If you thought last year’s slate of new hotels in the Caribbean was impressive, you’re in for quite the treat in 2019. 

The region is welcoming a remarkably diverse collection of hotels and resorts this year, from luxury small-island boutiques to gleaming new all-inclusives. 

The biggest star for 2019? What seems to be the Caribbean’s newest hotel hotspot, Dominica, which has three hotels on this list (along with a signfiicant renovation of a fourth hotel, the Fort Young)— sending a big message to the travel world a little more than a year after last year’s storms. 

We’ve put together a list of our favorite new debuts for 2019, including some properties that launched at the very end of 2018 and others that are coming on stream in the months ahead. 

Where will you be checking in next?

Cabrits Resort Kempinski Dominica Easily the most exciting new property set to open in 2019, this will be Kempinski’s first hotel in the English-speaking Caribbean, following its 2017 debut of the spectacular Gran Hotel Manzana in Havana. The new Dominica hotel, which will be set outside Portsmouth on the northern tip of the island, will have 160 rooms, a spa and sweeping gardens, among other amenities. Another reason to be excited? It’s the latest project from Range Developments, responsible for the stunning Park Hyatt St Kitts.

The post 11 New Caribbean Hotels We’re Excited About in 2019 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaica is set to host the Caribbean’s leading travel conference at the end of next month.

The 2019 edition of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace conference will be held Jan. 29-31 at the Montego Bay Convention Center.

“Jamaica is synonymous with exceptional hospitality, world renowned culture and incredible beauty. We look forward to continuing to offer our participants a high quality program to engage with industry peers and promote travel to our region,” said Frank Comito, chief executive officer and director general of the CHTA.

The conference brings together more than 1,000 delegates from 26 Caribbean countries to meet with buyers from more than 20 markets around the word.

This year’s event is expected to see an increase in both buyers and suppliers, organizers told Caribbean Journal.

“I am very pleased to announce that Jamaica will once again play host to an important tourism event,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett. “It is an incredible achievement for our country and I am certain we will reap significant benefits.”

For more info, visit Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

— CJ

The post Montego Bay Readies for Caribbean Travel Marketplace appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

It just might be the most luxurious all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic — and now it’s officially open.

The new $110 million Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real has officially made its debut in Punta Cana, the first of its kind in Melia’s Paradisus portfolio, and the third Paradisus to open in the country.

“Meliá Hotels International continues to show its dedication to investing in the Dominican Republic region and adding to its world-wide luxury portfolio,” the company said in a statement. “Representing distinctive values, heritage, and personality, Meliá Hotels International’s various brands are found in iconic hotspots and undiscovered gems across the globe.”

The circle-shaped resort has a totla of 288 rooms ranging from 800 to 3,000 square feet, with the suites featuring either one or two bedrooms and amenities like balconies with whirlpool tubs, full-fledged dining areas and swim-up suites.

All of the swim-up suites come with direct access to an exclusive pool, Melia said.

The resort also has what Melia is calling an “immersive culinary program,” with 14 restaurants and bars ranging from a steakhouse with an open kitchen to a ceviche and poke bar.

The dining concepts also include the Domenica Gastro Hall, a new take on the traditional all-inclusive buffet, along with a beach club that will, uniquely, feature all-day dining.

That’s along with a first for Paradisus,the Black Oak “modern take on your classic cigar bar.”

All guests at the Grand Reserve will have “complete access” to the flagship Paradisus Palma Real, the YHI Spa, five pools and 15 other restaurants, including Passion by noted Spanish Chef Martin Berasategui.

The property is also home to a full-service spa in collaboration with beauty brand Natura Bisse, along with a complete fitness program.

The property also includes 144 suites for members of Melia’s Circle By Melia vacation membership program — meaning a total of 432 suites in the building.

For more, visit the Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real.

— CJ

The post The Dominican Republic Has a New Luxury All-Inclusive appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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