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The best way of keeping fit

septiembre 10th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in THE WORLD OF IBEROSTAR - (1 Comments)

 

The Best way of keepinf fit

Eager to burn off those calories after a delicious meal in the gourmet restaurant? Or tone up those muscles after dancing the night away in the theatre to the finest classic tracks and sounds of today? Or get that body moving after long, leisurely hours enjoying a good book on one of the best beaches in the world? Or simply dying to get away from it all by enjoying some rowing in the vast blue waters of the unique Caribbean Sea?

Whatever your reason, share the moment with Steve and stop to think for a moment what you’d do if you were in his shoes. And to make it even easier, IBEROSTAR has come up with a campaign to promote the fabulous world of holidays with happiness included. A 2.0 experience in which our customers share their opinions, sensations, joy, their love of life and having a great time with everyone.

And so that our guests can include everyone in this unforgettable experience, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has organised a professional production team that films guests as they have fun on vacation with their friends and family. Once recorded, the video-message is sent to the people of the guests’ choice, whilst the stars of these fabulous vacation experiences get on with having the time of their lives in the world’s finest destinations. But there’s more: via their webcams, we also get to see the receivers’ reactions when they open their message from a dream destination.

More info at conexioniberostar.com

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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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Diving in Son Bauló. Mallorca.

julio 27th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

 

Pollensa Bay, situated in the north of the island of Mallorca in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful locations in the Mediterranean, and where the Romans founded the archipelago’s first city, offers visitors the intensely enjoyable experience of diving in unbelievably transparent turquoise waters. Whether you prefer to snorkel or scuba dive, this is an authentic paradise set against a backdrop of fine white sands on a beach that is more than 160 metres long and 80 metres wide.

Vast underwater meadows of Neptune grass form the habitat of countless colourful species, corals, sponges, starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers…So don’t forget to pack your goggles and fins. However, if you choose to stay at one of the fabulous accommodation options IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts located in this area, then you won’t have to worry about a thing: they’ll provide you with all the equipment you need to dive into these fabulous underwater seascapes.

Video: Claudbel73

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Is envy a good thing?

julio 24th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in The View - (0 Comments)

A little envy is harmless enough. The kind of envy you experience when you enjoy seeing others having a great time. The kind of envy that makes you want to explore, discover, experience, enjoy and savour. The kind of envy we all feel when we hear Canadians Kiefer and Michelle telling us about their vacation experience from the IBEROSTAR Quetzal in Mexico or when Michael gives his passionate vision of the culinary delights on offer at the IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada as he hugs his kids.

We enjoy seeing others enjoy themselves; after all, we want only the best for ourselves and those we love. And that is what the campaign that reveals IBEROSTAR’s marvellous world of vacations is all about. A 2.0 experience in which our guests share their thoughts, sensations, joy and happiness with everyone.

And to make all this possible, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has organised a professional production team that films guests as they show their friends and family what a great time they are having on vacation. Once recorded, the video-message is sent to the receivers, whilst the stars of these fabulous vacation experiences get on with having the time of their lives in the world’s finest destinations. But there’s more: via their webcams, we also get to see the receivers’ reactions when they open their message from a dream destination.

More info at iberostarconnection.com

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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.

 

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You have a taste for all things new

julio 11th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in THE WORLD OF IBEROSTAR - (0 Comments)

Well, here are 2 great options for you to choose from, staying at fully-refurbished hotels, the very best way to spend your vacation.

If you prefer to travel alone, with your partner or in the company of friends, then you’ll love this modern adults-only hotel in the heart of Playa de Palma, with its 6 endless kilometres of fine white sands, situated in one of the city’s liveliest districts. So far and yet so near it all, with a fabulous Terrassa & Chill Out where you can relax and be wowed by the amazing sunsets, a full programme of sporting activities and the magnificent SPA Sensations… The IBEROSTAR Royal Cupido is definitely your best choice.

Yet if you’re looking for something a little more relaxing and suitable for all the family, in a magical spot dotted with pine trees that line a stunning coastline bathed by crystal-clear waters and right next to the Mondragó Nature Park… then the IBEROSTAR Cala Barca is guaranteed to exceed all your expectations. Experience the true essence of the Mediterranean from the Beach Club and don’t forget to visit picturesque Porto Petro and cosmopolitan Cala d’Or, both of which are situated nearby.

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Cayo Coco, a paradise fit for a King.

julio 10th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (0 Comments)

Governor Diego Velázquez was so overawed by lush beauty of this fabulous part of Cuba that he decided to call it the King’s Gardens in honour of the Spanish monarch Ferdinand the Catholic. And this Spanish explorer could not have thought of a more suitable name for Cayo Coco as it truly does reign supreme amongst the many stunning paradisiacal spots to be found on the spectacular island of Cuba, the largest of the Antilles.

Cayo Coco, named after the white ibis, which is known locally as the Coco bird and the symbol of the islet due to its bright colours, is linked to the mainland by a picturesque road that crosses the sea from Turiguanó, situated north of Ciego de Ávila and offers a host of amazing leisure options that you will not forget in a hurry.

To give you a taste of what to expect, beaches such as Coloradas, Jaula and Playa de los Flamencos will quite literally take your breath away. Twenty-two kilometres of endless white sands lined by mangroves and coconut palms bathed by the most crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea thanks to the nearby 400 kilometre coral reef, the second largest in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

This area also boasts lush leafy vegetation and a wide range of wildlife. The islet is home to around 200 animal species, including birds and reptiles such as iguanas, as well as more than 360 types of plants, several of which are endemic. This area is visited by large colonies of pink flamingos and other migratory birds and benefits from a forward-thinking environmental protection policy that guarantees the quality of the habitat of these natural treasures.

And last but not least, it is the perfect choice for a luxury vacation, with incredible opportunities for diving in crystal-clear waters, natural parks, eco-tourism programmes, natural swimming pools and lagoons that are ideal for trout fishing and superb hotels.

Next time you travel to Cuba , stay at the IBEROSTAR Cayo Coco located in a quiet area of ​​Jardines del Rey, surrounded by a lush natural landscape, right on the beach.

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Dive into Cozumel

julio 5th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (0 Comments)

The small island of Cozumel, situated off the coast of Playa del Carmen and just a short distance from Cancun on the Mayan Riviera, is also known as the Island of the Swallows. This is an outstanding spot for a vacation, located in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, with fine white sandy beaches bathed by crystalline turquoise waters.

Cozumel enjoys a worldwide reputation as one of the finest scuba diving destinations thanks to its reefs and exceptional underwater visibility of up to 60 metres and a pleasant average temperature of 27ºC. The Chankanaab Nature Park is well worth a visit with its famous cenotes -deep spring water pools – and 22 metres underwater, the amazing coral biodiversity that is home to objects such as anchors, cannons, a sunken fishing boat and a bronze statue of Christ. At the famous Devil’s Gorge visitors can venture into a cave at a depth of just 15 metres.

The greatest variety of marine species is to be found at the popular Palancar Reef, at a depth of some 20-30 metres. Diving at Palancar is like flying amidst giant coral canyons that drop drown to the ocean’s depths in sheer vertical walls.

Plus, San Francisco boasts a vertical wall embedded with coral and large yellow tube sponges that hang down towards the abyss. Santa Rosa Reef, at a depth of just 15 metres, also has numerous caves inhabited by colonies of delicate Gorgonian sea fans and sponges in countless colours.

For those that prefer dry land, the island boasts numerous superb beaches, the finest of which are San Francisco and Playa Azul, whose waters are so clear that bathers can admire thousands of colourful fish that accompany them as they enjoy a cooling and relaxing swim.

Yet there is much, much more to Cozumel. San Miguel de Cozumel, the largest town on the island is great for a little retail therapy and the chance to discover its wealth of arts and crafts, taste the fish and seafood dishes served in its quaint restaurants and enjoy the lively nightlife.

To enjoy all this and to make sure you don’t miss a thing, what could be better than staying at the IBEROSTAR Cozumel? Your own private paradise.

 

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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

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World Tennis Champion, Rafael Nadal, and his Beloved Majorca

junio 25th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

In recent years, Spain has been on a winning streak in the sports arena, winning championships around the world – from Formula One races to the World Cup (football) and tennis championships. Amongst the innumerable sportsmen, Rafael Nadal has stood out as a key contributor to Spain’s victory. Between 2008 and 2011, Nadal was ranked World No. 1 – after winning several Grand Slam titles, ATP World Tournament titles and Olympic gold medals. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Staying Rooted in Majorca

Despite his worldwide success, the tennis champion remains humble and very much rooted to his origins. Originally from the island of Majorca, Nadal has traveled and played all over the world, but for him, there’s nowhere else like home.“Majorca where I feel happiest,” said Nadal, in an interview with The Telegraph. Being constantly pursued by paparazzi, Nadal feels like ‘a normal person’ only when he’s back in Majorca, where he can play leisurely rounds of golf and go fishing for tuna.

“Majorca is my favourite place in the world, as I have my family and my friends there, and that’s where I grew up,” Nadal said. “That’s the place for me. I’m still close to the friends I went to school with on the island.”

Nadal’s Home: Manacor

Born and raised in the inland town of Manacor, Nadal continues to make this part of the world his home. As one of the biggest towns in Majorca, Manacor gives a good glimpse into Nadal’s childhood as well as the culture and traditions of the Balearic Islands. Here, you can visit the weekly street market, wander around the old town centre, explore the Caves of Drach or even lounge by the quiet and secluded ‘calas’ (coves).

The best time of the year to visit in from late May to the beginning of June, when everyone gathers in town to celebrate the Fires i Festers de Primavera. Giant floats are paraded through the streets of Manacor while activities and exhibitions are held in various squares of the town.

Photo | Brett Marlow

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