Despite the sheer natural beauty (and wonderful beaches) of Isla Mujeres, the island off the Caribbean coast of Mexico remains something of a closely-guarded secret. But the attractions are numerous here, with lush jungle, abundant sea life and even an underwater museum (the famous Museo Subacuatico).

And then there’s the vibe, classic Mexican beach-town cool (think golf carts on the roads and bike-friendly navigation) with a wonderfully friendly character.

The best part is that it’s all just a 20-minute ferry ride from the tourism hub of Cancun.

So if you are looking for a place to stay on this tiny, 500-meter-wide paradise, we have you covered with the 10 best Isla Mujeres hotels.

Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres

The preeminent property among Isla Mujeres hotels, this AMResorts stunner has all of the luxury of a high-end all-inclusive hotel in a tranquil, boutique package. There are just 35 oceanfront rooms, with two restaurants, a private white-sand beach and a terrific spa, too.

The post The Top 10 Isla Mujeres Hotels appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Seaborne Airlines has shaken up its executive team, naming Ben Munson as the company’s new acting CEO.

Munson has also announced a series of leadership changes, appointing Capt. Jesus Medina as chief operating officer; Hector Montanez as commercial vice president; Olvin Valentin as vice president of people and general counsel; Jahallah Yearwood as controller; and Susana Castro as director of safety and regulatory compliance.

“I have a tremendous amount of confidence in all of them, in their capability and competence in leading their divisions and positioning the company and employees for success,” Munson said in a statement.

Seaborne Ailrines has been operating in the Caribbean for 24 years, with 1,500 monthly departures to 11 airports in the region.

The company is based on San Juan.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

The post Seaborne Airlines Names New Executive Team appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Sandals is expanding its already-popular overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.

The company, which debuted its first overwater villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica earlier this year, as announced nine new “over the water honeymoon butler bungalows” set to open at its Sandals Grande St Lucian property in St. Lucia.

The nine new units are now available for bookings for travel beginning in May, the company said in a statement.

The new bungalows have glass-floor panels, a private outdoor tranquility soaking tub for two, a king-sized bed and overwater hammocks.

The bungalows’ bathrooms have his and hers sinks, a large backlit mirror with mosaic tile and a walk-in rain shower.

Each bungalow also has a private patio with a sun deck, outdoor shower, sun loungers and a bistro set.

Sandals’ “Butler Elite” service and 24-hour room service are included with each room.

See more on the company’s overwater bungalows from Caribbean Journal’s video above.

— CJ

The post Sandals to Open St. Lucia Overwater Bungalows appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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You can stay like a swimsuit model at Curacao’s Avila Hotel, where the “glamazons” featured in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue (on newsstands now) stayed while on location for the magazine.

Avila is one of the best places to stay on the island, with a great beachfront location and a wide range mix of accommodations from hotel rooms to larger apartments (or, if you want to splurge, the hotel’s Simon Bolivar suite).

That’s without mentioning the hotel’s famous Blues Bar & Restaurants, one of Curacao’s most happening spots.

To book a stay at the Avila hotel, click here. 

— Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, CJ Travel Editor

The post How to Stay Like a Swimsuit Model in Curacao appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The Caribbean’s most popular tourism destination continues to see strong growth.

The latest data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization show a total of 5.95 million visitors arriving in the Dominican Republic last year, a 6.7 percent increase compared to 2015.

It’s the kind of growth the destination will need to show to reach its stated goal of 10 million annual stayover tourists by 2023.

The country saw its strongest growth from international tourists outside of hubs in the US, Canada and Europe, meaning a large increase from the sought-after Latin American market.

Indeed, that segment accounted for 1.84 million tourists in 2016, the second-largest total beyond the country’s traditional primary source market, the United States.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

The post Dominican Republic Tourism Keeps Climbing appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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