Antigua and Barbuda may be breaking tourism records for stopover arrivals — but it’s also quietly becoming a major new Caribbean cruise power. 

The Eastern Caribbean destination, which now has a partnership with Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, continues to develop its infrastructure with even bigger plans ahead. 

Antigua is already working on a fifth cruise berth in its capital and primary cruise port of St John’s, which is now scheduled to open in time for the 2020-2021 cruise season. 

Global Ports Holding is already investing $45 million in enhancements at the cruise port now, with plans for another $50 million in the next 12 months, according to Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James, who was addressing a recent media briefing at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace. 

GPH’s projects will include the construction of a sea wall, dredging of the main channel, reclamation of land and a complete renovation of St John’s Heritage Quay area. 

Most notably, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is planning a significant new “Royal Beach Club” project at Antigua’s Fort James. 

The company’s first-ever Royal Beach Club will occupy a half-mile of beach near Fort James, set at the entrance to St John’s Harbor. 

“The Royal Beach Club Collection is an adventure we cannot wait to reveal to our guests,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in a statement. “We have incredible partners in the government of Antigua and Barbuda to bring the first of our collection to life. Together, we are designing an experience that will bring more visitors to these idyllic islands and will create significant economic benefits and opportunities for local employment for years to come.”

The beach club, which is scheduled to open in 2021, will be a full beach destination, with private cabanas, a pool and a swim-up bar, among other amenities. 

The newest project is the result, Royal Caribbean officials say, of the success of the company’s beach destination that launched last year in The Bahamas: PerfectDay at CocoCay.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez said the project would lead to almost $80 million in direct government revenue over the next 30 years, with more than $1 billion in indirect revenue. 

“The project will also provide meaningful employment to Antiguans and Barbudans for both the construction phase and the operations of the project for years to come,” Fernandez said in a statement.

Royal Caribbean’s plans come as Antigua will also be one of the first Caribbean ports for the highly-anticipated new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection boutique cruise line, which launches this year. 

Several of Ritz-Carlton’s 2020-2021 cruises will include stops at Antigua’s Falmouth Harbour, Caribbean Journal has learned.

It all adds up to a significant new offering for the destination — one that could reach 1.3 million annual cruise passengers by 2021-2022, according to tourism officials on the island. 

— CJ

The post Antigua Is the Next Caribbean Cruise Powerhouse appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The South Gap Hotel in Barbados has completed a major renovation project, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The hotel on the southern coast of Barbados has completed a nearly $3 million renovation project.

The two-year-long project included the transformation of its rooms and public spaces of the hotel, which is located in the heart of Barbados’ popular St Lawrence Gap.

The completion was announced during the CHTA’s recent Caribbean Travel Marketplace conference in Nassau.

“These changes have allowed us to make a style statement and set ourselves apart from other mid-range hotels on the island and in the Caribbean,” said Cecile Gibson, general manager of the hotel. “The response from our guests has certainly exceeded our expectations.”

The changes include full public area upgrades, a total redesign of the property’s Tropical Mist Bar and Restaurant; an ocean-facing pool deck and the inclusion of artwork by Barbados’ Jeena Chatrani.

For more, visit South Gap Barbados.

The post Barbados’ South Gap Hotel Completes Major Renovation appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The best hotels take you somewhere. They transport you, taking you to another plane, another dimension of comfort, serenity and experience. 

The best historic hotels take you to another time — by a carefully curated cocktail of history, luxury and authenticity. 

The Caribbean has an impressive portfolio of historic properties — some that have always been hotels, others that have taken historic buildings and meticulously transformed them into havens of hospitality. 

From The Bahamas to Antigua, you can find beautiful historic hotels across the Caribbean, all with that rare ability to take places centuries old and make them, well, timeless. 

Graycliff, The Bahamas Centered around a mansion built in 1740 by legendary pirate John Howard Graysmith, Graycliff is the crown jewel of historic downtown Nassau, with one of the Caribbean’s most iconic restaurants and a boutique hotel with 20 rooms. It’s the sort of place where luxury abounds, from one of the largest wine cellars on earth to an on-site cigar factory and an exquisite chocolate factory. (Churchill even stayed in the property’s popular pool cottage). The rooms are spacious, with grand bathrooms and Bvlgari amenities, and the service is sublime. It’s a hotel that should be on the bucket list of every Caribbean aficionado — and one of the region’s truly special places. 

The post From The Bahamas to Antigua, the Caribbean’s Best Historic Hotels appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Marriott International has announced the launch of its newest property in Panama. 

The new Residence Inn Panama City is set in the capital’s Punta Paitilla neighborhood. 

The 144-room property is the first Residence Inn in Panama, joining a local portfolio that includes a W Hotel, a JW Marriott, a Marriott and an Autograph Collection property. (The W hotel is Marriott’s most recent addition to Panama, having opened its doors in 2018).

“Panama City is a key market for longer-stay travel and the perfect place for Residence Inn by Marriott,” said said Carlos Roque, General Manager of Residence Inn Panama City. “Located just a few minutes from historic Casco Viejo, travelers will have the option to enjoy restaurants, shops and nightlife creating work-life balance and a true home away from home.”

Amenities at the new hotel include free grocery delivery service, daily breakfast, a 24-hour market and a fitness facility. 

There’s also almost 2,200 square feet of meeting space. 

Other touches include “vintage flooring” like those found in the Casco Viejo, Panama’s old city that is one of the region’s undiscovered gems. 

— CJ

The post Marriott Expands With New Hotel in Panama appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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