The best time of year to enjoy Majorca

By Luke Durden in Majorca

Although many believe that the best time to visit Majorca is during the summer, those of us who live on the island know that’s not quite true: while the arrival of the sunnier months is a blessing and the waters of the Mediterranean resemble a warm swimming pool, the large number of people and the suffocating heat of August,  are not the best company for a relaxing and peaceful trip to the sea.

Playa de Muro, Mallorca

Playa de Muro, Mallorca

Autumn, however, is indeed a perfect time to visit the island. It is likely that there will be some stormy days (which are much welcomed after the summer) while mass tourism has left the beaches with a peaceful and restful solitude that are ideal for rest. The water in the coast of Majorca still has a perfect temperature for swimming all day long and, although most of the beach bars and hotels are already closed, those remaining are a peaceful haven in which to enjoy good food and a more personalised service than one might expect during the summer.

Between October and November, Majorca is, really, the island of calm. Besides being able to enjoy the beaches, this is also the best time of year to practice all kinds of sports: the winds that come from time to time, turning the bays of Palma and Alcudia the ideal scenario to sail or practise Kite Surf. The Serra de Tramuntana is the perfect place to relax while hiking to end up discovering beautiful secret coves.. Cycling is very popular at this time, and golf courses become the centre for international personalities from all over the world.

Iberostar Suites Hotel Jardin del Sol

Iberostar Suites Hotel Jardin del Sol

At this time of year, it is also when the towns of Majorca enjoy their most authentic spirit including agricultural and livestock fairs, called Fira de Tardor, crafts and traditional markets, wine cellars are full after the September harvest, fish mongers dealing with tasteful fish and seafood…. Autumn definitely transforms Majorca into a gastronomic and cultural surprise.

For those who finally decide to explore this hidden side of Majorca, the best is to choose an accommodation that suits the type of trip you have in mind. Although there are all kinds of luxury hotels in Majorca and, in general, the whole island has many charms to offer, the location of your accommodation during this time of year is important.

Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites

Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites

If one dreams of an active holiday, the best alternative is to book a hotel in Playa de Muro. There are many interesting proposals, ranging from a spa hotel in the bay of Alcudia, surrounded by gardens and natural dunes, a special hotel for athletes, with bicycle storage and repair shop designed for those who come to the island to practice cycle tourism.

For those looking to relax and catch the last rays of sunshine of the year, one of the best places on the island is an area called Costa de la Calma, the Calm coast, a perfect place to enjoy a delicious and traditional pamb oli, while facing the Mediterranean and with one of the most amazing sunsets on the island.

Right on this coast , there are a couple of interesting hotels: Iberostar’s Jardin del Sol, which is a hotel for romantic escapades to Majorca, and Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites, which is next to the beach of Cala Blanca, a small sea inlet with rocks and clean waters. Both are in the hidden part of the bay of Santa Ponsa, and is one of the most popular bathing areas by those who live in Palma.

Fegus Boutique Bon Repos

Fegus Boutique Bon Repos

Another good alternative is to stay in the town of Santa Ponsa. The summer’s racket has faded away and this town becomes the ideal destination to rest. In fact, many foreigners have chosen this location to buy a second home while the atmosphere is of a fisherman’s town that mixes local culture and the international influence.

In the centre of Santa Ponsa there are many hotels, but there are a couple that stand out from the rest. One of them, is one of the few boutique hotels in Calvia available, called Bon Repos, (good rest). The other is a hotel on the beach of Santa Ponsa, the Plaza Santa Ponsa, that belongs to the hotel chain Fergus Hotels, more traditional but with a fantastic location, next to the park and the town’s main square.

Confortel is committed to their hotels in Andalusia

By Luke Durden in Andalusia

The summer season of 2013 is almost over, and the time comes to make assessments and evaluations.  Although, in general, it seems that this year the results have been positive for the tourism industry, some tourist areas have performed better than others. Majorca continues to lead the month of August, compared to the Canary Islands which have the months when it is cold on the mainland. Andalusia is improving, without a spectacular increase, before the northern parts which still have a long way to compete against destinations like Malaga, Huelva or Cadiz.

Hotel Confortel Fuengirola

Hotel Confortel Fuengirola

If we look at the support for Andalusia as destination, a Spanish hotel chain that has shown great efforts in this regard, is Confortel Hotels, that has 4 hotels in the region and stands out for its commitment to ensure a quality hotel service, even at mature destinations as is the case of Fuengirola.

Hotels Confortel en Andalucia

Hotels Confortel en Andalucia

Besides being a pioneer hotel chain in the construction of upmarket tourism in the Andalusian coast – Confortel owns the first hotel ever in Islantilla -, it has continued to advance in its idea to offer something more to travellers who choose the south of Spain as a destination to spend their summer. In its portfolio, you can find from one of the best all inclusive hotels in Calas de Conil to a design hotel on the beach of Fuengirola.

They are all 4 star hotels offering full services, a cutting edge design and a privileged location. In addition, the majority offer free Wi-Fi, conference and meeting rooms, parking, mini club and areas for relaxation and sport.

Confortel’s idea has been taken up, with more or less success, by other competing hotel chains, raising the level of services offered at hotels in Malaga, Cadiz and Huelva, areas in which the spectacular weather and its traditional market position as top holidays destinations had clouded certain aspects of a professional tourist service, all of which are of key importance for the traveller of the XXI century.

The implication of the hotel industry to provide a higher quality product is essential to maintain the level of income tourism provides in Spain: waiting for external matters benefit our country before another is simply not an solution.

Budapest, a city for the future

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels

The city of Budapest is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and each year attracts roughly 4.5 million visitors, making it the 25th most visited city in the world. It lacks no arguments, as there are a number of locations included in UNESCO’s World Heritage, which include the Buda Castle, the Heroes ‘ Square and the Andrassy Avenue. It is also worth mentioning the 80 geothermal springs in the city, making it the largest hot springs system in the world.

Buda castle

Buda castle

Since the end of the Soviet era, and after some years of uncertainty, the city of Budapest experiences a social and economic change that make it one of the top cities in the world due to its quality of life and economic development. The presence of some of the most important hotel chains in the world and the increase of quality services, which had always been present in the Hungarian culture, reflects the country’s current economic situation, regardless of existing global crisis.

The Spanish tourism industry has taken good note of this development, and some of the most important tourism companies in the country have already or intend to open as soon as possible hotels and other accommodations. Among these, the hotel chain Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and its beautiful 5 star hotel, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest.

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

Thanks to Iberostar hotels, there is a presence of spanish restaurants in Budapest. The prestigious Chef Sergio Montaño leads the kitchen of the restaurant La Plaza, a faithful representative of Spanish cuisine in the city .

There are numerous international restaurants in Budapest, and the number of restaurants of exotic cuisines from around the world, continues to increase due to the great success among the local public and the interest of tourists and businessmen visiting the city. There is no doubt that Budapest can become a European reference for the future, combining the quality of life and economic development it experiences.

Beaches of Ibiza: Playa d’en Bossa

By Luke Durden in Uncategorized

The name is always associated with the more festive and party side of the island and it is, in fact, the most famous beach in Ibiza. Playa d’en Bossa is the great meeting point of young people and families from all around the world, that travel to the island every summer to the “white island” to enjoy the charm of its relaxed atmosphere, music and its warm Mediterranean waters.

With white sand, shinny and very thin, the Playa d’ en Bossa has a length of 2.7 km and occupies a large bay between Ibiza and Sant Josep, caressed by the winds coming from the sea. When the wind blows from the south it is an ideal place to practice water sports such as surfing or sailing. Around the beach, along the long seaside promenade that surrounds it, you can find numerous bars, restaurants and nautical sport shops where one can book sailing boats, diving lessons or kite surf equipment.

Fiesta Grand Palladium Ibiza

Hotel Fiesta Grand Palladium Ibiza

The most lively area of Playa d’ en Bossa is found closer to Ibiza, just 3 km from the airport. Here, there is always people following the party spirit of the island, and watching planes nearly touching the sand has become a show that some locations, like the famous Bora Bora, have manage to take advantage of as a symbol of this great holiday island.

Walking towards the other end, which is part of the municipality of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, the atmosphere is quiet and familiar. Children and adults come to enjoy the crystal clear waters and nearby complementary offer is oriented towards enjoying the relaxing side of Ibiza.

Fiesta Hotel Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza

Hotel Fiesta Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza

In this area, near the Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Hotel and the Fiesta Club Palm Beach, you can find the typical Ibizan shops, relaxed restaurants where you can taste a typical dish from the island or international cuisine, as well as lounge bars with sun loungers and chill out areas on the beach itself – like the famous Nassau beach – ideal for a cocktail while the kids play and run around the sand.

Very close, just over 3 km, is the Water Park of Aguamar and the beautiful natural park of Las Salinas. Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza, is only 4 km away.

This area of Playa d’en Bossa is the most familiar area of a tireless Ibiza, an island that is able to offer on the same beach, different options for fun and relaxation for all ages.

GASTRONOMIC CYCLE “WOMEN WITH STAR”

By Luke Durden in gastronomic hotels

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Hotel con spa fuerteventura

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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