It’s one of the wider region’s most popular destinations, and the Bahamas remains a tourism power in the Caribbean. That’s because the Bahamas isn’t just a single destination — it’s a multitude of destinations from the urban appeal of downtown nassau to remote, exotic getaways like Cat Island and Andros.  So with our inaugural Bahamas Travel Awards, we’re celebrating the best and brightest in the 700-island destination’s travel industry, from the best hotels to the hotelier of the year. Here are the first-ever Bahamas Travel Awards.

Hotel of the Year: One & Only Ocean Club

This Paradise Island standout is one of the Caribbean tourism industry’s signature hotels, and thanks to its recent renovations, it’s better than ever. From its famous Versailles Gardens to its perch on spectacular Cabbage Beach to its simply stunning service, the One & Only continues to set a standard for hotels in the Bahamas — and the world. This is the Bahamas Hotel of the Year.

The post The Bahamas Travel Awards 2016 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises President and COO Adam Goldstein has been named the new chairman of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.

The new appointment, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2017, was announced during this year’s FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Goldstein will succeed Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison in the role.

“The cruise industry today is now a global industry player, and under Micky’s leadership, the FCCA has strengthened its relationships with the industry and our Caribbean and Latin American partners,” Goldstein said. “I am extremely proud to take over the chairmanship of the FCCA, and my main goal is to continue on this path by making sure the region is prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this highly competitive and globalized environment.”

Arison had served in the role since January 2015.

“I am honored to have served as FCCA Chairman for a total of more than a decade,” said Arison. “During this span, I have watched the growth of not only the Association, but also the partners we serve, and I know that Adam Goldstein will continue this mutual growth.”

The post Royal Caribbean’s Adam Goldstein to Chair FCCA appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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A major new resort is coming to the Mayakoba development on the Riviera Maya: Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya.

The newest resort on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is slated to debut at the end of this year with a focus on sustainable design, food and adventure.

Andaz is a brand of Hyatt.

A rendering of a room at the new Andaz Mayakoba.

Each of the property’s 214 rooms has an open layout with a “nature inspired artisan decor,” according to the company.

There will be three restaurants and bars, along with outdoor pools, a whirlpool, a spa with eight treatment rooms, a gym, a yoga studio, a lap pool and several fitness areas.

— CJ Staff

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The highly-anticipated Park Hyatt St. Kitts is planning to open in March 2017.

The hotel said it is now taking reservations for stays beginning March 1, when it will debut as the first-ever Park Hyatt property in the Caribbean region.

The new luxury resort will be located in the Christophe Harbour development on St. Kitts’ southeastern peninsula.

Set on secluded Banana Bay, the property will have 126 rooms, of which 48 will be suites.

Rooms will have rain showers, soaking tubs, walk-in wardrobes and outdoor daybeds; many of the suites will offer individual rooftop pools.

On the culinary side, there will be three restaurants: small-plate eatery The Stone Barn; The Fisherman’s Village and the Great House, along with a rum bar, a chef’s table and afternoon tea.

— CJ Staff

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Tuesday marks the opening of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show, the largest cruise conference and trade show in the Caribbean and one of the best ways to target the cruise industry and maximize its benefits.

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