Playa Pilar Beach, the most beautiful beach in Cuba

By Luke Durden in Uncategorized

Playa Pilar Beach is world-renowned as the best beach in Cuba. Located in one of the best preserved islets in the Cuban archipelago Jardines del Rey (Cayo Guillermo, next to Cayo Coco), this beach is a hidden oasis of calm, fine white sand, lazy coconut palms, crystal clear waters and, facing it, a beautiful island that gives way to the second largest barrier reef in the world.

A tropical paradise to immerse yourself and forget about the rest of the world. Perfect to escape from the routine and relax. There is little tourism infrastructure and the environment is pure jungle, paths and beaches, with only 4-5 resorts that have been settled in the area and provide all the services that the visitor may need, but without disrupting  the magic that can only be found in Pilar Beach.

Water sports like scuba diving and windsurfing are outstanding in this area of Cuba, as well as sport fishing (in fact, every year, close to Cayo Guillermo, one of the most important sport fishing competitions in the world is celebrated), canoe routes or hiking.

Enjoying its tranquillity and the beauty of the landscape of Playa Pilar Beach is a luxury and little or nothing has to do with the Caribbean crowd that can be found in other famous tourist spots in Cuba. Pilar Beach is conceived to relax and make the most of your free time doing all those things that we can do because of routines and work. You visit Pilar Beach to give yourself a few days of rest and relaxation, to lie down all day in hammocks on the beach, to swim, float, and sunbathe. To smile every morning and say to yourself that paradise exists.

 

Hotel Iberostar Playa Pilar, Cuba

Hotel Iberostar Playa Pilar, Cuba

 

What to see in Playa Pilar:

Cayo Guillermo Dunes

Colonies of flamingos

The barrier reef

Cayo Media Luna

Cayo Guillermo Natural Park

Accommodation in Pilar Beach:

One of the last resorts opened in Cayo Guillermo is IBEROSTAR Playa Pilar Hotel, the only one which is located right in Pilar Beach, with direct access to its paradise of white sands and turquoise waters, surrounded by tropical vegetation and perfectly integrated in the environment. Its Cuban-inspired architectural style, Caribbean nature and soft colours give it that unmistakable touch of oasis of peace created for those travellers that really want to enjoy the destination.

The rooms and suites in Pilar Beach in this exclusive resort of IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts chain combine the innovative design of this company, with cutting-edges facilities, and Cuban Caribbean style. In this way, they provide a place of relaxation and comfort full of authenticity that allows guests to be constantly connected to the roots and traditions of this amazing place in Jardines del Rey.

Services in Playa Pilar Beach offered by this resort are the complement that this area of Cayo Guillermo needed, because they offer the facilities to make the most of its attractions: local cuisine, water sports, activities to discover its most hidden treasures… In addition, common areas (bars, restaurants, terraces…) designed in full detail to avoid contrasts which ruin the charm of this paradise.

To take advantage of the offers in this hotel in Pilar Beach, you just need to visit the IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts official website and arrange the accommodation directly from there: besides ensuring the lowest price online, all guests can personally communicate with the hotel, avoiding intermediaries.

Start planning your holidays right now

By Loren in Destination

The winter, the cold, and Christmas are coming… and this is the perfect moment of the year for booking your holidays saving a good amount of money. The Early Booking campaign is to start, the hotels are commercialising almost all their rooms (except those offered directly by OTAs and tour operators, agencies, etc), all types of rooms are available and planning ahead of time is a must, as this guaranties hotels a high occupancy rate.

Discounts of up to the 30 and 40% are offered depending on the hotel and the destination. Besides, making a reservation on the official website of the hotels you will be able to save the price added by the intermediaries and you will have the guaranty of the direct booking. This is an advantage if you are travelling with children or you need any special service, as you can manage your reservation directly with the hotel and avoid later negative surprises during your holidays.

The reservation of rooms in Majorca, Barcelona, Canary Islands or Andalusia, which are some of the most typical destinations, is cheaper during these months previous to January/February. The prices of the hotels in Tenerife -areas such as Costa Adeje, for example- or the hotels in Jandia, Fuerteventura, do not fluctuate much by season, as this is a sun and beach destination with an unchangeable weather, although you may get small discounts with early bookings. The All Inclusive Hotels and the beach resorts in Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura are the most versatile establishments, as they have a long high season.

The hotels on the coast of Andalusia are a good alternative at competitive and adjusted prices: resorts in Cabo de Gata or the great hotels in Huelva may offer discounts of up to the 50%. However, you need to make an at least 7-night reservation in specific types of rooms.

If you want to book a  hotel in Puerto Pollensa or a hotel in Cala Millor, which are very popular areas during summer in Majorca, we recommend you to make your reservation before January. As the year progresses, specially after the Holy Week, price rise considerably. The same happens with the hotels on Calvia’s coast, both with the hotels for families in Magaluf and with the hotels in Santa Ponsa or the accommodations in Costa de la Calma.

Whenever you make a reservation with discounts, read carefully the conditions, as the most exclusive services you might be interested in may not be included. The spas, special dinners in the à la cart restaurant, premium drinks or sport activities are rarely included in the offers and must be booked separately. The All Inclusive service may be an alternative for these cases, specially if you are travelling with your family and you want to enjoy a worry-free trip.

Do not forget to compare prices, and although Booking and Expedia apparently offer the best rate, check out the official websites of the hotels or the chains as in many cases, as in the case of Iberostar, these websites offer the lowest price and a 5% discount for those who find a lower price in other websites.

 

What to see in Barcelona in 1 day

By Loren in Barcelona

Barcelona is a destination worth a one-week visit. But if you are planning a one-day layover in the Condal City, here you will find a tour around the main tourist attractions so that you can make the most of your trip. However, we are sure you will want to come back.

The heart of Barcelona

Ramblas and the Gothic neighbourhood are two must visit places you have to include in your trip to Barcelona. Not only because they are located in some of the most beautiful and famous monuments of the city, but also because here you will find the authentic ambience of the old Barcelona. Even despite the fact that these are the most popular places and it is sometimes hard to escape from the groups of tourists wandering around, walking around Barcelona’s historic centre is a luxury for all senses. Its streets, its squares, the local shops, the cathedral, its nice villagers, the art and the originality of its nooks, with hundreds of street artists and improvised events… It is one of the liveliest areas of the city, both at night and during the day, as it also features bars ideal for both a brunch or a drink.

The best you can do if you only have one day is to spend a morning walking around the area. And visit all the tourist attractions highlighted in the guides, without a specific route. If you choose a hotel in Ramblas or a hotel near La Boquería Market, you will stay close at hand to all the tourist attractions and you will not need to take subways, taxis or buses: walking around the city is an experience in itself and the fact that the old city is not really big has its advantages. Do not miss the harbour, a shopping route around the Borne’s small boutiques and luxury shops, a tapas route around the Macba area near the Raval, a visit to an exhibition… The Petrixol Street is an ideal place for savouring some of the typical delicacies of Barcelona and it is close to your accommodation.

Modernism within your reach

From your hotel in the centre of Barcelona you will have a direct access to the modernist area of the city. Although you will find modernist footprints around the whole Barcelona, you should not miss two classic examples: the famous Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Familia. If you choose a hotel near Catalunya Square you will enjoy good communications with the old city and with the Ensanche, where you will discover a different and modern Barcelona. Gràcia, the Ciudadela Park, the Casa Milà…

If you are an art lover and you want to make the most of your trip and discover the modernism of Barcelona in just a day, we recommend you to stay in a museum hotel in Barcelona, an old modernist building. And if you prefer to enjoy your afternoon contemplating the views from the highest area of Barcelona, do not miss the Parc Güell, where you will be able to combine nature, games and modernism, apart from a visit to one of the key areas of the Condal City.

Other nearby hotels:

Ideas for travelling before New Year’s Eve

By Loren in Destination

Countdown for the end of 2015. Supermarkets are crammed with nougat candies, firms start to look for a day for the business meals, mum has already called 5 times to organise Christmas gatherings… Everything smells of Christmas and we are still on November. But do not let yourself be carried away by the social Christmas frenzy and take a break before Christmas Eve. Make the most of your last holidays and enjoy a getaway on December’s long weekend. It’s now or never. Carpe diem and let’s dream.

We have asked different travel experts for advice and they have given us some ideas for travelling at the end of the year that will help you find the perfect excuse for getting into the adventure. Unique accommodations, snow and mountain destinations, getaways to the Mediterranean looking for the sun… Everything. Take note. And keep us informed about your plans 😉

Plan 1) Sierra Nevada from the highest mountain hotel in Europe

Do you fancy a snow getaway, taking out the skis, escaping from the city, getting to Granada and crowning Sierra Nevada? Then this is the perfect option for you. This year stay in a 5-star hotel with spa, gourmet gastronomy, state-of-the-art services in Monachil and direct access to the slopes: the Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya. It is said to be the highest hotel in Europe, and it is definitely a paradise for winter sport lovers. The average prices are about 150 euros per night (taxes included).

Plan 2) Madrid with friends

Few destinations are as versatile and varied as Madrid for a winter getaway. During these dates, the capital shines more than ever, with endless plans, parties, new theatre and music shows and irresistible gastronomic options. Regarding the accommodation, Madrid is relatively cheap when talking about a good hotel in the centre (the best option if you want to travel around the heart of the city without worries). There are very interesting design hotels in Madrid for groups: the Clíper Gran Vía Hotel or the Alcalá Torre Hotel are two good examples, as both feature spacious and fully equipped rooms ideal to be shared. If you want to surprise your group of friends, the Vincci Capitol, located in the same building as the mythical cinema theatre of Madrid, may be the perfect option for you.

Plan 3) 5-star Majorca

The summer island may also be a perfect plan for winter. The actions taken to make Majorca’s capital, Palma, a complete destination for any time of the year are yielding positive results and today’s option is attractive enough for a long relax and leisure holiday in the city, beyond the typical sun and beach. If you do not want to miss any plan, either you travel with your family or with friends, the best option is getting an accommodation near Palma, like the resorts and hotels in Playa de Palma, which will allow you to stay within a 15 minute drive to the city centre, to which they are connected through a pleasant seaside promenade ideal for walking or cycling. Prices are affordable during this time of the year, whenever you do not include New Year’s Eve, when prices rise again.

Cabogata Garden Hotel, Almería

Cabogata Garden Hotel, Almería

Plan 4) Almeria, nature and sea

Maybe you haven’t thought of planning a getaway to Almeria in winter before, but it is during these months when the Andalusian capital shows a special charm and colours. Its stunning natural landscapes, full of contrasts and with the Cabo de Gata Níjar Natural Park as its main exponent, make it an ideal destination for nature, outdoor sports and trekking lovers. But Almeria is much more, it is relax and good gastronomy. Almeria’s gastronomy is one of its hallmarks: do not miss the opportunity to try some of the typical specialities of this magic land. Regarding accommodation, the most recommended establishments are the resorts in Cabo de Gata, near the park. Prices are usually cheap and include exclusive services.

Plan 5) Caceres, a paradise of golf and peaceful ambience

Heritage, culture, calmness and nature come hand-in-hand in Caceres to offer you the perfect winter getaway. The most interesting option is planning a trip to Isla Valdecañas, a natural oasis specially designed for the wellness and leisure of the most demanding travellers of the XXIst century. The most recommended accommodation in Isla Valdecañas is the boutique hotel near the Monfragüe Natural Park, which includes access to the spa, horse riding school, sport courts, areas for events, swimming pools, golf courts, gastronomy… It is a 4-star hotel with a good quality price ratio ideal for travelling with your couple or with children.

Plan 6) Barcelona and its coast

Visiting the great capital of the Mediterranean is always a good option, but we recommend you to travel along its coast. If you love outdoor sports, quiet villages and traditional cuisine, this coastal area will offer you everything you need for your last 2015 holidays. Besides, it is the cheapest plan of all: the hotels on Barcelona’s coast offer good prices and a wide variety of options which include from the classic hotels in Calella and the hotels in Costa Brava, specially designed for relax and entertainment, to the hotels in Santa Susanna or the accommodations in Pineda de Mar. All of them offer a good personal attention and exceptional locations.

Hotels for families and couples in the south of Fuerteventura

By Loren in Fuerteventura

A holiday in Fuerteventura is a guaranty of sun, beach, good gastronomy, entertainment for children and calmness for adults. So do not hesitate: this magic island is the perfect option for any time of the year. We have selected some hotels of the south of Fuerteventura specially designed for trips as a couple or for family holidays. Besides, now they have an interesting offer for a New Year’s Eve under the sun 🙂

Fuerteventura Palace Hotel

We have already talked before about this hotel on Jandia beach, really close to Morro Jable, as it is one of the most versatile and complete accommodations of the area. Although it is a hotel for all types of clients, both its services and its common areas and rooms have been designed to offer an extra of comfort to those who travel as a couple with or without children. In fact, it features reserved areas for adults and game areas for children. Besides, it is located in front of the beach, which makes it an ideal accommodation for the practice all type of water sports.

Playa Gaviotas Hotel

Near the previous one, really close to the famous Matorral beach, one of the most unspoilt and stunning beaches of the south of Jandia, we find this hotel ideal for travelling with children. With good communications with the different areas of Fuerteventura, with the main theme parks and leisure water areas, zoos and cultural tourist attractions, this is a hotel with fully-equipped rooms designed for the whole family and with an All Inclusive service which allows for the organisation of a trip at an adjusted budget.

Playa Gaviotas Park Hotel

A similar hotel to the Playa Gaviotas Hotel, this beach hotel in Jandia is an authentic luxury for your relaxing holidays with children. Apart from its varied gastronomy, All Inclusive board, games room, sports and relax areas, its rooms in Jandia are one of the hallmarks of this establishment. They are modern, spacious and versatile rooms equipped for the comfort of adults and children and with details that will allow you to organise a personalised trip. And prices are more than affordable.

 

Your last 2015 holidays… Snow, golf or an urban trip?

By Loren in Destination

Already in November, we do not have any alternative than accepting that days are getting shorter and Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s time to prepare our farewell to the 2015. But relax, we still have time for a last getaway: December’s long weekend. So let’s concentrate and look for a place where to escape from the frantic rhythm of the cities for at least 4 days before the nougat candies, the family gatherings, the stress of the Christmas shopping and business meals.

Winter getaway

Nothing better to accept that winter is coming than plunging into it. The offers for the snow getaways are already available, you just need to choose a destination and a hotel. So here comes our proposal:

– After having looked for different options, we choose the cold of the south, which is less extreme… And for the accommodation, we have chosen a hotel in Sierra Nevada at the foot of the slopes. A 5-star hotel for you to pamper yourself with a luxury getaway before Christmas and to conclude the 2015 as you deserve. Goodbye stress, goodbye routine, let’s enjoy the snow, the sport, the adventure and the luxury. A little of what you fancy does you good. The hotel is one of the most exclusive ski hotels in Spain, where you will even find plans for those who are not good at skiing and surfing the slopes. Gastronomy, spa and a lot of calmness in a stunning setting: Monachil.

Golf getaway

If you are already an amateur, we are not going to tell you anything you do not know. But if you have not tried golf before, this might be your opportunity.

Extremadura.- The idea is booking a golf hotel in Valdecañas, Cáceres, an exceptional natural setting with thousands of square metres of natural landscapes, golf courts, sport and wellness services, gastronomy, activities for children… It is a 4-star resort in Valdecañas Island, surrounded by lagoons and spaces for relax with an excellent quality price ratio and ideal for a family getaway. The golf services are the best in Spain.

Vincci Valdecañas Golf

Vincci Valdecañas Golf

Urban getaway

And we have lots of options here… Choosing a destination is not easy when there are so many options available: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Valencia, Palma de Majorca… We have chosen an accommodation in every city so that you choose the one that best suits your interests.

Madrid.– This is the best time of the year for visiting the capital. These days of December the capital shines more than ever: its traditional stew, its tapas, its “huevos rotos” (scrambled eggs), the croquettes in San Miguel Market… The idea is staying in a hotel in the centre of Madrid. There is a lot of variety here, but we highlight two options with a good quality price ratio: Petit Palace Alcalá Torre (located in one of the most emblematic buildings of the city) and the Vincci Capitol (located on the foundations of the mythical cinema theatre and with a decoration inspired in the seventh art).

Barcelona.- Design urban Mediterranean to full power. Culture, art and innovation. If you want to close the year with a funny getaway full of plans, unique and cool proposals.. Barcelona is the place to be. Savouring a mouthwatering brunch, relaxing by the sea, visiting a few exhibitions, having a walk around the historic centre and enjoying the modernism, discovering nightlife and getting the last fashion tendencies. Everything. And for a place to stay, we recommend you two accommodations: a hotel near Ramblas, at the heart of the city; and a design hotel near Diagonal Mar shopping centre.

Seville.- Y olé. If you cannot stand extreme hot, December is the best time of the year for a visit to Seville. In Seville the rain may be fabulous, as it becomes the best excuse for visiting tavern after tavern, enjoying its fabulous gastronomy, its lively atmosphere, its welcoming people and its special colours. Flamenco, history, art and tradition come hand-in-hand in this lively capital of Andalusia. We recommend you two hotels in the centre of Seville so that you can enjoy the city with comfort: one in Santa Cruz neighbourhood and the other one a 4-star hotel in Seville with good communications with the main tourist attractions: the Petit Palace Marqués de Santa Ana.