By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s something too many travelers take for granted.

But for many disabled travelers in the Caribbean, getting to the beach is seldom easy.

But now one of the Caribbean’s greatest beaches is now accessible, thanks to the efforts of one pioneering hotel.

The Valentines Resort and Marina on Harbour Island in the Bahamas has installed a new wooden ramp to get to Pink Sand Beach, a world-class beach that’s typically accessible only via uneven dirt paths.

“Guests with disabilities and mobility difficulty have been thankful that we have recently made this accommodation giving them the beach access so they can experience one of the top beaches in the world,” the hotel said in a statement.

Valentine’s also has a private beach club for guests on the beach, but the ramp means the beach is now open for any traveler looking for an easier way to get to this spectacular stretch of sand.

The design of the ramp system also ensured the most eco friendly design and construction possible, according to a statement.

“While some prefer the old natural approach to the beach, many now have easier access to the beach that limited or preventing them from enjoying it,” Valentine’s said.

Here’s hoping it’s a trend that continues.

The post How One Hotel Made One of the Caribbean’s Greatest Beaches Accessible appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Anguilla’s Frangipani Beach Resort is reopening next month in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

The resort will welcome back guests with existing reservations beginning Dec. 21, and will start taking new reservations beginning in January.

“With the upcoming Festive Season, we wanted to provide our loyal guests with the opportunity to return to Anguilla to celebrate and create special memories with their families,” said Shannon Kircher, Director of Marketing & Communications at the resort.  “For many it’s part of an annual tradition and it’s important for us to keep that alive. We also believe that it’s vital for our staff and for the community to keep visitors coming back to our paradise.”

It’s a boost for an island hit hard by Hurricane Irma and whose hotel stock was significantly damaged in the storm.

Most properties on the island will not be opening until next year.

Frangipani is itself undergoing property improvements including all new roofing to the hotel, new windows and doors designed to increase ocean views, new furniture in rooms where damage was sustained, select new electronics, new awnings at the resort and Straw Hat Restaurant, fresh exterior and interior painting, and refinishing of pools, according to a statement from the property.

The post Anguilla’s Frangipani to Reopen in December appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Carnival is making a push to expand its shopping experience, with a host of new retail outlets across its cruise ship fleet.

The push is the result of “months of intensive research and data gathering” to match the preferences of Carnival guests, according to William Butler, Carnival’s vice president of retail.

“We’re committed to enhancing every aspect of our operations – which includes, of course, onboard shopping – and our expanded and enhanced retail offerings provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy some ‘retail therapy’ and take home a unique and memorable keepsake from their Carnival vacation,” he said.

New offerings include Effy, on 12 ships; Swarovski on 25 ships; TAG on 24 ships; Invicta on 25 ships; Victoria’s Secret on 22 ships and Los Cincos Soles on four ships.

The Cherry on Top sweets shop is also now on 20 ships.

Over the past year, Carnival has completely renovated the shopping outlets on Carnival Sensation, Carnival Elation, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Valor with Carnival Victory, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Legend and Carnival Paradise scheduled for retail refurbishments in the coming year.

The post Carnival Ups Its Shopping Game appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Right now, it’s the beach capital of the Caribbean, and the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is easier to reach than ever, thanks to a host of new deals at resort properties across the island.

The Aruba Tourism Authority has released a new hot list of specials for savings, ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

So if you’re planning a getaway to Aruba, now’s the time.

See below for more information.

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Holiday Offer: Enjoy up to 20% off rates at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort this holiday season with reduced rates on all room categories.

Booking Window: Sept. 1 – Nov. 22, 2017

Travel Dates: Nov. 20 – Nov. 27, 2017

Redeem: Visit http://www.amsterdammanor.com to book and use promo code AMBRBLCK20.

Boardwalk Small Hotel Aruba

Black Friday Offer: Enjoy a boutique style experience at one of the fully equipped “casitas” at the intimate Boardwalk Small Hotel Aruba. Up to 15% discount; varying minimum length of stay depending on dates. Accommodations must be booked this week to apply.

Booking Window: Nov. 20 – 26, 2017

Travel Dates: Apr. 18 – Dec. 22, 2017

Redeem: Visit www.boardwalkaruba.com to book and enter promotional code ILoveAruba.

Brickell Bay Beach Blub & Spa

Holiday Offer: Book early this holiday season and receive an early booking special.

• Offer includes deluxe room upgrade and daily breakfast

Booking Window: Now until Dec. 5, 2017

Travel Dates: Jan. 2 – Apr. 2, 2018

Redeem: Visit http://www.brickellbayaruba.com/rooms.html to book and use promo code EBB2018.

Divi Resorts

Holiday Offer: Offering ‘Out of this World’ vacation savings for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Divi Resorts offers guests a plethora of savings for the holidays. Accommodations must be booked this week to apply.

Divi & Tamarjin Aruba All Inclusive: Rates start as low as $106 per night and as low as $127 per person, per night for an all-inclusive vacation package

Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort: Rates start as low as $125 per night or $162 per person per night for an all-inclusive vacation package.

Divi Village Beach Resort: Rates start as low as $120 per night or $143 per person per night for an all-inclusive vacation package.

Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort: Rates start as low as $178 per night (plus tax).

Booking Window: Now – Nov. 27, 2017

Travel Dates: April 2 – June 29, 2018 and Aug.18 – Dec.21, 2018

Redeem: Visit www.diviresorts.com.

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

Holiday Offer: Enjoy up savings up to 30% on select room types when purchasing a 4-night minimum stay starting in January of 2018. Accommodations must be booked this week to apply.

Booking Window: Nov. 21 – 27, 2017

Travel Dates:

• Jan. 5 -11, 2018
• Jan. 26 – 31, 2018
• Feb. 6 – 9, 2018
• Feb. 12 – 16, 2018
• Feb. 23 – Mar. 7, 2018
• Mar. 11 – 23, 2018
• Mar. 31 – May 8, 2018
• May 13 – Jul. 11, 2018
• Jul. 16 – Nov. 20, 2018

Redeem: Visit https://www.hiltonaruba.com/2017holidays from November 21 through November 27, 2017.

MVC Eagle Beach Resort

Holiday Offer: Enjoy up to 25% off rates at the MVC Eagle Beach Resort this holiday season, with reduced rates on all room categories. Accommodations must be booked by November 22 to apply.

Booking Window: Sept. 1 – Nov. 22, 2017

Travel Dates: Nov. 20 – Nov. 27, 2017

Redeem: Visit http://www.mvceaglebeach.com/hotel-special-offers-last-minute-aruba.html to book and use promo code MVCBLCK25.

Tierra Del Sol

Black Friday Offer:

• 20% off accommodations rate when you book a 5-night minimum stay
• Rates starting at $110 per person per night based on 4 people in a 2-bedroom Villa.
• Accommodations must be booked this week to apply.

Booking Window: Nov. 24 – 27, 2017

Travel Dates: Dec. 9, 2017 – Jan. 6, 2017 with a five-night minimum length of stay.

Redeem: Book the promotion by completing the vacation rental form at http://bit.ly/2d4bSRi with the offer code BLFR. Deal is subject to availability and blackout dates apply.

Tropicana Aruba Resort & Casino

Holiday Offer: Tropicana Aruba is offering super deals this holiday season, starting at 55% off the original published rate for one day only. Accommodations must be booked on November 24 to apply.

Booking Date: Nov. 24, 2017

Travel Dates: Jan. 1 – Nov. 1, 2018

Redeem: Visit https://app.thebookingbutton.com/properties/tropicanaarubadirect to book and use promo code bf2017.

The post How to Save on an Aruba Vacation Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Castles in Paradise villa resort in St Lucia has expanded with a new wing of apartment units at its Vieux Fort property.

Castles in Paradise, the only villa resort in the south of St Lucia, now has six new units with a range from one to two-bedroom apartments.

The apartments overlook Savannes Bay and Honeymoon Bay, with each including a kitchenette, Wi-Fi, maid service six days a week, ground maintenance and pool access.

Castles in Paradise has a total of 14 villas.

 

The post St Lucia’s Castles in Paradise Expands appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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