Iberostar official blog where we can meet and decide our next travel destination
Header

IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS TO OPEN ITS FIRST RESORT IN RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO

abril 18th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | THE WORLD OF IBEROSTAR - (0 Comments)

IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS TO OPEN ITS FIRST RESORT IN

RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO

IBEROSTAR Playa Mita Will Debut December 2013

 

 

IBEROSTAR Playa Mita Main Pool

 

Palma de Mallorca, Spain (April 18, 2013) – Spain-based hotel company IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts will open IBEROSTAR Playa Mita in December 2013, the brand’s first property in the leisure destination of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. The all-inclusive resort is located in Playa Mita on a beautiful beach facing the Pacific Ocean and is just 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. Designed as a getaway for couples and families alike, IBEROSTAR Playa Mita will offer an extensive list of amenities for guests of all ages and interests.

 

“The addition of our Riviera Nayarit resort will make a great inclusion to IBEROSTAR’s portfolio of hotels throughout Mexico and will mark our first on the country’s west coast,” said John Long, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts. “It’s in an area that is an up-and-coming tourist destination and we’re excited to be breaking ground in the region. The development of the property further highlights our commitment to promoting and supporting tourism offerings throughout Mexico and to the development of several markets within the country.”

 

The IBEROSTAR Playa Mita, a Premium category resort, features 452 guest rooms, including 120 oceanfront junior suites which are augmented with a dedicated concierge service, and two presidential suites. Guests can spend the day on the beach enjoying non-motorized water sports, lounge by the resort’s two pools, enjoy pampering and total relaxation at SPA Sensations, or get in a workout at the tennis courts and fitness center. Plus, golfers can hit the links at the Litibu Golf Club, conveniently located onsite. This 18-hole, oceanfront, championship course, designed by Greg Norman, wows with stunning views of the Pacific. The undulating greens will be a challenge for golfers of all levels and will serve as a perfect golfer’s paradise, whether it’s a family of sport enthusiasts or it’s a friends’ getaway. After hitting the greens, guests can cool down and continue to take in the unforgettable sights with a poolside drink at the swim up bar.

 

Known for its gourmet cuisine, IBEROSTAR once again shows its passion for dining with four specialty restaurants offering a variety of cuisine, ranging from Japanese and Mexican to Gourmet fine-dining and an American-style steakhouse. The resort also offers a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner; snack bar, several cocktail bars and 24-hour room service.

 

Evenings at IBEROSTAR Playa Mita will be just as fun as days in the sun, with different entertaining shows featured nightly at the resort’s theater, and an adults-only disco playing chart topping hits late into the night. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a more laid back evening of cocktails and conversation at the hotel’s main bar.

 

IBEROSTAR Playa Mita will also give special attention to its littlest guests. Children ages 4 – 12 can make new friends and lasting memories at the Kids Club, where they’ll play games, make arts & crafts, participate in sports and much more. The resort also offers a separate Kids Pool and Splash Park.

 

An idyllic location, top notch service and an abundance of luxurious amenities also make Playa Mita the perfect location for a sunset destination wedding, meeting or conference. With the flexibility of beautifully appointed indoor function spaces and outdoor, beachfront venues, the IBEROSTAR Playa Mita’s wedding planning and event staff will ensure that every special event is executed flawlessly.

 

The IBEROSTAR Playa Mita will start taking reservations on iberostar.com in May 2013. Hotel packages will be all-inclusive, including meals, snacks, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, and most amenities and entertainment, with the exception of spa services and golf. Please contact your preferred travel agent or visit iberostar.com for additional information.

 

About IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts

 

IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned Spanish hospitality company with more than 50 years of experience in the travel industry. IBEROSTAR provides unique vacation experiences, rooted in superior customer service and quality, in the world’s most popular vacation destinations. With more than 100 hotels in 16 countries, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts is committed to offering excellence in quality and service and providing personal attention to each guest.

 

For more information, please visit iberostar.com.

, , , ,

Stay at an ‘All Inclusive’ Caribbean resort and leave your wallet at home!

septiembre 12th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in THE WORLD OF IBEROSTAR - (0 Comments)

The price of a holiday at an ‘All Inclusive’ resort includes all additional expenses that you would normally have to pay if you reserved just the room. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and most of the leisure and entertainment activities on offer. For this reason, these resorts rank top of the list of preferences of visitors to the Caribbean and other similar destinations, as they guarantee a fuss-free stay and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that all expenses are covered.

At IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts you will find ‘All Inclusive’ resorts to suit all tastes. Are you a family of two adults and three children? In that case, your best option is definitely an ‘All Inclusive’ resort; you can forget about digging into your pocket every time one of your children fancies a fruit juice, a packet of crisps or trying their hand at snorkelling! Are you looking for a little peace and quiet and some ‘you time’ without the kids whilst ensuring that they have a great time too? Our Miniclubs and Teenieclubs offer non-stop fun and games whilst you enjoy some well-deserved time to yourselves.

If you are on honeymoon or simply looking for a relaxing holiday with just the right amount of hustle and bustle, then you will find all the peace and quiet you need at any of IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts’ ‘All Inclusive’ adults only resorts in the Caribbean. Resorts boasting fabulous beaches, golf courses and international haute cuisine, all within your reach. Fancy a mojito at three o’clock in the morning? No problem. Your shoes need a good clean? No sooner said than done. Want a paper delivered every morning? Or a magazine? That’s easily arranged. You’ll find all this and much more at no extra price at our ‘All Inclusive’ resorts.

What more reasons do you need to choose an ‘All Inclusive’ resort for your next holiday?

 

“Come and enjoy any of the ‘All Inclusive’ resorts IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has in the Caribbean: Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic or Mexico…and leave your wallet at home!”

, , , , , ,

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.”

, , , ,

Recipe:Dominican Sancocho

julio 16th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)


Sancocho is undoubtedly one of the Dominican Republic’s culinary treasures. It is generally served on special occasions only, as it takes quite a while to make and includes lots of ingredients. Yet the preparation time is probably one of the best things about this dish, as it’s the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends over a cold beer or glass of rum.

Sancocho is traditionally prepared with beef.

Ingredients:
• 1 whole chicken, chopped into pieces

• 6 pork chops

• 1 lb of minced beef

• 1 lb of manioc cut into large pieces

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into large pieces.

• 3 or 4 bananas cut into medium-sized pieces

• 1 yam, peeled and cut into pieces

• 1 yautia (tannier) cut into pieces

• 1/4 squash, peeled and cut into pieces

• 2 corncobs cut into pieces

Seasoning:

• 1 large finely chopped green chilli

• 1/2 sprig of parsley

• 2 small finely chopped red onions

• 2 cloves of crushed garlic

• 2 or 3 large coriander leaves

• 2 chicken stock cubes

• 1 beef stock cubes

• 2 tablespoons of vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of gravy mix

 

Preparation:

Pour 2 ½ tablespoons of oil and a little sugar (half a teaspoon) into a large pot and place on a high heat. Add all the meat at once to tender and brown. Cover and allow to cook (approx. 20-30 minutes), stirring from time to time until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove the meat and put to one side. If the chicken is becoming overcooked, remove and leave until the end. And it does not matter if the meat is whole; in fact it is even better.  Add water to the meat stock (fill the pan to half full) and bring to the boil; add the remaining ingredients and place the vegetables on top to season, cover and allow to boil (for approx. 40 minutes) or until the ingredients are cooked. Then add the meat and the spoonful of gravy mix. Ten minutes before the sancocho is finished, add the vinegar (around 2 spoonfuls). Test for salt and season if necessary. If you wish to include the typically Dominican banana dumplings (see below), place on top and allow to boil until the sancocho is finished.  Banana dumplings: peel the raw bananas and chop finely. Add slightly salted water and roll into balls measuring approximately an inch across. Corn flour dumplings: mix the flour with a little milk and salt and a teaspoon of butter. Roll into balls just like the banana dumplings.

 

Handy tips
This dish should be served with white rice and avocado.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Recipe: Majarete

junio 26th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)


Majarete is a typical dessert in the Dominican Republic, although it’s also popular in other Latin American countries.  The principal ingredient is ‘corn’ and the original, rustic version consists of grated corncobs mixed with cow’s milk, grated or shredded dried coconut milk  and sweet spices such as cinnamon, allspice, sweet cloves or nutmeg, although these latter two are stronger and can give the majarete a bitter taste if too much is added.

Ingredients:

• 1 Coconut

• 1 cup of cornflower

• 1 cup of milk

• 1 tin of condensed milk

• 2 cups of warm water

• 250g of sugar

• 1 whole cinnamon stick

• Cinnamon powder and salt to taste

Preparation:

1. – Peel the coconut, removing the black rind until you obtain the white coconut flesh

2. – Cut the coconut flesh into pieces and blend it with a cup of warm water before straining to remove the milk.

3. – Remove what’s left in the colander and blend and strain again with the other cup of warm water to obtain two cups of milk.

4. – Dissolve the cornflower in the last cup of milk obtained from the coconut flesh, liquidise the flour and dissolve it in two cups of cow’s milk.

5. – Place on a low heat and add the cinnamon stick and salt.

6. – When it comes to the boil add the sugar, salt to taste and the first coconut milk.

7. – Leave it on the heat for approximately 15 minutes until it looks like a creamy atole drink.

8. – Pour into shallow moulds and allow to set.

When cold, sprinkle finely with cinnamon powder.

 

Photo |Carol Dandelion234

, , , , , , , , , ,

The Search for Paradise

mayo 14th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (1 Comments)

We gave away trips to  Paradise!

Many tried but only the quickest won! We want to congratulate the winners that found Paradise!

Casey Kurth, Christopher Munson, Karina Tsymbal, Leonor Blaya Martinez & Ashley Thomas !

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 great contests coming soon!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

mayo 10th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 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 911:

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 Parker. 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 ever so often by always sending emails from time to time to say how they are doing and to check on me.

by David Paul Appell

For more information, write to weddings@iberostar.com.jm or call 876-680-0000 extensions 1525 and 1516.

, , , , , , , , , ,

Interview:Wedding Planner in Jamaica

abril 9th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)


We’ve asked Janielle Feurtado to share some of her insights on Destination Weddings in Jamaica.

For people who may not be familiar with you or your work, can you share a bit about yourself, your background, and how you came to be the wedding planner for Iberostar in Jamaica.

 My name is Janielle Feurtado I am 22yrs old. As a child I always found great joy in making people happy.  Hence growing up I realized that the hospitality Industry was the place for me.  After working as the assistant wedding coordinator for another chain of resorts I established that I could make it my career. After all I do possess the profound ability of interaction. Since assuming the my position at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, I have grown as an individual and have better been able to fulfill every feasible request for my brides and grooms even their  knack for fine detail.

Tell us about the “Grand Promises” package. What does it include, what are the options?

The “Grand Promises” Is a legal ceremony package and is considered as an upgrade from the basic “Promises” package. It covers from 2-10 persons. In taking advantage of this package you will receive amenities upon arrival as well as the day of your wedding special bridal services at the Spa are also included. Please see attached package for further inclusions. How many couples take advantage of the package each year? At least 50-60 couples per year.

Would it be possible to ask a couple of questions of a recently married couple? 

Yes it would be possible to contact a pass couple.  You can contact Mr. & Mrs. Whannell (mandykmuse@gmail.com  for Amanda or mwhannell@gmail.com for Micheal).

How far in advance do you recommend couples book to get their chosen date?

I recommend that as soon as a couple has a specific season or month in mind they start shopping for their desired dates. As “dates go real fast “time which is the most popular month for weddings at the resort?  The month that I would say is the most popular month is July.

How many wedding venues are available on property, what are they, and which is the most popular?

Here at the Grand we have 4 Wedding Locations;

  • The Beach-accommodates up to 200 persons, most popular location
  • The Lobby Terrace- accommodates up to 80 persons. This area is mostly used by brides who want to have the ocean as the back drop in their photos, but not having to deal with sand in their shoes.
  • The Garden Terrace- accommodates up to 20person. This location provides a naturistic atmosphere for those brides who love the “green feel”
  • The Dome- accommodates up to 100 persons. This location is used as a backup location for our weddings in the case of rain. Overtime we have had an influx of brides choosing it as their wedding location. It is ideal for those brides who desire a cathedral feel.

 What’s the most unusual request you’ve had for a wedding package?

The most unusual request…I would have to say would, to have our “Grand Promises package used as the complimentary package. To built a board walk from the stairway leading up the Ach on the beach in order for the couple not to walk on the sand.

Can you share with us a particularly special moment you remember from a wedding on site? And/or a memorable quote or thank-you note you received from a happy couple?

The most memorable moment for me at a wedding was on Oct 21, 2011. When the bride broke in tears after cutting her cake and realizing that it was her favorite cake. The most memorable quote would be “ Janielle laid every petal on the aisle as if each petal had its own place and had to be perfect.”

If you’re planning a Destination Wedding at the IberoStar Hotel in Jamaica don’t hesitate to call Janielle Feurtado. She’ll go above and beyond to make your wedding day perfect!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Phase 2 Winner – Walk of Fame

marzo 26th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in No category - (1 Comments)

We completed the second phase! Finally got the 14,000 stars!
Thank you for making this happen!

Winner Phase 2: Kyle Dubourdieu
Winner Phase 1: Johane Lavallee

Don’t worry you still have two more chances to win. So let’s get 15,000 “likes”!
Remember the more you share, the faster we do the drawing!

, , , , , , , , ,

What would your #StarRoom look like?

marzo 23rd, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)

Isn’t Friday the best day of the week?
Well, we want to celebrate with a new Twitter contest!

What would your #StarRoom look like?

Enter to win a stay at one of our hotels.  In 92 characters, tell us what your perfect #StarRoom would be. (We’re talking about your ideal room, worthy of a star like you) and you might win a stay at one of our hotels.

We’re choosing 7 winners. 6 will be chosen for best description of their room and the 7th will be chosen randomly. SIGN-UP HERE!

Remember to follow us on twitter. Good Luck!

, , , , , , ,