A Star of a Time (c) copyright 2007
by Yolonda D. Coleman

How many people can actually claim to have been the first person to eat off a plate, drink out of a glass and sleep in the bed of a five star resort? I was one of the elite for 5 days and 4 nights at the Iberostar Rose Hall Resort. Having just opened on May 24, 2007, I was one of few who christened the second of three towers built in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

"The ambiance is beautiful," tourist Dane B. Jackson of GA admitted while drinking his made to order beverage from the bar. Iberostar provides all inclusive amenties to their guests. Set along blue, caribbean waters, Iberostar offers its temporary residents the comfort of majesty with West Indian Spanish influence with its stucco buildings surrounded by tropical landscapes.

Calypso and reggae music are played while you take your daily swim or simply sit on your patio just outside your resort room. Children play water sports and splash their brothers and sisters while parents drink rum punch at the swim up bar or engage in water aerobics with one of the resort instructors. For the little islanders who don't want to swim in the pool, Iberostar offers a separate children's play place with staffers to show the little ones a great time with games and other activities.

If the beachside activities aren't enough for you, Iberostar has an on staff booking agent to set up tours to see Bob Marley's beginnigs and final resting place, excursion trips to Dunn Waterfalls or other attractions in Montego Bay, Negril, or Kingston, Jamaica. If you're really in need of rest and relaxation, you can take advantage of the nail spa. However, your pampering isn't inside of a posh salon with lights, tea and crumpets. Your personal technician will be waiting to serve you in your room as you overlook the resort on your balcony.

When you've exerted all your energy, you can fuel up with a number of dining options. Iberostar offers food around the clock. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. *Room service is part of your package and when you're not feeling the buffet menu, you have an opportunity to make reservations at one of three onsite restaurants: Japenese cuisine at Samurai, steaks at Uncle Tony's, and cajun style food at Jambalaya. Don't be fooled that Jamaicans are dressed in Japanese chef attire or looking like they just came from a Mardi Gras event, they do the cuisine justice.

Iberostar doesn't skimp on the entertainment. You might run into what might look like some of your favorite celebrities such as Cher, Michael Jackson or hear tunes from movies like "The Titanic" or "The Dukes of Hazard" in the lounge and theater. The Iberostar staff performs Vegas style shows, tickle your funny bone with some comedy sketches. Be careful, you might be pulled on stage for a little audience participation to learn line dances or compete with your loved ones in a Star Friends game show. For the more relaxed player, enjoy a little billiards in the library, test out your strategy with chess and checkers in the game room or kick up your heels and have a smoke in the cigar lounge. When all the family fun is over, there is a night club and bar just a coconut throw away.

Whatever your vacation needs are, Iberostar should have something to satisfy your island taste buds. It will be "no problem, Mon," to see that your time at the resort is an enjoyable one.

For more information on Iberostar resorts around the world, log on to http://www.iberostar.com/.

Photo by Yolonda D. Coleman from her room.
*The number of restaurant reservations a guest can make is based on the number of days stayed at the resort. The buffet is available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack. Room service is available from 11am-11pm.