June 17, 2004
We traveled as a group of 6 which included 2 children in two rooms and our expectations were high having read the many TripAdvisor reviews singing the praises of the Iberostar Complex.
The 2 week holiday exceeded our expectations immeasurably. The hotel complex's are spotless thanks to the army of cleaners/gardeners and they work night and day to keep it that way. Its only guests with no etiquette that spoiled the beauty of the place.
The poolside area as well as being large and free flowing had ample sun beds and you are serviced with free towels through the day as you need them with the smiling and always happy Noel (the Towel Man).
The adjacent beach is full of sun canopies, beds and the sand was cleaned most days (Yes - they even clean the beach !).
The many available restaurants provide a great choice for all palates and unless your American (because they seemed to not share our expectations when it comes to variety) your will be delighted with the offerings. We found the gourmet restaurant the most disappointing but only because its a fixed menu and with 2 young children they didn't like the prospect of eating
Mr. Lobster who had been boiled alive !.
We were upgraded to the junior suites as we had emailed in advance setting out to the Hotel the holiday was a special one for us (a good tip to take on board). The suites were functional and spacious and any problems will be dealt with before you have time to put the phone down to report them - and that's no
exaggeration.
The water sports provided were great and the equipment in excellent
condition. Expect to pay $35 for a 30 minute lesson before being allowed out on the catamarans though. However, if you haven't done it before, as I hadn't, its worth every penny given it allows you thereafter the freedom to sail were you like. The 1hour/day isn't strictly applied and if they have free slots available you can take them, which was really pleasing for us.
The diving lesson is as we expected no more than a taster to entice you onto the $300 - $400 packages. Worth it if your happy to spend 3hrs / day for 4 days in a class room - but not what we wanted from our holiday.
The "Star Team" entertainers work relentlessly and if you want to get involved in the raft of day time activities they welcome you enthusiastically, if you don't they will leave you well alone - a real take it or leave it choice. The night time entertainment was as we expected. Always provided with overflowing enthusiasm we felt at times it was a little repetitive - but hay when your working 14 hour days, 6 days a week we loved it all the same.
Anyway with the Casino and night clubs and disco bar open till early hours of the morning you have plent of other choices.
We managed to win a fortune at the casino playing Caribbean Poker (suggest you check the rules they play to if you haven't played before as we witnessed some very interesting arguments on what exactly the rules of Poker should be v's how they apply them). Anyway winning $500 +
played for our holiday expenses thank you very much and enjoyable Company to boot - great fun.
We went on the Marinarium Park and Aquarium trip at $65 for the afternoon we loved it. Its not often you get to swim with 8ft sharks and sting rays. Would recommend to any family as clean, safe, entertaining and highly enjoyable 6 hour trip - our 5 and 8 year old loved it and will probably never forget the experience.
Overall this is a stunning destination and setting with exemplary standards of holiday quality
in all facets of services offered. If you come back feeling disappointed email me and let me know what hotel you have been too that beats this one - I will book it the next day as I think you will struggle to beat the quality at the price anywhere in the World.
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Iberostar Resort Photos and Reviews
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