On the most beautiful corner of the most spectacular beach in Aruba is a special place: the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

And on an island famed for its large beach resorts, this place is a gem: subtle, refined, sophisticated and meticulously run.

The adults-only outpost, which we’ve long called the Best Hotel in Aruba, is all about the details, from its eco-conscious philosophy to its always forward-thinking service.

And did we mention Eagle Beach?

The post VIDEO: This is Aruba’s Must-Visit Resort appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Popular eateries, from cafeterias to cocktail bars

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

Sometimes the craving for Caribbean food strikes when you’re nowhere near the Caribbean. But if you live in South Florida (or you’re cruising out of Port Miami or Port Everglades), you’re in luck, because there are plenty of places to indulge in island eats (and drinks!) without leaving Broward or Miami-Dade county. Here are four of our favorite go-to’s for Caribbean fare.

Tap Tap Open since 1994 (an eternity by South Beach standards), this colorful Haitian spot (named for the country’s shared taxis) serves classic fare such as whole fried fish, stewed goat and griyo (spicy chunks of fried pork). Chase your meal with a potent Barbancourt rum cocktail and you’re good to go.

819 5th St, Miami Beach

Enriqueta’s Amid the rapidly high-rise condos of Miami’s Midtown neighborhood is this unpretentious family-run Cuban diner where locals flock for an energy-boosting cortadito from the always-busy walk-up window, or a tortilla especial (omelet with chorizo sausage, cheese, onions and ham) in the cafeteria-like air-conditioned dining room.

186 NE 29th St, Midtown

Havana 1957 This Cuban-themed restaurant has five locations between both counties and is a popular tourist spot. But don’t let that put you off. The hot pressed sandwiches are delicious and filling enough for two, and the impressive selection of mojitos (try the Red Bull mojito with yerba buena) has something for everyone.

Pembroke Pines, Brickell and South Beach

Punch Miami Open only since this summer, this Morningside spot has become a quick hit with its $1 mojitos until 8pm; yummy Cuban sliders; and live salsa and reggaeton until the wee hours.

The post Four Popular Caribbean Restaurants in Miami to Try Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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You’ve decided to get married? Congratulations! Now comes the really big decision: where to get married. Obviously, we’re big fans of island weddings, and if you’re considering a destination “I do” in Jamaica, here are the hotels we think you should consider for your special day. These are, from small hotels to large resorts, the Best Jamaica Weddings.

Half Moon Resort & Spa The options are seemingly endless at this classic Montego Bay cloister, which has six outdoor venues and 10 indoor ballrooms that can accommodate parties up to 450 people. The impressive Fern Tree Spa, golf course and equestrian center provide plenty of diversions before and after the big day — and great photo spots, too.

Round Hill It’s hard to find a more classic (and classy) spot for your nuptials than this villa resort just outside Montego Bay. Tie the knot poolside at a private villa, on the beach or on am oceanview carpet of manicured grass. And since the resort hosts only one wedding a weekend, you’re assured of attentive (and flawless) service.

Couples Sans Souci In Ocho Rios, this elegant resort from the company that pioneered the all-inclusive resort in Jamaica is an excellent choice, whether you’re on a budget or want a big blowout. Stay three nights or more and the One Love package is complimentary. Or pony up around $5000 for a rollicking celebration for up to 40 people on the private island at sister resort Couples Tower Isle.

Beaches Negril Get everyone in the mix at this all-inclusive resort that has something to keep every member of the family entertained before and after the ceremony. The Beautiful Beginnings package is free with stays of three nights or more; upgrades include everything from cupcakes to bamboo chuppahs; and “Weddingmoon” packages combine ceremonies with complimentary honeymoons.

Rock House Hipsters, creative types and modern bohemians will love the vibe at this Negril cliff’s-edge boutique, where locations include an oceanfront deck and an overwater bridge, and stunning sunset ceremonies are all but guaranteed. And since there are only 34 rooms here, you don’t have to have a huge guest list to pull off a hotel buy-out.

The Rose Hall Great House

Rose Hall Great House Superstitious types beware; this supposedly haunted plantation house is not for you! But if you don’t believe in ghosts, consider starting married life at this stunning 18^th-century estate set on 6,600 lush hillside acres. While you can’t tie the knot inside the historic house, you can get married on the lawn with the building as your backdrop – guaranteeing drop-dead (ahem) gorgeous wedding photos.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Want to get married on a private island? No problem! Seal the deal at on a sandy spit just offshore from this Montego Bay all-inclusive where an impressive selection of themed décor packages mean that your ceremony location will look as beautiful as you do.

Strawberry Hill Head for the hills above Kingston and enjoy a cooler-than-cool ceremony for up to 150 people at this plantation-style mountain retreat, which boasts several indoor and outdoor venues, including the iconic infinity-edge pool.

The post The Best Jamaica Weddings appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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St. Lucia’s agricultural sector is getting a high-tech boost.

It’s called the Virtual Agricultural Clearing House, and it’s a digital platform through which the island’s hotels, restaurants and distributors can get info on the availability of crops.

The VACH, which is a project by the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association’s Tourism Enhancement Fund, has already seen sales of 42,318 pounds of produce in its first three months in operation.

That’s brought in revenue of $127,044, according to the SLHTA.

The figures directly reflect reported purchases by hotels and distributors from local farmers on the island.

One local farer, Moses Rene, said his sales had increased “considerably” from the program.

“This is tourism dollars directly in the pockets of our farmers,” the SLHTA said in a statement.

The post A High-Tech Boost for St. Lucia’s Farmers appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Grand Bahama, particularly the island’s western end, was one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Matthew earlier this month.

Now, the process of rebuilding has begun, as an assessment continues of the state of the island’s hotel infrastructure.

“We have to be honest about Grand Bahama because that’s the only way we can move forward,” said Bahamas Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe. “Tourism on the island has come to a grinding halt. Hotels, restaurants and tour operators have all been affected by Hurricane Matthew, but there is hope and Grand Bahamians are resilient. Everywhere you go on this island people are working. People are working on their homes; people are working at the hotels to fix those properties. Grand Bahama will rise again, better and stronger.”

Here’s the current state of the island’s hotel product, according to tourism officials:

Based on initial damage assessments, Viva Wyndham Fortuna said it expects to open on November 14.

Castaways, which had roof damage resulting in 32 rooms being out of order, remains open. The hotel has water, wifi and limited electricity.

Pelican Bay had minor roof damage to its conference center, which is currently being repaired. The property is taking corporate business and restoration teams only and is not open to leisure guests. Its restaurant, Sabor, is also open.

Work on Memories Resort is expected to begin soon and the company said in a statement released on Tuesday it is expected to open on December 10. Until then the 500 staff members will undergo extensive customer service retraining ahead of its proposed opening date.

The Grand Lucayan, which includes the Lighthouse Pointe and Breakers Cay, had water damage and roof damage. Lighthouse Pointe is expected to open November 7.

Flamingo Bay Resort had minor damage and is awaiting the restoration of power before opening.

Taino Beach Resort received extensive damage and officials there gave no timeframe for opening.

The Old Bahama Bay Resort sustained minimal damage and will open once power and water have been restored.

A team of workers are currently assessing the damage to the Ocean Reef Resort and no opening date has been given at this point.

Cruise lines have begun making adjustments, while Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is still carrying passengers to Freeport.

The post Grand Bahama Tourism Begins Rebuilding After Hurricane appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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