By Alexander Britell

There’s a certain sparkle you notice the moment you land, from the floor to the automated immigration kiosk. There’s a newness. There’s a sheen.

This isn’t quite like any Caribbean airport you’ve been to — and it will play a big role in the growth of one of the region’s most exciting destinations.

Curaçao International Airport is currently in the midst of a major transformation project, one that is turning the Dutch Caribbean airport into a new exemplar for the region.

“We want to be one of the leaders in the Caribbean in terms of airport facilities,” CAP CEO Ralph Blanchard told Caribbean Journal. “We also want to be an example of what a public-private partnership can be.”

The nearly $48 million USD project began in 2014 with the enhancement expansion of the airport’s check-in area and airport boulevard; in 2016, the new arrivals hall and airport food and beverage services and stores made their debut.

The latter is something that’s already made a huge impact: there’s a popular bar in the arrivals area, something that is, surprisingly, unique for that setting at a Caribbean airport — but most welcome.

The overall terminal expansion project is slated for completion this December, at which all construction, including a new immigration departures area, will be finished.

That will also include a state-of-the-art duty free shopping component in the departure area with a walk-through design similar to that at Punta Cana’s airport, according to Bryan Elshot, project manager operation at CAP.

Dynamic advertising is also be a major component of the project, like the high-tech video screens that now dot many of the walls (background)

“What we want is to be an example for first and foremost our neighboring islands,” said Brian Elshot, project manager at Albo Caribbean, general contractor on the project. “We want to raise the quality over and over and offer quality service from the moment you park your car to the moment you board this aircraft.”.

Curacao Airport Partners expects that, by the time the expansion is completed at the end of this year, the number of annual passengers will have reached 1.8 million, with the aim of eventually being able to process 2.5 million passengers each year. (At that point, the airport will need to expand again).

Blanchard said he was very bullish on Curacao’s future as a destination, He also pointed to the large swathes of land, particularly on the northwest of the island, that represent one of the great untapped tourism development opportunities in the Caribbean.

It’s all part of what should be a very positive trajectory for an island that is still very much being discovered by travelers, particularly in the United States.

“We have good interest from the airlines, we just need to get the word out there,” he said. “We want to make sure that Curacao has a competitive airport — something the island can be proud of.”

The post Curaçao Airport’s Major Transformation appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

When a Caribbean destination has 365 beaches, it’s hard to choose just one.

That’s why we’ve brought you on a quick journey to two world-class beaches on the island, to give you a taste of one of the Caribbean’s beach capitals.

Here’s a quick look at Morris Bay and Curtain Bluff beaches.

So if you haven’t already planned your Antigua getaway, it’s time to start.

— CJ

The post VIDEO: On the Beach in Antigua appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

An exciting new hotel has opened its doors on the island of Saint Lucia.

The Harbor Club is a major addition to the greater Rodney Bay area, with a waterfront marina setting and striking, modern design.

The property has a mix of 115 nautically-inspired rooms and suites, along with five dining options, a fitness center, a spa, a dive center and a spectacular multiple-level pool deck.

It’s a different kind of hotel for the island: hip, sleek, extremely well appointed and boasting a beautiful marina-front setting.

The marina deck.

An affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality is the management company for the property, which owned by Canadian entrepreneur Wes Hall.

Aimbridge has been expanding its footprint in the Caribbean of late, most notably with the recent debut of Jamaica’s Jewel Grande in Montego Bay.

The property’s on-site authentic pizzeria.

“I am excited to open Harbor Club and, with a team of world-class hospitality professionals, move one step closer to making this hotel and Rodney Bay a top destination for the world’s most elite travelers,” Hall said. “Not only are we opening a stunning hotel that will stand out to the world, we are also adding 200 hospitality jobs in Saint Lucia.”

A swim-up room.

The hotel’s crisp design (along with a very large, high-tech ballroom) make it an equally appealing destination for both leisure and business travelers.

The rooms are beautifully appointed, with everything from flat-screens to Nespresso machines.

But it’s the waterfront pool deck that is the party piece, a terraced pool system that includes a row of swim-up suites and a swim-up bar.

The nautical-themed rooms.

“Our multi-million capital investment in this destination hotel on the coveted island, along with Aimbridge Hospitality’s commitment to the guest experience, and our management team is the perfect combination,” Hall said.

While it’s currently in soft opening, Harbor Club will hold its grand opening in March.

For more information, visit the Harbor Club.

The post Harbor Club, An Exciting New Hotel in St Lucia appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Sunwing’s Vacation Express is launching new flights from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport to a pair of Caribbean destinations.

The carrier is slated to launch new nonstop flights from CVG to both Grand Bahama and Cozumel, Mexico.

“We are excited about adding these additional flights from CVG and to return with our Grand Bahama Island program, and we know Cozumel will become a popular destination for us this summer,” said Kevin Hernandez, VP Marketing and Sales at Vacation Express. “We have had requests from many passengers and travel agents looking for great deals on quick and easy four-night packages with non-stop flights to exciting destinations and we are here to deliver.”

The Cozumel flights will operate between May 24 and Aug. 23, while the Grand Bahama flights will operate between May 30 and Aug. 18.

“The addition of Cozumel, Mexico and return of Grand Bahama Island to Vacation Express’ existing service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Montego Bay, Jamaica and Cancun, Mexico provides CVG passengers the most nonstop flight options in the Vacation Express network,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “We’re pleased that local travelers now have the opportunity to travel with Vacation Express to five different exotic destinations.”

The flights to Grand Bahama and Cozumel will be operated by Swift Air on Boeing 737-300 aircraft.

The post Vacation Express Expands Flights to Cozumel, Grand Bahama appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines has launched its first-ever flights to Cuba.

The airline’s brand new service to Cuba launched on Saturday with the inaugural nonstop flight from Port of Spain.

The flight was received with the traditional water salute at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport.

“We’re proud to have operated our very first flight to Cuba and look forward to welcoming more of you on board soon,” the company said in a statement posted on Facebook.

The flights operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays, departing Port of Spain at 8:30 AM and arriving in Havana around 12:25 PM with return flights arriving in Port of Spain around 5:20 PM.

The post Caribbean Airlines Launches Cuba Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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