In what is the most significant hotel development on the French side of St Martin in years, AMResorts has officially debuted its new Secrets St Martin resort.

The property, which is set on Anse Marcel, welcomed its first-ever guests this week, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The resort, the first-ever Secrets-branded property in the French Caribbean, is a dramatic transformation of the former Riu Palace St Martin that was destroyed during Hurricane Irma. 

The adults-only property has a total of 258 suites, all of which come with 24-hour room service, twice-daily maid service and complete all-inclusive convenience, according to AMResorts.

Secrets St Martin has a total of six dining concepts: the poolside Barefoot Grill; the Coco Cafe snack bar; the Pan-Asian eatery Himitsu; the Market Cafe international buffet; the Italian-style Portofino and Olio Mediterranean Cuisine. 

The all-inclusive program includes everything from unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits to mini bars to theme parties and pool and beach wait service. 

The property also has what it calls “limitless access” to its eateries, meaning travelers don’t need reservations for any of the resort’s restaurants. 

While the concept of an all-inclusive on an island that is arguably the Caribbean’s greatest dining destination may be hard for some travelers to wrap their heads around, Secrets seems to have embraced its position, encouraging guests to explore the myriad dining options off property, particularly in the nearby gastronomic capital of Grand Case. 

Either way, it’s a huge step forward for the crucial tourism sector on the French side of St Martin, one that has largely been bereft of major hotel development for decades. 

Of course, St Martin is home to a number of terrific small and medium-sized properties, too, from the beloved Grand Case Beach Club to the tiny, ultra-chic LTC Beach Hotel, the latter the newest hotel in St Martin.

Having the power of AMResorts and its parent company, the global travel giant Apple Leisure Group. behind it, could provide St Martin with a much-needed and invigorating injection of marketing energy. 

The resort is the 16th resort in Secrets’ Caribbean portfolio. 

For more, visit Secrets St Martin. 

– CJ

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One of the Caribbean Basin’s most charming historic quarters will soon be home to a new Hyatt hotel. 

Hyatt has announced plans to open the new Hotel La Compañia in Panama City, Panama’s Casco Viejo historic district. 

The hotel will be part of the company’s luxe Unbound Collection, set in a historic site that was once home to a Jesuit mission in the 16h century. 

The 88-room hotel is slated to open its doors in 2021 as the first-ever Unbound Collection property in the wider Caribbean. 

It will include five dining concepts and a rooftop “sky lounge,” among other amenities.

“Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand has a unique position within the Hyatt portfolio, as each property has the opportunity to tell its own story,” said Heather Geisler, senior vice president of global brands at Hyatt. “As we continue to see the brand thoughtfully grow across the globe, we are excited to watch each story unfold, further driving brand loyalty to travelers looking for experiences unlike any other.” 

For more, visit Hotel La Compania.

— CJ

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It’s just you and the sand. No crowds, no hassle, no long journeys to get from your room to the water. 

That’s what the best beach resorts are about — places where nothing stands between you and the object of your affection — pure Caribbean sun, sand and sea. 

And at small Caribbean beach resorts, that’s exactly what you find — intimate hospitality, unmatched beauty and some of the most authentic experiences you’ll encounter in the wider region. 

Our favorite small beach resorts (note: we capped them at a maximum of 50 rooms) to check out in 2020 are a mix of old favorites, new additions and some properties that have long stayed under the radar. 

Here are 20 small Caribbean beach resorts to try this year. 

Barbuda Belle, Barbuda Yes, the island of Barbuda is back, and so is its best boutique hotel: the tiny Barbuda Belle, a eco-chic retreat with seven beachfront bungalows set on one of the most jaw-dropping coastlines in the entire Caribbean. (And the Mangrove eatery is superb, too). 

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