RESORT OPTION #4: Iberostar offers value check-list

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/12/2009 (5895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

2010 is quickly approaching and the weather is turning colder, leaving many Canadians with a vacation dilemma: How do you find the best value for your vacation dollar without dissecting countless brochures, newspaper ads and websites?

It’s easy — you turn to Iberostar Hotels & Resorts for an ideal combination of value and service.

Founded in 1973, Iberostar currently operates in 19 countries around the world and employs and international workforce of more than 23,000 people. They use eight principles, which have been developed with the ‘vacationer’ in mind, to guide their operations. Each of these, show their strong commitment to consumer satisfaction:

1. On the best beaches in the world

2. Ideal for holidays alone or with children

3. The greatest of care for our surroundings

4. Large gardens with swimming pools

5. Excellent decoration

6. Exquisite cuisine

7. Highly qualified team

8. Exceptional upkeep of premises

After much success in the tourism sector, Iberostar began to make a firm commitment to social and human development. As a result of working with the needs of developing countries and their people on a daily basis, the Iberostar Foundation was started in 2004. A non-profit organization, the Foundation works at providing social welfare and cooperation for development in Spain and Latin America.

The dedication to both the consumer and those residents, who are local to their hotels, makes Iberostar Hotels & Resorts one of the leading choices for vacationing Canadians. Choosing the Iberostar Costa Dorada in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic as your prize will allow you to experience a different type of holiday, an Iberostar holiday.

Attracting a diverse blend of international vacationers, free-spirits, adventure seekers and business developers, Puerto Plata is the thriving centre of northern Dominican Republic. Kissed with sunshine and pristine golden shores, this area sizzles with a unique cultural blend of Spanish, French and African influences. Its people are friendly and energetic and graciously welcome outsiders into their lives, even if only for a few short hours.

Here, not only will you be treated to the superb all inclusive amenities of the Iberostar Costa Dorada, but a myriad of off-resort activities including mountain biking, kiteboarding, repelling, waterparks, museums (Rum and Amber) and world-class golf. Plus the bustling Costa Dorada complex, just five minutes from the hotel, offers dining, entertainment, shopping and even a movie theatre to entertain you.

Directly on the beach, this resort would impress any seasoned vacationer and is a watersports enthusiasts dream. Diving (one free introductory lesson included, and on-site PADI certified divers available), snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing are all included in your all-inclusive stay.

Beyond the open water a full range of activities awaits. Tennis, archery, air gun tournaments, yoga and even a fully equipped gym are available to you. Of course, if you are looking for a more relaxed activity like lounging & sleeping or just cooling off, the over-sized pool and Jacuzzi area fringed with sun chairs and palapas is the place to be.

And when you’re tired from the continuous activity or need a break from the pool, the full service Spa (complete with Turkish Bath) will soothe your tired body with your choice of massage and facial treatments.

Not forgetting about the little ones, the resort offers a playground and kid’s pool plus Lucy’s Mini Club where tots to pre-teens (ages 4 to 12) can participate in supervised activities. If this doesn’t sound like enough, Iberostar provides evening entertainment as well. With live shows, bars and a Disco, there is something to please every night owl.

For the ‘foodie’ in you, the Iberostar Costa Dorada has 3 à la carte restaurants and one buffet to choose from. Try something new and unique like sautéed shrimps in sugar cane rum from the Brazilian restaurant, or tuna carambola on banana leaf at the Caribbean restaurant. For something familiar, don’t miss out on spicy tacos and homemade salsa from the Mexican restaurant or fresh pasta and local fruit desserts served at the International buffet.

Iberostar recognizes the importance of your hotel room, and has strived to create an atmosphere that is as comfortable as your bedroom at home — with enhanced amenities, of course! As part of your prize you’ll start and end each day surrounded by plush bedding, regularly stocked mini-bar, satellite TV and a private terrace or balcony affording views of the surrounding gardens, pool or Dominican backdrop.

When you choose the Iberostar Costa Dorada in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic as your prize, you’ll receive roundtrip airfare from the Winnipeg Airport to the Puerto Plata International Airport, transfers to and from the hotel, all in addition to the all-inclusive meal and activities plan and comfortable accommodations described.