Spotting Santa in the Caribbean

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

Santa may live at the North Pole but he certainly does get around! Over the last 24 hours, reports have reached CJ HQ of several Santa sightings all over the Caribbean. And considering the frigid temps where he lives (-15 degrees today), we really can’t blame “the man with the bag” for setting his sights on sunny island sands.

Mrs. Claus got in on the action at Four Seasons Nevis, where her hubby hung out with Moko Jumbies and a festive local band before presenting gifts.

The post Six Santa Sightings in the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The pace of new hotel development in the Caribbean hasn’t slowed in recent years as more investors jump into the Caribbean and management companies continue to expand. That means there’s another exciting slate of new hotel properties set to come on stream in the Caribbean this year, from large resorts to far-off luxury outposts. Here are 10 hotels we’re excited about for 2017 from around the Caribbean.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts

One of the region’s most anticipated new hotels, the 126-room (including 48 suites) Park Hyatt will likely open its doors sometime in the spring of 2017. But when it does, it will immediately be one of the Caribbean’s highest-level properties, ushering in a major new property and elevating St. Kitts in the global travel market.

The post 10 New Hotels Coming to the Caribbean in 2017 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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There are few places in the Caribbean with the kind of visceral, mysterious and fascinating energy of Martinique’s capital, Fort-de-France.

It’s a vibrant place that combines French cool with Caribbean history and culture, and it’s a stunning city to look at, seemingly ripped out of a movie set.

But if you want to visit a place that truly encapsulates the many personalities of this city, there is one destination: Le Vieux Foyal, the city’s best bar (with a great restaurant, too).

Led by gregarious proprietor JP, this is a Fort-de-France landmark set in a historic building that’s one of the top spots for in-the-know locals and travelers alike.

Known for its famous Thursday night live music sessions featuring a local biguine band, it’s got a wide outdoor terrace on the street and a lovely little garden patio if you’re looking to enjoy a signature creole meal.

It all adds up to what is the Best Bar in Fort-de-France.

The formula is simple: go to the bar, order a rhum vieux (aged rum) and take in the sights, sounds and flavors of one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating cities.

And tell them Caribbean Journal sent you.

The post The Best Bar in Fort-de-France, Martinique appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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“It’s time to go to the British Virgin Islands.” It’s something that’s crossed the minds of just about every die-hard traveler to the Caribbean. That’s because it’s one of the Caribbean’s great destinations, and particularly the island of Virgin Gorda. The eight-square-mile island is a haven for boaters, luxury seekers and adventurers, home to beautiful beaches, mystical places and some of the world’s best sailing. Here are 13 compelling reasons to go right now.

The moment you arrive (it’s best to get here by boat or ferry), you know you’ve reached somewhere special.

The post 13 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Virgin Gorda appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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It’s the newest, hippest hotel in Barbados: Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels — and it’s an all-inclusive.

Waves is new kind of all-inclusive, a breath of fresh air for the Caribbean that takes creative cues elements from some of the Caribbean’s most high-design hotels and combines them with a laid-back, distinctly Bajan attitude.

The rooms are superb (and millennial-friendly), the beach is lovely and the complimentary spa treatments don’t hurt.

See more in the latest Caribbean Journal Video at the top of the page.

— CJ

The post VIDEO: Barbados’ Newest All-Inclusive: Waves Hotel & Spa appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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