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The number of …

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You wake up every morning to a stunning, shiny turquoise out your window, joined by superyachts and sea turtles. 

It’s a view that becomes impossible to resist, a marvelous marriage of serenity and energy. 

There aren’t any other hotels quite like this in the Caribbean, and certainly not in Barbados — and that’s because Port Ferdinand is a rather special property indeed. 

It’s set in the still under-the-radar northwestern coast of Barbados, a charming, genteel corner of the island that joins the luxurious feel of the Platinum Coast with the tranquility of the northern cane fields. 

But if Port Ferdinand keeps up like this, this section of the island won’t be under the radar for long. 

This is a modern, grand resort set on what is unquestionably the most beautiful marina in Barbados, with a portfolio of 46 “villas” that follow one of the Caribbean’s hottest, loveliest trends: the rise of the residential resort. 

Residential resorts join the luxury and service of fine resorts with the amenities and style of residences, meaning you can either stay here for a luxurious, adventurous, exquisite vacation, or you can buy a one-way ticket and buy one of the units. 

What it means for travelers is that when you stay here, you’re enjoying the best version of Barbados luxury living, experiencing the joys of nearby Speightstown, shopping locally, having your lunches at the on-site Nikki Beach or soaking in the sublime overwater pool. (And then, after a few days or a week or a month, you can decide to make it your second home). 

But you also get the best of a resort. 

It’s a bit like being a member of an exclusive private club, with the amenities you often won’t find even at larger resorts: the golf simulator, the spectacular tree-filled spa, the overwater pool (with the latter an amenity you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean), the wonderful Dockside eatery, the aforementioned Nikki Beach (the only one of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean). 

And its boutique size — there are just 46 villas (a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units), after all – means you actually get to enjoy all of them. 

And the longer you’re here, the more you begin to appreciate the thoughtfulness of this place, the way the calm of the marina somehow manages to soothe your soul, how the light hits the grand buildings at the golden hour, how you walk outside of the spa and feel as though you’re in the middle of a Bajan forest. 

Barbados is one of the most complete, most sophisticated, most beautiful places in the Caribbean, and Port Ferdinand is a way to experience and enjoy the best of the island.

It’s a residential resort, a private club, a spectacular marina and, well, the sort of place you never want to leave. 

And the best part? You don’t have to. 

For more, visit Port Ferdinand.

The post Discovering Port Ferdinand, Barbados’ Hottest Luxury Destination appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Windstar Cruises in in the midst of a unique fleet upgrade project — it’s “stretching” three cruise ships. 

The $250 million “Star Plus” Initiative will literally cut three of its ships in half and add new 84-foot midsections, effectively “stretching” them into longer, upgraded ships. 

And now Windstar has officially begun stretching its first ship, Star Breeze. 

While the stretching process is not unique to Windstar, the company says the complexity and work it is undertaking is immense. 

That includes removing and replacing its engines in order to make them cleaner and more environmentally friendly. 

“The $250 Million Star Plus Initiative is the most complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement, and renovation project undertaken in cruising, and we are very proud to be working with Fincantieri, the leader in major cruise ship renovations,” said Windstar Cruises President John Delaney. “The slightly larger ships and new enhancements will significantly build upon the signature onboard environment Windstar is famous for. The social and friendly public spaces on the ships create a welcome chemistry with guests and the crew.” 

The stretching will include the addition of a new propulsion system and two new eateries: the Spanish-style Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso and the modern Star Grill by Steven Raichlen. 

Windstar will also be adding a new pool and whirlpool; a reimagined spa and fitness center; a new retail boutique and, perhaps most importantly, the addition of 50 new suites. 

The larger Star Breeze will be able to hold 312 passengers, an increase of 100 passengers, along with more crew. 

This is a momentous undertaking for Windstar and a major milestone. Thanks to our partners at Fincantieri, we are literally witnessing the evolution of a cruise line,” said Christopher Prelog, Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar. “Star Breeze and her sister ships have always been coveted for their beauty, pleasing lines, and cozy yet seemingly spacious environments. The significant investment and the transformation of these ships will be stunning, and we are all eager for our guests to experience the renaissance of Windstar Cruises.” 

Star Breeze will begin its voyages in Europe in February 2020 before heading to Miami and the Caribbean in March 2020. 

— CJ

The post Windstar Launches “Stretching” Process on First Ship appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Negril, the bohemian hideout that has grown into one of Jamaica’s top tourist destinations, has a diversity of hotels and resorts unmatched anywhere else on the island. And that includes all-inclusive resorts, where you can pay one price for lodging, drinks, food, entertainment and activities whether you’re staying at a big brand-name all-inclusive resort or one of Negril’s many boutique properties, including some of Jamaica’s most luxurious hotels —and one where all-inclusive can also mean working on that all-over tan.

The Caves The Caves isn’t a beach resort, but it is one of Jamaica’s most exclusive vacation addresses. Located on top of Negril’s famous cliffs, this all-inclusive blends seamlessly with the sea caves that give the resort its name, with a modest collection of individually appointed guest cottages, dining on dramatic terraces overlooking the sea, and a rum bar and private dining rooms secreted in the caves. The spa is one of the best in Jamaica — well worth the indulgence even if it’s not part of the all-inclusive program.

Beaches Negril The Beaches resort in Negril occupies a long stretch of Seven Mile Beach; the 20-acre resort is perfect for travelers who want to stay at a resort but have a different dining option every night (there are nine restaurants on property) and a wide range of accommodations to choose from (from budget friendly hotel rooms to butler-served “Together Nest” suites). The teen-oriented Club Liquid, Pirates Island waterpark, roaming Sesame Street characters, an Xbox longe and included resort diving program and watersports make Beaches the top option for families in Negril.

Sandals Negril Take Beaches Negril, subtract the kids and families, and you get Sandals Negril, an adults-only Seven Mile Beach resort from Jamaica’s leading all-inclusive chain. The resort has seven restaurants to choose from,  and some truly romantic guest accommodations including “Millionaire” suites with private courtyard pools, swim-up (and butler-served) beachfront suites, and two-story Love Nest suites with unmatched ocean views from their balcony soaking tubs.

Couples Swept Away Another all-inclusive with a romantic heart, Couples Swept Away packs 6 restaurants, 8 bars, and three pools into its 19 acres on Seven Mile Beach. Active couples will love this resort for its 10-acre sports and fitness complex that includes 10 tennis courts, squash and racquetball courts, a gym, and a variety of fitness classes as well as instruction on massage, dance, and more. When you want someone else to do the massaging, the Couples Spa has 10 treatment rooms surrounding a plunge pool.

Royalton Negril “Luxury” all-inclusive is the calling card of the Royalton Negril, located on Bloody Bay. The resort is divided into three sections — Lido, Hideaway, and Diamond Club, with guests of each enjoying exclusive amenities. The resort’s “all-in luxury” includes 24-hour room service and reservation-free dining. Other perks include wifi throughout the property, live broadcast of all major U.S. and international sporting events at resort bars, and a signature White Party held on the beach on Sunday nights.

Hedonism II If you have friends who come back from Negril with an extra gleam in their eye and tell you they stayed at Sandals, there’s a decent chance they were actually spending a few days au natural at Hedonism. Negril’s famous/infamous clothing-optional resort shares the Seven Mile Beach with the other all-inclusive resorts and has a party scene that can range from mild to wild depending on which groups are booked the week of your stay. The (almost) anything goes atmosphere is paired with surprisingly good food and drink options and newly renovated guest rooms.

Sunset at the Palms With treehouse-style rooms, lush tropical gardens, and a resident pet goat, Sunset at the Palms is a far cry from the big all-inclusive resorts on Seven Mile Beach. True serenity can be had amid the winding, flower-lined paths leading to the resort’s accommodations, all located across the street from Seven Mile Beach but just a short walk to a private beach club. Guests at this adults-only hideaway tend to split their time between the treehouses and the beach, but there’s romantic Caribbean fusion dining under the thatched roof of the Lotus Leaf restaurant and pampering in the open-air treatment rooms at the intimate Ginger Lily Spa.

Azul Beach Resort The Azul Beach Resort is part of the Karisma resort chain, which has built a reputation for upscale all-inclusive with five-star level accommodations and dining. The all-suites Negril resort has 285 ocean-view rooms (some with swim-out pools) in enclaves for families and adults. Dining options include Caribbean food at Ackee, Italian and Thai restaurants, and Jamaican and country-themed bars. 

Merrils Beach Resort Looking for an all-inclusive on a budget? Merrils can get you onto Seven Mile Beach with food and drink included for a fraction of the cost of its big chain resort neighbors, and does it with some true Jamaican style. Merrils actually has a pair of family friendly properties in Negril, both offering all-inclusive accommodations, buffet-style meals, a modest selection of onsite amenities (pool, kayaks, billards, table tennis) and discounts to the nearby Kool Runnings Adventure Park. Negril began as a destination for low-frills beach lovers, and Merrils continues that tradition.

Samsara Cliff Resort The Samsara is another clifftop all-inclusive, with a home-away-from-home atmosphere and local vibe thanks to a long-serving staff and food service with a strong commitment to serving authentic Jamaican food. Guests on the all-inclusive plans (EP also is available) can dine and use the facilities both at Samsara and sister resort Legends on the Beach (which, as you might guess, is a beachfront hotel on Seven Mile Beach).

The post The 10 Best Negril All-Inclusive Resorts appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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