The Patmail Website - February 2011

The Chiclana de la Frontera beach development is at Novo Sancti Petri.

The Hotel Iberostar Royal Andalus is situated at the Urb. Novo Sancti Petri, right on the La Barrosa Beach, a very long sandy beach backed by sand dunes, and opposite a golfcourse and tennis courts.

There is a nearby commercial centre, although much of it closed in the winter season, with a small supermarket.

The dunes and looking towards Novo Sancti Petri village, about 45 minutes walking along the sandy beach.... or catch the bus ! ( see Other Notes below )

Looking back from Novo Sancti Petri promenade towards the hotel, a very long beach.

The beach by the headland (Acantilados ) beyond which is old Sancti Petri beach and village, with the castle of Sancti Petri on a small island.

Flamingoes on the wetlands behind Sancti Petri, on the way to Chiclana. Many other water and wading birds can be seen there... ( No L 11 bus )

View from my balcony over the small pool ...................... Large pool in main area.

The hotel staff were generally very good, with some out to impress. The food was excellent ... even for the sparrows. No wonder it is said that the number thereof in England is declining. Warmth and free food !

At the evening meal, in addition to the main buffet bar, there was usually a carvery, and often a seafood bar. Cheese was abundant and for dessert one was spoilt for choice, especially on occasions like St Valentine's weekend.

The hotel provided daytime activities on three or four days a week, including walks, petanque, shooting, croquet and more.

There was entertainment or dancing in the bar area every evening.

More pictures and videoclips will shortly be on the patrickclips channel, of the Iberostar Royal Andalus hotel, Cadiz, Jerez and of other local excursions ( see link on website Main Index page )

Jerez is famous for both sherry and horses. There are many famous named bodegas in Jerez, including Domecq, Gonzalez Byass and more. The bodegas cover acres of ground and have a vast climatically controlled storage for various types of sherry.

...On the last couple of days there was an afternoon shower or two, but when it rained on the day before return ... it really rained !

Wednesday saw an 0845 departure for London Heathrow, the flight due to leave Gibraltar at 12.45.

Due to thunderstorms and wind the incoming flight could not land at Gibraltar. Thus we were then transferred to Malaga, after having checked in and gone through the security checks of hand baggage. This involved walking back through Spanish customs again in the middle of a thunder storm.

After a long, damp, cold coach journey we arrived at Malaga ( new Terminal ) where we had to go through check in and security again. There was a further delay after having boarded, allegedly due to a baggage discrepancy, before eventually leaving at around 17.00.

Other Notes: The hotel is a little remote but there are buses every half hour to Chiclana, The L8 , and the L11 which detours beyond Novo Sancti Petri every two hours to Sancti Petri village. For N.S.P. promenade get off at the stop by the roundabout, just past the El Jardin Hostal Restaurant, and walk down to the N.S.P. seafront promenade.

The buses to Chiclana stop on the main road 2-300 yards from the Iberostar Royal Andalus hotel. Connections from Chiclana to San Fernando, Cadiz, Jerez etc.

Golfers paradise, beach walking. Expect golfers, walkers and cyclists ... often out all day, and a Spanish influx at weekends - especially on Public Holidays and festive weekends.

Day animation fair, evening entertainment by groups, duos, dancing. The bar has a very good selection. Water and coffee also obtained from the bar. Food very good, as above.

Beware some stairs without normal handrails ( see above ), also the Gents loo, near the front entrance, at night when the lights are on ( a see through window ! )

Hotel Internet very expensive at 7 Euros an hour. A local Cafe Bar, El Kastro, has " free " wifi access , or local golf club, or use the Internet shop at N.S.P. The shortcut from the hotel to the Commercial Centre has very deep steps, about 15 down in one flight with just a rope handrail.

Travel: Flights in and out of Gibraltar are frequently affected by inclement weather....see above.....be prepared, especially if wet !!

Chiclana buses: 1 Euro 25 eurocents any distance, or get discount bus pass if likely to use frequently.