Hotels

Above: the Dreams Sands Cancun

By the Caribbean Journal staff

AMResorts has opened its newest Caribbean hotel: the Dreams Sands Cancun.

The property, which is AMResorts’ 23rd resort in Mexico, opens after an extensive renovation and adaptation of the former Grand Oasis Viva property.

The 438-room resort, located in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, has 650 feet of private beachfront property.

It also includes seven gourmet restaurants and four bars and lounges.

“As a top destination for travelers around the world, Cancun remains a priority for AMResorts as we look to strengthen our presence in existing markets, while extending our reach into new regions,” said AMResorts President Gonzalo del Peon.

The resort is AMResort’s 35th property.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2014/09/04/dreams-sands-cancun-opens-doors/

Above: the new Riu Palace Antillas

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Aruba’s newest resort opened its doors on Oct. 11.

The new Riu Palace Antillas resort has debuted on Aruba’s Palm Beach.

The adults-only, all-inclusive property has a total of 482 rooms for an 18+ audience.

The property also has three restaurants, Krystal, Rimini and Malmok, joined a pool restaurant, two bars and a nightclub.

It is adjacent to Riu’s existing Riu Palace Aruba hotel.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2014/10/13/arubas-newest-resort-opens-doors/

Thompson Hotels is coming to the Caribbean

By Alexander Britell

Thompson Hotels is expanding to the Caribbean.

The company announced the planned opening of its new Thompson Playa del Carmen this fall on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the brand’s first hotel in the Caribbean region.

The property will be located on the city’s bustling La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue). The 92-room hotel will include a 30,000-square-foot rooftop with an infinity pool.

Above: the new JW Marriott in Santo Domingo (Photo: Marriott)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The first-ever JW Marriott in the Dominican Republic has opened its doors in Santo Domingo.

The 150-room property, which is located in the capital’s Piantini district, is located above the city’s Blue Mall within a 15-story tower that first opened in 2010.

“The inauguration of this project is a very special moment for the Dominican Republic,” Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia said. “It is a moment where we making history with the level of tourism growth.”

It was developed by Fondo de Valores Inmobilarios, led by Luis Emilio Velutini.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Mr. Velutini on this project, and reveal our first world class JW Marriott luxury brand hotel to the Caribbean,” said Craig Smith, president of the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. “This beautiful hotel brings the highest levels of accommodations and service to the Dominican Republic and is a great addition to the brand’s growing global portfolio.”

It is the first JW Marriott in the region outside of Mexico, home to the JW Marriott Cancun, but, perhaps more crucially, the property offers a series of amenities largely unprecedented for a business hotel in the Caribbean, including LCD TVs, Apple TV in every room, embedded TVs in the bathroom mirrors, Nespresso coffee machines and iPhone 5 docking stations, among others.

“The opening of this high luxury, sophisticated hotel marks an important milestone in the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry,” Velutini said. “With the thriving economy in the country and the success of the high-end Blue Mall complex, we are confident that this unique and visually stunning hotel will become a landmark in Santo Domingo attracting travelers and groups from all over the world.”

The hotel includes nine event spaces, including a 1,158-square-foot ballroom.

“Each JW Marriott delivers a warm, authentic, relaxed and elegant environment that is unique to the luxury segment, and we are thrilled to open our doors for business and receive guests to experience this incredible new hotel,” said Nigel Cook, general manager of the hotel, in a release.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2014/08/28/jw-marriott-opens-in-santo-domingo/

Intercontinental Dallas is located in the heart of Addison, the popular near-north suburb that is half-way between Downtown Dallas and the thriving business districts of Frisco and Plano. With its 528 spacious guest rooms and suites, which underwent a total renovation in 2005 and 2006, and 118,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 25,000-square-foot Crystal Ballroom, the Intercontinental Dallas is North Dallas' premier meeting facility. Convenient to the Addison Restaurant District, as well as the famous Galleria Mall, the hotel is 18 miles east of DFW International Airport, to which the recently completed President George Bush Turnpike (TX 190) offers easy access. Local attractions in downtown Dallas, such as the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Meyerson Symphony, or the Sixth Floor Museum and JFK Memorial, can be reached in just 20 minutes via the North Dallas Tollway.

Source by: http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/dallas-tx/intercontinental-dallas

Inspired by a celestial legend of two angels seeking paradise on earth, the spectacular lobby of Marquis Los Cabos opens out onto the wildly restless sea like a temple to its creation. Gorgeous specially-commissioned sculptures, massive waterfalls, spectacular infinity pools, and a lovely serene spa set the stage for vacationing VIPs. (George Clooney’s beach villa is next door.) Luxurious rooms boast balconies where you can often spot migrating whales, and there are also private villas with personal dipping pools. 

Source by: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

The wow-factor is left to Mother Nature at The Boulders, and it's just as well, as no man-made decor could possibly compete with the resort's surreal 12-million-year-old rock formations. Spanning 1,300 acres of the Sonoran Desert, the massive spa compound promises the ultimate in natural rejuvenation treatments, and the two golf courses are world class. There’s also an über private gated Villa Retreat for celebs seeking anonymity. PR rep Deborah Bridges says, “Our clientele is among the wealthiest in the world, but we’re not allowed to talk about who our VIP guests are until they’re dead.” That says it all.
Source by: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

The Las Vegas Palms is famous for high-roller living, and what better way to really indulge in Sin City than cavorting in one of their luxury rooftop suites like the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa. The suite accommodates up to 250 people for a get-together and boasts a massive rooftop Jacuzzi hanging over The Strip. A private glass elevator, rotating bed, gym, sauna, media room and full bar make these swanky digs the perfect spot to fulfill the fantasy of living in the style the world’s most famous playboy is accustomed to. (Did anyone say bachelor or bachelorette party?)


Source by: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

Built in tribute to the legendary lost city, Atlantis Paradise Island is a 141-acre facility touted as the premier luxury resort destination in the Bahamas. It's the resort's Royal Towers Bridge Suite on the 23rd floor that really pulls out ALL the swanky stops. It spans ten plush rooms topped by 12-ft. ceilings and full length windows and includes a grand piano, twin entertainment centers, a formal dining room with a 22-karat gold chandelier, whirlpool tubs, and more... Plus a permanent staff of seven to cater to your every whim.
Source by: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

Though the Big Apple has many legendary and swanky hotels, The Plaza is often the top choice for visiting VIPs—especially for its Royal Plaza Suite that boasts the best views of Manhattan. The three-bedroom/three-bathroom suite is styled in the most opulent of old world charm with a formal dining room, a library, a gymnasium, a grand piano, full kitchen (for personal chefs), and a butler’s pantry, and is serviced by its own private elevator. Butler service is also included. Built in 1907, the iconic structure was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1969.
Read more at http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

Source by: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

Built to resemble a billowing sail, the stunning architecture of Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai makes it one of the most photographed in the world. All rooms are luxurious suites spanning two floors with state-of-the art everything and incredible views. And beyond the unique over-the-top amenities like the attached heliport and hovering tennis courts, there is a vast array of futuristic dining and nightlife options. Their guest care is also seriously intensive. Upscale extras include in-suite check-in, 24/7 personal on call butlers, and a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce fleet, all catering to an extremely well-heeled VIP clientele that often includes royalty.


Source by: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

Built in 1906, The Westin Excelsior Rome has an impressive pedigree in the Via Veneto district. Though most rooms are affordable, their piece de resistance is the Villa La Cupola Suite that has recently been “refreshed” with a $7 million renovation. This signature luxury cocoon spans two full floors making it the largest suite in Italy. Furnished in grand old style with modern high tech gadgets, hand-frescoed cathedral style domes, its own private fitness room, sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi, and a formal dining room, it’s a perennial favourite for those who deem money to be no object.


Source by: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

Built by Russian Billionaire Telman Ismailov in 2009 to the tune of $1.65 billion, the Mardan Palace Hotel in Antalya, Turkey boasts the largest swimming pool in the Mediterranean (fits 1,000 guests) and is touted as one of the most elite luxury hotels in Europe. Beyond the sinfully sumptuous suites and jaw-dropping interiors of gold leaf, crystal, and Italian marble, there are also ten dining spots, 17 bars, a lavish spa and a sunken aquarium full of exotic fish. 9,000 tons of white sand was flown in from Egypt for the beach alone. 24/7 personal butler service is also included.


Source by: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-world

Pennies for the ultra-wealthy, this suite will tax you $67,000 per evening, and is pegged as the most expensive hotel room in the world. You will get 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms with 1,800 square meters of space overlooking Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Kick back and watch the 103-inch plasma TV, enjoy the fine art collection and play some keys on the Steinway grand piano as you wonder how quickly you can drain your bank account.

Source by: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-lazar/most-expensive-hotels-in-the-world_b_7598486.html

Who other than Four Seasons to offer a $45,000-per-night hotel room? With 18th-century Japanese silk pillows, you will assuredly get a sound night’s sleep. A private library offers over 100 books, and the 360-degree floor-to-ceiling views mean that you will have the best penthouse in NYC. Of course, it will cost you the price of a luxury automobile each night. But hey, who’s counting?

Source by: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-lazar/most-expensive-hotels-in-the-world_b_7598486.html

This one is tricky to book. That’s because you actually have to apply via an application and wait, or hope, for the owner to contact you back and approve you. Hint-hint, typically only billionaires are approved for the $40,000-per-night lavishness offered here. With the resort being owned by Red Bull billionaire Dietrick Mateschitz, we can only guess what this suite offers, as they only list a price, not the amenities. But use your imagination.

Source by: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-lazar/most-expensive-hotels-in-the-world_b_7598486.html

With a private jacuzzi tub, it will be easier to shake off the $37,500 per night that you will be dropping on this suite, which overlooks the Bay of Cannes, by the way. Featured on the seventh floor, this penthouse boasts two master bedrooms, a living room, two all-marble bathrooms and a dining room. The butler will cost you extra, though.

Source by: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-lazar/most-expensive-hotels-in-the-world_b_7598486.html

The latest Caribbean Home heads to San Juan’s Condado district, home to this jaw-dropping penthouse apartment on the ocean.


The multilevel unit boasts a whopping 5,198 square feet of living space, along with a 1.012-square-foot ocean-exposure rooftop terrace.


It’s located in Condado’s Olympic Tower condominium.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/10/02/caribbean-home-an-oceanfront-penthouse-in-san-juan/

How to Move to St Croix

We continue our How to Move series with a look at the market in St Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Ever thought of moving to America’s Caribbean? We talked to Amy Land de Wilde, broker/owner at Coldwell Banker in St Croix, to find out how.
To contact Amy, email her at amydewilde@coldwellbankervi.com.
Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/10/02/how-to-move-to-st-croix-usvi/

Above: Villa Capri

The latest Caribbean Home heads to the Galley Bay Heights section of the island of Antigua, home to Villa Capri.

This 7,500-square-foot, oceanfront villa has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms and a spectacular infinity pool.


It also has its own entertainment room, a modern gym and an open plan contemporary kitchen.


But the star of the show is really the view of the Caribbean Sea.

It’s currently listed for $4.5 million with JHR Caribbean Real Estate.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/10/10/caribbean-home-a-4-5-million-villa-in-antigua/

 By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s one of the few still-largely-undiscovered islands of the Caribbean: Bequia.

And this charming little isle in the Grenadines chain is home to this an eight-bedroom, seven-bathroom, 11,500-square-foot getaway


The property is currently listed for $6.75 million with Sotheby’s International Realty, which calls the home “luxurious but not flash, private but not remote, unique but not just for its own sake.”

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/10/16/caribbean-home-your-own-private-escape-in-the-grenadines/

By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s one of the acst-kept secrets of the Caribbean: Puerto Rico’s Culebra.

And the little island known by beach aficionados for its Playa Flamenco is also home to some very luxurious pockets of real estate.



The spotlight is the views, though, which expand to the ocean and green hills of the Virgin Islands.

It’s listed with Trillion Realty Group for $2.3 million.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/10/30/caribbean-home-your-own-paradise-in-culebra/

The newest listing on the Bahamian real estate market is a charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage in Spanish Wells, Eleuthera.

The 1,800-square-foot home, which is located on a .259-acre lot, is listed with Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty for $495,000 with Darrin Sands.


The second-floor master suite has panoramic views, including water views.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/11/23/caribbean-home-a-little-cottage-in-eleuthera/

The latest edition of Caribbean Home heads to the ultra-exclusive private island called Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos.

Known as a longtime celebrity hotspot, it’s also home to some of the Caribbean’s most expensive real estate.



This villa, Oliver’s Cove, is a four-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom estate on the beach on Parrot Cay, with living space of 9,153 square feet


Of course, that all comes along with service by Parrot Cay by COMO, meaning a hotel experience in a private home setting.



The home also has an infinity-edge pool set directly in the sand, and a walled garden with a fountain, among other amenities.

Not just any infinity pool — one of the most spectacular in the Caribbean.
It’s listed for $25.5 million with Nina Siegenthaler at Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/12/11/caribbean-home-a-25-5-million-beach-villa-in-turks-and-caicos/

Tiny St Kitts has its charms, from rural villages to far-off beach pubs.

It’s a world of options in a small place, whether you’re hiking Mount Liamuiga or having a punch at the Reggae Beach Bar.

And while the island is increasingly becoming a destination for in-the-know visitors, it can still be quite affordable to get here.



Like, for instance, with the latest offer from the island’s largest resort, the St Kitts Marriott.

The property has launched a “three-for-free” program, meaning if you book four nights, you get three nights free.
Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2016/03/18/how-to-travel-to-st-kitts-right-now-for-less/

They aren’t easy to find — EP hotels in the Caribbean that are exclusively for adults. Sure, there are many hotels that don’t exactly encourage you to bring your children. But it’s hard to find an EP hotel in the Caribbean that only allows adult guests. Period. So if you are looking for a romantic getaway, or simply a quiet poolside and beach Caribbean experience, these places are for you. The Caribbean’s adults-only EP hotel product isn’t large (unlike everything-included adults-only hotels), but that’s part of the allure: these are smaller, more intimate places that specialize in authentic, luxurious experiences. These are the best adults-only hotels in the Caribbean



In many ways, the lovely Cambridge Beaches is a microcosm of Bermuda: it’s a 300-year-old property with 87 rooms and quintessential Bermudian charm. It takes you back to a time when travel was more elegant, more grand. This large resort is also set on a broad 30-acre property, meaning you can always find a spot on a secluded beach.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2016/03/11/the-best-adults-only-hotels-in-the-caribbean/

The Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi is a perfect embodiment of all qualities synonymous with the quality of Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces. Standing apart in service, its facilities and of course, in its distinguished patronage, this hotel has played host to Heads of State, corporate moguls and high profile businessmen from across the world. Nestled in six acres of lush greens in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of the city, Taj Palace Hotel is the only one in the top-of-the-line category near Gurgaon, and a mere 10 minutes drive from the airport. Centrally Located In The Embassy Area In Close Proximity To Business District. The Hotel Property Covers 7 Acres With Landscaped Gardens. A White Marble Staircase Sweeps Down From Lobby. Four Restaurants Serve Both Regional And International Cuisine.

Source by: http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/delhi/taj-palace-hotel

A new boutique hotel in the Dutch Caribbean

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

There’s a new place to stay in Curaçao.

Bayside Boutique Hotel opened this summer at the Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort, less than 10 minutes from Willemstad.

The hotel has 36 rooms and suites, some with terraces and fully equipped kitchens. Amenities include Pictures, a Mediterranean restaurant and bar; a fitness center; infinity pool.



That’s in addition to two tennis courts; complimentary WI-FI; and free golf on the 18-hole Blue Bay course




Blue Bay beach is steps away from the property.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/10/29/curacao-has-a-new-boutique-hotel/

By the Caribbean Journal staff

A major new condo-hotel project is coming to the Bodden Town area of Grand Cayman.

The project comes as a result of an agreement between the government of the Cayman Islands and Beach Bay Land Limited.

The estimated $200 million project could be another boon for the island’s Eastern Districts, which most recently saw the debut of the much-celebrated Health City healthcare hub.

“We recognize – no, we know – that all of our districts have to be a part of the sustainable development that epitomizes the economic future of the Cayman Islands,” said Cayman Premier Alden McLaughlin. “This development is going to be one of the largest of its kind east of Seven Mile Beach for which the Cayman Islands is so popular.”

The project will include a five-star hotel at St James Point in Bodden Town, the first of its kind in the area.

“This is the first major hotel and condo development for Bodden Town, helping us fill out needed hotel room stock giving our visitors a tranquil experience away from the hustle and bustle of George Town and Seven Mile Beach,” the Premier said.

Source by:  http://caribjournal.com/2015/10/12/a-major-new-hotel-project-in-the-cayman-islands/

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The San Juan Marriott has a new general manager.

The Puerto Rico property has named Jose Gonzalez its new GM, it announced this week.

Gonzalez comes to the hotel after previously serving at the JW Marriott Caracas.

“We’re delighted to have Jose join our executive team,” said Joaquin Cruz, Director of Marketing at San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. “His experience across different Marriott properties is invaluable and will be key to our team’s ongoing success.”

Gonzalez’s previous stops include serving as general manager at the Renaissance Hotel and Resort Costa do Sauipe in Brazil and, before that, General Manager at Renaissance Jaragua Hotel and Casino in Santo Domingo, among others.

“I’m thrilled to make the move to ‘la Isla del Encanto’ and very much look forward to collaborating with my new team to continue to provide a memorable and cultural experience for our guests,” said Gonzalez.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/10/31/san-juan-marriott-names-new-general-manager/

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Dominican Republic’ Eden Roc at Cap Cana resort is undergoing a major renovation of its beach club.

The $5 million project includes renovations and refurbishments to the beach club facilities.

The first phase of the project is slated to be unveiled Dec. 1, with new elements including thatched roofs, natural woods and coralina stone, among other features.

The second phase will see the existing Grill restaurant “refashioned” into a new destination including Nikkei and Robata cooking techniques, a cigar cellar, a wine showcase and live music.

The project is being accompanied by the addition of 52 new beachfront suites at the hotel.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/11/01/eden-roc-at-cap-cana-is-transforming-its-beach-club/

By Guy Britton MONTEGO BAY — We had questions. Was it Zilara and Ziva or Ziva and Zilara? And which one was which?  Apparently others have the same questions, so on a recent trip to Jamaica we made a reservation at the new Hyatt Ziva and Zilara to see what all the fuss was about.




After all, these are just new rooms at a remodeled Ritz Carton, right?  Wrong! What they did at this property is nothing short of extraordinary. What they managed to pull off was maintaining the best parts of the former Ritz Carlton property and creating two new hotels on either side.  Joined but unique, separate and quite simply beautiful.



The Ziva has 386 suites with 25 swim-up suites and accommodates guests of all ages.  The Ziva has nightly entertainment, a swim up bar, a rooftop bar, sports bar and shopping.

Source by: http://caribjournal.com/2015/11/07/exploring-hyatts-all-inclusive-resorts-in-jamaica/