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Hiking on Fogo island, Cape Verde

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


Fogo island is the highest of all of the islands in the Cape Verde archipelago. The “island-volcano” is a gigantic volcanic cone that rises from the water, and is ideal for hiking. The landscape is spectacular due to its high altitude, and it has a lovely crater of 8km in diameter with steep walls. Half of the crater collapsed in favor of a younger volcano, which, with its perfectly proportioned black cone, is the highest point on the archipelago (Peak: 2,829m). You can climb it with a guide and discover an incredible landscape from its summit: gigantic cliffs, lava fields, and great rivers of solidified lava that run into the sea in the distance.

To make this ascent to Pico you must be physically fit, as the ascent is 1000m of slope on a small path. Nonetheless it is accessible, and it is best to hike at your own pace, as the climb can take between 3 and 4 hours, but you will enjoy spectacular scenery and be sure that the effort was worthwhile.

On the island of Fogo you should not miss a visit to the village and coffee plantations of Mosteiros, in the north of the island, and also the small fishing village of Ponte da Salina.

Cape Verde is the smile of Africa. A welcoming country, with friendly people and safe for those looking for a first traveling experience in the harsh and compelling reality that is the African continent.

 

“The IBEROSTAR Club Boa Vista hotel is an all-inclusive 5 star resort in Cape Verde located on the banks of the beautiful beach of Chaves, in Cape Verde. Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty, holidays in Cape Verde at the IBEROSTAR Club Boa Vista Hotel allow you to discover a place as exotic as it is surprising.”

 

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Cape Verde, an undiscovered paradise

diciembre 21st, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)


Cape Verde is a small country – the capital is Praia on the island of Santiago – lying in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Senegal. It is made up of an archipelago of 10 islands: Santiago and São Vicente are the largest, with São Antão, Boa Vista, Fogo, São Nicolau, Maio, Sal, Brava and the uninhabited Santa Luzia –making up the remaining eight.

Each of the islands that make up Cape Verde is a world in itself; the country boasts a wealth of natural and urban landscapes, making it a destination for all. Indeed, here you can choose to ‘do nothing at all’, or ‘absolutely everything’.

It’s a paradise that is rich in contrasts, where visitors will find unspoilt beaches, as well as stretches of fine white sands, soaring cliffs topped by plains, with volcanoes that seem to rise up from the depths of the Earth to display all their splendour. The countless leisure and sports options are guaranteed to make any holiday an unforgettable experience, with activities such as scuba diving, trekking, fishing, windsurfing or simply relaxing on the beach.

With its warm, dry tropical climate and low levels of rainfall, Cape Verde boasts a temperature that is nothing short of perfect, ranging from 20ºC in winter to 25ºC in summer, with an annual average of 24ºC. Although it doesn’t rain very much, the wet season runs from August to October, whilst November to July is the driest period.

A quick tour of the islands brings us to Sal, where the most eye-catching highlight is the crater of the ancient Pedra do Lume volcano, where visitors will discover an artificial tunnel dug in 1804 to access the salt deposits. On São Antão, the greenest of the islands, the major attractions are the walking trails in the area known as Ribeiras, which take us through the steep rugged valleys of the eastern side of the island. Hiking lovers that opt for this excursion will have the time of their lives. The island of São Vicente is the perfect spot in which to enjoy a wide range of water sports. Baía de São Pedro is ideal for surfing, windsurfing and bodyboarding, whilst the lagoon situated in Baía das Gatas Bay is perfect for swimming.  Santiago is the largest and most important island in Cape Verde, and its volcanic origins can clearly be seen in the two mountain ranges that run the entire length of the island, reaching a maximum height of 1,392 m at Pico da Antónia. Of all the islands in the archipelago, Santiago is undoubtedly the most diverse in terms of scenery, with dense forests nestling at the foot of majestic mountains that soar up towards the sky, as well as valleys of fertile farming land. If you visit Santiago immediately after the rainy season, you’re guaranteed a fabulous spectacle of truly breath-taking landscapes.   

Boa Vista, covering an area of 620 km2, is the third largest island in the archipelago. Regardless of whether they have a passion for adventure or prefer a peaceful relaxing holiday, this island, with its desert-like landscapes, exerts a special charm on visitors who are guaranteed a truly unforgettable stay.  It is famous for its white sand dunes and stunning beaches (most of which are untouched by man) bathed by crystal-clear turquoise waters, such as Praia de Santa Mônica or Praia de Chaves where you will also be taken aback by the ruins of a former factory. Boa Vista is an ideal destination for lovers of water sports such as windsurfing or scuba diving.

Other interesting spots on Boa Vista include Curral Velho, Monte Negro, Cabeça dos Tarafes and Baia das Gatas. Also not to be missed is a visit to the north-eastern part of the island, renowned for its beauty and the shipwrecks that can be seen on its beaches, such as that of the Spanish vessel Cabo Santa María. Boa Vista is also famous for the large numbers of turtles that come here to lay their eggs in June; if you have the chance to visit the island at this time of year, make sure you don’t miss out on this marvellous natural sight.

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a luxury 5 star hotel on Boa Vista: the IBEROSTAR Club Boa Vista. This hotel offers guests the chance to indulge in some well-deserved pampering at the spa & wellness centre, as well as savouring the delicious local and international cuisine, and enjoying the various water sports and seemingly endless stretches of sand”.

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Tunisia’s special winter light

noviembre 9th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Whilst Europe is shivering in the freezing temperatures, why not pack your bags and head for Tunisia – one of the most westernised Arab countries yet which still preserves all its unique charm?

Tunisia is a land of major contrasts: Mediterranean beaches, the dunes of the Sahara, a peaceful melting pot of the world’s three greatest religions; the Roman remains that remind us of the former splendour of the ancient city of Carthage…you simply won’t know where to start! So allow us to offer you a few ideas.

If you have a passion for sports such as  sailing, surfing, scuba diving and golf; love exploring archaeological sites or venturing out across the endless desert dunes; or even if you prefer to relax in an oasis of hundreds of thousands of palm trees, listening to the bubbling waters of a thousand and one springs, set against the stunning backdrop of ochre-tinged mountains – then you should know that the best time of year to enjoy all this is between October and May, when temperatures average between 12ºC and 28ºC. So winter is a much better time than mid- summer for any of these activities, especially if you’re not used to high temperatures, which can really take it out of you.

If you prefer cultural tourism, then Tunisia, with its spectacular ancient heritage and fascinating past, will not disappoint you. Definitely not to be missed is a tour of the  Bardo Museum, housed in a 19th century Beylical palace, or the Carthage Archaeological Museum, Kairouan Museum (with its collection of Islamic Arts), the Medina of Tunis, Djem Amphitheatre, Kerkouane, the Medina of Sousse …

For those longing to relax on golden sands, Tunisia is haven of fabulous beaches, where the hotels have been carefully built to blend into the landscape. There visitors can enjoy all types of water sports and they are also the perfect choice for a family holiday, as there are countless activities and spaces for the kids. The temperature is ideal for fun and games on the beach with friends and family!

But whether you’re travelling with your partner or in group, make sure you take the time to visit one of the many thalassotherapy centres scattered around the country, renowned for their quality and variety of treatments. Treat yourself to a thalassotherapy session and you’ll feel like a new person!

Stroll around the outdoor markets, enjoy the delicious herbal teas – unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before -, get to know the locals…Tunisia is all warmth, diversity and light…so come and discover all the brilliance of this fabulous country this winter!

“IBEROSTAR Hotels& Resorts’ hotels in Tunisia are the perfect base from which to enjoy unique experiences. The IBEROSTAR hotels are situated in prime locations, offering magnificent opportunities to gain first-hand insight into this country of outstanding natural beauty and its magnificent culture”.

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The beaches of Morocco

septiembre 6th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break sunbathing on the beach or the thrills and spills of surfing, the beaches of Morocco are guaranteed to satisfy your wishes. Morocco boasts miles and miles of clean, unspoilt beaches bathed by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. From Saïdia to Tangier, the Mediterranean coast alone has 120 beaches, and there are a further 238 from Tangier to Essaouira and 54 from Agadir to Dakhla.

The Atlantic coast, ideal for water sports

If you’re keen to indulge in some surface water sports, then head for the magnificent Atlantic coast. The bay of Dakhla and Agadir are the perfect choice for lovers of wind-driven sports. The trade winds blow from late March to mid September, making this the perfect season to travel to this bay to enjoy windsurfing, wakeboarding, kitesurfing or surfing, safe in the knowledge that the waves will rise to the occasion!

The city of Agadir lies on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, bounded by Essaouira and Marrakech as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The 7 kilometre long beach, with its golden sands, crystal-clear waters and spectacular sunsets, draws thousands of tourists each year. They come to enjoy the endless possibilities this beach has to offer; in addition to the water sports listed above, it also has excellent inland sporting facilities such as tennis courts and golf courses.

Watching the sun setting over the beaches of Morocco is a truly breathtaking experience, with golden sandy beaches in the foreground, the calm waters of the Atlantic behind them and the magnificent sun at dusk in the background. An unforgettable sight that will remain fixed in the mind’s eye of everyone with even just a touch of sensitivity.

The Mediterranean coast, calm waters bathing cliffs set in stunning natural landscapes.

The Mediterranean coast is ideal for underwater fishing (for grouper and other Mediterranean species), as well as for scuba diving. Between Tangier and Al Hoceima the sea is kinder and calmer, and the beaches are more secluded. Some are close to traditional fishing villages set against paradisiacal backdrops. The beaches of Tetouan include Martil, Cabo Negro (a stunning beach which also has the added attraction of Cabo Negro Lighthouse, situated a kilometre away, with spectacular views of the sea) and Costa de los Ghomara (a quiet and secluded area that stretches as far as the mouth of the Oued Laou and the magnificent beach of Targhan), and Playa Quemado, one of the finest in Morocco.

Saïdia deserves a special mention. It is known as the Blue Pearl of the Mediterranean because in addition to the beauty of its coastline it also enjoys a particularly mild microclimate in winter. Lying opposite the border with Algeria, visitors can stroll among the mimosas and eucalyptus trees that line the beach, sunbathe freely and especially bathe in the turquoise waters that have an immediate calming effect. Saïdia is set to become one of the Mediterranean’s most popular spa destinations.

“Morocco is one of the most attractive destinations on the African continent due to its proximity with Europe, its deeply-rooted culture and the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants. IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has two resorts in Morocco that are authentic oases of luxury and comfort: the IBEROSTAR Founty Beach on the Atlantic coast, and the IBEROSTAR Saïdia on the Mediterranean side.”

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Cape Verde’s Funaná

agosto 31st, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots | THE WORLD OF IBEROSTAR - (0 Comments)

Cape Verde’s Funaná

The Cape Verde islands off the coast of Senegal are truly the African Brazil. Colonised by the Portuguese, they share the rhythms, traditions and legendary joie de vivre of their Brazilian cousins. The Funaná, the country’s traditional dance, has much in common with the sensual rhythms from the other side of the ocean and their movements are equally graceful and enthralling.

Cape Verde is a paradise that is well worth discovering. Of volcanic origin and caressed by the trade winds, the unspoilt coastline is lined with immaculate beaches. Boavista, probably the most strikingly beautiful of the islands, is an authentic haven of peace and quiet in which visitors can live in harmony with nature, admire the huge whales, see at first hand the hatching of giant sea turtle eggs or simply cool off in what are undoubtedly the most crystalline waters on Earth.

More info at iberostarconnection.com

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Morocco’s Coolest City: Majestic White Essaouira

febrero 7th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (0 Comments)

Ever since first visiting Morocco more than a dozen years ago, I’ve always marveled that this North African country manages to pack such a whole lot of interesting into such modest dimensions (it’s a little bigger than California, less than a third the size of Quebec, and merely a little over a quarter as spacious as the U.K.). I mean, here the fascinating destinations just keep on coming – Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes, Rabat, Tangier, Casablanca, Ouarzazate, the Atlas Mountains, Tetouan, Agadir (the resort town that’s the site of Iberostar Founty Beach) and so on. But one place in Morocco that I especially love because of its vibe, style, location, and unusualness, is a city called Essaouira, a drive of 2½ to three hours from Marrakesh and 2½ hours from Agadir.

Something a Little Different

What makes it unusual? Well, as with many cities in Morocco, in Ess you can certainly “come with me to the kasbah” and wander the byways and caravanserais of a deliciously mysterious old medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Jewish quarter, sampling exotic shops, galleries, restaurants, tea shops, and cafés along the way. But unlike even other Moroccan coastal urbs like Tangier, there’s just something especially charismatic about Essaouira. To begin with, it’s breezy, white, and bright, perched just over halfway down the country’s Atlantic coast, with temperatures rarely dropping below the 50′s Fahrenheit or rising above the low 70′s (it’s so breezy, in fact, that it’s one of the world’s better regarded windsurfing/kitesurfing meccas). But another big part of what makes it different is that much of what you see of Essaouira today was built along European lines, starting in the early 16th century with the fortress of Mogador, built by the Portuguese, and continued by a Moroccan ruler in the 18th century using European architects and engineers.

Simplicity & Celebrities

As in centuries past, fishing is still very big here; on my first visit I’ll never forget going down to the docks and lunching at a simple table on squid literally taken right off a boat not ten feet away and charbroiled right in front of me. But beach and cultural tourism have been making big inroads for years, and since Orson Welles filmed his Othello here in 1952 Ess also became a spot on the international hippie trail in the 60’s, it’s been a destination for celebs and artsy-fartsy types, from Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens and Maria Callas to Colin Farrell, Orlando Bloom, and Liam Neeson. It’s also been a center for a form of Moroccan music called gnaoua, and June’s International Gnaoua and World Music Festival has become known as “Morocco’s Woodstock.”

Pretty  fun-kay, no?  Check it out, and I guarantee you’ll fall as much in love with Essaouira as I did.
photo | jonl1973

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Tunisia’s Ancient Glory: The Ruins of Mighty Carthage

enero 18th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (0 Comments)

Chances are you’ve heard of Hannibal, and maybe even that he and his army tried to invade Italy by crossing the Alps with elephants. The city-state he fought for, Carthage, was classical Rome’s biggest rival in the Mediterranean, and one of the big kahunas of the entire ancient world. Even if you’re coming to Tunisia mainly for a warm beach vacation, you owe it to yourself to not miss this important UNESCO World Heritage Site (especially if you’re staying in Hammamet, less than an hour’s drive away).

Just across the bay from the modern capital Tunis, “Kart-hadasht” was founded even earlier than Rome, in the 8th or 9th century BC, as a colony of Phoenicians from farther east along the Mediterranean coast, under a queen that history most commonly knows by her Greek name Dido; eventually the city became a commerce-oriented republic rich and powerful enough to rule over hundreds of other Phoenician (aka Punic) cities along the coast, as well as coastal areas of what are now Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Spain. But its rivalry with Rome led to what are called the Punic wars, and Rome finally defeated, invaded, and refounded Carthage in 146 BC. It was later overrun by the Vandals, then became part of the Byzantine Empire until it was conquered by Arabs in 698 AD. So the ruins you’ll find here today include various and sundry cultural and historical influences.

The sprawling and utterly fascinating modern-day archaeological site includes ports, an acropolis, necropoles (cemeteries), an amphitheater, temples, baths, residential areas, early Christian churches, Islamic mosques, and more (there are also several nearby archaeology, oceanography, and history museums). There’s a lot of ground to cover, so bring a hat, water, sunscreen, and good walking shoes!

Photo | Unitopia

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Cesária Évora, Cape Verde’s Immortal Gift to World Music

diciembre 20th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (1 Comments)

Not too many people know much about (or have even heard of) the tiny, 10-island West African country of Cape Verde (home to Iberostar Club Boa Vista, on Boavista island). But even though relatively few actually understood her song lyrics, plenty in Europe, Africa, and the rest of the world certainly knew and loved its most famous native daughter, a soulful singer whom we lost on December 17 at age 70.

Like one of my favorite U.S. jazz icons, Alberta Hunter, Cesária Évora started her career young and at one point left music, only to stage a spectacular comeback, in Évora’s case starting with a hit album in France, La diva aux pieds nus (“The Barefoot Diva”; she always sang barefoot because she said it was more comfortable). She won a Grammy nomination for 1995’s Cesária, and international fame didn’t lag far behind; her album Voz d’Amor (Voice of Love) later won her a world music Grammy in 2004. Évora’s health started declining in 2010, and in September 2011 she finally retired from her beloved music.

But the lady has left behind a gorgeous legacy of more than 20 studio, live, and remixed albums (including Club Sodade, a cool bunch of dance-club remix tracks), that have taught the world about Cape Verde’s distinctive national music, called morna. Like Portugal’s fado, it’s usually sung in a minor key and deals with loss, regret, and longing. As executed by Évora, it’s rich and jazzy, with lush arrangements and hints of blues and bossa nova. The language is crioulo, an Afro-Portuguese sprinkled with local African languages like Wolof and Fulani. Her success – and the video below, one of her better-known songs, “Sodade” (“Longing”) – prove that you don’t need to understand the words to be moved by the music and that evanescent voice. Still, for your delight, here are the simple yet powerful lyrics:

Quem mostra’ bo ess caminho longe?
Who will show you that long road?

Quem mostra’ bo ess caminho longe?
Who will show you that long road?

Ess caminho pa São Tomé
That road to São Tomé

Sodade sodade
The longing, the longing

Sodade
The longing

Dess nha terra São Nicolau
For this land of mine, São Nicolau

Si bo ‘screve me ’m ta ‘screve be
If you write to me I’ll write back to you

Si bo ‘squece me ’m ta ‘squece be
If you forget me I’ll forget you

Até dia qui bo voltà
Until the day you return

Sodade sodade
The longing, the longing

Sodade
The longing

Dess nha terra São Nicolau
For this land of mine, São Nicolau

Muito obrigado (thank you so much), Cesária. Today, December 20th, may be your funeral; but your music will always live in our hearts. Rest in peace.

Photo | Bruno Bollaert

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Riding Cape Verde’s Waves with Josh Angulo

septiembre 15th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Cape Verde

With huge swells, strong winds and an emerald coastline dotted with perfect surfing spots, Cape Verde is lauded by some as the hottest surfing destination. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, this archipelago of 10 islands is found just 350 miles off the coast of Western Africa, but it’s worlds apart. Featuring volcanic terrain and long, sweeping sandy beaches, the Cape Verde islands are blessed with tons of wind and undiscovered beaches.

Slowly gaining a reputation for its waves and wind, these islands finally got the attention they deserved after the launch of the annual Cabo Verde Wave Championships in 2007.  Having created rippling waves in the surf scene, the islands have their new ambassador to thank: Josh Angulo, a Hawaiian surfing champion who has introduced the world to Cape Verde.

It was Cape Verde’s raw beauty, winds and alluring ocean that brought him here. Since calling it home, Josh has played an integral role in promoting the destination via his worldwide connections with brands and media. He now runs the nation’s leading windsurfing center, Angulo Cabo Verde, which offers a variety of surfing lessons and stand up paddleboard (SUP) classes for people of all levels.

Surfing spots are scattered all over the islands. On the east coast of Sal, Sierra Negra offers some easy free-riding sessions far away from civilization. The Cabessa de Salinas (Kite Beach) provides powerful swells suitable for expert surfers, but it’s located just in front of a reef so be careful especially at low tide. On the west coast, swells can get dangerously huge – particularly at Ponta Preta and Ali Baba. In the south, the bay of Santa Maria has the safest spots for beginners: try Ponta Lema with the easiest wave.

Cool off from the adrenaline by exploring the islands’ attractions and cultural heritage: visit the salt flats of Pedra de Lume on the island of Sal, the old capital of Cidade Velha and Forte Real de São Filipe on Santiago, go whale-watching around Boa Vista and enjoy the pulsating nightlife of Mindelo on Sao Vicente.

If you’re looking for more adventure, there is a plethora of activities on offer, such as off-road buggy rides, quad bikes, sailing, scuba-diving and trekking along volcanic terrain.

Photo | IDS.photos

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Capture the Magic of Adventure Films in Morocco

agosto 12th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in The View - (0 Comments)

What to do in Morocco

When you think about films associated with Morocco, your mind can’t help but shift to black and white, as the faces of Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart appear along with the soundtrack of “Casablanca.” However, this mythical movie was shot entirely in California, though it has left us with the memory of a romantic, but dangerous, Morocco.

Many movies have been filmed in this African nation, which prides itself on its own version of Hollywood or, as we Spaniards would say, its own Almería in the age of Westerns. One city in particular stands out for its popularity amongst American film productions which frequent the famous Atlas Studios: the city of Ouarzazate. This city is unique in that it combines its location in a valley with its proximity to both mountains and desert, with photogenic adobe houses that have acted as the set for a variety of films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra.” The film crews for other productions such as “The Sheltering Sky”, “The Mummy” and our beloved 007 in “The Living Daylights” have also wandered these same streets.

Set in the south of the country, this city is a must-see for film lovers who, in addition to recreating scenes from their favorite flics, can enjoy the spicy Moroccan cuisine and delicious mint teas (just be careful not to fall into the pot like Obelix!).

As in many other movie towns, visiting the studios is a tourist attraction in itself, and though it doesn’t have the typical attractions you may find in other movie-themed parks, lovers of classic cinema may evoke their silver screen memories and imagine Elizabeth Taylor dressed as Cleopatra exiting the temple in the luxurious recreation of Egypt in Joseph Leo Mankiewicz’s film, which was also shot here.

As with any city so close to the desert, summer is not really the best time to visit. But since we can’t always choose our vacation dates, just remember to load your suitcase with light, white clothing and end your day with a refreshing swim at any of the beaches you’ll find only a few kilometers away on Morocco’s gorgeous coast.

Image | Universal Pictures

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