By Alexander Britell

Royal Caribbean opened eyes earlier this year when it purchased The Bahamas’ Grand Lucayan resort, the first move of its kind for the company.

Now, the company is shedding some light on the decision, which is part of what will be a major new push across the region to go beyond cruise ports into full-fledged “destinations.”

Royal Caribbean has announced plans to team with ITM Group to form a new “destination” company called Holistica.

The company will create an “inclusive model for destination development that works holistically to meet the needs of coastal communities, local governments, and land, sea, and air travelers,” according to a statement.

The Grand Lucayan.

What that means, particularly the nod to “land” travelers, is a look beyond mere cruise ports and into something with a bigger local economic impact and a broader customer base.

“The continuing growth and rising popularity of cruise vacations make it clear that the sustainable development of coastal destinations, including the thoughtful evolution of existing ones, is in the travel industry’s best interest,” said Michael Bayley of RCL. “We have spent five decades learning what works and what doesn’t, and we know the potential of strategic development to deliver extraordinary guest experiences and meet the needs of local communities.”

And the centerpiece of the first “destination” will be a $275 million project to transform the aforementioned Grand Lucayan and Freeport in The Bahamas.

The Costa Maya port in Mexico.

“We’re not just re-opening a resort in Freeport,” Bayley said. “We’re looking at everything from transportation to utilities to local culture to responsible sourcing to entertainment to… well, to everything. It’s an ecosystem, not a property.” 

That will be the first of a wider global push that will include “destinations” in Caribbean locations including Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras, according to the company.

The plan is to create destinations that are “accessible to all travelers, including land and air vacationers,” the company said.

“The timing is right for a venture of this type,” said Mauricio Hamui of ITM Group. “A collaborative development approach, paired with meaningful private financial resources, gives local destinations the opportunity to grow the right way.”

The new venture will be a 50-50 partnership between RCL and ITM Group, headquartered in Miami.

ITM is one of the world’s leading cruise port operators, with Caribbean ports in its portfolio including Havana, Costa Maya and Antigua and a high-profile project to transform the Port of Nassau.

“A well-designed destination brings economic benefits to communities and cultural enrichment to travelers, while creating the least possible disruption to the human and natural environment,” Hamui said. “There is a way to do these projects inclusively, collaboratively, and sustainably – and those are the characteristics this new partnership is meant to embody.”

The post Royal Caribbean to Create New “Destinations” in Bahamas, Mexico appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Airbnb is looking to expand its footprint in the luxury travel sector.

While the company already owned Luxury Retreats, the new Airbnb Luxe looks to create another level of bespoke travel experience that include “access to trip designers” for upper-echelon homes and estates.

The Airbnb Luxe program provides end-to-end trip planning, concierge services and 24/7 VIP support for “homes that are destinations in themselves.”

This new tier launches with more than 2,000 handpicked homes around the world, each one passing strict evaluation across 300+ criteria to meet standards in both design and function. This includes elevated design standards on a variety of elements, from premium materials & finishes and rare & unique features, to spaces that accommodate groups, highly functional design, chef-grade appliances and the proper amount of bathrooms corresponding to each bedroom.”

The news comes just a few weeks after Marriott announced its own foray into the ultra-luxury villa space.

The Hawksbill Estate in Turks and Caicos is part of the portfolio.

And that’s due to a surge in luxury demand, with Airbnb pointing to a 60 percent increase in bookings at Airbnb properties with list prices of more than $1,000 per night.

So what will an Airbnb Luxe property be like?

The company offered the example of a stay at the Fleming Villa at Jamaica’s Goldeneye resort, where “literary fans can seek inspiration and beachfront luxury.”

The company also used the Hawksbill Estate in Turks and Caicos as another example of an Airbnb Luxe property.

“Today’s luxury traveler is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination.” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder,

— CEO and Head of Community.  “With Airbnb Luxe we are applying the same approach we’ve used since we launched Airbnb more than 11 years ago — creating local, authentic and magical travel moments now in amazing places to stay — to reimagine the way people think and experience luxury travel.”

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Waldorf Astoria hotel brand is making its debut in Mexico.

The Hilton Hotels luxury brand is taking over the former Resort at Pedregal in Los Cabos, with the first-ever Waldorf Astoria in Mexico set to launch in the beginning of the fourth quarter.

The luxury resort, which will now be called the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, is set on a 24-acre site that includes mountains and beaches.

“As the brand’s first property to debut in Mexico, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal showcases the brand’s commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio to some of the world’s most sought after destinations,” said Dino Michael, global head at Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts. “We look forward to combining the resort’s exclusive environment and guest-focused comforts with the brand’s unparalleled commitment to personal service, and together, ensuring our guests have the experience of a lifetime.”

The 115-room hotel has a spa, four dining concepts and has long been considered one of the leading hotels in Mexico.

Even better? Every one of its rooms and suites comes with ocean views and private plunge pools.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Walton Street Capital Mexico to bring the first Waldorf Astoria to Mexico,” said Juan Corvinos, vice president, development, Latin America and the Caribbean, Hilton. “Los Cabos – a vibrant, dynamic and truly luxury destination that draws travelers from all over the world – is the perfect market for our iconic Waldorf Astoria brand, and will be a significant addition to the nearly 70 Hilton properties already in Mexico.”

The Mexico debut is part of a wider regional push for the brand that also includes a Waldorf Astoria hotel in Cancun and a planned Waldorf Astoria in Antigua.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Turks and Caicos villa formerly owned by music legend Prince has been sold.

The sprawling estate in Turks and Caicos’s Turtle Tail area in Providenciales has been sold for $10.8 million, according to Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty, which had the listing on the property.

The brokerage said the new (unnamed) owner has “has vacationed in the Turks & Caicos Islands for years as a family and wanted to have a compound large enough to host extended family.”

The property, which was listed at the end of December for $11.8 million, is now known as Emara Estate.

And it’s not intended as simply a private home — it is very much a rental destination.

The new Emara Estate website calls it “Your Private Island Getaway,” including a way to reserve a stay at the property.

“The property feels like its own private island,” the new owners said in a statement. “Emara Estate will be available as a highly exclusive rental destination, boasting private beachfront areas, exceptional elevated views, and a dock area which is a watersports enthusiast’s dream, and ideal for celebrating milestone and special events.”

The six-bedroom, six-bathroom, 9,610-square-foot oceanfront estate is set on a 5.74-acre lot.

It was long the Caribbean hideaway for Prince, who passed away in 2016.

Yes, there’s a purple driveway.

The property has everything from two private beaches to a 200-foot personal dock — along with a purple driveway.

It’s set 40 feet above sea level.

For more, visit Emara Estate.

— CJ

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