By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of Costa Rica’s leading hotels has announced the upcoming launch of a major new spa.

The Retreat Costa Rica, set on Crystal Mountain in Atenas, is set to debut a new 7,000-square-foot Vida Mia Ayurvedic Healing Center and Spa.

The center, which will be the first Ayurvedic healing center in the country, is slated to debut June 8.

The brainchild of owner Diana Stobo, the property will include seven treatment rooms along with resting lounges and special events areas.

It was designed by local architect Luis Edwardo Ortiz, with interiors by France’s Veronique de la Cruz and Costa Rica’s Andrea Artinano.

Every guest at the center will receive customized assessments by the center’s in-house “healer,” while a medical practitioner will also be on staff along with a personal trainer.

“After traveling the world as a healing and spa junky, I have discovered the most effective and exciting tools to create the perfect healing experience,” Stobo said.

— CJ

The post This Costa Rica Hotel Is Opening a Major New Spa appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Carnival Sunrise has officially returned to the Caribbean following a $200 million renovation.

The ship is sailing a range of four- to 14-day Caribbean voyages throughout the season, with the first four coming out of Norfolk’s Decker Half Moone Cruise Center.

“The introduction of Carnival Sunrise brings an incredibly enhanced ship to our guests with all of the popular features from across our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “We couldn’t be more proud to introduce Carnival Sunrise in Norfolk.” 

The renovation added a variety of food, beverage and entertainment innovations, as well as stateroom upgrades.

New casual food and beverage options include Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in collaboration with Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri; BlueIguana Cantina & Tequila Bar; RedFrog Rum Bar; as well as upgrades to the Lido Marketplace; an expanded ice cream station; the Java Blue coffee bar and 24-hour Pizzeria del Capitano.

New specialty dining options include The Chef’s Table fine dining experience, the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, as well as Italian, sushi and seafood options.

That’s along with a new waterpark with slides and a kiddie splash zone, a Serenity adults-only retreat and a SportSquare recreation area with ropes course and mini golf.

Theater and live entertainment additions include The Punchliner Comedy Club in the new Limelight Lounge, Playlist Productions shows in the Liquid Lounge, deck parties, onboard programming and a sing-along piano bar.

Two Captain’s Suites have undergone redesigns, and all staterooms have been updated, according to the company.

— CJ

The post Carnival Sunshine Returns to the Caribbean After $200M Makeover appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Hurricane season is almost upon us, and one Jamaica hotel is continuing its special storm protection for travelers.

The Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay has reinstated its annual Hurricane Guarantee for 2019.

Valid for resort stays enjoyed throughout the entire 2019 Atlantic hurricane season (May 1 to November 30, 2019), the program provides consumer purchase protection against possible travel disruption due to hurricanes.

“Memories of past very active hurricane seasons remain fresh, not only on the minds of those of us living in the Caribbean, but also among those who love traveling to the region,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of Marketing and Sales at the property. “Our annual Hurricane Guarantee puts the minds of our guests at ease, ensuring that they can enjoy the best of Jamaica throughout the summer and well into the fall with confidence.”

The guarantee provides both pre- and mid-vacation safeguards.

Guests holding confirmed reservations with nonrefundable deposits who are unable to travel due to the closure of Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport caused by a Category One or higher hurricane can rebook their reservations for a future resort stay without penalty. 

A one-category room upgrade will also be provided based on space availability.

Should a Category One or higher hurricane interrupt resort operations for more than 24 hours, guests already on property will receive a certificate valid for a free future stay. 

— CJ

The post This Jamaica Hotel Has a Hurricane Guarantee appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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