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.

, , , ,

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

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

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.

 

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

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.

, , ,

BAKLAVA RECIPE

junio 11th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)


Baklava is one of Tunisia’s most exquisite traditional desserts. And to make it easy to prepare, we’ve got a special chef’s tip for you: if you haven’t got any rose water at home, you can replace it with the same amount – two spoonfuls – of orange blossom water.

 

Ingredients:

  • ½ kg of filo pastry (you can use flaky pastry instead, but the result is not the same)
  • 300 g of peeled, chopped nuts
  • 2 or 3 spoonfuls of sugar
  • A couple of spoonfuls of ground pistachios (optional)
  • Light syrup (made with sugar, a little water and cardamom beans)

Instructions:

  1. Grease a round mould that can be placed in the oven with sufficient oil or melted butter.
  2. Add a layer of filo pastry.
  3. Spread with oil or butter and add another layer.
  4. Repeat this process until there are 4-5 layers.
  5. Mix the sugar with the chopped nuts and place them on the pastry. Add a little more butter or oil.
  6. Add another 6-8 layers of filo pastry.
  7. Wet the palm of your hand with water and pass it over the pastry, and then spread with oil or butter.
  8. Using a sharp knife, score with a diamond or square pattern.
  9. Place the mould in a hot oven for 20 minutes, then reduce to a moderate heat until the dessert is golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and pour the syrup over the Baklava while it is still hot. You may decorate it with pistachios. Serve warm or cold.

 

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Rumble in the Jungle: a Brotherly Feud in Manaus

mayo 23rd, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in The View - (0 Comments)

Igreja Manaus

A good book really is an object of magic. While a movie is able to instantly provide an image on which to project the story that is being played out, the nature of that image is decided by the director. With a book on the other hand, it is the reader who gets to paint the scene in which the action takes place. An author might provide plenty of hints, but it is the fact that each reader experiences a book differently that makes a novel such a special medium.

Family Feud

If you’re looking for a book that helps paint a rich, evocative picture of Manaus in Brazil, look no further than Milton Hatoum’s novel The Brothers (Dois Irmãos). The story follows two identical twin brothers and describes their life-long feud. They argue over a girl as teenagers and come to blows as grown men. One brother leads a relatively successful life while the other looks on in bitter hatred and jealousy. Hatoum explores the role of the boys’ parents, who look on with sad helplessness as the two men go through their entire life with little sign of reconciliation.

Brazilian Melting Pot

While describing the family tearing itself part, Hatoum also lets us into a world which we would otherwise never know. The characters belong to the Manaus Lebanese community, a small group into which Milton Hatoum himself was born. In describing the changing life of Yaqub and Omar, the two protagonists in the story, Hatoum paints a vivid picture of Manaus from the perspective of a native in a local Arab community. The descriptions of the markets, of the street sellers and of the mixture of ramshackle and grand buildings that make up this Amazonian metropolis all come from the author’s own intimate knowledge of Manaus.

The World in Manaus

It is easy to imagine that the city of Manaus, hundreds of miles from the other major Brazilian cities that mostly pepper the Atlantic coastline, would be quite an insular place. Yet in The Brothers Hatoum vividly portrays the city as deeply multi-cultural with a high degree of tolerance between the many communities that have settled here.

Step out from your hotel in Manaus today and you’re likely to find Lebanese food alongside many other ethnic cuisine from the many communities that make up the rich fabric of life in the city on the edge of the Amazon. And if you hear some angry Arabic shouting, look out; Omar and Yaqub might just be in town!

Photo: Salles Neto via Wikimedia Commons

, , , , , ,

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.

, , , , , , , , , ,

Los Bandoleros: Vin Diesel in the Dominican Republic

abril 10th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts 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.

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

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!

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