I always brush my teeth with bottled water but I think that is over kill because how can you help not getting water in your mouth while taking a shower and I don't get sick. Most major hotels and fine restaurants have their water purified. If they didn't all the tourists would get sick and they would be out of business.

The hotel is right on the beach, but it is huge, so from some rooms about a 12 minute walk. There are also shuttles if you prefer to ride.
They have bottle water in the Mini-Bar you can use to brush your teeth. I actually drink the water in the resturants but am careful with tap water. The Iberostar Paraiso is one of my favorite hotels.
I thought the Food and Drinks were very good, even at the buffet and snack bars, but everyone has different tastes.

Most hotels resorts have treated water -even for ice (you can tell by the hollow in the center of the ice cube). Though it is generally safe to brush your teeth withthe water, if she has issues with water changes, it is a good idea to play it safe - why spoil a vacation?? We found we had to be more careful at clubs and restaurants off-site - especially with frozen drinks! Just use your head - she'll do fine!

We just came back from staying at the Bahia Principe in Akumal. this is our second visit to the area in two years. My husband also has a sensitive stomach and he was a little queezy during our stay two years ago. We stayed at all inclusive large resorts with purified water systems and did not go into town both times. Our doctor this time told us to take two pepto bismals each morning. This seemed to work like a charm this time! Good luck. I highly recommend this area!

Better get a case of bottled water when you get there, if you don't, you'll be sorry!
YC

Even if the water starts out purified, it has to run thru pipes. My experience is in PV, but I always use bottled water even though the town's water is certified OK. As far as bars, most of them buy ice from the purified "sparklettes" type water companies sooooo unless you are in a tiny neighborhood family type restaurant or street vendor or possibly way out of the way beach hut or something, ice in cocktails is normally fine.

I strongly believe that water in Mexico is quite harmful. I would take a good supply of bottled water and a even greater supply of food, drinks, paper plates and cups. How can you eat when food is prepared with unknown water? And how about the washed dishes or glasses? Will they be safe? How could you bathe or wash your hands, even.
On that same train of thought, maybe you should cancel your trip.

My advice would be, don't go.

Don't even drink anything with ICE! You say ...what? No margaritas or pina colados? NOPE! Sorry!
PC

Hey James:
How's the supply of paper plates and cups going? Freeze dried food, etc.? Stocking up? How long is your vacation.
I think I solved the teeth brushing problem. Don't brush. Take a lot of floss and maybe some good Listerine for gargles. Maybe you CAN go after all.

I dont' undertand

I was worried before a trip to PV last summer, but we had no problems. We drank bottled water, and brushed our teeth in it, but we also drank cokes and mixed drinks with ice in restaurants. We took Pepto bismal chewables, and I washed my hands with wet ones when I was in town. No problems! Be sensible, but don't worry yourself sick.

Mary Ann:

You were very lucky nothing happened to you.
You actually ATE food prepared in unpoluted water, drank out of uncontaminated glasses, and nothing happened.
I wouldn't risk it. I still think that one has to be prepared. Bring canned goods, freeze dried, etc. BBring your own bottled water or sodas, (if not near a fridge, drink luke warm). Don't rely on buying them there, they could have a high contamination content. Don't wash ANY part of your body with the water either, mostly the inner parts of your body.
Mary Ann your were too bold. Don't mislead James, it is a dangerous situation.

Seriously- I would suggest for someone that has a sensitive stomach to make sure to eat yogurt with live acidophilus each day for a few days before the trip. In mexico they sell little botttled yogurt drinks that many Mexicans drink each day. I find these really help. Drink bottled water and you should have agreat time.