5 must-visit beach escapes with Iberostar

01 June 2026

Some holidays are all about switching off the moment you arrive, and Iberostar’s beachside hotels do exactly that. Whether you want a family break with plenty going on, an adults-only retreat, or somewhere that puts local food and surroundings front and centre, the collection covers a wide mix of destinations, from the Caribbean coast of Mexico to southern Spain and Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean shoreline. Iberostar also continues to put sustainability at the centre of its hotels through its Wave of Change programme, which focuses on improving the health of the oceans, while its partnership with EarthCheck means every hotel is either certified or working towards certification.

5 must-visit beach escapes with Iberostar

Cancún for families, golf, and Caribbean coast adventures

Iberostar Selection Cancún puts you right on the Hotel Zone’s white-sand beachfront, around 20 minutes from Cancún International Airport, which makes arrival refreshingly straightforward after a long flight. The hotel has enough going on to fill an entire trip, from eight swimming pools and a football pitch to tennis courts, fitness classes, and its own golf club. Families are particularly well catered for thanks to the Star Camp programme, which splits activities by age group, while adults can slow things down in the spa or over dinner at restaurants like La Parrilla steakhouse or the Japanese-style Naga Hibachi Teppanyaki. Beyond the resort, there’s easy access to Tulum’s Mayan ruins, freshwater cenotes, and the canals and boutiques of La Isla Shopping Village.

A new side of Zanzibar opening in 2026

Set on Muyuni Beach, Iberostar Selection Zanzibar is due to open in November 2026 and already looks set to become one of the island’s standout beachfront stays. The location faces Mnemba Island, an area known for snorkelling trips and clear waters, while the rooms start at a spacious 37 square metres and focus heavily on sea views. Alongside family-friendly facilities, the hotel will also include adults-only areas and a spa, giving it a broader appeal for couples and groups travelling together. Dining is expected to blend international dishes with flavours inspired by Zanzibar’s spice trade history, which feels fitting for an island where markets, seafood restaurants, and spice farms are all part of everyday life.

Southern Spain with Andalusian character

On the Costa del Sol, Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa offers a different pace, with direct access to Las Lindes Beach and easy day trips to some of Andalucía’s best-known towns. Nerja’s cliff-backed coastline is nearby, Frigiliana’s narrow whitewashed streets are within easy reach, and Granada’s Alhambra can be visited in around an hour. Back at the hotel, the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, helped by large pool areas, a water park, and plenty of casual dining spaces for long lunches or evening drinks. The Andalusian-inspired design gives the property a more local feel than many larger beach resorts, while the all-inclusive setup keeps things simple for families travelling during the school holidays.

Riviera Maya stays designed for switching off

For adults wanting a quieter Caribbean escape, JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar sits directly on Riviera Maya’s beachfront within the wider Paraíso complex. The all-inclusive setup comes with details that make a difference over a longer stay, including 24-hour room service, airport transfers, and a minibar tailored to your preferences. Dining is a major focus here, whether that means Southeast Asian and Latin-inspired dishes at Haiku, French cooking at L’Atelier, or wine tastings in The Grand Cellar. Guests can also alternate between the resort’s quieter pool areas and the facilities across the wider complex, adding more restaurants, bars, and activities without losing the calmer atmosphere back at the hotel itself.

Marbella beach clubs and old town afternoons

Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach combines a beachfront setting with one of the Costa del Sol’s best locations, sitting close to Puerto Banús and Marbella’s famous Golden Mile. Days here can easily move between the hotel’s pools, seafood lunches at Chambao by the Sea, and afternoons wandering Marbella’s old town, where orange-tree-lined squares and independent boutiques sit just beyond the marina scene. Sea-view rooms and penthouse suites with jacuzzis give the stay a more boutique feel, while bike hire makes it easy to explore the coastline without needing a car. It also manages to balance polished facilities with a laid-back atmosphere that suits everything from shorter sunshine breaks to longer summer stays.

To visit any of these amazing Iberostar resorts, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

Experience Thailand’s island luxury, redefined

29 May 2026

Thailand has no shortage of exceptional beach resorts, but two properties stand out for very different reasons. On Koh Samui's quieter west coast, InterContinental Koh Samui Resort pairs sweeping views across the Gulf of Thailand with award-winning service and a setting that has long been associated with luxury travel. Meanwhile, Six Senses Yao Noi places guests among the dramatic limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay, where private pool villas, wellness experiences, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape take centre stage. Together, they offer two distinct ways to experience Thailand's islands.

5 of the best beaches in Spain to visit this summer

29 May 2026

Spain might be famous for its lively costas and sun-soaked islands, but beyond the well-known beach resorts lies another side to the country’s coastline - one filled with hidden coves, powder-soft sand, and impossibly turquoise water that could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean. Whether you’re dreaming of lazy beach days, dramatic coastal scenery, or discovering somewhere that still feels like a hidden gem, these Spanish shores deserve a place on your travel wish list.

Five reasons our award-winning holidays are truly unique

06 May 2026

Travel is not just about visiting new places; it's about creating lasting memories, immersing yourself in new cultures, and expanding your perspective on the world. Here at Travel Counsellors, we're passionate about delivering exceptional care and tailored travel experiences that you'll cherish forever - it's why we've been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 in Innovation. Whether you're itching to explore quaint villages in Italy, indulge in the luxurious spirit of Dubai, or seek an unforgettable adventure in South Africa, we believe we're the perfect companion for your travel desires.