By the Caribbean Journal staff

Hilton’s Conrad brand is adding a new property in Mexico.

The Conrad Playa Mita will be a transformation of the former La Tranquila Resort in Punta de Mita, slated to open in the winter of 2019.

“As one of the most popular tourism destinations in Latin America, Mexico continues to be a priority market in our regional growth plans,” said Juan Corvinos, vice president, development, Latin America and the Caribbean, Hilton. “With the recent signing of Waldorf Astoria Cancun on the Mexican Caribbean coast, we are thrilled to further expand our luxury footprint on the country’s Pacific coastline.”

The 325-room property will undergo a multimillion-dollar reimagining by co-developers HRV Hotel Partners and Contact Development Company.

SB Architects will headline a design team including EDSA, Arquitectura de Interiores and Grupo Dovela.

The new Conrad Playa Mita will be focused on group travel, with more than 45,000 square feet of function space, including 30,0000 square feet of outdoor space with beach frontage.

“As the brand’s second property in Mexico, Conrad Playa Mita will embody modern luxury in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Dino Michael, vice president, global brand development, Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Hilton. “We look forward to delivering seamless service to our guests at a stunning coastal resort while giving them unique access to exploring the world around them.”

The post Conrad Is Expanding in Mexico appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity luxury cruise ship is getting an “extensive” redesign.

Beginning in October, Crystal Serenity will enter a three-week dry dock that will mean dramatic changes for the ship.

The news was revealed at the recent Seatrade Cruise Global summit in Fort Lauderdale.

Among the changes will be the addition of 36 new penthouses, along with a pair of new penthouse suites; new dining venues, including the Waterside international restaurant, a Brazilian churrascaria; the Asian inspired Silk Kitchen and Bar.

That’s along with upgrades at spots like the popular Palm Court lounge and the Stardust Club.

Crystal Serenity will emerge from its three-week dry dock on November 10.

The post Crystal Serenity Is Getting an “Extensive” Redesign appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

Four Seasons is opening another new property in the Caribbean as the company embarks on what appears to be a concerted expansion push in the region.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced plans to develop Caye Chapel, a private island in Belize, with a mix of oceanfront estates, private residences and overwater bungalows.

The project, which is slated to open in 2021, is the product of a partnership with Thor Urbana, Immobilia Desarollos and GFA Grupo Immobiliario, all of which are based in Mexico.

The luxury development, called Four Seasons Resort and Residences Caye Chapel, Belize, will be a mix of 50 private estates lots, 35 private residences and 100 guest rooms and suites.

There will also be a significant golf component, with an 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman, who is expanding his footprint in the Caribbean of late. The course will be designed in consultation with star golfer Lorena Ochoa.

The 280-acre site will also feature a marina and private airstrip, along with a nature and conservation institute by noted explorer Fabien Cousteau.

“We are excited to be a part of the reimagination of Caye Chapel into an exclusive luxury experience, and to do so in a way that protects and reinforces the natural wonders of the island,” says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Four Seasons’ Ocean Club on Paradise Island.

It’s the latest in what has become a rapid expansion for Four Seasons, which until recently only had one property in the region, the Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

That has expanded to destinations including Paradise Island, Bahamas and Anguilla, along with projects in the pipeline in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica.

The post Four Seasons Is Expanding to Belize appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Two of Mexico’s hottest destinations are getting a boost from Southwest Airlines.

Southwest has officially launched new nonstop flights from both San Jose, Calif. and Sacramento, Calif. to Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos, while additionally launching new flights between San Diego and Puerto Vallarta.

The Four Seasons near Puerto Vallarta.

The new service to Cabo San Lucas will operate weekly on Saturdays, according to a statement from Southwest Airlines.

The new San Diego-Puerto Vallarta service will operate daily, however.

Heading to Mexico? Check out our picks for where to stay in Cabo San Lucas  and the top hotels in Puerto Vallarta.

The post Southwest Airlines Launches New Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Canadian carrier WestJet has launched its first-ever flights from Calgary and Vancouver to Mexico City.

The new flights, which began last week, keep WestJet as the Canadian airline with the most flights to Mexico.

The Calgary service is operating with four weekly flights, while Vancouver-Mexico City flights will operate three times weekly.

Beginning April 29, both routes will move to daily service.

“WestJet is proud to be at the forefront of expanding on vital trade and tourism linkages between Mexico and Canada,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “Non-stop, year-round flights from Calgary and Vancouver to Mexico City connect the country to one of the most important major markets in the Americas and expand on growing opportunities for Canada/Mexico tourism. We welcome our first MEX and YYC-bound guests today knowing these flights are a win for business and leisure travellers on both sides.”

WestJet now services 11 cities in Mexico from a total of 15 cities across Canada.

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