As Spain’s empire of all-inclusive hotels continues to grow along the shores of Jamaica, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts may seem like just another name in a long list of new developments. But if you’ve ever visited Iberostar’s Punta Cana properties—sitting side-by-side on a wide stretch of beach and comprising a massive complex of vacation accommodations and attractions—you know what sets the chain’s Jamaica properties apart. The company has brought the “three in one” concept to its second Caribbean island, creating a North Coast destination big enough to accommodate couples and families, large and small groups, and travelers with budgets of all sizes.
iberostar rose hall beach hotel The first of the chain’s resorts to rise along Jamaica’s north coast was the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Hotel, the chain’s lowest priced property. But that’s not to imply your clients’ stay here will feel like a budget-conscious experience. This is, after all, the first Iberostar hotel to feature ocean views from each of its 366 rooms and 36 suites. Walking into its spacious, ballroom-like lobby feels like entering a modernized castle, with enormous copper-tinged chandeliers hanging above curved couches and twisting lamps, all evoking a sort of elegant “Alice in Wonderland” feel.
That theme follows clients into the rooms themselves, decorated in dark-wood furnishings like tall cabinets, drawers, and headboards. And these rooms aren’t just a place to lay your head at night. Each comes equipped with flat-screen TVs with satellite cable, as well as a minibar stocked with soft drinks, beer and water—perfect for enjoying as you watch the colors of the sky change with the sunset from the attached oceanview balcony.
From most of those balconies, clients can also look down on the resort’s inviting facilities for play and relaxation. Its two free-form pools include a swim-up bar and a jacuzzi that doubles as an infinity pool—two de-stressing elements in one soothing spot. Guests feeling more active can take part in any of the resort’s lineup of classes and games, including tennis, volleyball, gymnastics, dance lessons, and tutors who’ll teach the basics of Jamaican patois. With a Mini Club for kids from age 4 to age 12, offering fun activities like face painting and kid-sized sports, the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Hotel is an ideal resort for families traveling on a budget. Rates start at $190 pp per night dbl.
iberostar rose hall suites The next Iberostar to debut in Jamaica was Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, expanding on Iberostar Rose Hall Beach’s offerings by, naturally, expanding its accommodations. Each of the property’s 277 rooms are jr. suites, adding a colorful sitting area to the rooms sized for two at the Rose Hall Beach property. And just like Iberostar’s first Jamaica property, every room here comes with a balcony or terrace, though not all boast views out to the ocean. In addition to standard amenities like flat-screen TVs and satellite cable, bathrooms here come with whirlpool tubs.
Throughout the rest of the resort, the decor takes even more of a surreal twist, with ultra-modern benches, plush overstuffed couches and twinkling glass lighting and decorative elements. Outside, clients can lounge in their choice of swimming pools, whether it’s the resort’s main infinity pool with a swim-up bar with a serene ambiance, the more energetic activities pool where water polo, pool volleyball and other activities await, or a lazy river where they can drift around the resort’s beautifully landscaped lawn to their hearts’ content.
And though the resort’s larger rooms and separation of relaxing areas and active areas make it perfect for a family getaway—especially because there’s a Mini Club for kids here as well—the resort’s chic ambiance and wealth of nightlife options suggest that the designers had honeymooners and other romantic travelers in mind as they planned out the property as well. Gourmet restaurants featuring Mexican, Mediterranean and steakhouse fare offer an upscale dining experience best enjoyed by adults only. (The resort’s international buffet is, of course, kid-friendly.) And the resort has a shocking seven bars on property, including the swim-up bar; others, like the elegant cigar lounge or chic Theatre bar with live music nightly and a screen showing hot concerts and the occasional sporting event, appeal largely to the single set. Rates start at $245 pp per night dbl.
