September | 2013 | Hotels and destinations

Rosario festivities in Fuerteventura

By Esther in Fuerteventura September 30, 2013

The capital of Fuerteventura, Puerto del Rosario, celebrates these days the Saint Patron’s festivities, which conclude the season term and welcome an autumn full of new and interesting projects. In the Puerto del Rosario festivities there is space for activities for all ages and interests: nobody is left out of the most important celebration of the year in the capital of Fuerteventura. Besides, if you are planning a family trip to Puerto del Rosario, you will be able to enjoy the calmness you deserve in the best All Inclusive hotelsof the island.

Puerto del Rosario en Fuerteventura

The activities during the Saint Patron’s festivities are held in the church’s square and in the recently pedestrianised Primero de Mayo street throughout the evening. This weekends’ agenda is specially designed for a young and medium-aged sports and outdoor activities lover public: skiffs regattas, football, basketball and Canary ball championships… Besides, also during this weekend the first open Fotosub in Fuerteventura will be held, an underwater photo championship whose aim is to promote the richness of Fuerteventura seabed. If you do not have any diving knowledge and you want to participate in this photographic activity, you will be able to take initiation diving courses in the diving clubs of the family hotels of this eclectic island.

Iberostar Fuerteventura Park

The Rosario festivities finish the next 7th of October and till then the village will keep the bubbling spirit which characterises the Saint Patron’s festivities, with visitors coming from very diverse destinations. Because of that, the best accommodation option for these days is a hotel with a good location far away from urban centres and with a natural setting which allows you to rest from the bustling city and recharge your batteries for a new day full of cultural, sports and entertainment activities.

GASTRONOMIC CYCLE “WOMEN WITH STAR”

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels September 26, 2013

The Majorcan hotel chain Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is organising, as part of their commitment to offer their guests unique experiences, a gastronomic cycle with the best known female chefs in Spain called “Women with a Star”. The venue chosen for this gastronomic event is the island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in one of the most spectacular hotels of the chain, the Iberostar Grand Mencey Hotel.

“Women with a Star”

This initiative is part of the many proposals already offered by the hotel and its Cookery Classroom, managed by the Canarian Chef Juan Carlos Clemente. Without a doubt, the Grand Mencey is a reference for gastronomic hotels in Tenerife. At the same time, the hotel also has 3 other restaurants and 3 bars, considered as some of the best restaurants in Tenerife.

This gastronomic cycle was inaugurated the 7th of September, featuring the Galician chef Beatriz Sotelo, from the restaurant A Estacion, with a Michelin Star. The Master Class aimed to bring the world of haute cuisine to Tenerife, as well as some of the most emblematic dishes of this restaurant located in the old railway station of Cambre, Galicia.

Chef Macarena de Castro

The mont of October is reserved for the Majorcan chef Macarena de Castro, from the restaurant Jardin in Alcudia, Majorca. The Master Class of this Michelin Star chef will be held under the title “Pure Mediterranean Sea”. On Saturday 26th of October, starting at 11.30, the attendees will enjoy the cooking class of this renowned chef and will then be able to enjoy a degustation menu, including a wine pairing.

The cycle of “Women with a Star” is open to the public and can reservations can be made through the website of the restaurant La Cocina del Mencey. Places are limited, and due to the great success of the previous event, we recommend you book in advance. This gastronomic cycle aims to bring the world of fine dinning restaurants to Tenerife.

Beaches of Ibiza: Es Canar

By Luke Durden in Uncategorized September 23, 2013

Secluded, quiet and off great natural beauty, the beach of Es Canar is one of those beautiful corners of Ibiza where to turn to when you seek to disconnect from the world and enjoy the authentic hippie spirit of the island. Located in the municipality of Santa Eularia des Riu, it has calm and shallow waters, surrounded by fine white sand, and over the years it has become one of the most popular beaches for families with children looking to discover the charm of Ibiza, first hand.

Santa Eularia des Riu, Ibiza

Shaped like a horseshoe and sheltered from the winds, the beach of Es Canar has all the necessary services from hammocks and parasols to lifeguards, showers, pedal boats and all kinds of bars. The beach is not too large and during the high season, as with all the beaches in Ibiza, it is difficult to find a spot unless you arrive early.

Mercadillo hippie Las Dalias

The beach is located in the village of Es Canar, near the centre of Santa Eulalia des Riu, heading towards the San Carlos area, between Punta Arabi and Cala Llenya. It is a lively place, filled with small shops, restaurants and bars, and small Ibizan style houses.

The town celebrates, on Wednesdays, one of the most famous markets in Ibiza, the market of Punta Arabi, where you can buy all kinds of objects and typical Ibizan clothing, as well as handicrafts and accessories. Nearby, in San Carlos which is roughly 3 Kms, from the beach of Cala Nova, you can find the emblematic market of Las Dalias, where it is very likely to find a celebrity during the summer.

Hotel Fiesta Cala Nova, Ibiza

The town has a nice historic wall and a port from where you can rent boats and kayaks, and enjoy a beautiful day sailing near the coast. Many of these boats leave the port of Es Canar and connect directly to the port of Ibiza as well as the nearby beach of Cala Llonga.

There are many hotels in Es Canar, with rooms for couples in Cala Nova and accommodations suitable for the whole family, as well as public transport services that connect to the main attractions of the island.

Autumn Sun in Port Mogan

By Luke Durden in Gran Canaria September 19, 2013

Summer is almost over, but for many this is when holidays begin. The traditional beach destinations in Spain become less crowded and allow for tranquility and relaxation where, just a few days ago, there was large crowds and noise. September and October are the perfect months to enjoy an autumn under the sun, and if we have to choose, Port Mogan in Gran Canaria is possible one of the best destinations for this fall.

Palmeramar apartments in Gran Canaria

Its spectacular nature, located in a beautiful valley next to the Atlantic ocean, surrounded by the large natural reserve of Inagua and the rural park of Roque Rubio, are just two of the many attractions. The town stands out among all other places in Gran Canaria for its delightful atmosphere that permeates its streets all year round.

Port Mogan, attracts those who live life with optimism, dedicating time and care to every moment, people that set the pace of time and not otherwise, as it often happens in cities. Visiting in Autumn is a balm for those of us that live absorbed by the cruelty of routine, work and obligations, a perfect way to recover strengths and face the coming winter with a smile on our face.

Apartaments Palmera Mar, a sunset in Gran Canaria

This area of Mogan, counts with excellent services to organise a tailor made holiday. There are sailing schools, that are perfect to enjoy some sailing lessons, embracing the liberty that the Atlantic Ocean transmits. There are also plenty delicious restaurants allowing to enjoy a gastronomic escapade, Canarian style, as well as exceptional places for hiking and of course, long beaches where to lie down and relax.

Accommodation in this area of Mogan is varied, from villas to large suites, luxury hotels and complete apartments to accommodate the whole family. One of our favourite accommodation is the apartment complex of Palmeramar Apartments in Playa de Amadores, which offer amazing views. These apartments have an outdoors heated swimming pool for adults and children, fully equipped kitchen, private terrace and a restaurant on the beach of Amadores, ideal to enjoy a breakfast with the sea breeze.

The first hotel in Islantilla

By Luke Durden in Resorts September 17, 2013

We begin September with a review of a very special hotel, an accommodation that was a milestone in the history of the municipality of Islantilla: the Confortel Islantilla Hotel was the first resort to be built in the area of Costa de la Luz, where up to the 90s there was only fields, farming lands, private fincas and steep cliffs. The area, as a place of cultivation and farming, was not productive as the land was affected by the tides and the abrasive saline humidity. The alternative was to convert it into a residential area intended for quality tourism.

Hotel Confortel Islantilla en huelva

This is how a coastal town was configured, full of charm and a relaxed atmosphere, designed for those looking to relax and where the Confortel Islantilla Hotel led the concept of a modern and innovative hotel. Design spaces that are refurbished over the years and rooms with state of the art services.

The hotel is on the beach of Islantilla and offers beautiful views of the coast of Huelva, renown for the quality of its waters and the wide range of restaurants and entertainment that has developed in this small tourist resort located between Lepe and Isla Cristina. In fact, the golf course of Islantilla, 27 holes, was constructed at the same time as the hotel, circa 1992.

Hotel con spa Islantilla

Some of the services, of the Confortel Islantilla Hotel, highly valued by its guests are the relaxing facilities and leisure options it provides, among which are the spa and the free WiFi. But, it has some other advantage over the rest of the hotels in the area: private parking, a full gym and heated swimming pool for the winter, since Islantilla is an interesting destination not only for a summer holiday.

Key points:

· Hotel with Spa in Islantilla

· Free Wifi and Internet Corner.

· Meeting rooms for events in Costa de la Luz.

· Mini club and activities for families.

Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace: Romantic Hotel Playa de Jandia

By Luke Durden in adults only hotels September 16, 2013

Among all the hotels that we received references or reviews, there is one in particular that stands out as an ideal hotel for couples in Playa Jandia. This is one of the most emblematic hotels of this area of Fuerteventura, managed by the hotel chain Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and with an exceptional location: the Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace Hotel is right on the beach and has one of the best views on the peninsula of Jandia.

Although it is not an Adults Only hotel, it has services for families and with free accommodation for the first child, it has been designed so that couples and parents may enjoy their holidays, even if they do not (or can not) leave their children at home.

Hotel Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace

Outdoor swimming pools with sea views, VIP area with spa and with adults only solarium, piano bar with terrace and chill out atmosphere, aerobics, diving, late breakfast… The facilities as well as the activities programme, have been designed to offer a fun and relaxing experience for those traveling as a couple.

The special rooms for couples are different from the rest, with exclusive furniture and spaces that create a cozy environments. You may choose between the Superior Double Room with views to the beach (32 m² and private sun terrace with loungers and Balinese beds) or the Suites in Playa de Jandia (similar, but with 45 m² and a Jacuzzi).

Hotel Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace in Fuerteventura

Main Points:

· Romantic Hotel in Playa de Jandia

· VIP area with spa and Adults Only solarium

· Wedding Halls: Recommended hotel for honeymoons

· Diving school in Jandia

The Thai Zen SPAce at the Iberostar Gaviotas Park

By Luke Durden in Spa & Wellness Hotels September 13, 2013

When choosing a hotel, the facilities and services offered by the hotel have a growing influence among travellers. The conversion factor fluctuates towards the smaller details that make a difference in an accommodation, rather than the traditional aspects relating to rooms or even, the destination. The large amount of competition nowadays, in destinations such as the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands or the south of Spain, make them determining factors.

The hotel industry in Spain is and has been a pioneer in many aspects, something that they have managed to export in their expansions throughout other areas of great tourist interest, such as the North of Africa or the Caribbean. One of those great advances has been the determination to offer services orientated to health and wellbeing tourism.

Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park

Wellness area, spa centres, beauty treatments, relaxing rooms… All these services were initially extremely demanded by the clients of luxury hotels but, with time, have become almost a necessity for those hotels that want to offer their clients an experience beyond accommodation.

One of those spaces created to offer that extra quality to their guests is the Thai Zen SPAce at Iberostar hotels. Most concretely, in this post we will evaluate the Thai Zen SPAce of a beach hotel in Fuerteventura, the Iberostar Gaviotas Park Hotel, that combines the services of a hotel for couples with the best details of a hotel for families in Playa Jandia.

THAI ZEN SPACE

The spa centre is only accessible for over 16 year olds and offers Jacuzzi, a thermal circuit, saunas, aromatic showers, feet pealing… A complete centre regarding installations and professional service, something very unique as in many hotels it is frequent for these type of wellness services not to find specialised staff.

Nonetheless, the element that makes the difference in this spa is its massage menu and therapeutic treatments, based on ancestral well being techniques that originated in Asia. A combination of actions that aim to relax body and mind and offer clients a unique experience.

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Marina Barracuda’s closing summer party in Majorca

By Luke Durden in Party Hotels September 4, 2013

The famous hotel with DJ’s in Magaluf, Marina Barracuda, is preparing for its summer 2013 closing party, an event bursting with music and fun. The event will take place from the 11th to the 13th of October and will bring to this part of the island of Majorca, some of the best international DJ’s and go-go dancers, just steps away from BCM’s Planet disco in Magaluf.

As reported by Marina Hotels, the Majorcan hotel chain that managing this hotel for young people in Magaluf, every day of the celebrations there will be a thematic party that will include a wide range of recreational activities such as acrobatics, dances, group games, sports in the swimming pool…

The first day, Friday 11th of October, the party “Circus Extravaganza” inaugurates the parties, from 8pm until midnight, and will include some of the best jugglers of the island, extravagant costumes and “many surprises”, as pointed out by the hotel management. Also, there will be DJ’s, animation and dances.

On Saturday, the popular “BCM Pool Party” will be held, with a session by DJ Pepa and Disco Fever, and on Sunday it will be the turn for the acclaimed foam party, the “Splash! Pool & Foam Party”, that will start at 4pm and finish at 7pm, at the hotel’s swimming pool.

At night, there will be DJ sessions, more dances, competitions, games and plenty of surprises organised by the animation team of the hotel, that will take the opportunity to say goodbye to their guests until next year.

You can already book a room at Marina Barracuda Hotel and have access to the party, and you can do so at the official website of Marina Hotels, as well as at the individual website of the hotel. The management recommends booking in advance as there are limited rooms and there is a high demand.

This event is the grand finale to a season packed with proposals that has reinforced the hotels position as a reference for hotels with DJ in Magaluf for this summer 2013. A season that begun celebrating in style and that promises many surprises for 2014

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Latest news from the Mencey’s Cookery Classroom

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels September 2, 2013

This September arrives full off news and updates from the Iberostar Grand Mencey Hotel & Resort and specially, from the Mencey Cookery Classroom. Although for many September is a complicated month, which includes the return to work, daily routine, children going back to school… it may not be the best idea to mention some of the activities and services offered by this hotel during the next month.

For those starting their holiday in September, and more specifically for those that have chosen the Canary island of Tenerife as a destination, our recommendation is that you pay close attention to new services offered by the Iberostar Grand Mencey, especially regarding the gastronomy of this gourmet restaurant in Tenerife.

Los Menceyes restaurant, known as one of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, after a magnificent reception, will continue to offer every first Sunday of the month, a brunch served on the terrace of the restaurant. Guests will enjoy the combination of the classic buffet with live cooking, including the famous Benedict eggs and an authentic Bloody Mary.

Without a doubt, the culinary novelty is the cycle of “Women with a Star” which will bring to the island some of the most respected and well known Michelin star chefs in Spain. Each month, starting on Saturday 7th of September, all those who wish may attend an exclusive Master Class and then enjoy the tasting menus offered by these chefs in their respective restaurants.

We would like to emphasise the presence of the Mallorcan chef Macarena de Castro, head of the Michelin starred restaurant Jardin, and the only woman on the island of Mallorca that has that distinction. The Master Class will be held on the 26th of October in the Cookery Classroom of the Mencey. The cooking class starts at 11.30 and finishes at 13.00, where guests can later enjoy the degustation menu ” Pure Mediterranean Sea.”

This cooking cycle of “Women with Star ” will end on the 7th of December by the hand of the Chef Fina Puigdevall head of the Restaurant Les Cols in Olot , which has two Michelin stars. This cycle of fine dining in Tenerife can become a reference, not only to the Canary cuisine , but for all Spain.

Do not hesitate and book your holiday in this gastronomic hotel in Tenerife.

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