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The Search for Paradise

Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)

We want you to win a trip to Paradise!

Again we want to give you the chance to win a 7-night stay at the hotel you find. Plus, you’ll also win a GoPro HD photographic camera to take pictures!

We want you to win so, we’re making it easy! We are giving you clues throughout the game.

How can YOU win?

  • You’re not a facebook fan yet, “LIKE” us HERE

  • Click on the contest tab The Search for Paradise

  • We’ll give you some clues. It will be on the left side of your screen.

  • You can move & zoom in and out of the map to search for the hotel.

The 1st person that finds the hotel WINS!!!! You have two chances to win per day.

Good luck!

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

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.

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Vanilla Flan (Vanilla Custard)

Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)

“Flan” is the Spanish name for vanilla egg custard, topped with caramel sauce. Flan makes a great finish to any meal because even though it is sweet, it is a light dessert.

  Ingredients for 4:

2.5 cups of milk
 100 g of sugar
 4 eggs
2 vanilla beans

 Caramel Ingredients

 150 g of sugar
1/4 tsp. of water

Directions:

Put a heavy skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar. With a wooden spoon, keep the sugar moving constantly in skillet until sugar is completely melted, and of a rich medium brown color (caramelized). Pour the caramel into dish. 

In another saucepan boil the milk with the vanilla.  Meanwhile in a mixing bowl add the eggs beat slightly, Mix in the sugar. Stirring constantly, gradually add hot Milk. Pour the mixture into the dish that already has the caramel.

Place the filled casserole dish into a larger pan and add 1 inch of HOT water to the outer pan. Bake at 150 ° C for about 25 minutes.

Bon appetit!

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PIÑA COLADA

Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)
Photo by: DeaPeaJay

Pina Colada

The piña colada Cocktail was a drink created in San Juan Puerto Rico.  Piña colada is the official drink of Puerto Rico. It’s a sweet, rum-based cocktail made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, usually served either blended or shaken with ice.  

The secret is to choose the best ingredients to have a great refreshing drink.

Ingredients
8 people

  • 1 liter (4 cups) of fresh pineapple juice
  • 250 ml coconut cream (Rum)
  • Ice
  • Rum (Optional)

 Optional: Add a few drops of vanilla.

 Preparation:

Put the ice, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and the white or dark rum into a blender. Blend until smooth and frosty. Pour the drink into the glasses and garnish the rim with pineapple slices.

Photo | DeaPeaJay on Flickr

A sip of the delicious authentic piña colada may have you booking one of the Iberostar Hotels in the Caribbean before you finish the drink!

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Los Bandoleros: Vin Diesel in the Dominican Republic

Posted by Andy Jarosz in The View - (0 Comments)

fast & furious

Short movies

Those of a certain age might remember when a trip to the cinema usually involved two movies: the one you’d paid to go and see and a short film, usually no more than 15 minutes, that was quite likely a director’s first attempt at getting noticed by a wider audience. Those days are long gone, but look closely and you will find the occasional short film still being produced, often being added as a bonus on a DVD and telling a back-story to the main feature.

Fast and Furious

One such example is the 20 minute movie Los Bandoleros, directed by the one and only Vin Diesel and shot in the Dominican Republic. Action movie buffs and fans of  Vin Diesel films will be familiar with the five The Fast and the Furious films, in which Vin Diesel and friends race a whole array of fast cars, carry lots of bank notes in suspicious sacks and spend most of their time in the company of the type of beautiful girls your parents probably warned you about.

Los Bandoleros served as a prequel to Fast and Furious, the imaginatively-titled fourth installment in the series. At the start of Fast and Furious Dominic (Vin Diesel) and his crew are hijacking fuel tankers in the Dominican Republic, but the reasons for them being in the country are not so clear. This is where Los Bandoleros helps to fill the gap in the story. The short story tells the tale of how the gang reform in the Dominican Republic and includes the small matter of a jail break to get everyone back together.

Perhaps the best thing about short movies such as Los Bandoleros is that they can be watched free of charge and without any fuss. In fact the whole movie is available on Youtube in two installments. The producers are presumably happy for it to be distributed widely as it helps promote the main movie.

The Perfect Beach?

The Dominican Republic also comes out well from Vin Diesel’s short movie. He is a self-confessed admirer of the country and it was no surprise it was chosen as a filming location. Check out the final scenes played out on the stunning Caribbean beach with Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez; you may just want to drop everything and find your own way to this tropical paradise.

Photo: riccardodivirgilio on Flickr

If you ever decide to drop everything and find your way to this tropical paradise, stay at one of the Iberostar Hotels in  Dominican Republic.

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The Pirate’s Daughter: Errol Flynn’s Jamaican Love Affair

Posted by Andy Jarosz in The View - (0 Comments)

Errol Flynn's Zaca

In Like Flynn

It’s not easy to create a work of fiction and drop into it a character who was not only real, but so well known that many critics claim a first-hand knowledge of the personality of his character. Yet when Margaret Cezair-Thompson wrote The Pirate’s Daughter and told the story of Errol Flynn and his time in Jamaica, she took on precisely this challenge. That the reviews of her book are generally positive is perhaps the highest compliment of her success.

The Pirate’s Daughter starts with Flynn shipwrecked on his ship Zaca and arriving on a Jamaican beach near Port Antonio. He is keen to lie low, escaping as he is from legal proceedings against him in the United States for sexual misdemeanors. He soon has his own house in Jamaica and promptly falls in love not only with the island, but also with its attractive inhabitants. Ida, a beautiful young girl of 13 and the daughter of Flynn’s driver Eli Joseph, has a serious crush on Flynn. He however ignores her attentions, at least until she reaches the age of 16.

Growing up on Jamaica

Soon enough, Ida is pregnant to Flynn and gives birth to May. The book then follows the life of May as she battles her way through a harsh childhood. Errol Flynn doesn’t stick around (he dies when she is still a child) and May and Ida face various prejudices due to their mixed-race heritage. Ida goes to work in the US while May is left to fight alone, displaying more than a few of the headstrong and reckless character traits of her famous father.

The book has been well received in Jamaica. As she spins out the story of May and Ida, Cezair-Thompson weaves into the tale a rich and colourful depiction of her native Jamaica; of its varied and often spectacular landscapes, of its multi-layered and complex history and most vividly of all of the diversity of the island’s people.

Flynn’s Jamaican Legacy

Some folks in Jamaica would also have raised a wry smile at the theme of Cezair-Thompson’s book. Errol Flynn was a renowned womanizer and there are more than a few middle aged folks on the island who claim to be the offspring of Flynn’s dalliances with local women. If Flynn is a very real character in the story, May is someone with whom quite a few people on the island might identify themselves!

Photo: Donan Raven via Wikimedia Commons

Just like Errol Flynn fell in love with the Jamaica; you too can experience love at first sight with the island when you visit one of the Iberostar Hotels in Montego Bay.

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Wedding Bells for Jennifer Aniston in Mexico

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Cabo San Lucas

Rumour has it that Jennifer Aniston, the star of “Friends” and her boyfriend, Justin Theroux plan to get married soon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. “Jennifer goes to Cabo very year. She thinks that is the ideal place for her wedding,” shares one of her close friends, according to hotonline.net.

“Jen loves the idea of just taking of to Cabo and getting married in a sundress barefoot on the beach,” the insider explains. It’s undeniable that even Jennifer has fallen for the charms of Cabo San Lucas. And she’s not the only one – George Clooney was recently seen vacationing there, while Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba are also some of the frequent visitors.

Like thousands of other tourists who visit this part of Mexico each year, they are drawn to the 365 days of sunshine and miles of beautiful beaches plus world-class dive sites. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, Cabo San Lucas is just 1,000 miles from the US/Mexico border, making a short trip here a breeze.

Mexico’s Allure

With a whole flurry of natural attractions and world-class restaurants and hotels, it’s no wonder Cabo (as it is affectionately known) makes an ideal vacation spot. For outdoor lovers, there’s a whole list of natural sites to explore in the area, such as El Arco (the arch), a natural rock formation in the shape of an arch that lies adjacent to Playa Del Amor (Lover’s Beach). The scenic Tourist Corridor is eighteen miles of pristine bays, sun-swept shores, and dive sites. Cabo is also the gateway to cowboy central – the colonial San Jose del Cabo provides miles of backcountry roads, trails and secret springs to explore.

But Cabo is just one of the many beaches in Mexico – there is whole world of wind-swept beaches and turquoise shores that are worth exploring if you’re looking to kick back and have a barefoot wedding just like Jennifer. Cancun is probably one of the famous spots in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with hundreds of beach resorts and malls to entertain young travelers. Isla Cozumel is another great island boasting fantastic dive sites and even opportunities to swim with whale sharks. For those seeking a vibrant nightlife, head down to the energetic Playa del Carmen for some action. Whichever part of Mexico you choose to explore, Iberostar will be there to make it a vacation you won’t forget.

Photo | Jeff Gunn

In Mexico there’s a whole world of wind-swept beaches and turquoise shores that are worth exploring. Whichever part of Mexico you choose to explore, Iberostar will be there to make it a vacation you won’t forget!

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Kate Moss Honeymoons in Greece

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

After a lavish three-day wedding in England last July, world-famous supermodel Kate Moss and  new husband, Kills rocker, Jamie Hince went on a whirlwind honeymoon through the Mediterranean. Onboard a luxury super-yacht, they sailed through Portofino, Italy; Saint Tropez, France; and  docked close to the Greek island, Kefalonia. Rumor has it that Kate even talked to a real estate agent about possibly buying a summer house on the island.

Kate and Jamie are clearly not the only celebrities drawn to Greece – the country has attracted a whole series of world-famous stars: David and Victoria Beckham vacationed at Costa Navarino with their children last summer; Julia Roberts holed up on the island of Patmos with husband; while Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt sailed on a private yacht close to the island of Symi.

They’ve all been drawn by the sun-kissed islands, perfect Mediterranean weather and most of all, wild, rugged beaches. Greece truly makes a perfect vacation spot: from visiting historical sites in Athens to indulging against the romantic backdrop of Santorini island to lounging on the pristine beaches of Crete.

Under the Radar Kefalonia

It’s easy to see why Kate and Jamie had picked Kefalonia – as trendsetters, they’ve obviously set their eyes on this isle as it is one of the up-and-coming islands in the tourism industry. Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands in Western Greece, yet it has successfully escaped mass tourism. The island was featured in the movie, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage – Kefalonia is not going to be a secret for long, so be sure to head there soon!

When in Kefalonia, be sure to rent a car as it’s the best way to explore its unusually-shaped inlets and stunning bays. Go beach-hopping along its northern rocky coastline or hike in Mount Ainos in the south e south with its tallest peak reaching up to 1626 metres. One of the most famous attractions on the island is the Kefalonian Cave, filled with multi-coloured stalactites and stalagmites that had formed over thousands of years ago. With the Greek islands of Lefkas, Zante and Ithaca  just a hop away, you can also take a ferry, motor-boat, or yacht to explore the surrounding Ionian shores. With so much to see and do here, Kefalonia definitely makes for an interesting part of your Iberostar vacation.

Photo | borosjuli

Greece has attracted a whole series of world-famous stars – drawn by the sun-kissed islands. You can always feel like a star at the Iberostar Creta Marine Hotel.

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Salma Hayek and Her Mexico

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (Comments Off)

Vivacious, sexy and multi-talented – Salma Hayek is not just one of the biggest names in Hollywood these days but possibly one of the most famous Mexican celebrities of all time. Born in the oil town of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, Salma had always wanted to be an actress, especially after watching movies in local cinemas.

From Local Actress to Hollywood Star

The Mexican actress became a star in her home country when she landed a leading role in the successful soap opera, “Teresa”. In 1991, she left the show and her native Mexico for opportunities in Los Angeles. For years she was only cast in small parts, although she eventually landed roles in movies like “Desperado”, “Once Upon A Time In Mexico”, “Fools Rush In” and “Wild Wild West”. In 2002, she finally produced and starred in her dream movie – “Frida”. The blockbuster was an autobiography of the legendary Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, whom Salma had admired all her life.

Humanitarian Ambassador

Despite her worldwide success, Salma stays grounded and continues to participate actively in charitable work. She has joined numerous campaigns to promote awareness on violence against women and discrimination against immigrants in the USA. In 2006, she also donated $25,000 to a shelter for abused women in her hometown of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. Since the birth of her daughter, she also worked with UNICEF and Pampers to help other mothers in developing nations. In 2010, Hayek’s humanitarian work earned her a nomination for the VH1 Do Something Awards.

These days, Salma can be found shuttling between Los Angeles and Mexico. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of her, head on to the vibrant capital city of Mexico City or the turquoise beaches of Cancun where she vacations. From the golden sands of Playa Paraiso to the palpitating nightlife of Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a hot vacation spot not just for Salma, but also a whole string of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney and Leonardo Dicaprio. And if you’re wondering what’s so special about the Mexican coast that has Hollywood stars including Salma going drawn to it, then be sure to head there for a visit.

Photo | Nellie Huang

Want to catch a glimpse of Salma Hayek? Visit the turquoise beaches of Cancun where she vacations and you just might get lucky!

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World’s Sexiest Woman in Brazil: Alessandra Ambrosio

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Brazil is famous for many things: long stretches of golden beaches, lush jungles inhabited by jaguars, all-night-long parties, beach volleyball and most of all, beautiful people. Sultry, sexy and hot – the beauty queens and supermodels of Brazil have long given it a reputation as the land of the world’s most alluring women. From Gisele Bundschen to Adriana Lima (just to name a couple), the list of supermodels who hail from Brazil is longer than that of any other country in the world.

World’s Sexiest Women

One of the hottest Brazilian models in the fashion industry these days is Alessandra Ambrosio (right), a native Brazilian who’s rocked the world with her smouldering good looks and charisma. In her successful career as a top model, Ambrosio is best known as the face of American lingerie brand, Victoria’s Secret. She appeared on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the first time in 2000, and continues to steal the limelight ten years on. Her biggest headliner was the runway walk she did in 2005 wearing lingerie made entirely out of candy. As the spokesmodel for Victoria’s Secret, she’s been dubbed by the media as one of the world’s sexiest women. She was also chosen as one of People magazine’s annual 100 Most Beautiful People in the World, in May 2007 .

Ambrosio’s Brazil

While there are probably few chances of finding Ambrosio sun-bathing on the beach, there are certainly other ways to get acquainted with her and her hometown of Florianópolis, Brazil, where she currently lives with her husband and daughter. Florianópolis is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina and boasts a beautiful setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

To start your tour of the city, head to the most beautiful building in town, the Catedral Metropolitana, and then wander through the Municipal Market to experience Brazil’s culinary offerings. But the star of Florianópolis has got to be the beaches – all 42 of them – wild, undisturbed and absolutely stunning. Head to any beach in Florianopolis and you’ll be teased by a smorgasbord of beautiful girls spotting gorgeous tans and clad in skimpy bikinis. If that’s not enough of beach bumming for you, be sure to include Salvador da Bahia and Rio de Janeiro – home to the best beaches in Brazil – in your itinerary!

Photo | over_kind_man

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