By Alexander Britell

There’s almost always a corner of beginning in every Caribbean destination, one of the spots where tourism truly started on the island.

In St Maarten you find it as you wind around the twisting streets adjacent to Princess Juliana International Airport, the area where a brand new airport once meant a gateway for travel pioneers.

It is just the sort of spot that has been around long enough to be forgotten, a breezy quarter of a place of waving palms and whitewashed buildings.

It’s all about the beach.

It’s another, hidden corner of Simpson Bay, with one way streets and walled off cul de sacs, a short drive from popular spots like Sunset and Karakter but miles away in spirit.

And secreted away at the far end of this forgotten district is a sublime sliver of beach — and, more importantly, a delightful little beach hotel.

The colorful rooms have happy touches like espresso machines and telescopes.

It’s called El Zafiro, and it is the essence of the tiny Caribbean beach hotel, a haven for beach lovers and those who are looking for a Caribbean that is not always easy to find.

It is a simple formula here: a collection of just eight rooms, all crisp and clean, all with stunning views of the sand and welcome details like espresso machines and telescopes on the balconies.

There’s even a clever observation deck to watch as the planes go by.

Wally also makes some of the best ti’ punches in St Maarten.

There’s a toes-in-the-sand bar (led by the gregarious Wally) and a restaurant, daily housekeeping and the greatest amenity of all: a nearly private beach that will be yours alone during your stay, hidden away in plain sight, often seen only by the travelers on the jets as they make their return trips home above the mountain.

The bar is worth a visit even if you’re not staying here.

But those who find it discover it anew, savoring a unique kind of beach vacation.

This is the old Caribbean, the authentic Caribbean, St Maarten when it first found itself on the map, a reminder of why St Maarten is such a truly lovely destination.

There’s a reason, after all, why they started coming here in the first place.

For more, visit El Zafiro.

— CJ

The post In St Maarten, a Hidden Caribbean Beach Hotel appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Divi Aruba Phoenix resort has named a new general manager.

Divi Resorts has appointed Pearl Lake to the role, effective Aug. 1, Caribbean Journal has learned.

Lake had previously been serving as the resort’s Rooms Division Manager.

A local of Aruba, Lake has spent 12 years at the Divi Aruba Phoenix.

“I am ecstatic to become the General Manager of the Divi Phoenix,” Lake said in a statement. “My goal in life has always been to make an impact in someone’s life by bringing out the best in them, helping them realize their full potential and assisting in developing their skills. This was always my focus as the Rooms Division Manager, but becoming the General Manager allows me to broaden this reach.”

Lake succeeds Gerrit Griffith in the role.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Dubai-based carrier Emirates is launching its first-ever flights to Mexico, the airline said this week.

Emirates will be launching a new daily service from Dubai to Mexico City via Barcelona, beginning Dec. 9.

The Mexico City flight will run on Emirates’ Boeing 777-200LR with 38 seats in business and 264 in economy.

The new route will be a linked service with Barcelona, meaning travelers can fly between Mexico City and Barcelona “in unprecedented style and comfort,” the carrier said.

“We are excited to be able to introduce new air connectivity between Dubai and Mexico. The availability of high-quality, daily international air services is essential for the development of tourism, business and cultural ties,” said Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.

Because of Mexico City’s high altitude, Clark said Emirates could not operate a nonstop flight from Dubai.

“Barcelona was a natural choice for a stopover,” Clark said.

“We are pleased to offer a direct connection on the route between the Spanish city and Mexico City that has long been neglected by other airlines and remains underserved despite the strong customer demand,” Clark said.

It’s a major step for Emirates in the wider region.

“Mexico supports the launch of the long-awaited flight Dubai-Barcelona-Mexico City, which responds to Mexico’s Government tourism policy towards opening new markets and strengthening connectivity between the Middle East and Mexico. We are eager to receive tourists from this part of the world,” said Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, Miguel Torruco Marqués.

— CJ

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

One of Aruba’s signature hotels is celebrating a very big anniversary this year.

The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino is marking its 60th birthday this year, and the property has launched new dining initiatives, resort features and guest amenities to celebrate.

The Hilton is actually the oldest hotel in Aruba, a Morris Lapidus-designed gem whose debut kicked off Aruba’s tourism future.

The hotel’s Laguna Restaurant is offering a Legacy Breakfast Package beginning this Sunday, which will be served on the fourth Sunday of every month.

Sunset Grille has launched a Legacy Dinner Special, which will feature a Chef Collection Menu for two people, as well as 2-for-1 “Aruba Tini” cocktail promotion throughout this week.

The restaurant has also unveiled a commemorative mural representing all the people who have played a role in the restaurant and hotel during the past 60 years, with the new mural features caricatures of the Sunset Grille family.

Customer Cocktail Receptions will now be held every Thursday to celebrate the anniversary day, and tastings of the Aruba Ariba cocktail will be offered at check-in, the property said.

For more, visit the Hilton Aruba.

— CJ

The post A Very Big Birthday for Aruba’s First Hotel appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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