Category Archives: Travel

Major New Hotel Coming to the Dominican Republic

 

By Guy Britton

A major new hotel is coming to one of the Dominican Republic’s up-and-coming destinations.

Amhsa Marina Hotel and Resorts has announced plans to launch construction of the Kaeeni Beach Hotel in the Las Galeras beach enclave of the country.

The Samana-area property will include 336 rooms and will be an all-inclusive resort.

It will become the largest luxury establishment in Las Galeras.

One of the company's existing properties in Las Galeras

One of the company’s existing properties in Las Galeras

The property will have five restaurants (four a la carte), all of which will be ocean view.

It is slated to open in September 2017.

The project was announced during the DATE Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange in Punta Cana last week.

“The Kaeeni Beach Hotel is designed as a concept that mixes nature and luxury with the biggest all-inclusive in Las Galeras,” said Mariel Lopez, marketing director for the company.

The Dominican-owned Amhsa Marina Hotels and Resorts manages hotels including the Grand Paradise Samana, the Casa Marina Reef, the Grand Paradise Playa Dorada and others in the country.

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VIDEO: On the Beach at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

 

It just might be the greatest resort in all of Punta Cana: the luxurious, beautiful Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, full of thatched-roof Caribbean charm.

But this Uvero Alto standout is also home to a spectacular stretch of beach, the kind of perfect white sands for which Punta Cana has become world famous.

Here’s what it’s like on the beach:

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Caribbean Photo of the Week: White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

 

The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Melanie Morgan, who sent in this superb shot of White Bay on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands.

Have you taken a great photo of the Caribbean?

Send it to news@caribjournal.com with CPOTW in the subject line.

It could be the next one!

— CJ

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Curacao’s Airport Just Got Even Better

 

In a new level of innovation for regional aviation, Curacao’s Hato International Airport has added major new technology to its immigration experience.

The airport has officially inaugurated its new state-of-the-art Automated Border Control system.

The system, known as “E-Gates,” provides for self-service passport control and immigration.

It follows the launch last year of new online “E/D” cards, which offer travelers the opportunity to fill out their immigration information online before they even board the flight to the Dutch Caribbean island.

“The e-gates allow the airport to become more modern, inviting passengers to enjoy easy border control check,” said Wilhelmus Ignacio, director of Curacao Airport Holding. “Aside from this benefit, it also allows the airport stakeholders to increase airport security, facilitation of travel, and enhanced border system integrity. It’s a transformation that is placing Curaçao International Airport in the forefront of innovation in airport management and passenger experience in the region.”

Here’s hoping the rest of the Caribbean follows suit.

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Hakkasan Group to Invest $150 Million in Mexico Hospitality Projects

 

Global hospitality company Hakkasan Group is looking to Mexico.

The company has partnered with top Mexico resort operator Grupo Vidanta, on a planned $150 million investment into new concept beach clubs, nightlife venues, restaurants and hotels at Vidanta Resorts.

The partnership is reportedly the result of a recent state visit to the Middle East, where Grupo Vidanta’s founder Daniel Chavez and Hakkasan Group began discussing the potential for new ventures.

Hakkasan Group, based in Las Vegas, has more than 50 establishments in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, led by its Hakkasan restaurants.

“We are thrilled to partner with one of the most renowned global hospitality companies and create new opportunities and original experiences in Mexico,” Chávez Morán said. “Through our partnership with Hakkasan Group we will bring world-class dining and entertainment offerings like no other in Mexico to destinations across the country.”

The partnership will see three new concepts in the first half of 2017, including two restaurants and a beach club at Vidanta Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo.

For the next five years, Hakkasan Group will be introducing a new venue at a different Vidanta property each year, along with a new hotel with Grupo Vidanta.

“Our latest collaboration with the world-renowned Hakkasan Group further exemplifies our long-term vision and ongoing commitment to progressing the growth of tourism in Mexico and evolving the Vidanta brand,” said Iván Chávez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta.

Vidanta has a portfolio of resorts in destinations including Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Acapulco, Puerto Peñasco, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán.

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