It’s been a stellar year for Caribbean travel. Stayover tourist arrivals are booming almost universally across the region. It seems like a new hotel opens up every week (and if you read Caribbean Journal, you realize it’s even more often than that). More and more new nonstop routes are launched every month from all over the world. And there’s a palpable excitement — both from the investors and risk-takers who continue to bet big on the Caribbean to the people who ensure every day that travelers have unforgettable experiences.
“We’re proud to celebrate the best of Caribbean travel this year with the sixth edition of the Caribbean Travel Awards, honoring the hotels, destinations, experiences and, most importantly, people that make the Caribbean the greatest travel destination on earth,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal.
This year’s Caribbean Travel Awards includes winners across 21 categories, selected by Caribbean Journal’s editorial staff and its network of contributors.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since we first launched the Caribbean Travel Awards,” said Guy Britton, executive vice president and managing editor of Caribbean Journal. “Congratulations to all of the winners!”
Caribbean Destination of the Year: Antigua and Barbuda
It’s been a very strong year for Caribbean tourism, making this a particularly difficult selection. But Antigua and Barbuda’s combination of booming arrivals, surging hotel development (from a new Waldorf-Astoria on the way to a brand-new Rosewood resort in the pipeline) and a spirited, creative marketing strategy makes it the Caribbean Destination of the Year for 2020. Whether it’s the Caribbean’s leading portfolio of all-inclusive resorts, a diverse collection of boutique hotels; a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site or the twin-island destination’s marvelous beaches, Antigua and Barbuda is right at the cutting edge of the region’s tourism sector – and it’s cooler than ever.
Caribbean Hotel of the Year: The Shore Club, Turks and Caicos
The Caribbean’s buzziest hotel is also our favorite for 2020. There may be no more beautiful built hotel in the Caribbean, a beach resort that at once is exceptionally modern and authentically Caribbean. But the beauty is just the beginning at this hotel, which marries the best of the residential resort with grand Caribbean luxury.
Small Hotel of the Year: Harbour Village, Bonaire
Bonaire is one of the region’s up-and-coming destinations, a tiny Dutch Caribbean outpost that is increasingly on the radar of sophisticated travelers. And its leading hotel continues to deliver in a big way. The 43-room Harbour Village is the best small hotel experience: large, comfortable rooms and suites; warm service, all the amenities you could ask for from a dive shop to a spa; and one of our favorite private beaches in the whole Caribbean. It’s a special, Old Caribbean experience that’s a must for any Caribbean aficionado.
New Hotel of the Year: Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica
Range Developments has become the hottest developer of luxury hotels in the region, and its newest hotel in the region is another star: the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica, a major new resort for the island and the luxury brand’s first-ever resort in the Caribbean. It’s one that works seamlessly with its stunning natural environment and adds a new destination luxury resort to the Caribbean’s Nature Island.
Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year: Dominic Fedee, Saint Lucia
Fedee has helped steward a destination that is one of the hottest in the Caribbean and has become a haven for high-profile investment, from Cabot’s highly-anticipated gold resort at the northern tip of the island to a major new cruise destination in south. That’s without mentioning an exemplary role as chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, doing an outstanding job as an ambassador for Caribbean tourism as a whole.
Caribbean Tourism Director of the Year: Joy Jibrilu, The Bahamas
Joy Jibrilu, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, has done an admirable job for The Bahamas in a year of immense highs and tragic lows, from a rapid tourism surge earlier in the year to calmly leading the destination through the tragedy of Hurricane Dorian — and quickly getting the message out about how and where to visit The Bahamas.
All-Inclusive Resort of the Year: Le Blanc Spa Resort, Cancun
Palace Resorts’ flagship in the heart of Cancun is an all-world all-inclusive, a resort that doesn’t just call itself luxury — it delivers the goods. The 260-room, adults-only beach resort in Cancun has a marvelous combination of outstanding service, attention to detail and, of course, a truly dazzling spa. It all adds up to a truly outstanding all-inclusive experience — the kind that makes you forget you’re even staying at an all-inclusive at all.
New All-Inclusive of the Year: Hammock Cove, Antigua and Barbuda
Travelers increasingly want the all-inclusive experience (it’s why global companies like Marriott and Hilton are entering the sector in a big way). But Elite Island Resorts has been exemplifying the best of Caribbean all-inclusive experiences for years, and it’s newest resort is a showpiece: the boutique Hammock Cove in Antigua, a new benchmark for all-inclusive design and adults-only vacations.
Caribbean Hotelier of the Year: Stephen Wright, Grand Case Beach Club, Saint Martin
Running a Caribbean hotel is never easy. Running a three-star hotel with the attention-to-detail and thoughtfulness of a five-star hotel is practically magic. But that’s long been the case for the Grand Case Beach Club’s Stephen Wright, who has helped turn a small beach hotel in St Martin into one of the most beloved resorts in the Caribbean, a beautiful, friendly hotel aimed at passionate travelers. But Wright’s greatest work just may have been calmly guiding the resort from the depths of Hurricane Irma to a triumphant return — and, now, renaissance.
Luxury Destination of the Year: Dominica
It’s always been the Nature Island of the Caribbean, a place so untouched, so lovely that one could easily argue it’s the most naturally beautiful island in the Caribbean. But in the last several years, Dominica has quietly cultivated a full-fledged luxury scene, one punctuated by this year’s debut of the aforementioned Kempinski. But coupled with the world-class Secret Bay, the endlessly charming Pagua Bay, the eco-chic Jungle Bay and a new Autograph hotel on the way, Dominica is that perfect cocktail of undiscovered and luxurious — and a sizzling luxury destination.
Cruise Destination of the Year: St Kitts
While St Kitts is one of the smaller countries in the region, it has long punched above its weight in the ultra-competitive Caribbean tourism industry, most notably with a continually strong showing in the cruise sector. Its Port Zante, which this year expanded again with an additional pier, is a terrific, full-service cruise port, from great shopping to a gateway for serious adventure.
Innovative Destination of the Year: St Maarten
St Maarte has seen a miraculous increase in tourist arrivals this year (well in excess of 100 percent), and it’s part of an impressive strategy that has manifested in a full-fledged tourism renaissance on the island. From new hotel development to new beach bars and an admirable airport recovery, St Maarten has been an example for how to respond to tourism crises — and how to thrive, too.
Culinary Destination of the Year: Martinique
We’ve called it the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, and travelers to this French Caribbean hotspot immediately recognize why. The island’s dining scene has never been more exciting, from the toes-in-the-sand foodie hotspots near Saint Pierre and Le Carbet to the booming food scene in Fort de France. But it’s more than that. Martinique isn’t just about its Michelin-quality eateries or its Napa Valley of rum – it’s a place where quality food and beverage is pervasive, whether you’re at a chicken shack on the side of the road or eating foie gras and banana on the beach.
Wellness Destination of the Year: Barbados
When George Washington’s brother became ill in 1751, he was taken to Barbados, with the hope that the warm climes and environment would cure him. Indeed, for hundreds of years, people have been venturing to the island for its gentle, warm, seemingly curative environment, and that’s particularly true today. Barbados has an impressive slate of wellness hotspots, from grand spas at resorts like Sandy Lane to the all-inclusive wellness at The Waves and the holistic wellness experience at the historic Sweetfield Manor. It’s something you sense the moment you land — you seem to instantly feel better.
Cultural Destination of the Year: Puerto Rico
From a surging street art scene to Lin Manuel Miranda’s historic Hamilton homecoming earlier this year to an always-vibrant music offering, Puerto Rico is at the forefront of the Caribbean cultural pulse, with a rich, diverse offering that makes it one of the region’s truly unique travel experiences. And it’s one that is only getting better.
Caribbean Restaurant of the Year: Fish by Jose Andres, Nassau, Bahamas
Jose Andres’ second restaurant in the Caribbean is a stunner, with a menu that marries his international flair with an eye on local sourcing, most notably the eatery’s signature dish: deep-fried whole Lionfish, a meal that also serves the greater good. Fish is a major injection of energy to the Bahamas’ dining scene and a new standard setter for the region.
Caribbean Chef of the Year: Orlando Satchell, Saint Lucia
Orlando Satchell, who just opened its his second eponymous restaurant in Saint Lucia earlier this year, continues both to set an example for world-class cooking and remains one of the world’s leading advocates for Caribbean cuisine. With decades of experience at the best kitchens in the UK and Saint Lucia, Satchell continues to deliver authentic, creative cuisine that is true to its surroundings but always manages to push the envelope, too.
Caribbean Airport of the Year: Owen Roberts International Airport, Cayman Islands
It’s been a spectacular year for Cayman Islands tourism so far this year, and that means thousands of tourists who have been lucky enough to arrive in the brand-new terminal at Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman, which was officially opened by Princes Charles earlier this year. It’s a major addition for the destination, with a clean, sleek interior, a stunning turtle-shell exterior and a terrifically run airport operation (and a terrific duty-free experience, too).
Caribbean Airline of the Year: Tradewind Aviation
Traveling today is never easy, and in the Caribbean that’s particularly true. But one airline has made it its mission to return travelers to the jet-set age, to usher in a new era of luxury travel and comfort. Tradewind Aviation, which operates a growing network of regular flights to destinations like Nevis, Anguilla, Antigua and, most notably, St Barth (and private charters anywhere you want to go), is the best way to fly around the region.
Caribbean Bar of the Year: Quarter Kitchen and Cocktail Lab, St Barth
If you’re looking for the most cutting-edge, innovative, high-level mixology in the Caribbean, look no further. In short, nothing else comes close. The team of world-class bartenders at St Barth’s top cocktail bar is, well, hard to beat — anywhere in the region, and with the Caribbean’s largest selection of both rum and bourbon to boot, well, you have yourself a global bar destination.
Caribbean Spa of the Year: Indulge Spa, Galley Bay, Antigua
Set on the signature lagoon at the adults-only Galley Bay resort and spa in Antigua, this is as beautiful — and tranquil — a spa as you’ll find in the region, with a diverse selection of treatments from Vitamin C supplements to anti-aging programs. It’s a truly spectacular destination spa — because the greatest spas combine an ethereal ambience and wellness expertise. Galley Bay has both.