The Riviera Maya is a landscape of constant reinvention. For seasoned travelers to the Mexican Caribbean, the stretch of coastline between Cancún and Playa del Carmen is familiar territory, yet it recently revealed a massive surprise. In a strategic move to dominate the premium all-inclusive market, Iberostar has officially incorporated a major new property into its portfolio: the Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancún.
This isn’t just a change of signage on a building; it is a total “Selection-tier” metamorphosis of a massive oceanfront estate. By taking over and completely renovating the property formerly known as the Ocean Riviera Paradise, Iberostar has created a bridge between the high-energy vibe of Cancún and the sophisticated serenity of their Paraíso complex further south. For those seeking the gold standard of “Selection” service—high-end gastronomy, world-class childcare, and industry-leading sustainability—this reimagined paradise is the most exciting “new” opening of the 2026 season.
A Strategic Transformation: From Ocean Riviera Paradise to Iberostar
One of the most fascinating aspects of this resort is its origin story. Iberostar didn’t just find a new plot of land; they identified a high-potential giant. By taking over the Ocean Riviera Paradise, Iberostar inherited a sprawling, multi-sectioned footprint and immediately set to work “Selection-izing” it.
Where the previous resort was known for its massive scale, Iberostar has refined the experience. They have streamlined the original sections—including the former Daisy (family-focused) and El Beso (adults-only) wings—into a more cohesive, premium brand experience. Generic all-inclusive elements have been pruned away and replaced with the “Star” standards that loyalists expect, particularly in the realms of culinary excellence and environmental stewardship.
The “Selection” Standard: What’s Different?
Within the Iberostar hierarchy, the Selection brand represents the “Premium Plus” experience. It sits above the standard Iberostar Waves resorts and just below the ultra-luxury JOIA collection. When you book a Selection property, you are buying into a specific set of promises:
- Superior Gastronomy: A focus on fresh, local ingredients and a high ratio of à la carte dining to buffets.
- Star Camp: A world-class children’s program that treats kids like explorers rather than just hotel guests.
- Prime Locations: Large-scale beachfronts with meticulously maintained grounds.
- Elevated Comfort: Rooms that feature premium linens, pillow menus, and 24-hour room service.
Architecture and Atmosphere: A Fresh Start
The renovation of Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancún was focused on stripping away the “heavy” aesthetics of the previous management. The new design language is Mediterranean-Coastal.
As you enter the soaring lobby, the first thing you notice is the light. The use of bleached woods, white limestone, and accents of deep turquoise creates an immediate sense of calm. The resort is designed as a sprawling campus, with guest rooms housed in several low-rise buildings that meander through lush tropical gardens. This layout ensures that despite its heritage as a large-scale resort, it feels like a collection of smaller, intimate “neighborhoods” rather than a single, monolithic block.
Accommodations: Modern Sanctuaries
The 2025-2026 renovation touched every corner of the guest rooms. The old-school Caribbean decor of the Ocean Riviera days has been replaced with a minimalist, high-functioning luxury.
- Family Suites: Recognizing the needs of modern parents, the resort offers a high volume of family-specific rooms. These include “kid-friendly” amenities and layout options that provide parents with much-needed privacy.
- Swim-Up Suites: A hallmark of the Selection tier, these ground-floor rooms allow you to step off your terrace directly into a semi-private pool that snakes around the building.
- Sustainable Luxury: Every room has been fitted with smart-energy sensors and water-saving technologies, all without sacrificing the high-pressure rainfall showers and climate control guests expect.
Gastronomy: The Heart of the Experience
Iberostar has long been recognized as a leader in all-inclusive dining, and the Selection Riviera Cancún takes this a step further with its “Honest Food” philosophy. The resort features seven distinct restaurants, all included in the stay.
- La Hacienda: Far from a standard buffet, this is a sophisticated culinary marketplace. Expect live-cooking stations where chefs prepare fresh-pressed tortillas and grilled seafood on demand.
- The Rodizio: A Brazilian-style steakhouse where premium cuts of meat are served tableside by “passadores.”
- Tio Pepe: A vibrant Spanish tapas restaurant that pays homage to Iberostar’s Mallorcan roots.
- The Star Café: A 24-hour hub for premium Mexican coffee and artisanal pastries.
Crucially, the resort has an on-site water bottling plant, providing guests with purified water in high-quality glass bottles, effectively eliminating thousands of single-use plastic bottles every week.
Star Camp: The Ultimate Playground for Kids
For families, the real star of the show is Star Camp. This isn’t just a daycare; it’s an educational and recreational ecosystem divided into three age-specific groups:
- Monkey (4–7 years): Focusing on sensory play and environmental awareness.
- Dolphin (8–12 years): Where kids participate in “Scientific Challenges” and ocean conservation workshops.
- Eagle (13–17 years): A tech-forward space for teens to socialize and engage in digital content creation.
The renovation included a massive upgrade to the Water Park, featuring multi-lane slides and splash zones that are integrated into the Star Camp area, allowing kids to burn off energy in a safe, supervised environment.
Wave of Change: Travel with Purpose
Iberostar’s commitment to the ocean is arguably the most rigorous in the hospitality world. The Selection Riviera Cancún is a flagship for their “Wave of Change” movement.
When you stay here, you are participating in a circular economy. The resort is committed to being waste-free by 2026 and carbon neutral by 2030. Guests can even visit the on-site “Sustainability Lab” to learn about the resort’s coral restoration projects. It is luxury that allows you to sleep better at night, knowing your vacation isn’t harming the very ocean you came to see.
Conclusion: Why Choose the Selection Riviera Cancún?
The “new” Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancún represents the best of both worlds. It offers the fresh, modern energy of a 2026 renovation combined with the operational expertise of a globally trusted brand.
By breathing new life into the former Ocean Riviera Paradise, Iberostar has created a premier destination for families and couples alike. It is a place where “all-inclusive” doesn’t mean “standard,” and where luxury and sustainability finally move hand-in-hand.
The number of resort change of hands continues, but I am not sad about this change. Iberostar pumped $50M into upgrades and this has become an almost new resort!
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