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Pollentia: Roman Majorca

junio 6th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

In the north of the island of Majorca is the Roman city of Pollentia, a site that houses some of the most important vestiges of this civilization that can been visited today, permitting the study and knowledge of what the capital of the Balearic Isles was like in the first century. Four zones can be distinguished in these ruins, which date from 123 B.C.: the residential zone, the Forum, the Theater and the Monograph Museum.

La Portella is the residential zone and is made up of the ruins of three houses.  The House of the Two Treasures, whose floor is completely preserved; the House of the Bronze Head, whose floor is not intact but which is considerably larger than the former; and the North East House, which was found to be uninhabited and built over with a third century wall and some workshops.

The Forum was the civic, religious and commercial center of the city.  Here can be found ruins of the Capitol Temple, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, next to two smaller shrines.  There is also a tavern zone that formed part of the Forum, where the excavations are concentrated today.

The Theater was the leisure center of the city. Semi-circular in shape, it still retains part of the auditorium or stands, the orchestra pit and the stage.  Strangely, remains of a necropolis have been found above these ruins.

But the Pollentia Monograph Museum is where most of the excavated pieces are kept.   Located in an old 15th century building, formerly a hospital, in the center of the town of Alcúdia, it houses an important collection of ceramics and pieces of glass and jewelery that is open to the public.  Also of note are three marble statues and a bronze head, after which one of the houses is named.

If you go to Majorca, make sure to visit the island’s Roman heritage at Pollentia.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 6 vacation complexes in Alcudia: all are luxury 4-star hotels offering contemporary facilities and excellent leisure and culinary services for an unforgettable family vacation in Majorca.” 

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Doctors Cave Club, when paradise has to be shared.

junio 5th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

In the middle of Montego Bay, in Cornwall County in the north of Jamaica, white sand runs between your toes when you walk. Time stops as you stroll, and all thoughts are suspended about anything except the simple pleasure of being there.

And beneath the waves there is an infinite variety of coral painting the seabed all the colors of the spectrum, like nothing you have ever seen before. This rich underwater world offers a fascinating experience, attracting many visitors.

In Montego Bay lies Blanco Sands beach, where nature imbues everything so that visitors never stop feeling as though they have arrived in paradise.

A paradise which, at the end of the 19th century, belonged to Dr Alexander James McCatty, a member of one of the most eminent families of the British Empire. For him, this was one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and he would come to spend long periods of time here over the summer months with his colleagues. Such was the illustrious doctor’s devotion to this stretch of coastline that in 1906 he decided to donate it to the local community and founded the Doctors Cave Club, where members could disconnect from the world beside a beach of crystal clear waters where the temperature is between 22 and 28ºC all year round.

To become a member this select club and access the beach, the traveler had to go through the caves from which its name derives, making their visit yet more incredible, if such a thing is possible. Sadly, a hurricane destroyed them in 1932.

The doctor, of course, enjoyed the club’s facilities for several decades and even today one can see the English style of the construction and imagine what it was like to spend time there over a century ago.

Nowadays the club offers showers, a gift shop, cybercafé, spa, and games room, amongst other services. There are also lifeguards on the beach. Members receive VIP treatment and have access to number of exclusive services.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has three 5-star vacation complexes in Montego Bay: the IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach, the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall (adults only) and the IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Suites. In these luxury hotels guests can enjoy an exquisite culinary offer, a comprehensive entertainment program for all the family and suites equipped with every luxury detail for maximum enjoyment on your vacation in Jamaica.

 

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Xel-Ha, birthplace of water

junio 4th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Legend has it that the Mayan gods combined their wisdom, dreams and love of beauty to create a place that would bring together the best of Caribbean nature in one, and this place is none other than Xel-Ha, which means “the place where water is born”.

This nature reserve located in Tulum, in the Riviera Maya, is formed by several fresh and saltwater lagoons connected by underground tunnels, which are filled with fish and other marine species native to the Caribbean.  A turquoise lagoon, a gently flowing river and a lush jungle come together in a stunning landscape beside the sea. Xel-Ha is a beautiful natural aquarium unlike anywhere else in the world, where you can go snorkeling among thousands of multicolored fish that have made the river and the lagoon their home. You only have to step a few meters into the jungle to find old Mayan cenotes (underground sinkholes).

You can explore this beautiful park on foot, by bike, or even in a mini train as you admire countless species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

The emerald-green jungle surrounding the river and lake at Xel-Ha is an exotic sight that is hard to beat.

There are also several archaeological ruins in the park. Constructions and monuments can be seen, as well as a 540 meter-long pathway. Many of the ruins seem to have been used for ceremonial and religious purposes. They are grouped according to their geographical proximity: The Bird group, where frescoes on the walls depict different birds of the region; the Jaguar group, a reference to the feline figure depicted here (next to a beautiful cenote that nourishes much of the region’s wildlife); and the Pier group, near a small inlet, where the constructions appear to be related to the area’s maritime activity.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Mexico have privileged locations that bring guests closer to the country’s attractions: just a few meters from the beach, surrounded by nature and within easy reach of the most important archaeological sites.”

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The beautiful indigenous town of Caraíva

junio 3rd, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

What stands out most about Caraíva is the absolute peace and tranquility it exudes. Mass tourism has not yet reached this beautiful, remote little town, and less conventional tourism is arriving only very slowly.

Located in the south of Bahía State, this tiny fishing town is a rustic jewel with unpaved streets and where electricity only arrived a few years back. Caraíva is an old indigenous village of the Pataxó tribe whose natural landscape is perfectly preserved, with colorful houses and white sand roads. Cars are prohibited! The only streets are pedestrian and the only transport allowed is donkey-drawn carts. It is a place forgotten by time.

On Caraíva beach the only sounds are those of the sea breeze rustling the surrounding tall trees and the waves rolling in from the turquoise ocean.  The beach lined with palm trees stretches uninterrupted as far as the eye can see. You could easily spend a whole day exploring it on foot. You will find lots of vegetation on the seashore, natural shade, very few people and soul-replenishing peace and beauty. Sunrise is an indescribably special moment on Caraíva beach.

If you visit Caraíva you will discover the breathtaking beauty of simplicity. Come now, while nobody else knows about it!

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Brazil bring guests closer to the most exciting experiences during their Brazilian vacation. The superb location of the IBEROSTAR hotels in Salvador de Bahía and the Grand Amazon boat hotel with docking point at Manaos provide an unrivaled opportunity to explore the most beautiful areas of the country.” 

 

Brazilian handicrafts: the finest example of the country’s ethnic cohesion.

mayo 30th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)


 

The strong presence of birds, especially parrots with their multicolored feathers, led indigenous groups to specialize in feather art, producing ornamental items for personal use such as hats, headbands and wreaths for tribal dances, but also to decorate homes.

This art has begun to disappear over time; however some indigenous groups remain who live far from the overcrowded cities and still master the art. But the most prevalent surviving indigenous Brazilian craftwork is essentially the art of making necklaces, wristbands, and bracelets from pearls, seeds and small bones. To these ancient materials, new ones were added, such as coffee beans and colorful stones found in the mountains in southern Brazil.

The great imagination of the African descendants was also expressed through the sculpting of amulets, known as “figas”. The “figa” represents a closed fist with a protruding thumb, both as a phallic symbol, and as protection against the evil eye. The descendants of the Africans adopted this symbol as their own, and it can now be found hanging on necklaces all over the country as a good luck charm.

Mother Nature has always blessed Brazil with extraordinary natural resources and local artisans have made sure to take advantage of this. Nowadays, Brazilian crafts reflect the country’s culture through designs that are modern, practical and of superior artistic quality; fundamental to the development of Brazilian culture and the wellbeing of thousands of families.

Brazilian craftwork is also carried out with utmost respect for the environment, with pieces made by hand from recycled materials, lending them an incalculable value. The ability to observe reality and interpret it in a creative way is a notable characteristic of Brazilian artisans, demonstrated in pieces such as those whose wood comes from forest residues from the Amazon, thereby preserving the essence of the region and generating wealth for local communities; or such as objects made from recycled newspaper, crafted by the Brazilian cooperative Missão Ramacrisna.

Brazilian handicrafts are an expression of the roots, culture and identity of the people, and one of the richest artistic traditions of the country. Although they are sometimes commercialized, the handicrafts are not merchandise, because they carry values, beliefs and culture.

Vacationing in Brazil brings with it a world of delights. The local craftwork is undoubtedly one of them.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels Resorts in Brazil offer visitors the most exciting Brazilian vacation experience possible. The superb location of the IBEROSTAR hotels in Salvador de Bahía and the Grand Amazon boat hotel with mooring station in Manaos are an unbeatable opportunity to explore the most beautiful parts of the country.”

 

 

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Cabrera Archipelago National Park

mayo 29th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

The Cabrera Archipelago National Park is a group of islets belonging to the Balearic archipelago that, due to its isolation throughout history, is to this day a virtually untouched wilderness with great natural value: the coastal landscape of Cabrera is often considered one of the best preserved on the Spanish coast, and indeed in all of the Mediterranean.

It is made up of 19 islands and islets. The largest in area is Cabrera, followed by Illa dels Conills. The other main islands are Ses Rates, els Estels, l’Imperial, les Bledes, es Fonoll, na Rodona, l’Esponja, na Plana, na Pobra, s’Illot Pla, s’Illot and na Foradada.

Cabrera’s most characteristic animal is the sargantana, a small reptile native to the Balearic Islands, which has evolved different characteristics on different islets as a result of thousands of years of evolution without predators. The abundance of fish has led to a great diversity of seabirds, which makes Cabrera a privileged spot for watching and studying birds and their migratory behavior. The seabed is rocky and covered in large swathes of seaweed, home to a wide variety of fish and plant species, as well as species of dolphin and sea turtle.

Among the places of particular interest is the castle with its views over the port. Due to the fragility of the park’s habitat, and in order not to disturb the peace of the different species living there, it is only possible to visit limited areas near the port of Cabrera.  If you request permission you can receive a guided tour along the island’s pathways.

The Cabrera Archipelago National Park can be visited without any special procedure on one-day boat excursions leaving from the ports of Colònia de Sant Jordi and Porto Petro. Advance booking is recommended.

If you wish to visit the park in your own boat, you will need permission from the park’s administration.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Majorca allow guests greater access to the most exciting experiences the main Balearic island has to offer. The excellent locations of IBEROSTAR hotels in Majorca, spread across the island, bring an unmatched opportunity to discover all of its secrets.”

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Dubrovnik, pearl of the Adriatic Sea.

mayo 28th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

 

Dubrovnik, also called Ragusa, is a beautiful walled city located on the Dalmation coast in Croatia.  With a population of around 50 000, it is one of Croatia’s principal tourist attractions. The city is known as the pearl of the Adriatic, and is famously, and deservedly, considered the Slavic Athens, since in times gone by it was a beacon of humanism and artistic and scientific skill in an otherwise backwards, underdeveloped region. In 1979, the walled city of Dubrovnik was declared a World Heritage Site.

There are many attractions you mustn’t miss when visiting Dubrovnik:

The City Walls: Dubrovnik’s old town (Stari Grad) is completely encased by imposing eighteenth century city walls, one of the most iconic images of Croatia.   You can go inside the walls for a €10 admission charge (adults). It is well worth it for the views and photographs you can take.  Its fortifications are the best preserved in the Mediterranean. You should start the visit at the Pile Gate, which even has a drawbridge. Before entering the city, look at the image on the gate: Saint Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint. Afterwards, climb the steps and walk along the walls as far as the rounded Minceta Tower, another must-see.

The Old Port: Once in the old port, climb down from the wall and you will find what used to be the city’s principal port in the middle ages. It is beautiful, and it is dotted with small boats which, for a modest price, will take you to a nearby island or anywhere else that may appeal to you.

Sponza Palace: this Gothic and Renaissance style palace preserves Dubrovnik’s typical medieval architectural style.  Over the centuries, it has been the seat of a number of state offices. Today, it houses the State Archive as well as the Memorial Room for the Dubrovnik Defenders.

The Clock Tower: The clock tower is connected to the Palace.  Together with another tower on the other side of the city’s main artery, Placa Street, it has been one of the city’s emblems and points of reference ever since its construction in 1506.

Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries: Dubrovnik has two famous monasteries which can be visited.  Both contain museums and their own cloisters. In the Franciscan monastery you can also visit the third oldest drugstore in Europe, which has been open since 1391. Wonderful.

The Rector’s Palace: An old rector’s palace which has been converted into a museum.  Despite even suffering explosions, the building has been well restored.

Saint Blaise’s Church and Cathedral: Baroque style with a gold-plated statue of Dubrovnik’s patron Saint Blaise in its interior. The marble altar is particularly impressive.

The Great Onofrio Fountain: An enormous circular fountain with 16 water spouts.  It was originally constructed in 1438. It is one of the most emblematic monuments in the city, and a popular meeting place.

Rector’s Palace: Opposite the cathedral is the beautiful Renaissance style palace, which was seat of the government and the rector when Dubrovnik was an independent republic.

Pass some time on Stradum. Dubrovnik’s main street is where most of the city’s activity takes place. You’ll find many places to make a pit stop there. Make sure to visit Blagovijest, the Serbian Orthodox church.  It will take you by surprise.

Make a detour down the intersecting streets and you’ll find interesting places such as the Synagogue – one of Europe’s oldest.

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Croatia bring guests closer to the best attractions the country has to offer. Their excellent location provides an unmatchable opportunity to explore all the treasures to be found in Croatia.”

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A stroll through Salvador de Bahía

mayo 27th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Located in Todos os Santos Bay, Salvador de Bahía was the Southern Hemisphere’s main port until the eighteenth century and the country’s capital until 1763. It is estimated that approximately two million slaves were brought from Africa until slavery was abolished in 1888. This explains the African influence that can be seen all around.

Nature is another favorite word in Salvador de Bahía. From Costa de los Cocoteros in the north to Costa Ballena in the south, you will find canyons, forests, rivers, waterfalls, beaches and much more.  With idyllic scenery for adventure sports and lush wildlife, the beaches of Salvador offer wide ecological diversity: from small coves and open sea beaches to those surrounded by coral reefs forming natural swimming pools.  With a coastline over 50 km long, you have plenty of beaches to choose from.

Salvador de Bahía, with its topography composed of hills and valleys, is divided into the “upper town” and the “lower town”, connected via the world famous Lacerda elevator and the cable car known as the Plano Inclinado Gonçalves. The Historical Center – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – includes thousands of colonial houses and buildings dating from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

In particular, don’t miss Sé Square, the Municipal Square, the Palace of the Archbishop, the Museum of Religious Art or the Ajuda Church, to name but a few of the most interesting places to visit.

Salvador de Bahia is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It is among the happiest, most stimulating and culturally diverse cities you will ever find in South America.   An unmissable part of any trip to Brazil.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has two 5-star, all-inclusive vacation complexes in Salvador de Bahía:  the IBEROSTAR Praia Do Forte  and the IBEROSTAR Bahía.  Both hotels offer guests the ideal Brazilian vacation and beautiful natural surroundings. These luxurious lodgings provide comfort, a wide variety of bars and restaurants, spa centers, pools and a full program of leisure and sports activities. “

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Explore Budapest by bicycle

mayo 24th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

 

Walking around all day when you’re visiting a city and not having time to see it all – frustrating, right? Allow me to recommend the best way to visit a city like Budapest: by bicycle. You’ll learn about its history while admiring the main sites of interest on two wheels – and you won’t miss out on anything!

Budapest is a city of considerable size.  It also has a large number of tourist attractions, as well as other interesting places that are not so frequented by tourists. The capital of Hungary is divided into two halves: Buda and Pest.

Buda is the area with the highest elevations, hills and steeply sloped streets, while Pest is completely flat and is some distance from the main sites of interest.

By bicycle, you can explore the city’s main sites at a leisurely pace, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the area known as Buda, the Castle District – the oldest part of the city where the Matthias Church is situated – the Fisherman’s Bastion, The Labyrinth of Buda Castle, Alexander Palace and the Royal Palace, and the area known as Pest, where Gresham Palace, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the St. Stephen Basilica and Liberty Square are located.

Don’t forget to make a stop at one of the city’s famous spas – the ultimate haven of peace and relaxation – which will recharge your batteries for the rest of your trip around this monumental city!

And don’t forget that every day Budapest is becoming a more bike-friendly city! For example, twice a year an event called Critical Mass takes place – an international cycling demonstration for which thousands of cyclists congregate in the local streets.   It’s an amazing sight to see thousands of cyclists pouring through the streets and crossing the Chain Bridge. The day finishes in the City Park, with everyone lifting their bicycles in the air like trophies!

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a hotel in Budapest: the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Budapest, which has 5 stars. The hotel enjoys a privileged location, surrounded by important buildings, embassies and shopping areas. Built in 2011, its suites exude true luxury. It also has a complete spa center to ensure optimum relaxation during your stay, and its facilities cater for business conventions, incentive trips or other types of professional event held in Budapest”.

 

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Iguazú Falls, nature’s fury.

mayo 22nd, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)

Iguazú Falls are located in Iguazú National Park, in the extreme north east of Argentina and bordering Brazil. Surrounding the beautiful waterfalls at Iguazú are tales of ambition and power, fruits of the imaginations of travelers who have ventured within them. Before the falls can be seen, their murmur can already be heard, with the violent battering of the waters growing louder and louder as you approach.

The falls lie on the border of Argentina and Brazil, just a few miles from the Triple Frontier with Paraguay. On the Argentine side the town is called Puerto Iguazú, and on the Brazilian side it is called Foz do Iguazú. It is well known that Argentina has the Iguazú Falls and Brazil has the best views, or – as a popular saying goes – at the “Waterfall Show” the stage is on the Argentine side, while the Brazilian side has the best seats.

But whichever side you are on, the falls are magnificent and everything is shared: the waters of the Iguazú River which, in meeting the Paraná River, form the large system of waterfalls; the fauna – Alligators, anacondas, boas, capuchin monkeys, coatis, the toco toucan (one of five species found in the area) and bright yellow and black butterflies which amaze visitors; and the flora – the fan palm, rosewood, and the aroma of moist red soil enriched with the sweet scent of flowers.

If you want to enjoy an even more impressive view, vertigo-inducing wooden bridges cross the edge of the falls, or for a really close view you can even go in an inflatable boat. But for the best views of all, take a helicopter ride and admire this natural Brazilian paradise from the air.

Iguazú Falls are the widest in the world. They are one of nature’s most incredible spectacles. Iguazú cascades over an enormous three kilometer wide cliff – dimensions difficult to imagine elsewhere on the planet! While some compare Iguazú to the Niagara Falls, this is inaccurate, as Iguazú is almost twice as high and four times as wide.

After the falls, the Iguazú River splits and runs between the steep banks of a ravine before it meets the Paraná River 20 kilometers downstream. When it falls, the water hits the bottom and produces a cloud-like spray that reaches the sky, falling softly on people strolling along the surrounding paths and watering the bamboo forests, orchids and beautiful tropical trees.

Why wait any longer to see the world’s most spectacular waterfalls?

 

“Brazil hides a world of endless natural and cultural treasures that are waiting to be discovered. IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Brazil allow you to enjoy the most incredible experiences during your vacation in Brazil”

 

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