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.

Five eco-lodges for a quiet escape in nature

16 July 2026

Travel is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the world, and these magnificent lodges can help you do just that amongst some of the world’s most arresting scenery. What’s more, these lodges are all actively contributing to the preservation of the landscapes you’ve travelled to enjoy. These aren’t just places to stay, they’re destinations that inspire, whether through their endemic wildlife or unique cultural practices. From the rugged coastlines of South Africa to the serene valleys of Bhutan, here are six exceptional eco-lodges to add to your ‘must-visit’ list.

Two sides of the Maldives: which Six Senses island is right for you?

10 July 2026

The Maldives has no shortage of exceptional resorts, but Six Senses has carved out a reputation for doing things a little differently. Here, luxury goes hand in hand with sustainability, wellness is woven into every stay, and experiences are designed to help guests reconnect with nature rather than simply admire it. Two of the brand's most remarkable island escapes are Six Senses Laamu and Six Senses Kanuhura. While both deliver the barefoot luxury that Six Senses is known for, each offers its own distinct personality. Whether you're dreaming of pristine reefs, laid-back island living, or some of the Maldives' finest beaches, here's how these two extraordinary resorts compare.

An island-hopping adventure through the Gulf of Thailand

10 July 2026

Thailand has long been a favourite for island escapes, but rather than choosing just one destination, why not experience several? Island hopping through the Gulf of Thailand allows you to discover a different side of the country, where each island has its own personality, from lively beach towns and world-class diving to hidden bays and peaceful luxury retreats. With reliable ferry connections making travel between the islands straightforward, it's never been easier to combine multiple destinations into one unforgettable holiday. Start with a few days in Bangkok before heading south to Koh Samui, then continue your adventure to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, creating a trip that balances culture, relaxation, and adventure.