Monthly Archives: July 2016

VIDEO: A Must-Try All-Inclusive in Antigua

 

In many ways, this is the kind of resort that sets a standard for Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. The St James’s Club & Villas in Antigua isa place that offers an authentic Caribbean experience, from the two beautiful beaches to the warm, inviting service.

From the rum punch to the beachfront Full Moon parties, this is a resort that has a real personality, one that reminds you you aren’t in a nameless destination — you’re in Antigua — and that’s a very good thing.

Here’s what it’s like to stay there, in the latest CJ Check In.

The post VIDEO: A Must-Try All-Inclusive in Antigua appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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A New Place to Stay on the Beach in Anguilla

 

One of Anguilla’s top boutique hotels has a new addition.

The Frangipani Beach Resort has officially unveiled its new villa for the 2016/2017 season, a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom beachfront property.

The new beachfront villa at Frangipani © Thierry Dehove

The new beachfront villa at Frangipani © Thierry Dehove

The new villa offers access to all of the resort’s amenities, including concierge services, complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary water sports, signing privileges at the hotel’s Straw Hat restaurant and use of the fitness center and tennis courts, among others.

The 5,000-square-foot, two-floor villa has four bedrooms facing the ocean, each of which has an en-suite bathroom.

The post A New Place to Stay on the Beach in Anguilla appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Puerto Rico flag black and 'in mourning' over US-imposed financial oversight board

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — For many Puerto Ricans, the national flag is a symbol of cultural pride and identity, especially in light of the island’s colonial status under the United States’ government. Now, with an artistic tweak, the flag also represents the state of mourning that the island…

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The Best-Kept Secret in the Mexican Caribbean

 

Discovering the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

By Alexander Britell

PUERTO MORELOS — There is a pillow menu.

And not just a list — shortly after arriving in the room, you’re presented with a small tray of miniaturized pillows, firm to soft, to decide between with your touch.

Because everything here is about appreciating even the smallest details. Because here, they understand that those are the root of great luxury.

This is the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, a relatively new Leading Hotel of the World in Puerto Morelos, a still largely undiscovered fishing village on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

The lobby at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

The lobby at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

With 103 suites on a wide stretch of white sand beach, the property boasts seriously good food (led by Chef Yann Cozic) and one of the largest pools you’ll ever see.

Puerto

And then there are the rooms — massive spaces with marvelous kitchens and marble bathrooms, with Bulgari amenities and Nespresso machines, some with infinity plunge pools, others with balcony Jacuzzis.

Grand

And it doesn’t hurt that Puerto Morelos is a lovely town, slowly opening to tourism but retaining its charm, from artistan boutiques to fish-taco beach bars.

The hotel's swim-up bar

The hotel’s swim-up bar

But none of that is the story.

Because the story is, like all great hotels, how the place makes you feel.

Because there is not a moment here when you cannot find a staff member in an instant, not a moment when a staff member will tell you he or she can’t accommodate your request.

Here, the service is so good it borders on religion, where staff members use the rather clever network of underground tunnels to seemingly appear out of nowhere at your doorstep to perform service miracles.

Here, they get it. There is great service but it is never aggressive — they get that the best service feels effortless.

It’s a testament to general manager Carlo Bicaci, who has brought the kind of luxury service you tend to find in Europe, and not often enough in the Caribbean.

And it’s all delivered with a remarkable warmth — the staff here are professional, knowledgeable and happy to make you happy.

It’s a place that every Caribbean hotelier should visit to see for him or herself.

Because this hotel has perhaps the best service I’ve ever experienced – and that’s what makes the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun not just the Best-Kept Secret in the Mexican Caribbean, but one of the Caribbean’s best hotels, too.

Right down to the pillows.

The post The Best-Kept Secret in the Mexican Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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VIDEO: Sunset at Willoughby Bay, Antigua

 

Antigua is full of quiet, tucked-away bays, hidden coves and wonderfully empty beaches. That’s easy when you have 365 of them.

One special spot is Willoughby Bay, set on the country’s southeastern coast.

Here’s a look at what it’s like at sunset, via drone.

The post VIDEO: Sunset at Willoughby Bay, Antigua appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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