Ranging in color from blinding ivory to exotic ebony, beaches are some of the Caribbean’s most valuable stock in trade, drawing sand-and-sea lovers from all over the world. But none are as enchanting as those pink-sand beaches, which practically beg to be immortalized on your social feed. They’re few and far between, but their rarity only adds to their allure. So if you want to park it somewhere pink (and who doesn’t?), check out six of our favorite pink-sand spots — and as you’ll see, there’s a whole spectrum of pink.

Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

In the Bahamian Out Islands, tiny Harbour Island’s claim to fame is the three-mile swath of pink sand that fringes its eastern coast. Book a room at one of several boutique hotels that are right on the beach (we favor Pinks Sands, the island’s first) and wake up to spectacular sunrises over the crushed-coral strip.

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There’s a new wave of nonstop flights to the island of Puerto Rico.

US-based Allegiant Air has launched nonstop service to Puerto Rico from three airports: Orlando, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

The flights began operating on Dec. 14.

“Allegiant’s arrival in Puerto Rico continues to strengthen the island’s position as the hub of the Caribbean by increasing flight options and schedules available to those looking for an unforgettable Caribbean vacation,” said Ingrid Rivera Rocafort, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “We are confident that this new alliance with Allegiant Air will continue to stimulate demand for travel to the island and open new markets both in the US and abroad.”

“We are very pleased to begin our first flights to the Caribbean via San Juan from three major cities in the United States,” said Jude Brincket, chief operating officer at Allegiant. “Puerto Rico is a very popular destination among travelers and we anticipate that the new nonstop service will be in high demand.”

The Orlando flights will operate four times a week; Cincinnati and Pittsburgh flights will operate once a week on Saturdays.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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JetBlue Airways continues to show a surge in traffic, according to the company’a latest numbers.

The New York City-based airline reported 3.64 billion revenue passenger miles in November, up 7.1 percent from the same month in 2015.

Available seat miles also rose 5.2 percent to 4.26 billion, while load factor rose by 1.5 percentage points to 85.4 percent last month.

JetBlue has been the fastest-growing air carrier in the Caribbean region, recently launching new routes to destinations including Providenciales and Barbados, among others.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Airbnb and the Jamaica Tourist Board have signed what the two sides are calling a “major agreement to promote tourism on the island.”

While short on specifics, the two sides said the agreement “brings new opportunities to grow the island’s tourism industry and expands economic opportunities for Jamaicans.”

“Jamaica has so much to offer travelers seeking authentic experiences due to the diversity of our tourism product. With this partnership with Airbnb, we will be able to offer a renewed focus on community-based tourism which highlights our biggest asset – our people,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook. “We foresee a great partnership with Airbnb and look forward to exceeding their client’s expectations in the Home of All Right.”

There are currently 4,000 listings on Airbnb in Jamaica; the average earnings for a host on the island is $2,500 per year, according to the company.

“We are excited to announce this partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board. Jamaica is a world class tourist destination that offers visitors a unique experience against a beautiful backdrop,” said said Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb’s Public Policy lead for Central America and the Caribbean. “We look forward to continuing our work with everyone involved in promoting Jamaica as a top travel destination. Airbnb travelers seek unique and authentic travel experiences and Jamaica offers just that.”

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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In a major development for the Bahamas and the region, the stalled $3.5 billion Baha Mar Resort project has finally been sold.

Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, or CTFE, has signed an agreement to own and operate the resort, which had initially been scheduled to open in late 2014 before declaring bankruptcy due to construction delays.

CTFE, which owns the global Rosewood Hotel Group, said it was committed to a “phased opening” of the Baha Mar in April 2017. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The first phase will include the casino hotel, casino, convention center and golf course, according to the company.

CTFE plans to invest an additional $200 million in the project to support reopening and redevelopment of the adjacent Crystal Palace Casino Hotel site.

“CTFE will dedicate significant, ongoing investment and resources towards the pre-opening and opening of Baha Mar Resort,” said Graeme Davis, the president of CTFE’s Bahamas subsidiary. “We will also ensure that the Bahamian people and the region benefit fully from the project, which will create tremendous job and economic stimulus opportunities. Further, by combining our global hospitality expertise with the vibrant and authentic Bahamian culture, we will create a memorable, unmatched experience for guests of which all Bahamians can be proud.”

“We are delighted to have CTFE join Baha Mar Resort as the owner and developer, leveraging its expansive network and resources to open new markets and opportunities for The Bahamas that will deliver great benefits to the island and our people,” said the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Perry G. Christie. “The Government is confident that CTFE has the precise capabilities and track record to successfully complete and operate Baha Mar Resort from both a lodging and casino perspective. We look forward to having such a renowned and experienced company turn the vision for Baha Mar Resort into reality.”

CTFE said it was currently in talks with “several globally recognized hospitality brands” to be hotel operators at the resort, including Grand Hyatt, SLS Hotels and Rosewood.

The company said it was already onboarding a leadership team of executives from international brands, and will begin recruiting casino employees in the New Year.

Rosewood Hotel Group owns and/or operates 55 hotels in 18 countries, including three in the Caribbean: Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort in Antigua, Rosewood Tucker’s Point in Bermuda and the soon-to-reopen Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands.

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