Month: January 2018

Puerto Rico’s Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Reopening in March

Robert De Niro Hotel Project “Still Going Ahead” in Barbuda

By Alexander Britell The highly anticipated Paradise Found hotel project in Barbuda on track, according to Antigua tourism officials. The project, the brainchild of Hollywood legend and hospitality investor Robert De Niro, is “still on track,” according to Colin James, …

Puerto Rico’s Big Tourism Recovery

By Alexander Britell SAN JUAN — In the middle of December, Puerto Rico tourism officials made a declaration. The destination was open for business, and ready to welcome back visitors, a bold claim in the wake of last year’s devastating …

Caribbean Hotel Industry Bullish for 2018

By Alexander Britell SAN JUAN — After a mixed bag of results in 2017, the Caribbean hotel industry is bullish on its prospects for 2018, according to Frank Comito, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. Comito, who was …

Jamaica Names New Director of Tourism

By the Caribbean Journal staff Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism has announced the appointment of a new director of tourism: Donovan White. White will begin his term on Feb. 15, having served most recently as vice president of Cable & Wireless …

In San Juan, the Caribbean Comeback on Full Display

Above: Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello addresses attendees at CHTA Marketplace By Alexander Britell SAN JUAN — There was even Despacito. A fanfare-filled opening ceremony kicked off the 2018 edition of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace …

MarineMax Vacations’ New Addition in the British Virgin Islands

By the Caribbean Journal staff MarineMax Vacations has expanded its fleet in the British Virgin Islands. The charter operator has added the new MarineMax 362, customized from the Aquila 36 model, a 36-foot power catamaran with two private en-suite cabins. …

St Barth’s Villa Marie Set to Reopen in March

By Alexander Britell The Villa Marie boutique hotel in St Barth is planning a quick comeback, Caribbean Journal has learned. The hotel will make its post-Irma debut on March 2, according to the property’s Web site. The Sibuet family’s Villa …

Delta Launching Daily Nonstop New York-St Thomas Flights

By the Caribbean Journal staff Delta Airlines is relaunching its daily nonstop service between New York and St Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands, Caribbean Journal has learned. The airline will be reinstating the daily nonstop route beginning May …

VIDEO: Why You Need to Visit Grenada Right Now

By Alexander Britell There’s a particular delight in the feeling of having found a destination before everyone else. In the Caribbean, it’s something that’s not that easy to do anymore. Or is it? Enter Grenada, the lush, gorgeous Eastern Caribbean …

Carnival Adds More Tampa-Caribbean Cruises

By the Caribbean Journal staff Thinking of a Caribbean cruise out of Tampa? Carnival has you covered. Carnival Cruise Line has kicked off a year-round program of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Tampa, doubling the line’s capacity at the port. Carnival …

JetBlue’s Big New Cruise Partnership

By Dana Niland CJ Contributor Air carrier JetBlue is making moves in the cruising world. JetBlue is partnering with CruisingStore to to help travelers customize their vacation experience and add flights and other offerings, all in one place. Through the …

What’s New at Aruba’s Divi & Tamarijn

By Dana Niland CJ Contributor Divi & Tamarijn Aruba signature restaurant, Red Parrot, is starting off the new year with a new look. Offering dining options indoors and beachside on its outdoor terrace, Red Parrot was remodeled to offer guests …

St Barth’s Manapany Eco-Boutique Opening in March

By the Caribbean Journal staff St Barth’s new Manapany Hotel by B Signature Hotels and Resorts is opening in March, Caribbean Journal has learned. The 43-room eco-boutique in Anse des Cayes is welcoming guests beginning March 13. It had originally …

Jamaica’s Half Moon Names New Brand Director

By the Caribbean Journal staff Jamaica’s Half Moon resort has named a new director of brand and communications. The iconic Montego Bay property has promoted Laura Redpath to the role, in which she will be responsible for Half Moon’s branding, …

A New Seafood Experience in Saint Lucia

By the Caribbean Journal staff Saint Lucia’s Anse Chastanet resort has unveiled its newest dining concept, with a focus on ultra-fresh seafood. The resort’s Treehouse restaurant has debuted its new menu called Balawoo, a Creole name for a small fish, …

VIDEO: Checking in to the New Adults-Only VH Atmosphere

By Guy Britton We love new things. New furnishings, new linens, new towels, new floors and fresh paint on everything. And the newest resort on the scene in the Dominican Republic has done it right. Having made its …

Jamaica Has Big Plans for Falmouth

By the Caribbean Journal staff Jamaica has big plans for the town of Falmouth. The country’s government is focused on developing Falmouth into a “world-class destination, where its rich culture and history are fully utilized,” according to Jamaica Prime Minister …

Riu Unveils New “Brand Image”

By the Caribbean Journal staff Spanish hotel giant Riu Hotels has unveiled the company’s new brand image. The company is calling the image one with a “warmer, fresher and more modern air.” “This brand image will accompany the new style …