By Alexander Britell

The Cayman Islands is one of the Caribbean’s hottest markets for hotel development, and now it’s adding another big brand to its portfolio.

Hilton Hotels has announced the signing of an agreement to open a new Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Grand Cayman, in partnership with NCB Group.

The new-build hotel, which is slated to open in 2021, will have 80 rooms with a focus on “sustainability and wellness,” according to a statement from Hilton.

A rendering of the hotel.

Set on the edge of George Town, the new Curio Collection property will have units ranging from one to three bedroom — units that will also be available as real estate for purchase.

Each suite will have green technology, in-room fitness equipment and even “lighting that regulates circadian rhythm,” according to the company. Executive and penthouse suites will boast their own private pools.

“We are elated to be partnering with an industry leader like Hilton and have the opportunity to introduce this internationally renowned, global hospitality company to the Cayman Islands,” said Matthew Wight, Managing Director of NCB Group. “It’s an honor that our hotel was selected to be a part of this exclusive collection of one-of-a-kind, independent hotels and resorts that are all celebrated for their individuality. Through this alliance we will be delivering an innovative wellness tourism product that also caters to the discerning business traveler.”

A rendering of a room.

Other amenities at the new hotel will include two eateries along with a poolside cafe; a fully-equipped gym; a spa; conference facilities and a swimming pool with its own swim-up bar and juice bar. Guests will also be able to rent electric cars and bikes.

“It’s important for the destination to welcome accommodations that will provide exceptional experiences such as those offered by the Curio Collection by Hilton,” said Cayman Islands Director of Tourism Rosa Harris. “Having a one-of-a-kind boutique property with wellness-focused offerings in our capital aligns with key segments of our visitor demographic and the strategic vision for tourism in the Cayman Islands. The property will be a welcome addition to room inventory and will further enhance our diverse product offerings and accommodations sector.”

The news comes as several other high-profile hotels are also in the pipeline in Grand Cayman, including a new Grand Hyatt and  a new Mandarin Oriental, among others.

It’s part of a continued expansion push in the Caribbean for Hilton, which just announced another project in the Mexican Caribbean last week.

A rendering of the new Grand Hyatt project.

And that has included a growing Curio-branded portfolio, from a new addition in Belize to several Curio hotels already open in Jamaica and in Puerto Rico.

For more, visit the Curio Collection in Grand Cayman.

– CJ

The post The Cayman Islands Is Getting Its First Hilton Hotel appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

It may be one of the most under-the-radar destinations in the Caribbean — but it’s time Guadeloupe found itself on your travel calendar.

The next big reason to visit? The destination’s Saint-Georges International Music Festival. the leading classical music festival in the Caribbean.

The second edition of the festival, which takes place March 16-23, is a tribute to Joseph Bologne, also known as Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a musical legend born in Guadeloupe who was a virtuoso violinist and conductor whose musical impact influenced Mozart and Haydn, among others.

“We are thrilled about this second edition, as the Caribbean Tourism Organization has declared 2019 ‘The Year of Festivals for the Caribbean,’ said Ary Chalus, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe. “This Festival is unique because it celebrates the musical heritage of the first known Black composer and the most diverse orchestra in the world.”

“The Saint-Georges International Music Festival is the symbol of Excellence in Diversity and we are looking forward to welcoming classical music lovers on the occasion of the 220th Anniversary of Guadeloupe’s first champion, virtuoso and hero,” Chalus said.

The festival will mark the 220th anniversary of the death of Chevalier de Saint Georges.

Concerts will take place in some of the butterfly-shaped archipelago’s most emblematic landmarks, such as The Memorial ACTe, St. Pierre, St. Paul Cathedral and the city of Baillif, the birthplace of Bologne.

On the program of the festival are grand concerts, chamber music, cross-over jazz nights, conferences and master classes.

A U.S. preview of the festival took place on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at the Schomburg Research Center in Harlem, New York, featuring 15 musicians from the Saint-Georges International orchestra, and, for the first time in the U.S., Guadeloupean Soprano Leïla Brédent, under the direction of conductor Marlon Daniel, the festival’s Artistic and Music Director.

Marlon Daniel will be directing the festival in March, which will also feature internationally renowned artists such as Soprano Janinah Burnett; mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges; bass Solomon Howard, who has just received the Kennedy Center Marian Anderson Vocal Award; and musicians Romuald  Grimbert-Barré and Sami Junnonen, just to name of few of the 40 musicians that will compose the Saint-Georges’ International orchestra.

— CJ

The post The Caribbean’s Best Classical Music Festival Is In Guadeloupe appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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