The Caribbean-Mexico region is seeing a big jump in hotel construction, according to the latest report from STR.

The regional hotel pipeline saw an 18.5 percent increase in rooms under contract and an 18.7 percent increase in rooms in construction in October, compared to the same month in 2015.

That represented a total of 32,678 rooms under contract, along with 13,962 rooms in construction, according to the report.

STR’s data covers projects in the in construction, final planning and planning stages.

The upscale segment accounted for the largest portion of rooms under contact in the “chain scale” segment, with a total of 7,678 rooms.

The luxury segment accounted for the largest percentage of rooms in construction, with 24.2 percent or 3,374 rooms.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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The boutique Mount Nevis hotel in Nevis has completed a major expansion project.

The hotel has introduced a total of 12 new suites as part of a larger transformation that included a new wing and conference room.

The Mount Nevis now has a total of 50 rooms, having also announced that it had joined Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

The hotel, which first debuted in 1989, includes an outdoor restaurant and bar, a pool and a complimentary private shuttle to the beach, among other amenities.

A third phase of the hotel’s transformation is planned.

“Now we can celebrate what we promised,” said Dr. Adly Meguid, co-owner of the property.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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On the most beautiful corner of the most spectacular beach in Aruba is a special place: the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

And on an island famed for its large beach resorts, this place is a gem: subtle, refined, sophisticated and meticulously run.

The adults-only outpost, which we’ve long called the Best Hotel in Aruba, is all about the details, from its eco-conscious philosophy to its always forward-thinking service.

And did we mention Eagle Beach?

The post VIDEO: This is Aruba’s Must-Visit Resort appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Popular eateries, from cafeterias to cocktail bars

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

Sometimes the craving for Caribbean food strikes when you’re nowhere near the Caribbean. But if you live in South Florida (or you’re cruising out of Port Miami or Port Everglades), you’re in luck, because there are plenty of places to indulge in island eats (and drinks!) without leaving Broward or Miami-Dade county. Here are four of our favorite go-to’s for Caribbean fare.

Tap Tap Open since 1994 (an eternity by South Beach standards), this colorful Haitian spot (named for the country’s shared taxis) serves classic fare such as whole fried fish, stewed goat and griyo (spicy chunks of fried pork). Chase your meal with a potent Barbancourt rum cocktail and you’re good to go.

819 5th St, Miami Beach

Enriqueta’s Amid the rapidly high-rise condos of Miami’s Midtown neighborhood is this unpretentious family-run Cuban diner where locals flock for an energy-boosting cortadito from the always-busy walk-up window, or a tortilla especial (omelet with chorizo sausage, cheese, onions and ham) in the cafeteria-like air-conditioned dining room.

186 NE 29th St, Midtown

Havana 1957 This Cuban-themed restaurant has five locations between both counties and is a popular tourist spot. But don’t let that put you off. The hot pressed sandwiches are delicious and filling enough for two, and the impressive selection of mojitos (try the Red Bull mojito with yerba buena) has something for everyone.

Pembroke Pines, Brickell and South Beach

Punch Miami Open only since this summer, this Morningside spot has become a quick hit with its $1 mojitos until 8pm; yummy Cuban sliders; and live salsa and reggaeton until the wee hours.

The post Four Popular Caribbean Restaurants in Miami to Try Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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You’ve decided to get married? Congratulations! Now comes the really big decision: where to get married. Obviously, we’re big fans of island weddings, and if you’re considering a destination “I do” in Jamaica, here are the hotels we think you should consider for your special day. These are, from small hotels to large resorts, the Best Jamaica Weddings.

Half Moon Resort & Spa The options are seemingly endless at this classic Montego Bay cloister, which has six outdoor venues and 10 indoor ballrooms that can accommodate parties up to 450 people. The impressive Fern Tree Spa, golf course and equestrian center provide plenty of diversions before and after the big day — and great photo spots, too.

Round Hill It’s hard to find a more classic (and classy) spot for your nuptials than this villa resort just outside Montego Bay. Tie the knot poolside at a private villa, on the beach or on am oceanview carpet of manicured grass. And since the resort hosts only one wedding a weekend, you’re assured of attentive (and flawless) service.

Couples Sans Souci In Ocho Rios, this elegant resort from the company that pioneered the all-inclusive resort in Jamaica is an excellent choice, whether you’re on a budget or want a big blowout. Stay three nights or more and the One Love package is complimentary. Or pony up around $5000 for a rollicking celebration for up to 40 people on the private island at sister resort Couples Tower Isle.

Beaches Negril Get everyone in the mix at this all-inclusive resort that has something to keep every member of the family entertained before and after the ceremony. The Beautiful Beginnings package is free with stays of three nights or more; upgrades include everything from cupcakes to bamboo chuppahs; and “Weddingmoon” packages combine ceremonies with complimentary honeymoons.

Rock House Hipsters, creative types and modern bohemians will love the vibe at this Negril cliff’s-edge boutique, where locations include an oceanfront deck and an overwater bridge, and stunning sunset ceremonies are all but guaranteed. And since there are only 34 rooms here, you don’t have to have a huge guest list to pull off a hotel buy-out.

The Rose Hall Great House

Rose Hall Great House Superstitious types beware; this supposedly haunted plantation house is not for you! But if you don’t believe in ghosts, consider starting married life at this stunning 18^th-century estate set on 6,600 lush hillside acres. While you can’t tie the knot inside the historic house, you can get married on the lawn with the building as your backdrop – guaranteeing drop-dead (ahem) gorgeous wedding photos.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Want to get married on a private island? No problem! Seal the deal at on a sandy spit just offshore from this Montego Bay all-inclusive where an impressive selection of themed décor packages mean that your ceremony location will look as beautiful as you do.

Strawberry Hill Head for the hills above Kingston and enjoy a cooler-than-cool ceremony for up to 150 people at this plantation-style mountain retreat, which boasts several indoor and outdoor venues, including the iconic infinity-edge pool.

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