The beach is great, lots of beds and parasols. The coffee shop is the addition. Great place for the afternoon coffee. Onr little thing as well is that the wrist room key is not working every time..... Otherwise great resort, beautiful setting, flowers and birds.

  Mar 05, 2025