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

abril 4th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts 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

abril 2nd, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts 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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A Love Story in Spain: Erin Ridley

marzo 30th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Who would have thought a 15-minute conversation in a Madrid bar would change Erin’s life forever? Over five years after the first meeting, Erin Ridley no longer lives in San Francisco, but in Madrid, Spain, with that same Spaniard with whom she had that brief conversation.  And she is living the adventure of a lifetime, exploring new corners of Spain every weekend and writing about it on her blog, La Tortura Viajera.

As an expat in Spain, Erin is now living a life she loves, teaching English and writing about her adopted country for travel magazines and websites. She speaks fluent Spanish, cooks Spanish cuisine and she’s also visited all  the states in Spain, from Andalusia in the south to Galicia at the country’s northern edge.

Adventures in Spain

Erin started her blog as a personal diary for herself to keep track of her time in Spain, but now it’s become a very informative source for readers who are visiting Spain. On her website, you’ll find anecdotes from her adventures all over Spain: from celebrating Las Fallas festival in Valencia to sampling pintxos in San Sebastian and visiting villages in Catalonia. There are also city guides, récipes of typical Spanish dishes and tips and tricks for travelers visiting Spain.

The Best of Spain

As Erin says, Andalusia is her favorite region in Spain, although Galicia comes in at a close second place. “Nothing is more Spanish than the South – the weather, the food, the architecture, even the people . Andalucia is the source of Flamenco, gazpacho, and the very best olive oil.” Indeed, Andalusia epitomizes Spain at its most authentic. Wander through the Moorish palace of the Alhambra in Granada, head on down to the beaches of Marbella, or watch flamenco dancers kick up a storm in Seville – Andalusia is sure to surprise you.

Erin also worships Galicia, the offbeat region located in northwestern Spain. “With the ample supply of rain, and its location so much closer to the more northern countries of Europe, you may not even recognize it as Spain at first.  The landscape is vibrantly green and overflowing with life, while the music you hear will often be filled with bagpipes.  In Galicia they also speak their own language – a hybrid of Spanish and Portuguese called Gallego.  It’s a wonderful world of its own.” We can’t agree more.

Photo | Nellie Huang

When you visit an Iberostar hotel in Andalucía Spain, you will experience the best of  Flamenco, gazpacho, and the very best olive oil.

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Morocco’s Latest Fashion Guru: Laila Azhar

marzo 29th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Chaotic squares, colorful souks and elaborate mosques often come to mind when you think of Morocco. The North African country is almost always associated with spices, waterpipes, traditionally Arabic culture, and nomadic Berbers. Fort he uninitiated, it almost represents an enigmatic land lost in time.

But if you dig alittle deeper, you’ll find that there’s much more to Morocco beyond the deserts, markets and riads. While these are important reminders of Morocco’s past, its present is starkly different – the country now boasts vibrant urban vibes in its major cities, rich café culture, and most of all, an explosive fashion scene.

Morocco’s New Fashion Era

No longer is the traditional djellaba a fashion statement –  these days you can often spot young fashion-forward Moroccans dressed to the nines, adorning the latest in fashion from head to toe.

Laila Azhar is one of the most popular Moroccan fashion designers at the moment – the force behind this fashion wave that has swept through Morocco. Born in Morocco, Laila had moved to the United States at the age of five, spending her childhood between Morocco and Washington. Her interest in fashion design started during her modeling career and after graduating, she launched her own label, which was immediately well received by experts around the world.

Laila’s contemporary designs are created with the sophisticated and independent women in mind.  Today, she is one of the biggest names in Hollywood and her dresses are worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Lucy Liu and Khloe Kardashian.

Fashion is now a big part of Morocco and if you’re keen to discover more about fashion when visiting the Iberostar Hotel in Morocco, be sure to check out the boutiques in Marrakech or downtown Rabat. With a beautiful blend of traditional Arabic styles and modern Western designs, these new fashion brands in Morocco will sure to entice you.

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Monkfish & Vegetables Empanadas

marzo 28th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in No category - (0 Comments)

We always crave empanadas! Today the “Passion for Cooking” suggest these, because they have a touch of “originality” not like the same old tuna, meat or cheese … today’s empanadas are made of monkfish and vegetables! This is how you make them:

 Ingredients
 8 people

 • 8 empanada sheets

 • 250 g of munkfish

 • 1 zucchini

 • 1 red pepper

 • 1 yellow pepper

 • 1 green pepper

 • 2 dried tomatoes

 • 1 clove garlic

 • 1 small onion

 • 2.5 dl of milk

 • 2.5 dl fish stock

 • 125 g flour

 • 100 g butter

 • Olive oil

 • Salt

Directions

Add a little olive oil to the skillet and fry the chopped vegetables for a few minutes, then add the chopped garlic. Remove three quarters of the vegetables and place in a bowl. Cut the monkfish in squares and add to the skillet for a few minutes.

 Filling:
In  another pan add melt the butter incorporate the flour. Let it cook a little, add the hot fish stock and milk until it’s thickened. Then add  the sauce with the monkfish, the salt and let cool.

 The dough:
Stretch it in the center, placed one teaspoon of filling, moisten the edges with water and seal with the fork.

 Add Oil to a skillet and fry the empanadas (the oil has to be very hot)  Serve in a dish with a layer of the leftover vegetables and herbs.

Bon appetit!

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Gallipoli & The Loss of Innocence

marzo 27th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in The View - (0 Comments)

Destroyed buildings around Gallipoli

Gallipoli The Movie

Ask most Americans to think of famous actors in a war movie and their thought will immediately turn to Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan or Ben Affleck in Pearl Harbor. Ask the same question to the average Australian and they will be almost unanimous in naming Mel Gibson for his role as Frank Dunne in the classic movie Gallipoli. Indeed despite the movies Mel Gibson had starred in before the release of Gallipoli, many consider this to be the film that made him an A list star.

The 1981 film by Peter Weir is set against the backdrop of the Gallipoli campaign of 1915, in which around 100,000 men were killed including many from Australia and New Zealand. The sacrifice of those involved in the terror of the Turkish trenches is commemorated each day on April 25th, known across Australia and New Zealand as ANZAC Day.

From Innocence to War

The story begins in western Australia and centres on two young men and how they went to war. Archie is an innocent young man who is greatly influenced by his uncle’s reading of the Jungle Book. He decides that just as it was time for Mowgli to leave the wolves who raised him and make his own way in the big bad world, so he too needed to become a man and fight in the military. He meets Frank at an athletics carnival and they travel together to Perth to enlist for military service.

Their journey takes them through exotic Cairo where the young men live it up in the bars and brothels of the city before being dispatched to the hellish scenes of Gallipoli in Turkey. The scenes vividly portray the brutality of trench warfare, with the two men fighting desperately for the Allies while seeing death and destruction pile up around them.

Ironically none of the scenes were shot in Turkey, with all of the battle sequences carefully recreated in South Australia. Only the scenes at the Pyramids and in the bazaars were filmed in Egypt.

Go to Turkey today and you’ll find that the battlefields at Gallipolli provide a sombre but highly recommended visit for those wishing to learn more about the history of the bloody battle fought here almost 100 years ago. From Antalya resort and all along the holiday coast you’ll find excursions that take visitors to the scenes of the 1915 battle and allow them to pay their respects to the fallen and get a glimpse of how difficult life would have been for the troops in 1915.

The trenches have long gone but the sacrifices made by the young men in battle make this a hugely important places to visit for those whose ancestors fought and paid the ultimate price.

Photo:  By NA (Turkish General Staff)

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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!

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Kate Moss Honeymoons in Greece

marzo 19th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts 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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Cuba in Andy Garcia’s Memories

marzo 13th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Andy Garcia, one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, is best known for his portrayal of legendary mobster roles – such as those in Godfather Part III and Oceans Eleven. wonder where he got that cool mobster attitude? The suarve and charming actor has his Cuban heritage to thank.

Born in Cuba, Andy uprooted to the United States with his family when he was five. Due to an illness in high school, he ditched his dreams of playing basketball professionally for a career in acting. He started acting in university and upon graduation, he moved to Hollywood and achieved success rather quickly. Although Andy has never been back in Cuba, he remains proud of his roots.

Once here in Cuba, it’s easy to see why. Cuba is a country rich in tradition, and packed with unexplored beaches, mountains and virgin forests. For first-time visitors, a trip to the Cuban capital, Havana, is essential. Wander through psychedelic Che Guevara murals and see vintage Cadillacs whizz by in old town Habana Vieja; stroll along the beachfront malecón and take in the laidback vibes.

Then continue to Viñales, a quiet town characterized by calm streets and relaxing vibes. This is an excellent place to get a peek of the rural Cuban lifestyle and make a local friend or two.  For some adventure, head on to Pico Turquino, Cuba’s highest mountain, to thoroughly soak in the natural beauty of Cuba. Start your trek from Alto del Narango near la Plata until you read Las Cuevas, where you’ll be greeted by the turquoise coastline that hug this mountain.

Finally wind down in Varadero, home to some of the most popular beaches in Cuba. The setting is magnificent and the atmosphere sensual. A stay at the Iberostar Varadero would be the best way to end your journey through Cuba.

Photo | dneuman

Varadero is home to some of the most popular beaches in Cuba.  A stay at the Iberostar Hotels & Resorts hotel would be the best way to start your journey.

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Salma Hayek and Her Mexico

marzo 6th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (Comentarios desactivados)

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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