By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Riu is continuing its rapid renovation push, with another upgrade project underway in Negril, Jamaica.

The Riu Palace Tropical Bay Hotel is currently in the midst of a “complete renovation,” according to the all-inclusive giant, with plans to reopen in October.

After the renovation, the property will offer Riu’s 24-hour room service, new sports and activities, new decor for guest rooms, restaurants, bars and other areas of the hotel.

Riu is also adding some of its new brand-wide concepts, including the Capuchino Patisserie, along with a new Jerk Grill on the beach, a relocated steakhouse and a relaunched children’s area with a bigger pool and a playground.

Riu will additionally be installing complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, along with walk-in showers.

It’s part of what has been Caribbean-wide transformation drive that has seen revamped properties in destinations including the Mexican Caribbean, Nassau, Punta Cana and now Jamaica.

The Riu Palace Tropical Bay is one of two Riu-branded properties in Negril, along with the signature Riu Negril.

— CJ

The post Riu Renovating Negril All-Inclusive appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Southwest Airlines is at it again, adding more new routes to its ever-expanding Caribbean network.

The latest expansion for the low-cost carrier is out of St. Louis, where Southwest is adding new nonstop flights to both Montego Bay, Jamaica and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

The Westin Puntacana.

Both flights, which are subject to government approval, will launch beginning on March 9, 2019.

The flights will operate weekly on Saturdays on a seasonal basis.

In another move, Southwest is also resuming its seasonal Saturday flights to Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean out of Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham and San Antonio.

Cancun.

The moves reflect what seems to be a growing push by carriers to increase flights from U.S. airports that have not traditionally  offered many flights to the Caribbean.

Indeed, last week, Frontier Airlines announced a major expansion to Montego Bay, Punta Cana and Cancun out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport, while Spirit Airlines is planning a new wave of flights to the Caribbean out of Orlando.

Of course, this all comes as Southwest Airlines has (along with JetBlue) helped turn another such airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, into one of the United States’ top hubs for Caribbean travel.

It’s a sign of the growing demand for Caribbean travel across America, particularly beyond more traditional hubs like New York, Miami and Chicago.

— CJ

The post Southwest Airlines Adding More Punta Cana, Jamaica Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Youri Kemp Caribbean News Now associate editor youri@caribbeannewsnow.com NASSAU, Bahamas — New details about the gastro-intestinal (GI) virus outbreak at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort in Nassau, Bahamas, has shown that the “diversion” protocol amid the outbreak that incapacitated over 100 guests and staff at the property comes with additional charges levied by Sandals […]

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By Eve George Caribbean News Now Senior Correspondent PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The recently signed agreement between the governments of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago for the exploitation, transfer and sale of the natural gas reserves located in Venezuela’s “Dragon” field has raised questions as to the implications of current US sanctions. The deal, […]

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