Hard Rock International has named current EVP for hotel and operations Jon Lucas as its new Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company’s international operations as well as key company departments.

Lucas will report directly to Hard Rock International Chairman and CEO Jim Allen.

The company has also appointed Dale Hipsh to senior vice president, overseeing the entire hotel portfolio for Hard Rock International, while Sean Caffery has joined the team as a senior vice president of casino development.

“As we continue to grow the Hard Rock brand beyond our existing footprint, we look to Lucas, Hipsh and Caffery to lead the expansion process with exciting, new projects in the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos pipeline,” Allen said.

Hard Rock has been expanding in the Caribbean, most notably with a major planned project in Santo Domingo.

— Caribbean Journal staff

The post Hard Rock’s Newest Appointments appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The luxury enclave of Cap Cana is one of the region’s secret foodie hotspots, in large part due to its world-class flagship hotel.

And now there’s a new way to experience the best of the destination.

The Eden Roc at Cap Cana hotel, the Dominican Republic’s only Relais & Chateaux property, is offering a new package that offers a free three-course dinner every night along with a free fourth night.

The Culinary Discovery package includes meals at the Mediterranean-focused Mediterraneo, the Robatayaki eatery BLUE Grill + Bar and a dinner at the La Palapa seafood restaurant.

The package also includes half-board meal plan with all breakfast plan rate items.

— CJ

The post How to Take a Foodie Retreat to Cap Cana appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Adults-only brand Temptation is expanding in the Caribbean, Caribbean Journal has learned.

Temptation, known for its Temptation Cancun resort, has announced plans to expand its portfolio with a new resort in Punta Cana, slated for debut in 2019.

Temptation, a topless-optional, all-inclusive resort, is reopening its Cancun property this August after a major renovation led by designer Karim Rashid.

Temptation properties are aimed at adults 21 and older, describing themselves as a “Playground for Grown-Ups.”

A room at the redesigned Temptation Cancun.

The Temptation in Punta Cana will feature 496 guestrooms and suites set on 62 acres of landscaped grounds.

“The life-changing experience we have provided our guests for the past ten years with Temptation Cancun Resort, in a relaxing, fun and sensual atmosphere, has made us leaders of this segment in Mexico,” said Rodrigo De La Peña, CEO of Original Group. “This success, combined with our market expertise and our entrepreneurial and daring spirit, has led us to our next, exciting stage. Our new resort in the Dominican Republic, set to open at the end of 2019, is the first part of our ambitious plans to continue expanding and establishing ourselves as the leaders of the adult travel industry worldwide.”

The company said additional locations and plans for expansion were also in the works, to be announced “at a later time.”

— Caribbean Journal staff

The post Temptation Is Expanding to the Dominican Republic appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Looking for your next Caribbean fishing tournament?

The BVI Sport Fishing Association is hosting the 2nd Annual Virgin Gorda International Marlin Tournament from July 28-31, in partnership with Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour.

The tournament expects a turnout of 15 or more boats this year, a “steady organic growth” from last year’s launch, organizers said.

All participants of this year’s tournament will be given special offers whilst staying at VGYH; free dockage, free 25lb bag of ice daily, 15% off fuel, complimentary Harbour Hurricane drink at registration and a complimentary continental breakfast – courtesy of the VGYH.

Registration begins on the 28th and is followed by a Fun Day event, which will be held on the 29th to kick-start the tournament.

For more information, email bvisportfishingassociation@gmail.com.

— CJ

The post A Marlin Tournament in Virgin Gorda appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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After a long day on the North Sound you need a good rum.

But not just any rum will do.

So you walk around the Windward Mark Bar and find the rum corner.

This is the home of rum at the newest bar at the Bitter End Yacht Club, a collection of fine rums that reward those who journey here.

The new rum portfolio is the result of the expert stewardship of BEYC Food & Beverage Director Chris Riley, who came on at the beginning of the year and clearly saw the need for rum worthy of this venerable Virgin Gorda retreat, thanks to previous work with fine wine and spirits purveyor TICO.

The selection has a diverse mix of rums from around the region, highlighted by some top level rhum agricoles that are very hard to find anywhere outside of Martinique, notably Rhum Saint James 12 and Depaz XO.

It all makes for a perfect Caribbean seaside bar, doing it the way it’s been done for centuries – an afternoon on the water capped by a night of rum.

There are few better formulas for a perfect day.

— CJ

The post Rum Journal: A Rum Corner at the Bitter End Yacht Club appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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