Long gone are the days where the Dominican Republic was known only for inexpensive all-inclusive getaways: today the Dominican Republic can match any other destination in the Caribbean for the quality and variety of its luxe hotels, many of which are clustered in exclusive districts in and around greater Punta Cana, the country’s leading tourism destination. (And that includes the ultra-chic Cap Cana enclave).

Here are six of our favorites to check in to right now, both of the EP and all-inclusive variety.

Eden Roc Cap Cana Even some worldly travelers might be surprised to learn that there’s a Relais & Chateaux hotel in Punta Cana. The Eden Roc Cap Cana makes its mark with bright and stylish rooms and excellent dining; with but 60 guest rooms and a beautiful new spa, Eden Roc can deliver the kind of personal attention and pampering you’d expect at a true boutique hotel. Plainly, this is one of the best places to stay in the Caribbean, period.

The post The 6 Best Punta Cana Resorts for Luxe Vacations appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The venerable Fairmont Royal Pavilion in Barbados has tapped a new executive chef. 

The West Coast property has named Timothy Palmer to the role, in which he will oversee culinary operations at the property’s three on-site eateries. 

A veteran of two decades in the industry, Palmer has worked primarily with the Fairmont brand, including at the Fairmont Southampton Princess in Bermuda. 

“I am really excited about my new journey in Barbados. I am eager about learning more about the bold flavors and local ingredients of Barbados and the Caribbean and infusing those flavors and local produce with fun innovative techniques such as molecular gastronomy,” Palmer said. “There is a lot of potential with the restaurants at Fairmont Royal Pavilion and with my Barbadian team, I want to make our three restaurants the hottest spots on the West Coast to dine.”

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion, which completed a large-scale renovation back in 2017, has a total of 75 rooms in the heart of Barbados’ tony Platinum Coast. 

— CJ

The post This Barbados Hotel Has a New Executive Chef appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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2019 was a year of “measured” performance for Bermuda tourism, as the island saw cuts in airlift but still managed to hit new highs for total visitation numbers. 

Indeed, Bermuda’s overall visitor tally was its highest on record last year, and its second-best total of air arrivals, according to a new report from the Bermuda Tourism Authority. 

That came as Bermuda saw a 5 percent decline in air capacity, with leisure arrivals falling by 6 percent. 

Two carriers reduced their capacity from New York, and flights from Boston were similarly reduced. 

“At the start of 2019, we predicted in-year losses, so, while disappointing, we prepared the industry for this outcome,” said Kevin Dallas, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “On the upside: our long-view gains were more robust than anticipated, so the industry and all of Bermuda should feel upbeat about that.”

Dallas said “sustained double-digit growth” in air arrivals through the previous year had positioned Bermuda “well to respond to short-term challenges.”

“We continue to see green shoots fueling the island’s tourism resurgence. Investors, for example, are showing clear confidence in our tourism product, which is moving the island strategically toward growth,” Dallas said. 

For 2020, the BTA anticipates “further reduced airlift,” something that will challenge year-over-year growth, Dallas said. 

“Changing air capacity doesn’t just affect Bermuda—it’s a challenge for every destination as airlines adjust routes and seat numbers according to their own business strategies,” Dallas said. “Global competition remains fierce. Maintaining our strongest air routes and building on already established relationships with key airlines will be critical to our success.”

But that could change in the next few years as Bermuda readies a $280 million airport terminal, and new hotels prepare to come on stream like the new Bermudiana Beach Resort (the island’s first Hilton hotel) and the highly-anticipated St Regis Bermuda, among others. 

— CJ

The post Bermuda Tourism “Upbeat” Amid Airlift Challenges appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The new Royalton Grenada all-inclusive resort is set to debut March 1, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The major new addition on Grenada’s Tamarind Bay will have a total of 269 rooms and suites. 

That will include amenities like five dining concepts from the Gourmet Marche buffet to the Ma Maison French restaurant, along with 24-hour room service and free, property-wide high-speed Wi-Fi. 

It’s the Royalton brand’s first-ever resort in Grenada, following a significant transformation of the former Rex Resorts property. 

It’s the latest addition to Royalton’s ever-expanding portfolio of properties in the Caribbean, following last spring’s debut of the new Royalton Antigua. 

For more, visit the Royalton Grenada. 

— CJ

The post All-Inclusive Royalton Grenada Set for March Debut appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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