By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Jamaican destination of Montego Bay saw big growth in the first half of 2017, according to the latest data from travel giant Expedia.

Montego Bay saw nearly 20 percent growth in the first half, compared to the first six months of 2016, on Expedia’s travel platforms.

The growth was announced in the context of Jamaica’s JAPEX tourism conference, held in Montego Bay this week.

The destination of Negril also saw 15 percent growth in the same period, according to the company.

The United States remained the largest feeder market for Jamaica, along with Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Brazil, too, saw major growth, with an increase in demand of almost 240 percent.

The post Expedia: Montego Bay Seeing Big Growth appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

It isn’t always easy finding a great Cuban cigar in the Caribbean.

That’s why you’re always best off heading for an official Habanos Point or Casa del Habano, those officially licensed by Habanos.

But in Montego Bay, Jamaica, there’s one major cigar destination: the Rose Hall Cigar Club, set in the heart of the terrific Shoppes at Rose Hall luxury mall.

It’s got a terrific selection of both popular and rare cigars, all kept in exquisite condition, from favored Cohibas to special aged editions.

But like any cigar shop, it’s all about the people, and here manager Manu Mansharamani gives clients thorough, expert advice on choosing the proper smoke.

It doesn’t hurt that the Rose Hall Cigar Club also just might be Montego Bay’s best destination for rum, with a simply remarkable collection of rums, from Blackwell to hard-to-find Havana Club expressions.

Plainly, the Rose Hall Cigar Club is the best place to buy cigars in Montego Bay, and among the best in the Caribbean.

The post The Best Cigar Shop in Montego Bay appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Caribbean’s newest real estate development is also its greenest.

The SOLARA residential community has launched construction in Grand Cayman as one of the most innovative sustainable developments in the region.

NCB Group’s SOLARA is a mix of 26 three-story, three-bedroom luxury townhomes set in Grand Cayman’s Crystal Harbour area.

Each residence generates electricity with solar panels, with geothermal cooling. And that’s just the beginning: they’ll be built using energy-efficient, insulated concrete forms, double glazed windows, LED lighting and energy-efficient apliances.

“As developers, NCB Group is committed to building with Cayman’s Future in Mind,” says Matthew Wight, NCB’s Managing Director. “More and more homeowners are looking to integrate renewable energy sources into the construction of their homes and we’re happy to  provide these sustainable homes within our innovative communities.”

Each home will also be provisioned for electric car chargers.

Residents will have access to a clubhouse with a pool, a gym and a canalfront promenade, along with a park.

SOLARA was designed by Italian architect Stefano Napolitani of Waves Project, in conjunction with local architects, Michael Meghoo of MJM Designs .

The Cayman Islands project will complete its first phase in the summer of 2018, with the entire project slated for completion in the summer of 2019.

The post Grand Cayman’s New Green Real Estate appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

It was one of St Martin’s legendary beach bars: Calmos Cafe, the always-happening nightlife and culture hub in the heart of the French Caribbean town of Grand Case.

But as it did for much of the island, Hurricane Irma destroyed Calmos, leaving the bar and its staff looking for new hope.

But you can help.

A new fund has been set up to help rebuild Calmos Cafe.

“With this fundraising we hope to rebuild what once was, and again will be, the fabulous Calmos Cafe.”

For more information, visit the Calmos Fund.

The post This St Martin Beach Bar Was Destroyed By Irma. Here’s How to Help Rebuild It. appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

As Puerto Rico works to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, one hotel on the island has already announced its reopening date.

The Verdanza Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts’ Lifestyle Collection, said it suffered “no significant structural damage,” with impact limited mainly to water and landscaping.

The property has not lost water service, while a generator is providing power for all hotel operations.

As such, the Verdanza has announced plans to reopen its doors for visitors starting Oct. 15.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the passing of Hurricane Maria,” said Ricky Newman, general manager. Newman explained that Verdanza Hotel is operational; however, the property is currently serving as a home base for first responders and representatives from the local and federal agencies working on recovery efforts. “As always, we stand in solidarity with our community, committed to once again play a part in the recuperation and rebuilding of Puerto Rico.”

The property’s Hurricane Policy is now in place for those whose vacation at Verdanza has been disrupted by the hurricane. Reservations for stays before October 15th may be rescheduled or cancelled without penalty.

The post Puerto Rico’s Verdanza to Reopen in October appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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