Above: recovery work at the famous Cow Wreck beach bar 

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The British Virgin Islands’ recovery continues in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Two of the destination’s airports have recently resumed commercial operations: Virgin Gorda’s Taddy Bay Airport and Anegada’s Auguste George Airport.

Resumption of operations was confirmed in posts by British Virgin Islands Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus.

Carriers already operating into Virgin Gorda include VI Airlink and Air Sunshine.

VI Airlink is also operating flights into Anegada.

The post Virgin Gorda, Anegada Airports Reopen appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Fast-growing Apple Leisure Group subsidiary AMResorts has officially opened its newest resort in the Caribbean.

The company has debuted its new all-inclusive Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica, the company’s first Zoëtry-branded resort in the country.

The luxury Zoëtry brand is AMResorts’ wellness and spa-focused brand.

“Expanding our Jamaican footprint by 50% since 2015, the Zoëtry brand was the perfect next step for AMResorts to bring to the region,” said Gonzalo del Peon, President of AMResorts. “Our signature Endless Privileges vacation concept offered at Zoëtry Montego Bay help meet the high level of luxury and amenities expected from today’s affluent traveler, while also honoring Jamaica’s ecological tapestry through the three-main buildings on property, focused on Wood & Water, Bamboo and Blue Mountain.”

The property held its official ribbon cutting during the recent JAPEX travel conference in Jamaica, with executives on hand including Alex Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure Group, Gonzalo del Peón, President of AMResorts, John Hutchinson, COO of Apple Leisure Group and Gabriel Felip, COO of AMResorts.

The 49-suite Zoëtry Montego Bay offers guests organic, fresh and locally-grown ingredients at every meal, with 24-hour in-suite dining always available.

Wellness offerings at the resort include a spa with gardens, a swimming pool that winds through the resort and other water-focused elements like outdoor whirpools and an infinity pool.

The post AMResorts Opens Zoëtry Montego Bay in Jamaica appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, the island of Anguilla has announced new plans that would significantly expand its existing airport.

The plan unveiled by Anguilla Chief Minister Victor Banks would expand the airport’s runway by 600 feet to 6,000 feet.

That expansion would allow the airport to accommodate operations from larger aircraft like Boeing 737 and other international jet aircraft and potentially draw regularly-scheduled service from major carriers.

Today, Anguilla is only accessibly by small regional craft and by boat.

On the latter point, Banks also announced plans to rebuild the island’s Blowing Point ferry terminal, destroyed by Irma.

Architectural plans have already been commissioned for the design and construction of the new facility, with construction slated to begin shortly.

“We recognize that facilitating access to the island is the key to the revival of our tourism industry,” said Donna Banks, Chairperson, Anguilla Tourist Board. “Our goal is to provide access not only for visitors to Anguilla, but also for our neighboring islands, all of whom are dependent on tourism for their economic well-being.”

While Anguilla was hit particularly hard by Irma, the island is recovering, with phone and Internet restored to most parts of the island, roads and beaches cleared and grocery stores largely well provisioned.

The post Anguilla Planning Significant Airport Expansion appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the most beloved resorts in the Turks and Caicos Islands has reopened its doors in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

The Sands at Grace Bay resort on Grace Bay Beach officially reopened last week.

The resort’s Hemingway’s Bar and Restaurant has also reopened, according to a statement from the property.

Grace Bay Beach was spared the brunt of the hurricanes, with none of The Sands’ suites impacted.

“We are thrilled to share the news with our past and prospective guests, and our travel partners that we are re-opening our doors this coming Saturday,” said Mona Beeson, General Manager of The Sands at Grace Bay.  “We understand that there has been some confusion in the marketplace as to the level of damages the area has sustained.  Rest assured that we would not be opening if we were not 100% certain that we will be providing our guests with our full range of amenities and the very best in customer service that we are known for.

Even better? The storm may have actually improved an already-world famous beach, according to Beeson.

“Guests will also be pleased to know that Grace Bay Beach, acclaimed as of the world’s best and most award-clad beaches, remains just as spectacular as ever,” she said.  “In fact, waves from the storms broke at the reef and actually brushed more sand upon the island’s shores in this area giving us an even more expansive beach. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Turks and Caicos’ Grace Bay Beach.”

The post Turks and Caicos’ The Sands at Grace Bay Resort Reopens appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

While Hurricane Irma caused serious damage on the island of St Maarten, the organizers of the destination’s major Heineken Regatta say they will still hold next year’s regatta as planned.

The 2018 regatta is “still on for 2018,” organizers wrote in a statement.

Next year will be the 38th edition of the St Maarten Heineken Regatta, which last year brought together sailors from more than 35 countries on boats ranging from sailing Maxis to holidaymakers on chartered bareboats.

Although high numbers of yachts have been destroyed in St Maarten, much of the marine infrastructure is still intact.

The St Maarten Yacht Club’s main building remained intact, though docks, decks and other structures were damaged.

The regatta is scheduled to take place March 1-4, 2018.

The post St Maarten Heineken Regatta “Still On” for 2018 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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