By the Caribbean Journal staff

Worried about potential storms in the Caribbean this summer? The Cayman Islands has you covered.

The destination has announced a “Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee,” a promise made by on-island partners to cover any cancellations made prior to arrival should a hurricane hit the islands — and compensation if your vacation is cut short due to inclement weather.

The Worry Free Guarantee includes a full refund of accommodation fees at participating hotels, condos and villas island-wide, with a maximum one-night penalty at most for cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to check-in as soon as a hurricane watch is issued by authorities.

Even better? Many resorts in the Cayman Islands offer a free replacement stay throughout the summer months, letting guests rebook their trips for the same duration as the originally booked stay.

“In the Cayman Islands, we strive to not only provide unforgettable and relaxing vacations, but most importantly through this generous programme, we offer our guests a seamless solution for when travel disruptions occur,” said Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands. “It’s Caymankind to give peace of mind, and with our Hurricane Guarantee, I am pleased we can provide travellers relief knowing they can plan a vacation to our beautiful islands despite seasonal considerations and inclement weather.”

— CJ

The post The Cayman Islands Will Give You a Worry-Free Hurricane Guarantee appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s no secret we’re big fans of Saint Lucia’s Ladera, a property we’ve called the Ultimate Caribbean Luxury Resort.

And now there are even more ways to enjoy the resort, with two major new packages on offer — meaning now’s the time to visit Saint Lucia’s best adults-only resort.

The first is the Love by Land and Sea Package, which includes four nights in either a Hilltop Dream or a Paradise Ridge Suite, along with round trip luxury airport transfers, sparkling wine to toast on arrival, a guided hike of the Gros Piton mountains, a diving excursion with a hosted picnic lunch, daily dinner at Dasheene and a romantic star gazing amenity complete with a blanket, cushions, wine candles and rose petals.

The next is the Just the Two of You, an elopement package that offers the perfect private Saint Lucia wedding, including • round trip luxury airport transfers, a private in-suite bridal ceremony inclusive of legal fees, officiant and two witnesses, a chilled bottle of champagne, wedding cake and a complimentary couples massage to unwind after the festivities.

Ladera has also launched new programming at the property, including Sunrise Meditation and Sunset Tradition programs that range from morning guided meditation classes to a sunset bell-ringing ceremony (that includes rum punch, of course).

“Given Ladera Resort’s proximity among the majestic Piton Mountains and unique open-walled concept in each guest room, we are thrilled to introduce these new enhancements to further help our guests immerse themselves in the nature of  Saint Lucia,” said Daly Mariatte, VP & General Manager of Sales and Marketing. “In our 30^th anniversary year, we look forward to continuing to unveil a range of programming that celebrates the resort’s dedication to the needs of today’s traveler.”

For more info, visit Ladera.

The post Another Reason to Visit Saint Lucia Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Thinking about a vacation home in the Dutch Caribbean?

There’s a sleek new real estate project on the scene in Aruba: Andicuri.

The project by Gold Coast Aruba is a community of one-bedroom condos that include stylish interiors, full kitchens, terraces or balconies and open floor plans.

The condos are perfect for vacation homes or even retirement options in Aruba.

Gold Coast’s wider development is set in the tony neighborhood of Malmok on the northwest coastline of Aruba.

Aruba has been seeing a mini-boom in the luxury market of late, most notably with the launch of the Azure development earlier this year.

— CJ

The post Aruba’s Newest Luxury Real Estate appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Guy Britton

Long Island is on the edge.

The eastern side of this island in The Bahamas plunges to depths of 1,000 feet right offshore; there are striking cliffs that stand up to the sea.

The ocean meets the Bahamas Bank no more dramatically than here.

This island in the southern Out Islands of The Bahamas is 80 miles long and light years away from the ordinary.

This is a beautiful, unspoiled place for nature lovers, fishermen (the fishing is some of the best in the region) and those in search of total relaxation.

This is a place that beckons you to discover incredible beaches, blue holes, unexplored caves and hidden coves that are natural harbors — including the harbor Columbus used when he arrived on this island in 1492.

Scrub Hill. Long Island.

Things here tend to get their names from where there are; Dean’s Blue Hole is in Dean’s, and Hamilton’s Caves are in Hamilton.

The Stella Maris Resort Club is located in a settlement known as Stella Maris — that’s just how it works here.

The clubhouse at Stella Maris.

The Stella Maris has hotel rooms, villas and homes, along with a charming clubhouse with a cozy bar and restaurant serving three meals every day.

And then there is the Moonshine Beach Bar and Grill with sweeping Atlantic views, a pool and sun-deck, a beach with room to roam and even a cool catwalk over the rocks to a natural pool carved in the cliffside where the water runs in and out with the tide.

While tourism is here, the island doesn’t want you just to visit — Long Island wants you to stay.

You can fly right to the Stella Maris Resort Club (and Stella Maris has its own air service)

All you have to do is fly to Nassau and you are met at the private FBO and then simply whisked away.

The airfield here is just blocks from the center of the resort clubhouse — making for a completely unique arrival experience.

Stella Maris is huge and sprawling — the whole site is thousands of acres, running from the flats in the west to the ocean in the east.

But back to the earlier point — this island wants you to stay.

The bar at Stella Maris.

Because Stella Maris is also a real estate development.

Founded back in 1963 as one of the first full-fledged resort communities in The Bahamas, Stella Maris continues to grow with ownership options from new construction to existing homes — there are over 100 existing homes and a new project of homes and condos called Ocean Heights.

In other words — buy a one-way ticket.

See more in the latest CJ video at the top of the page.

For more info, visit Stella Maris.

— CJ

The post VIDEO: The Stella Maris Resort on Long Island in The Bahamas appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

It’s the hottest real estate project in the wider region right now: the residences at the Four Seasons Punta Mita.

DINE, the Mexican real estate developer and owner of Punta Mita has sold out of all 54 of its Four Seasons Private Villas and ten Four Seasons Private Residences, the company said this week.

This milestone marks more than $171 million in sales.

“The success at Four Seasons Punta Mita Private Villas & Residences is bittersweet, as it marks the completion of DINE’s flagship residential project in Punta Mita,” said Andrés Rossetto, Managing Director of Punta Mita Development. “It does reaffirm, however, our belief and commitment to offering spectacular luxury resort real estate products with the finest amenities, in intimate settings of unmatched beauty.”

Four Seasons ownership allows exclusive access to the services and amenities of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, including pools and beach areas, Apuane Spa, Four Seasons signature Kids For All Seasons program, and four restaurants.

“Four Seasons has the finest collection of luxury residential real estate in the world – and in many ways, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita has been the pioneer, setting the standard for residential product design, quality, amenities and service,” said Paul White, President, Residential, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We would like to congratulate our longtime partner DINE and the on-site residential services and resort management team for this exciting achievement and milestone.”

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, along with The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, is a partner in the Punta Mita master-planned community, a luxury resort destination which now includes 15 exclusive and unique luxury residential developments including home sites, villas condominiums and townhouses; three beach clubs with full service and food; two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses; recreational trails, surfing, sailing, fishing and aquatic adventures and a brand new full-service hospital.

— CJ

The post This Four Seasons Real Estate Project is Surging appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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