The Caribbean’s leading travel conference kicks off this week in Puerto Rico. 

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace is back in person for the first time since the beginning of 2020, gathering buyers and suppliers from around the world at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. 

It’s a strong reminder of the Caribbean’s broad tourism renaissance since the pandemic, with many destinations in the region nearing or eclipsing what had been record tourism highs in 2019. 

And it’s also a show of support to Puerto Rico, which is still recovering from Hurricane Fiona and for which the event is an injection of much-needed attention and tourism revenue. 

Billed as the region’s “largest tourism marketing event,” Marketplace, as its affectionately known, is welcoming almost 1,200 delegates to Puerto Rico’s capital this week. 

“This year’s CHTA Marketplace already feels like a turning point for tourism in the Caribbean,” said Arlene Friday, CEO of the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association. “Our businesses can’t wait to collaborate, network and grow tourism with everyone here.”

Look to CJ for more updates from this week’s conference. 

For more, visit CHTA Marketplace. 

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It’s always been one of the most naturally beautiful places in the islands: St Kitts, the lush, green-hilled jewel in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean. 

And while the island’s hotel stock has long been dominated by major resorts like the Marriott St Kitts and the Park Hyatt (the only Park Hyatt resort in the Caribbean), it’s now home to a new luxury hotel: the charming, tiny Sunset Reef. 

Sunset Reef, set in the village of Trinity on the southern coast of the island, just west of the capital, Basseterre, features just seven suites in a villa-style setting. 

That means you all the units can be booked individually or the property can be bought out by one group. 

The suites range from one-bedrooms to four-bedrooms, all with direct sunset views, coral flooring and either kitchenettes or full kitchens. 

The centerpiece, to be sure, is the infinity pool, with striking views by day and sizzling sunsets. 

And while it’s decidedly boutique, it’s actually hone to three different dining concepts: the Drop Anchor Grill, an all-day eatery with international cuisine; and a pair of bars: one at the infinity pool and another on the beach. 

The hotel also has private dining options ranging from private sunset dinners with a table right on the beach or toes-in-the-sand beach barbecues. 

And then there’s the hotel’s “Catch and Cook” program, which takes guests on a chartered fishing trip and then brings back the catch to make your dinner. 

Another unique touch is a menu of “stocking” options: you can outfit your suite with a selection fo snacks, wines and mixers before you arrive; choose the “fully stocked” option with premium wines and spirits or even send a list of groceries you’d like in your room. 

The hotel is also focused on sustainability, with a geothermal energy system that helps power the property’s pool, AC and water filtration, among others (it’s also a plastic-bottle-free zone). 

The debut of Sunset Reef adds to a growing number of sleek new places to stay in St Kitts, including the new Koi, Curio Collection by Hilton. 

And its launch comes as the island has embarked on a major new rebranding, reorienting its tourism push with a focus on the local, the authentic and the natural. 

And Sunset Reef fits right in. 

For more, visit Sunset Reef. 

The post A Tiny New Caribbean Luxury Hotel Just Opened in St Kitts  appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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There are countless resorts in the Caribbean with PADI dive centers and drive boats on site, offering a variety of dive programs from all-inclusive to a la carte experiences.

At other resorts, you can find all-inclusive vacations where diving is included as part of the package.

These all-inclusive dive resorts range from large-scale beach resorts to tiny boutique options.

Here are some of the top resorts in the Caribbean offering all-inclusive packages combining accommodations, dining, and daily dives, too:

Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort, Dominica This all-inclusive resort on the lush island of Dominica puts diving on par with its other included amenities, such as daily tours to island sights like Trafagar Falls and lionfish hunting. Yoga classes and spa treatments also are included, as is unlimited shore diving. The Diver’s Dream package combines seven nights of lodging for the price of six with the resort’s all-inclusive plan, with five days of two-tank diving.

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