A new airline is coming to The Bahamas with a fleet of seaplanes, Caribbean Journal has learned.

It’s called COCO Bahama Seaplanes, and it’s the brainchild of Brian Hew, the chairman and founder of the legendary Kamalame Cay private-island resort off the coast of the island of Andros.

“Recovery of the Family Islands will be accelerated with the arrival of COCO and importantly, without the need for additional direct government investments to expand, rehabilitate or build new airports,” Hew said in a statement. “COCO will benefit visitors to our beautiful country and will help support a more reliable domestic travel infrastructure allowing residents to move quickly and efficiently throughout The Bahamas and reducing the burden on the government to fly to small, unprofitable markets with large aircraft.”

The 100-percent Bahamian-owned airline will have a fleet of seaplanes, two-pilot crews and “world-class safety standards,” according to the company.

While the company has not yet revealed its routes, COCO also said it planned to help expand tourism offerings for visitors in larger markets like Nassau and Grand Bahama.

COCO is already working aggressively with both independent and multinational hotels and resorts to spread tourism dollars to the Family Islands through day trips and excursions,” the company said.

COCO also will be investing in pilot development within The Bahamas, with plans for a scholarship program for young Bahamian pilots that will include a cash contribution for the flight school of their choice — and a contingent offer to join the COCO crew.

“I am pleased to welcome a new aircraft option to The Bahamas that will increase access to our islands and allow travelers to experience the secluded paradise they are looking for right now” said Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. “I cannot help but feel proud that in these challenging times a Bahamian company such as COCO Bahama Seaplanes is prepared to invest in the future of tourism in The Bahamas. I sincerely believe that with Bahamian ingenuity and determination, we will once again take our rightful place as the destination of choice for travelers worldwide.”

The airline would complement the strong Florida-Bahamas network operated by longtime carrier Tropic Ocean Airways, which flies across The Bahamas from its base in Fort Lauderdale.

COCO’s official launch will take place in February.

For more, visit COCO Bahama Seaplanes.

— CJ

The post A New Seaplane Airline Is Coming to The Bahamas appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Aruba says it has expanded its testing capabilities ahead of the new CDC mandate that all incoming travelers to the US show proof of a negative test.

Aruba tourism officials said “All necessary facilities and procedures are in place for any visitor needing to take a Covid-19 test” while in Aruba as a requirement for re-entry to their country of origin.

The island has expanded its testing facilities and has a range of hospitals and medical facilities that provide PCR tests for outbound travelers, with an average turnaround time of 24 hours, according to the destination.

Aruba’s primary testing areas are located near hotels, with appointments available in advance.

“In Aruba, we’ve been at the forefront of innovating as quickly as possible to ensure a safe, and seamless travel experience for our visitors. As such, the Aruba Government and Department of Public Health were prepared for the CDC’s new mandate that all US travelers need to provide a negative COVID-19 test and can reassure our travelers they will have easy access to testing in time for their departure,” Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority said. “All travelers coming to our One happy island can rest assured they can still visit our shores. The safety of our visitors and locals is of the utmost importance to us.”

Aruba has been open for tourism since last summer.

— CJ

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Skiers know that the best places to stay are slopeside, where they have direct access to the trails. The tropical equivalent is the swim-up room, where you can step outside and right into the warm waters of a swimming pool.

A more affordable alternative to suites with private pools or those located directly on the beach, swim-up rooms are part of a wave of hotel accommodations with unique features that go beyond soaking tubs and patio hot tubs.

Here’s a sampling of resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico’s Riviera Maya where you can dive into a swim-up room:

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, St. Maarten

Lounge on recliners half-submerged in a pool just outside your room at this all-suites resort. All 130 suites have ocean views, and the swim up suites — which have the option of butler service for pool drinks on demand — have large glass walls with sliding doors that open wide to bring the outdoors in.

The post 12 Caribbean Resorts with Swim-Up Rooms appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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