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The Mayan Riviera receives an award for the ‘Best Mexican Destination’

marzo 12th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

For the eighth year running, the Mayan Riviera has received the ‘Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Award’ for Best Mexico Destination, given by Travel Weekly magazine, considered to be North America’s top travel trade publication.

Travel Weekly’s readers, made up mainly of US travel agents and industry professionals, select the winners in accordance with an assessment process that takes into consideration the infrastructures and quality of the services available, the facilities and visitor numbers, as well as the feedback they receive from tourists.

Indeed, the delights of the Mayan Riviera are renowned around the world – it is known not just as a sun and sand destination that is ideal for relaxation, but it is also positioning itself firmly as an outstanding destination for other types of tourism, including conventions and business, health, archaeology, fashion, gastronomy, music festivals and many others.

It’s no surprise to learn that the Mayan Riviera holds the record for tourist numbers with nine thousand visitors a day. So take a trip to the Mayan Riviera and enjoy its sea, beaches, friendly people, archaeological monuments, the Mayan culture, gastronomy, golf courses, sinkholes, adventure sports…

For when you think about it, that many people can’t all be wrong, can they?

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 7 hotels on the Mayan Riviera, located between Playa del Carmen and Playa Paraíso, two of the region’s most stunning beauty spots. The 2 hotels on Playa del Carmen are All Inclusive 5 star establishments. The 5 hotels operated by IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts on Playa Paraíso are the ideal choice for a holiday with the family or your partner.”

 

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A photograph of the Mayan Riviera

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

At the far eastern end of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula lies the Mayan Riviera, one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular settings.  No fewer than 120 kilometres of sands that trace the dividing line between the intensely turquoise Caribbean Sea and the lush tropical forests.

There are countless activities on offer in this area: relaxing strolls along the stunning beaches; excursions into the tropical jungles; fascinating nature tours; visits to magnificent archaeological sites; scuba diving and other water sports; outings to see the cenotes, intriguing deep sinkholes of spring water that are characteristic of this region; and visits to some of the area’s traditional towns and villages, etc.

Nature lovers will be amazed by the magnificent tropical jungles with species of flora and fauna that are unique to this region. Visitors can also take a trip to one of the superb biosphere reserves that remains practically unspoilt: the natural paradise of Sian Ka’an. The parks of Xcaret and Xel-Há also organise a choice of ecological and recreational activities.

If you’d like to spend your holiday scuba diving, then we strongly recommend the ‘Jungle Tour’, which includes a dive at Nohoch Nachich, lying at the heart of the network of underground rivers that stretches out along the Yucatán Peninsula.

The chance to combine rest, relaxation and fun on the beach with cultural activities is another of the Mayan Riviera’s greatest tourist attractions. This area boasts an impressive number of archaeological remains dating back to the Maya Empire with its fascinating legacy shrouded in an aura of mystery. In the depths of the vast tropical jungle stand the ruins of the Pre-Hispanic city of Cobá, built intentionally between 5 lagoons and which was inhabited until the 15th century. You can also visit the ancient walled city of Tulum, perched on top of a cliff and the site of archaeological remains dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries.

The largest town in the area is Playa del Carmen, which we have already talked about here; a friendly, cosmopolitan city offering a wide range of modern facilities and services. There are also a number of other towns offering excellent amenities, such as Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum, a Bohemian melting pot where the chatter of foreign visitors and the Mayan dialects of the peace-loving residents mingle on the streets.

The Mayan Riviera is packed with things to see and do…

Playa del Carmen

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

 

Playa del Carmen, bathed by the Caribbean Sea, is situated on the Mayan Riviera, south of Cancun. Up until the mid 1980s, Playa del Carmen was a quiet fishing village with a population of less than 1,500. Over the last couple of decades it has grown into one of the Mayan Riveria’s major tourist destinations thanks to the countless attractions both in and around this fabulous location.

Playa de Carmen is at once relaxing, romantic and vibrant. Here you’ll find locals, visitors and residents from all over the world that makes for a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. If you love fine white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and caressed by a cooling breeze, then Playa del Carmen is the place for you.  Here you’ll be able to admire the 7 different tones of its waters, ranging from blue to turquoise green.  Visitors to this destination simply can’t resist relaxing in a beachfront hammock before taking a refreshing dip in the sea.

The Quinta Avenida is the centre of this Caribbean city. If you’re a fan of retail therapy, then you’ll adore the local craft stores dotted between the exclusive fashion boutiques that run the length of this avenue. And when it comes to eating, you’ll be spoilt for choice; you’ll find Mexican, Mayan-Yucatan, Italian, French or Asian restaurants.

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its fabulous nightlife.  Take your pick from the bars on the beachfront or in the centre of town.  In addition to food and drink, many also offer live entertainment and music.  Enjoy the sounds of marimba or a group of Huapangueros that we can pretty much guarantee will appear on the beach. There’s no need for transport here: you can make your way from bar to bar and back to the hotel on foot.

Once you feel totally relaxed and chilled, you really should take the time to join some of the excursions to discover more about this privileged location.

If you’re a nature lover (and even if you aren’t!), you mustn’t miss a trip to the Xcaret Nature Eco-Park, which runs programmes for the conservation and reproduction of typical floral and fauna such as the sea turtle,  manatee and spider monkey. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of water-based activities in its cenotes, underground rivers and lagoons.

From Playa del Carmen you can take a ferry to Cozumel, a stunningly beautiful island that is a paradise for scuba divers thanks to the magnificent coral reef that lies below its crystal-clear waters.

A tour of the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum is an unforgettable experience. Standing next to the sea, this ancient walled site, perched on top of a 12 metre cliff, boasts the remains of what was one of the most spectacular cities of the Mayan civilisation.

Those with an interest in archaeology should also take the time to visit Chichen Itza, one of the most famous cities of the Mayan civilisation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The choice is yours: when on holiday in Playa del Carmen you can either indulge in total relaxation or spend your time exploring the countless places of interest on the Mayan Riviera.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has two 5 star hotels in the Playa del Carmen area. Both the IBEROSTAR Tucán and the IBEROSTAR Quetzal offer all inclusive accommodation. Guests staying at either of these hotels will be able to luxuriate in the kind of services and facilities that only hotels in this category can offer: spa services, sports, the finest gastronomy and delightful rooms. What’s more, the facilities at these hotels make them the ideal venue for weddings or business conventions.”

 

 

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A massage on a beach in the Mayan Riviera. Could it possibly get better than that?

julio 27th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in The View | THE WORLD OF IBEROSTAR - (0 Comments)

 

Barbara Massage

Feeling the gentle Caribbean breeze caress your skin; being lulled to sleep by the rhythmic sound of the waves breaking on a seemingly endless shore of fine white sand; unwinding under the gentle pressure of skilled hands that reenergise every corner of your body…this is the kind of 100% IBEROSTAR holiday experience that Barbara is longing to share with her loved ones.

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.

More info at iberostarconnection.com

 

 

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Huipiles: The Traditional Wearable Art of the Mayas

mayo 28th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (0 Comments)

If while vacationing at Iberia’s great Mexico resorts in Cancun, on the Riviera Maya, or the island of Cozumel you find yourself in one of the Yucatan’s Maya villages or even just browsing in many gift shops, you’ll see huipiles (also called hipiles). They’re boxy ladies’ cotton tops, either white with colorful embroidery and stitching or in some of the more elaborate versions, complex designs; they can range from sleeveless blouses to tuniclike garments extending most of the way down the legs.

Often made by women with simple “backstrap” looms (a wood-and-cloth contraption tied to a wood post), huipiles can take weeks or even months to weave, depending on its complexity. The craft and designs go back centuries, and the motifs in the designs including not just the merely attractive and decorative (flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies) but reflect a variety of cultural symbolism and traditions. Some, for those who know how to read the language of huipil designs (and that of course includes almost none of us), also refer to the wearers’ village or region, language, marital status, and various other aspects of her life. In that sense it’s a deeply personalized possession, you might say it’s akin to a Mayan Facebook page in cloth (OK, well, I might say that).

As a gringo visitor, of course, the huipiles available to you for purchase will largely stick to the more generalized motifs of Mayan culture. But these are beautiful enough, and few are the souvenirs you could bring back from your Yucatan vacation that are more meaningful and attractive – or make more of a conversation piece – than a Mayan huipil.

Photo | Wikipedia

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Why Is Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraíso TripAdvisor’s 2011 Traveler’s Choice Winner?

diciembre 22nd, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)

On a recent visit to Iberostar’s Playa Paraíso complex on the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I had a chance to check out a resort that hadn’t yet existed during my previous visit (it was built in 2007). In my 20-plus-year journalistic career I’ve experienced quite a few all-inclusives, both plain and very, very fancy, and even for me the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraíso was a real eye-opener. It starts right in front – every Iberostar lobby I’ve ever seen has been cool from a design standpoint, but here add to creative elements like a hanging forest of delicate blown glass, not to mention the space just beyond the reception area and lobby lounge: a soaring atrium filled with plants, flowers, and shrubs, surrounded by shops and specialty restaurants. It really feels like one of those gorgeous Belle Époque botanical gardens, and is a majorly peaceful place to just hang out.

The rest of the décor definitely continues that feel of Old-World elegance, in a fairly classical vein (featuring the likes of soaring columns and gilt-framed oils of old Venice). Looks aside, the vibe, too, is more subdued and sedate than your usual all-inclusive (including the Iberostar properties right next door) thanks to the adults-only policy and the lack of rowdy college kids and such. Not to say it’s dead – I certainly saw plenty of young professionals and couples as well as older folks, and the swim-up bar at the main pool certainly was buzzing the afternoon I was there. But this is definitely a place for those looking for laid-back luxury and an extra level of pampering including very attentive room, pool, and beach butlers, pillow menu, and more.

Thus, I was not surprised to learn that this spectacular resort is the 2011 top all-inclusive in the world, according to Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice. Actually, maybe I should just let Tripadvisor speak for itself, to see what past guests are actually saying. Here’s a random recent sampling just in a recent three-day period (if some comments sound suspiciously over-the-top, believe me, the exaggeration is relatively mild):

Oct. 29:  “We thought it was the most beautiful resort we have ever been to and that says a lot… The shows here are quality shows, not just thrown together… ”
– annacass21, Mufreesboro, Tennessee

Oct. 27: “Simply amazing! People very friendly, food exceptionally good… The tranquility pool was something I had never seen before. Very relaxing. The beach service was wonderful as well.”

– gorgeousmom, Toronto, Ontario

Oct. 27:  “The service from the entire staff is beyond belief. You never need to leave your beach chair for a beverage or meal. If there is anything you need your Concierge or Butler will make sure your needs are met…immaculate from the rooms, grounds and beach…food is amazing…each time that I’ve vacationed at the Grand, I’ve run into at least two or more couples that I have met there before.”
– tbone1616, Brunswick, Ohio

Naturally, I’m pestering the Iberostar people to send me back for more “research.”

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Iberostar’s Wild Kingdom: Animals on Parade

octubre 19th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)

I’m a huge animal lover, and I’ve been writing about vacation resorts for a few years now. These two facts might at first seem like a non-sequitur, but on my recent visit to Iberostar’s five-resort Playa Paraíso complex on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera below Cancun, they came delightedly together.

Here not a day goes by where you won’t spot a charming critter with feathers, fins, or fur. Strolling from my room to dinner one evening at the Paraíso Maya, I came across a peacock calmly striding around the covered outdoor walkway (I was hoping he’d unfurl his tailfeathers for me, but no such luck).  One resort over, walking from the Paraíso Lindo lobby toward the huge theater, I spotted a gaggle of flamingos preening themselves near a spurting fountain in one of the many shallow pools, while small turtles swam beneath them. A bit farther along, there was a Mexican family whose two little boys were absolutely entranced by a pair of swans – one black and one white. Multihued parrots rest on perches in various spots, and sometimes staffers will take them around to introduce to guests; at another point I saw a couple of guys letting guests hold a large tame iguana. One local Mexican friend of mine commented to me at the time, “Well, some of these kids have grown up in the city and never actually laid eyes on these animals outside of pictures or TV before, so this is a real revelation for them.”

Boffo Bonus for Family Vacations

Indeed, having animals all over like this strikes me as a really nifty extra for families with kids, both for entertainment and educational value. If you’re lucky enough to be down here during the nesting season of the giant loggerhead and green sea turtles (late June and late August), you’re in for a special treat, as mama turtles first lay their eggs in the beach sand and the babies hatch and immediately start wriggling madly toward the ocean.

Perhaps the cutest (and certainly the most ubiquitous) varmint you’ll see on-property here are the coatimundis (aka coatis), frisky little members of the raccoon family with pointy snouts, twitchy noses, long tails, and bright button eyes (as if they didn’t already look like adorable stuffed animals, I found out that one name for them in English is “snookum bears” – just too precious!). These critters range from northern Mexico down through much of South America, but here on the Yucatan coast they’re a particular subspecies, called Cozumel Island coatis. They’re curious, fairly intelligent, and here quite tame around both kids and grownups. As I walked from one resort pool across a plank walkway to the beach, dozens of them scampered and capered on either side, a couple even climbing the railing and peering at me. The reason is, I’m quite sure, that despite the “do-not-feed-the-animals” signs, these guys score goodies from guests all the time; I even spotted one family with a bag of breadcrumbs just going to town.

Quite honestly, I can’t recall any other resort with quite the open animal presence of this Iberostar complex, and it truly added a charming extra dimension to the resort experience. Want to learn more? Here’s an interesting interview with in-house biologist Saúl Juan Solano, who oversees these resorts’ plant life as well as the animals.

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Dive, He Said: Manning the Snorkeling/Scuba Diving Outfitter at an Iberostar Resort

octubre 5th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Mystery Guest - (0 Comments)

Getting underwater is a passion of mine, so whenever I’m close to the ocean, I’ll eagerly strap on fins, snorkel, and mask and plunge in. That’s how on my recent visit to Iberostar’s five-resort Playa Paraíso complex south of Cancun I quickly found myself at the dive shop at one end of the long beach. Dressel Divers sends hundreds of guests per week out on its excursions to the offshore reef – the world’s second-longest after the Great Barrier Reef, stretching all the way down to Honduras’ Bay of Islands. It’s an operation exceptionally well run by a friendly group of guys and gals, headed up by Armando, 24, who hails from Spain’s Alicante province, in Andalusia.

After a morning of glorious snorkeling out on the reef (when the moment I hit the water I was surrounded by fearless schools of brilliantly colored fish), I got Armando to sit down for a chat right alongside a room where one of Dressel’s staffers was briefing a group of divers about to head out for the morning.

So, Armando, how long have you been working here?

Just a little over one year. I came from Switzerland – great diving there! (laughs) No, I was doing different work there.

What can you see when you go out on the reef here on an average day?

Well, apart from the many corals – elkhorn, fan coral, brain coral, and so forth – there are quite a few beautiful, colorful fish like blue tangs, damselfish, trumpetfish, yellowtail snapper, and parrotfish.  There are also giant marine turtles, manta and eagle rays, barracuda, and green moray eels – pretty big ones, as much as 10 feet long. That’s diving, but you can also see a lot of these same animals snorkeling when the water is clear – with a visibility of, say, 30 to 50 feet. It always depends on the day – there are days when you might spot three turtles, and if you’re very lucky, dolphins. Usually you see a good variety, our guests are satisfied.

What’s the most common creature you see around here?

I’d have to say the blue tang. There are a few common species but that’s the most common of all.

And the rarest?

Flying GurnardThe flying gurnard, a species which walks on the sea floor and also has large wings (right). It’s rare, and very odd-looking. In winter we also sometimes get sharks like the bull shark – also cat sharks and whale sharks. It’s awesome.

And which do your clients especially like?

They really love the giant turtles – and the sharks, of course, when we can see them.

What do you recall as your most surprising moment here so far?

It would have to be the first time I saw a bull shark.  It wasn’t yet the season, but suddenly not one but six bull sharks appeared – it was a beautiful surprise.

Finally, what do you like most about your job?

Well, living here in Playa del Carmen with the sun and the sea and being able to dive every single day is an absolute dream come true for me. Add to that the different people I get to meet every day, and it all makes this job very interesting and a real pleasure.

Photos | David Paul Appell & Beckmannjan

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