Iberostate Bavaro in Punta Cana or Iberostar Playa Paraíso in Mexico?

Are you like us - searching for a warm winter destination where you can bask on a sunny beach with your significant other and still be able to play a couple of rounds of golf?

We've narrowed our search down to these two vacation resorts because we want to be in the tropics and have a golf course right on the property. An Iberostar resort topped my list because 10 million travelers who voted for the Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice 2009 Award rated Iberostar Hotels & Resorts as the third best hotel chain in the world. Travel Trade Gazette in the UK has also acknowledged Iberostar as the "Chain of the Year".

The difficulty becomes, which one of the resorts do we pick? I've been fortunate enough to visit both of these Iberostar properties but my wife has not been to either so we have asked ourselves the very same question - which one should we choose?

Mexico is the most popular international travel destination in the world outside of the USA for Canadians, whereas Punta Cana is known locally as "Punta Canada" for the number of Canadians that flock there every winter.

In 2010 TripAdvisor awarded Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso (Riviera Maya, Mexico) as the "Best Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean and Mexico". Then again the Iberostar Grand Bavaro in the Dominican Republic was ranked #6 in their "Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the World" and #4 in the "Top 10 Relaxation/Spa Hotels in the Caribbean & Mexico" The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bávaro is also currently ranked #1 in popularity among all hotels in Punta Cana. Now you see our dilemma. The Five Star Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso is Iberostar's flagship luxury property in the Caribbean and by far the more opulent of the two. No expense was spared to offer adults a new height in an all-inclusive experience. It reminded me of being in Italy complete with Roman columns, marble floors, painted frieze domed ceilings, fountains and even a gondola floating in an indoor water channel. The Five Star Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro is similar in architecture and luxury with a full scale replica of a Spanish Galleon ship anchored in the courtyard lagoon. No doubt about it, the accommodations are fabulous but the beach, now that's simply a little slice of heaven! Whether you choose to walk the smoothest, whitest sands in the Caribbean or prefer to reflect on the crystal clear turquoise sea from the balcony of your ocean-front room, the views here will soothe your soul. Both offer a butler service that will cater to your every whim from breakfast in bed to booking your tee time, reserving you a table in one of their four a-la-carte restaurants or drawing you a bath in your oversized whirlpool tub. The suites have either 2 double or 1 king size bed and include bathrobes, marble his/hers vanities, separate shower, fully stocked min-bar, living room area with satellite TV, high-speed internet, DVD on request, iPod/MP3 docking station and private balcony. Speaking of food, each resort offers buffet dining as well as a choice of Japanese Teppanyaki, Classic Steakhouse, Italian or Gourmet Cuisine. Each resort has tennis courts, billiard tables, dance and yoga lessons, Tai Chi, a fully equipped fitness centre and a theatre with evening entertainment. If a spa is your thing, Iberostar offers highly trained professionals to pamper your every wish with sauna, Turkish & Roman baths, Jacuzzis and on-site or beachfront massage. To make it more difficult, both courses were designed by legendary architect, P.B. Dye. Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club is ranked #15 in the 2010 "Golfweek's Best Courses of the Caribbean & Mexico" and hosted the Canadian Professional Golf Tour from 2007 to 2009. Iberostate Bavaro is too young to be ranked as it only opened in November 2009 but I am sure it will be a contender in the future.

Iberostar Playa Paraiso #6 Iberostar Playa Paraiso #13 Iberostar Grand Bavaro Grand Bavaro aerial Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso

Playa Paraiso is carved out of the ancient Yucatan jungle with tight fairways and big undulating greens. The unique feature here is the natural cenotes or caverns that have been incorporated into the course layout. Even at a hefty 6,800 yards from the tips you'll still need more accuracy than distance since Dye has made sure that you get the maximum amount of intimidation on every shot. (CLICK HERE for full story on the Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club)

Iberostate Bavaro is a world class par 72 course, built on a relatively flat piece of jungle incorporating ample swales, mounding, water and bunkers to test any golfer's skill. In typical Dye fashion, he has placed an emphasis on your approach shots with danger lurking around every green. (CLICK HERE for full story on Iberostate Bavaro Golf Club)

If you want to pack light then consider leaving your clubs at home as both courses offer rentals of Taylor Made, Mizuno and Nike in both ladies and men's in left or right handed for $40 USD.

Both Iberostar Punta Cana and Playa Paraiso offer other magnificent accommodations for families however the Grand is solely for adults. Plus each guest at the Grand receives two free rounds of golf.

And the answer is…

If you want the finest in ocean-side luxury with guaranteed warm weather and world class golf then, be like us and consider Iberostar Hotels and Resorts. For more information visit the Iberostar website. You can book your sun & golf vacation through your favorite tour agent or call 1-888-923-2722.

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