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We’ve Got Our No. 1 LoveStar!

febrero 17th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest | No category - (0 Comments)

First of all, we’d like to thank all of you for your enthusiasm! Participation in this contest totally rocked. There were so many bonbons pouring in, if we had to actually eat them all we’d be in a sugar coma! :-S But seriously, folks, on this one we can honestly say you were all LoveStars.

But we could only pick one top winner, and we’re sure you want us to get right to it. The lucky gal, chosen via random.org, is none other than Rita Sams. We’ll be in touch with Rita via email to get her details so we can issue travel documents. If we don’t hear back from Rita within 4 days, we’ll contact the first runner up, Kristen David, and if she doesn’t answer in four days, the second runner-up, Susan Ellen. In the unlikely event we can’t reach any of these folks, we won’t be able to award the prize, so please check your e-mails!

As for the rest of you, as we always say, don’t give up – you just know we’ve got plenty more contests on the way! In fact, we can tell you that the next one starts this coming week. But it’s a whole different ballgame – for starters, it won’t be on Facebook but on Twitter. So sure, we’re definitely looking forward to the weekend – but even more so to next week. How about you? :-)

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New Contest: Looking for a ‘LoveSTAR’

febrero 6th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (1 Comments)

Valentine’s Day is around the corner! We celebrate it on February 14, but not all countries do – in Brazil, for example, it’s June 12. But why do we celebrate this holiday at all?

The holiday’s origin isn’t completely clear. Some trace it back to the ancient Romans, which prayed and made offerings to the famous god of love Cupid, with his bow and arrow, asking him to send them their ideal mates. Others hold that the idea of Valentine’s Day comes from northern Europe, where birds begin to mate around this time of year. Then, of course, there’s the day’s namesake himself, Saint Valentine, a Christian priest who married couples in still-pagan 3rd-century Rome (on the down-low, of course).

Wherever it came from all those centuries ago, here in 2012 we’re going to celebrate by looking for our LoveSTAR, because that’s what we’re calling our latest Facebook contest! It’s simple: just fill out your box of chocolates with your friends’ names, and each time one of them accepts your invitation, another bonbon gets added to your box. You’ll need at least 10 candies in order to qualify to get entered for our prize drawing – but don’t stop there, because the final winner will be drawn from a group of whoever racks up the most pieces of candy.

And what is that prize, you’re wondering? The girl or guy who becomes our winning LoveSTAR gets a trip (for two, of course) to our Royal Cupido resort in Majorca, Spain (if the winner lives in Europe), or the Iberostar Bávaro in the Dominican Republic’s beautiful Punta Cana resort area (if the winner lives in the Americas).

Sweet…

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Super Sleeper: Ordering from a “Pillow Menu”

febrero 3rd, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)

Especially if you occasionally have trouble sleeping, as I do, you are keenly aware that mattress and pillow are crucial; I know several people who actually travel with their own pillows to make sure to catch as many of those critical z’s as they can.

So when I recently spent a couple days at Iberostar’s five-star Paraíso Grand on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, not only did I find the medium-firm, Mexican-made Ideal mattress provided me a superb night’s sleep, but the experience was given an extra special boost by a six-pillow menu designed to cater to the vast majority of snoozers.

Now, I like a medium-firm pillow – one that won’t squish flat but also one that won’t feel like my head’s being propped up all night (that’s especially important because I recently had spinal disc surgery). You might like something harder or softer – we’re all a little different that way, right?

I took a look at my six choices:

“Ecological,” soft. Filling half down, half feathers; exterior cotton down-proof.

“Down,” medium firm (which strangely enough, despite its name is actually all siliconized hollow polyester fiber in a cotton casing)

“Hisbrisón,” medium firm – also siliconized hollow polyester fiber; exterior 100% down duvet.

“Anatomic,” hard. Filling latex block, exterior satin.

“Cervical,” hard. Filling latex block, exterior cotton.

“Butterfly,” medium. Filling hollow fiber balls, blended and siliconized, exterior cotton.

I wasn’t not sure where to start here, but since “medium firm” seemed to fit the bill, I called my butler Carlos and asked if I could try both the “Down” and the “Hisbrisón.” The answer of course was “absolutely,” and they arrived within 20 minutes. I found both of them to be quite comfortable. As for you, this might be a good chance to try something different if you haven’t been satisfied with the type of pillow you use at home – for starters, a lot depends on whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.

In short, here’s a luxury resort trend I especially applaud, and made my stay even cushier.

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Tunisian Food 101: A Palette of Exotic Flavors

enero 25th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (15 Comments)

Sun, sand and sea…what more could a person want for a relaxing vacation? Europeans have long known the allure of travel to Tunisia, that small piece of North Africa that’s been attracting tourists with its natural beauty and Mediterranean coast for years. Steeped in culture that can be dated all the way back to prehistoric times, Tunisia has become a playground for those seeking everything from relaxing sea water therapy to playing the links.

This “mystery guest” loves nothing more than relaxing in the atmosphere of one of Iberostar’s ten resorts and hotels in Tunisia. Whether it be the elegant five-star Iberostar Solaria in Hammamet, or the comfortable Mehari Djerba with its Tunisian architecture and 27-hole golf course nearby, I’m always ready to relax and soak up some sun and serious food when I visit.

If you’re new to Tunisian food, you’re in for a real treat, as the influences of nearby cultures permeate the foods. Forget what you thought you knew, and open up your senses to the Tunisian tajin, which is a crustless quiche, brik, made of egg and tuna stuffed into a hearty dough, and couscous, the national dish, which in my humble opinion is by far the finest in all of North Africa.

Chef Slim Bettajeb oversees the food at all ten of Iberostar’s Tunisian resorts. I was able to get a few minutes of his time and learn a bit about the man behind the food at our favorite resorts.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career. How did you get to be an Iberostar chef?

I studied the culinary arts at École Hotelliere from 1984 to 1985. Having worked in several major hotel chains, I took the opportunity to participate in various international events, including the Guinness world records — for the biggest couscous (2 tons), as well as having participated in gastronomic week festivals around the world, until I came to work for Iberostar.

What Tunisian dishes are served at your resort? Are they served every day at lunch and dinner? Is anything typically Tunisian served at breakfast?

We specialize in all types of couscous dishes such as stews, rices, hot appetizers, and hors d’oeuvres. We serve several of them daily for lunch and dinner, changing our menu often. Mornings bring more typical dishes for breakfast such as donuts (ftaia) and bread (mlaoui).

Which is your favorite Tunisian dish, and why?

My favorite food is bourgoul, which you may know as bulghur or cracked wheat. We prepare it with dried meat and vegetables. It’s healthy and hearty with lots of natural fiber, protein and carbohydrates.

Do you have a recipe that you could share with our readers that would be simple to make at home?

Yes, this Ojja with eggs recipe is relatively simple and would give them the opportunity to sample the flavors of Tunisia at home.

Ojja with eggs

Ingredients

  • Diced peppers 0.250 kg
  • Diced tomato 0.200 kg
  • Crushed garlic 0.080
  • Tomato paste 3 gs
  • 5 eggs
  • salt
  • pepper
  • turmeric
  • caraway
  • Olive oil 0.050 l

Coarsely chop the peppers and tomatoes and crush the garlic. Add the fresh tomatoes, peppers and tomato paste until slightly wet, season with salt, pepper, turmeric and caraway. Simmer. At the end of cooking add the eggs and let them cook. Serve hot.

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Who Won “On the Set With Banderas”?

enero 20th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (1 Comments)

We know that inquiring (and anxious) minds want to know! Antonio Banderas has that effect when he’s onscreen – but we also happen to think that in this case it has a little something to do with another star – the gorgeous new Iberostar Cancun. We’ve heard you – you love it!

Before we get to the actual winner, here are the answers to our contest’s six questions:

Q: In Desperado, Banderas plays a tough guy with a guitarist past. Which Iberostar country is the character from?
A: Mexico (ay, chihuahua, kind of a no-brainer, eh?)

Q: Which European city was the backdrop for the film version of Evita, in which Banderas starred with Madonna?
A: Budapest (site of Iberostar’s newest property, the Grand Hotel Budapest, covered in our blog when it opened last summer)

Q: The lead characters of The Mambo Kings (one of which is of course played by our redoubtable Antonio) left this, their native country, to make it in the States. Which Iberostar destination is it?
A: Cuba (Ricky Ricardo, move over!)

Q: In his latest, the animated Puss in Boots, Banderas voices the fearless feline. Where’s this kool kitty from?
A: Spain (finally, Antonio’s home country – not to mention Iberostar’s!)

Q: Antonio and Angelina Jolie make an explosive pair in 2001′s high-octane Original Sin. Where’s this one shot (so to speak)?
A: Mexico (again – hey, what can we say, it’s an exciting place)

Q: Black Gold casts Banderas as an oil-fevered emir in Arabia. In which country (with ten Iberostar hotels) was it filmed?
A: Tunisia (no oil, but oh so lovely beaches and cool historic sites)

So, did you get ‘em all right? Seems like we’ve got a lot of Banderas and Iberostar experts out there, because almost half of you did. But unfortunately there could only be one winner, chosen by random drawing, of our all-expenses paid trip for two to the new Iberostar Cancun. A hearty congratulations to Robin Seeger! You could say this is one blockbuster of a prize, Robin, and we hope you’ll tell us all about your trip!

And the rest of you, don’t despair, guys. Stay tuned, because we’ve got a lot more cool contests coming up, starting next month…

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The Lucky Winner of the ChristmaSTARS Prize Drawing Is…

enero 3rd, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (2 Comments)

One lucky Iberostar fan is going to start 2012 under a truly “lucky star”: Jacki Ens Premack, winner of our fun ChristmaSTARS contest! Congratulations, Jacki! We will contact you via e-mail very soon. Isn’t this a great way to start the year?

We know you have all worked very hard decorating your trees, and some have been literally bursting with stars… but today luck has been on Jacki’s side. Fear not, however: we love to spread happiness and good cheer among our fans and followers, and we will be back very soon with a new travel contest… so stay tuned!

Thanks to all for your enthusiasm and participation, and once again, Happy New Year! :-)

Jamaican Me Married: Destination Weddings in Style at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites

diciembre 28th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (3 Comments)

I first started covering destination weddings more than a decade ago while working for Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel. Why budget travel? Because given the ballooning costs of holding a nice knot-tying even in your backyard, resort weddings can be surprisingly affordable, both allowing couples to better control costs as well as enjoy a luxurious experience (with or without guests) in a beautiful tropical setting.

Jamaica’s an especially popular place these days for couples to combine getting hitched with a great tropical honeymoon, and while many resorts offer destination weddings, I found that the elegant Rose Hall Suites near Montego Bay goes the extra mile to pull out all the stops for couples. The “Golden Coast Wedding” package not only provides the basics – marriage license, minister fees, wedding cake, champagne, decorated venue, and music of your choice – but great extras such as a couple’s massage at the beautiful on-property spa.

It’s a pretty simple process – you can show up just 24 hours before the ceremony (though it’s recommended that you come two or three days ahead to meet with the wedding planner and iron out the final details). I recently caught up with the planner at Rose Hall Suites, Nicole Barnett, to get the nups 411:

How did you come to your job here at the Rose Hall Suites?

I came to it in 2009 from the resort’s public relations department, and it has been fantastic. I enjoy the enthusiasm of people planning their weddings; it’s honestly been an amazing experience so far.

How far in advance do you recommend couples book?

The most popular months are March through July, but regardless of the month, I’d recommend that couples try to book their dates at least a year in advance.

How many spots on property are available as a wedding venue?

We have four locations for a wedding ceremony: the beach, the lobby terrace, the lazy river island, and the pool gazebo, plus a backup-plan location if it rains: our lobby staircase.

What’s the most unusual request you’ve had?

A bride who wanted me to rent a white horse for her to ride down the aisle.

Can you share with us a particularly special moment you remember from an on-site wedding?

The most memorable experience I have had was a Hindu wedding that lasted  for two whole days. They asked me to participate and I even got my hand painted! The most memorable wedding thank-you I have received was from a special couple, Andrew and Jennifer. They were so loving to each other, and instead of focusing on the materialistic aspect of the wedding, they gave me their ideas and left the planning  and organizing to me. They were always concerned about ensuring that the family was included and taken care of. Despite their anxieties, they never lost sight of what was most important to them and that was their love for each other. In the end the wedding was beautiful and they thanked me every so often by always sending emails from time to time to say how they are doing and to check on me.

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Why Is Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraíso TripAdvisor’s 2011 Traveler’s Choice Winner?

diciembre 22nd, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)

On a recent visit to Iberostar’s Playa Paraíso complex on the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I had a chance to check out a resort that hadn’t yet existed during my previous visit (it was built in 2007). In my 20-plus-year journalistic career I’ve experienced quite a few all-inclusives, both plain and very, very fancy, and even for me the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraíso was a real eye-opener. It starts right in front – every Iberostar lobby I’ve ever seen has been cool from a design standpoint, but here add to creative elements like a hanging forest of delicate blown glass, not to mention the space just beyond the reception area and lobby lounge: a soaring atrium filled with plants, flowers, and shrubs, surrounded by shops and specialty restaurants. It really feels like one of those gorgeous Belle Époque botanical gardens, and is a majorly peaceful place to just hang out.

The rest of the décor definitely continues that feel of Old-World elegance, in a fairly classical vein (featuring the likes of soaring columns and gilt-framed oils of old Venice). Looks aside, the vibe, too, is more subdued and sedate than your usual all-inclusive (including the Iberostar properties right next door) thanks to the adults-only policy and the lack of rowdy college kids and such. Not to say it’s dead – I certainly saw plenty of young professionals and couples as well as older folks, and the swim-up bar at the main pool certainly was buzzing the afternoon I was there. But this is definitely a place for those looking for laid-back luxury and an extra level of pampering including very attentive room, pool, and beach butlers, pillow menu, and more.

Thus, I was not surprised to learn that this spectacular resort is the 2011 top all-inclusive in the world, according to Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice. Actually, maybe I should just let Tripadvisor speak for itself, to see what past guests are actually saying. Here’s a random recent sampling just in a recent three-day period (if some comments sound suspiciously over-the-top, believe me, the exaggeration is relatively mild):

Oct. 29:  “We thought it was the most beautiful resort we have ever been to and that says a lot… The shows here are quality shows, not just thrown together… ”
– annacass21, Mufreesboro, Tennessee

Oct. 27: “Simply amazing! People very friendly, food exceptionally good… The tranquility pool was something I had never seen before. Very relaxing. The beach service was wonderful as well.”

– gorgeousmom, Toronto, Ontario

Oct. 27:  “The service from the entire staff is beyond belief. You never need to leave your beach chair for a beverage or meal. If there is anything you need your Concierge or Butler will make sure your needs are met…immaculate from the rooms, grounds and beach…food is amazing…each time that I’ve vacationed at the Grand, I’ve run into at least two or more couples that I have met there before.”
– tbone1616, Brunswick, Ohio

Naturally, I’m pestering the Iberostar people to send me back for more “research.”

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‘Tis the Season to Be Jollier, with Another Fun Iberostar Travel Contest

diciembre 15th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (1 Comments)

‘Tis the season to be jolly, indeed: with our new and totally fun ChristmaSTARS travel contest, you have another chance to earn a fabulous Iberostar beach getaway for two, with flights included!

Here’s how it works: through the tab on our Facebook page, you trim your Iberostar tree by inviting your friends to hang a star. Each time a friend accepts your invitation, a new star appears on your tree. It’s that easy!

You may invite as many friends as you wish, and it’s necessary to have at least 10 stars (friends who have accepted) to enter the final prize drawing, which will take place among the 20 trees that have the most stars (and that have at least 10 stars). The winner will be selected through a random drawing on random.org.

And the prize!! One lucky resident of the Americas will win one round-trip flight for two people to Cancún and an all-inclusive 5-night stay for two at our paradisiacal Paraíso resort (not including the Grand Hotel). In Europe, one lucky winner will get one round-trip flight for two people to Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands and a 5-night stay for two at the Iberostar Anthelia on the Costa Adeje, on a breakfast-only plan.

Let’s be honest: if you’re just a wee bit tired of wrapping presents and the crowds at the mall, shouldn’t you take a quick break right now and start trimming your Iberostar tree? :-)

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And the Winner of the “Suite for Banderas” Contest Is…

diciembre 12th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (1 Comments)

It was a luxury challenge: Name the suite where Antonio Banderas will stay. It was a luxury prize: a trip for two with flights to our newest star: the Iberostar Cancún. It was a tough competition, with 259 talented contestants vying for the chance to park their bags at the same address… and only one winner.

Truth is, our panel struggled with the decision, which was both tough and fun at the same time. We had a little bit of everything, from the classical (“Amor Vincit Omnia,” or “Love Conquers All” in Latin) to the musical (the “El Mariachi Suite”) to the whimsical (“Splendito Bandito”) to bordering on risqué (“Caliente Estrella Suite”). Some alluded to Banderas’ filmography: The recent “Puss in Boots” was a source of inspiration, but so was “Zorro” and “Labyrinth of Passion.” Speaking of which, a high percentage of entries focused on love and romance, especially among those of the female persuasion.

So how to choose among so many frankly fabulous entries?

After much tallying, deliberation and nail-biting, the judges made their pronouncement: the name of the “Suite for Banderas” at Iberostar Cancún would be:

The Iberostar Star Suite

courtesy of Kate Hochstein Rivas, whose obvious play on the word “star” (our logo and, of course, Antonio himself) struck the panel as the entry that best captured the spirit of the moment.

Won’t you join us in congratulating Kate for her achievement?

And, if you didn’t win, don’t despair: we still have our ongoing Iberostar Connection drawing you can enter right now, as well as another fun contest on Facebook right around the corner, so stay tuned! :-)