By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s shaping up to be a good year for the Caribbean hotel industry, thanks to its strongest run of occupancy and revenue growth in years.

Caribbean hotel occupancy was up 1.1 percent in March to 74.8 percent, the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year growth, according to a new report from hotel analytics firm STR.

It’s also the first time Caribbean hotel occupancy has risen for three months in a row since 2015.

Average daily rates rose 8.5 percent to $279.41, while revenue per available room jumped by 9.7 percent in the same period to $209.11, according to STR.

For the year, regional hotel occupancy stands at 72.8 percent, a 1.1 percent increase over the first quarter of 2018; daily rates are up 8.8 percent to $266.44, while revenues are up 10 percent to $193.88.

STR’s data surveyed 1,973 hotels comprising 254,146 rooms across the Caribbean region.

— CJ

The post Another Month of Growth for Caribbean Hotels appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… Floridians born in Puerto Rico or of Puerto Rican descent align with … in the 2016 election. (Puerto Rico, as a territorial possession … broke with Trump was Puerto Rico. When Trump falsely … Puerto Rican. But I know they’re not doing things right in Puerto Rico …

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We can happily report that the Caribbean is, in fact, getting greener. Whether it’s the regular debut of a new solar park, the frequent launch of a new wind farm or a renewed regional focus on sustainability.

While more work of course has to be done, one way to forward that is to celebrate those who are already working to protect and strengthen this beautiful corner of the world.

And when it comes to the Caribbean travel industry, there are so many who are now doing their part to make the region cleaner, greener, stronger, more resilient and more sustainable for their people.

Because the word green means so many things today: it means energy that is renewable, it means tourism philosophies that focus on the local and the sustainable; it means production and consumption that consider the environment; it means strategies that consider the climate; it means thinking about how what we do impacts the ecosystem and the community; and for the Caribbean, it means an ethos that remembers that the natural world of this region is one of the earth’s most treasured resources.

And that’s precisely the point of the inaugural Green Caribbean Awards, a celebration of those making a difference right now.

Green Destination of the Year: Bonaire

Lots of islands talk regularly about their plans to go fully green, or carbon neutral, or energy independent. But as you look around the region, one island is closer to those dreams than any other: the Dutch Caribbean paradise of Bonaire, where wind power alone generates almost 90 percent of the island’s peak energy needs, with a growing solar component as well. But it’s not just the energy that’s the story.

Bonaire has long been at the forefront of Caribbean conservation efforts, with perhaps the region’s most aggressively protected — and well managed — marine park – and a new push to make itself “blue” by using ocean resources for growth, wellbeing and ocean health. But we happen to think that’s pretty green, too.

The post The Green Caribbean Awards 2019 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Los Cabos’ Solmar hotel collection has debuted a spectacular new beachfront spa to its Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas Resort in Mexico.

The new Spa by the Ocean is set 100 meters from the shore of the ocean, with five outdoor treatment bungalows set to the soundtrack of the sea.

Treatments range from an 80-minute couple’s massage to a 140-minute signature treatment combining a facial and a massage.

Even better? Every signature treatment includes a three-course meal crafted by the resort’s resident chef, Hector Lucas, which guests can enjoy after receiving their treatment.

The spa’s amenities also include seaside cabanas, outdoor spa beds and a pool.

“We are delighted to welcome Spa by the Ocean to Rancho San Lucas and the Solmar Spa Collection, as it truly showcases our local Baja heritage.” said Ricardo Orozco, Solmar Hotels & Resorts’ vice-president of operations. “Pairing traditional native inspired treatments and an engaging gourmet menu selection are next-level experiences that showcase our continuous dedication to elevating our guests’ stays.”

— CJ

The post There’s a New Beachfront Spa in Los Cabos appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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You may have heard of the legendary private islands, the places like Antigua’s Jumby Bay and Turks and Caicos’ Parrot Cay.

But if you dig further, you’ll discover that the Caribbean is filled with all kinds of private-island destinations with many different personalities, from the ultra-luxe to the castaway chic and everywhere in between.

Because it’s one thing to find a private island; it’s another to find a secret one.

Here are six under-the-radar private islands worth journeying to right now in the Caribbean.

Kamalame Cay, Bahamas Tucked off the northeastern coast of the mysterious, wonderful island of Andros in The Bahamas, this private island has been a haven for in-the-know travelers for years. Set on 96 acres, this beachy paradise has a mix of 27 rooms and suites, along with a collection of charming two-to-four bedroom cottages.

The post From The Bahamas to St Vincent, 5 Private-Island Destinations to Try appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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