By the Caribbean Journal staff

There’s a new way to get to the hottest island in the British Virgin Islands: Anegada.

The Anegada Express ferry is set to launch operations on Feb. 5, a new option to sail around the BVI.

Even better? It will run seven days a week.

The “Morning Express” will depart Trellis Bay, Beef Island for Anegada at 8: AM, with an Anegada-Virgin Gorda and Beef Island ferry departing at 9:15 and a Virgin Gorda-Beef Island ferry leaving at 10 AM.

The Anegada Express will also offer a complimentary shuttle from Trellis Bay to the airport for return trips.

The “Afternoon Express” will depart Trellis Bay, Beef Island for Virgin Gorda and Anegada at 4 PM with Virgin Gorda-Anegada departures at 4:45 PM and the return trip from Anegada to Trellis Bay at 5:45 PM (including a complimentary airport shuttle).

Rates are $50 round trip for adults and $40 round trip for students.

The Anegada Express can carry 35 passengers.

The post A New Way to Get to Anegada appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

It’s a raucous, rousing message to the world that Dominica is open for business.

It’s Mas Domnik, Dominica’s fascinating, festive carnival and it’s happening right now.

Mas Domnik, Dominica’s unique brand of carnival, has officially launched under the theme of “Celebrating Our Traditions.”

Carnival organizers acknowledge that this year’s event is more important than ever, in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

“Mas Domnik provides a unique opportunity for our creative community – costume builders, song writers, music producers, seamstresses, tailors and performers of varying kinds to rise to the occasion and present their craft in a unique and distinct manner,” said Robert Tonge, Dominica’s Minister of Tourism.

“Tradition means a lot to us, and we intend on celebrating it honorably and safely,” said Colin Piper, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority and Director of Tourism.

While this year’s carnival will be scaled down from previous years for obvious reasons, will include six weeks of calypso shows, celebrations, parades and fetes for every age group.

Dominicans call it The Real Mas, considering it the “last remaining fortress of true authentic masquerade in the Caribbean.”

It will run through Carnival Monday and Tuedsay on Feb. 12 and 13, culminating with the “Taway Vaval” in Dominica’s Kalinago territory on Feb. 14.

And yes, Dominica’s tourism sector has been recovering in the wake of Maria, with its largest hotel, the Fort Young, having just reopened this week, while a number of other guest houses and smaller properties have also reopened their doors.

Because right now, the best way to help destinations like Dominica is to visit them.

For more information, visit Dominica Festivals.

The post How to Discover Dominica Right Now: Mas Domnik appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

In another boost for Port St Maarten, MSC Cruises has made an early return to the destination.

The cruise line’s MSC Divina cruise ship made an early return to St. Maarten this week — even though MSC Cruises was not scheduled to return to the destination until March 28.

In a statement, Port St. Maarten said it accepted the vessel request as additional berths were available and the vessel docked alongside safely.

“One of the strengths that the destination has had is the ability to cater to impromptu calls due to issues and or concerns at competing Ports,” Port St. Maarten Management said in a statement. “Our strategic plan is geared towards having more berths available in the future as MSC Cruises in particular will be the fastest growing cruise line.”

In 2014 MSC launched an investment plan to support the second phase of growth and in April 2016, the cruise line ordered additional vessels for a total investment of nine billion Euros for up to 11-new next-generation ships which will come into service starting in 2017 to 2026 making the cruise line the third largest.

“St. Maarten is still a marquee destination and we must continue to showcase the efforts of being able to restore the country product and bring it to another and higher level than we were pre-Irma,” the Port said.

MSC Divina has a gross tonnage of 139,400 and a passenger capacity of 3,500 and a crew of 1,380.

MSC Cruises will be making 29 port calls for 2018 in St Maarten, bringing in approximately 115,000 cruise passengers.

The post MSC Cruises Makes Early Return to St Maarten appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

One of the coolest hotels in the Caribbean has officially reopened in the wake of last year’s storms.

The Anegada Beach Club on the beach-filled island of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands reopened its doors on Thursday.

“We are freshly rebuilt, upgraded and open for business,” the property wrote in a statement.

The centerpiece of the hotel is a collection of luxury tents, remarkably designed “glamping” units with everything from a king canopy bed to a furnished deck to a bathroom with a hot shower and even an extra daybed and L’Occitane en Provence amenities.

Inside one of the tents.

They’re perched on a dune overlooking one of Anegada’s most beautiful stretches of sand.

The tents are joined by traditional hotel rooms, from king rooms to adjoining family suites.

Anegada has become the crown jewel of the British Virgin Islands in the wake of the storms, thanks to a rapid recovery and a laid-back mix of untouched beaches, beach bars and lobster-focused eateries.

It all adds up to one of the more remarkable experiences in the Caribbean — and it’s time to return.

For more information, visit the Anegada Beach Club.

The post Anegada’s Must-Visit Hotel Is Open Again in the British Virgin Islands appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

A villa built on a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saint Lucia will sell to the highest bidder on February 28.

Previously listed for $8.5 million, the retreat, Arc en Ciel, will sell without reserve in cooperation with Angad Singh of Premier Property Management through the global auction firm Concierge Auctions.

Prospective buyers may bid via the company’s online marketplace from anywhere in the world.

Located near the fishing village of Soufrière bordering a forest reserve, Arc en Ciel sits between the peaks of the Piton Mountains on the West Coast of Saint Lucia.

Built by architect Lane Pettigrew, the six-bedroom oasis boasts 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea and a classic “Messel-inspired” Caribbean design – laid out in linked pavilions connected by arched verandas.

Featuring more than 5,000-square-feet of living space, the home is comprised of a fully-equipped kitchen; a great room; a formal dining area with seating for 10 people; and a master bedroom boasting an en-suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi and separate shower, opening to a private sun deck and mountain views.

Additional outdoor features include an infinity-edge swimming pool; plunge pool; covered dining patio with a bar and fridge; sun loungers; and barbeque.

Overlooking Sugar Beach, Soufrière is known for its natural beauty, resorts and outdoor activities including boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, catamaran sailing and banana boating.

The post $8.5 Million Saint Lucia Villa Heads to Auction appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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