Cancun is welcoming an array of street artists set to transform its public spaces through a vibrant street art movement.

New colorful murals have already started to emerge on Cancun’s street walls and abandoned residential areas.

The first stage of the project began at the end of February and includes the transformation of four buildings, two located in downtown Cancun and the other two in the city’s hotel zone.

This initial phase is currently being completed by many artists from all over the world, including Celeste Byers from the United States, Aaron Glasson from New Zealand, and Interesni Kazki from Ukraine.

During the upcoming months, the movement intends to continue transforming more buildings around the city.

The project is expected to enter its second phase from July 2-10, in which eight additional buildings will be transformed into works of art.

A mural by Interesni Kazki.

“We are excited and honored to welcome this wonderful new art movement,” said Lizzie Cole, CEO of the Cancun CVB. “Cancun is proud to offer both visitors and locals alike the opportunity to enjoy these unique art pieces, which perfectly align with the city’s fresh vibe and vibrant personality as well as its current environmental conservation efforts.”

These murals not only reflect the culture of Cancun’s surrounding communities, but they also portray important topics such as the benefits of ecotourism and ocean conservation in the region.

A mural by Marisol Estrabeau.

The paintings showcase the unique style and vision of each artist, while drawing in thousands of tourists and locals to enjoy this approach to environmental conservation awareness.

This urban street art project is currently being sponsored and led by government agencies such as the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial, Comité de Imagen Urbana de Cancún and Proyecto Panorama.

Also, the artists are donated their own time to assist with the completion of these murals.

These public works of art are expected to become cultural city landmarks in the future, bringing in an influx of visitors and new residents to the area.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

The post A New Street Art Movement in Cancun appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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It’s the great Caribbean beach destination you didn’t even know existed, filled with impossibly long stretches of white (and pink) sand and miles to go before you spot another traveler.

This is Cat Island, and it’s the island you’ve been looking for.

There are just a handful of boutique hotels on this 150-square-mile island with a population of less than 1,200, some beach bungalows, some hillside retreats, all utterly tranquil and private. It’s all just a 40-minute flight from Fort Lauderdale or a pair of 30-minute flights with a stop in Nassau.

There is hiking, music and fresh fish, rake ’n scrape music and island soul and the castaway beach fantasy you didn’t think still existed.

This is Cat Island, and it just might be your next Caribbean island.

See more in the video journey at the top of the page.

— CJ

The post VIDEO: Why You Need to Visit Cat Island appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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JetBlue has added another big name to its Mint premium cabin experience.

The carrier has announced a partnership with New York City-based culinary company Milk Bar, which specializes in desserts and baked goods.

Beginning in April, all JetBlue Mint travelers will receive a pre-arrival Milk Bar cookie, while redeye flights will include Milk Bar’s HardBody green juice and bagel rounds.

“I spend a lot of time on airplanes lately,” said Christina Tosi, founder and CEO of Milk Bar. “My secret travel trick when traveling to our Milk Bar stores and kitchens in NYC, DC, Las Vegas and beyond is to sneak a Milk Bar cookie on board to help me power through the flight. That’s why I was beyond pumped when JetBlue approached us with the opportunity to make their Mint experience a little sweeter. Whether it’s one of our signature Milk Bar cookies, Hard Body cold-pressed juice, or everything bagel round after a redeye, Milk Bar has you covered – on the ground or all the way up at 30,000 feet!”

JetBlue currently operates its Mint premium cabin service to a host of destinations in the Caribbean, including Aruba, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Maarten.

“We have some of New York’s best hometown brands on board JetBlue Mint and Milk Bar will fit right in,” said Jamie Perry, vice president of marketing.“The bakery, known for its delicious delights, broad culinary following and loyal fan base compliments Mint’s unique menu and will have our customers tickled Milk Bar pink with every sweet or savory treat they receive.”

The post JetBlue Adds Milk Bar to Mint Cabin appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The San Juan Marriott has appointed a new top chef: Marcelo Dante Filosi Bordenave.

The new hire will be executive chef and director of food and beverage, with a mandate to build on the property’s “urban resort” concept.

He had most recently served as the executive chef and director of food and beverage at the JW Marriott Hotel Bogota in Colombia and at the Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel in Brazil.

“We are thrilled to have Chef Dante join our San Juan Marriott family, and we are confident his culinary experience and unique approach will take the resort’s F&B to the next level of excellence,” said General Manager José González-Espinosa.

To book a stay at the San Juan Marriott, click here.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Eden Roc at Cap Cana has completed the addition of 26 two-bedroom beachfront suites, rounding out an expansion that has already revealed a renovated Beach Club with infinity pool; ocean view fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art machines, aero yoga and wellness areas; BLUE Grill + Bar; and refreshed private beach with bar.

One of just four Relais & Chatêaux properties in the Caribbean, Eden Roc hosts a diversity of offerings, including casita-style Boutique Suites and two multi-bedroom villas, all with private pools and other amenities, and now premium beachfront suites.

Two new room types include Beachfront One-Bedroom Suites and Beachfront Two-Bedroom Suites.

The rooms are decorated with a rustic palette of sand and gray tones, natural woods and chic fabrics– staying true to the destination with handmade Dominican art and sculptures in each suite.

All suites have a full ocean view with a terrace or balcony.

Each is stocked with plush goose down duvets and pillows by Hanse, with luxurious bed linens, plush bathrobes and slippers by Rivolta Carmigani.

Bedrooms and living spaces feature satellite TV on 55-inch LCD flat screens, entertainment system with Bose surround speakers, and a smart technology iPad to control light, electronics and sound via the resort’s dedicated app.

A work area, full kitchen and dining set for six people round out the new accommodations experience.

As with every Eden Roc at Cap Cana stay, all rooms include private transportation from and to Punta Cana International Airport, full American breakfast (served daily at the BLUE Grill + Bar and Mediterraneo restaurants), Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping and concierge service.

The private Beach Club extends the resort out to the Caribbean Sea and provides an intimate setting shaded by palm trees, thatched umbrellas and daybeds.

In addition, the resort features three dining outlets, spa and fitness facilities, and access to the amenities of the Cap Cana community.

Guests will enjoy golf, a full marina, equestrian center and outdoor pursuits from zip lining to water sports, and more.

To book a stay at Eden Roc at Cap Cana click here. 

— CJ

The post How to Stay on the Beach in Cap Cana appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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