American Airlines is set to relaunch another route from Miami to the French Caribbean, Caribbean Journal has learned.
On Nov. 6, American Airlines will resume flights from Miami to Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.
The nonstop flights will be operating twice weekly, with service on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board confirmed.
The news comes as American Airlines is set to resume its popular service from Miami to Martinique a few days prior.
Habitation Bellevue in Marie-Galante.
The new flight complements existing service from to Guadeloupe on Air France, which launched over the summer.
Air France currently operates flights to Pointe a Pitre from both Miami and New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport.
The country’s entry protocols mirror those of the rest of the French Caribbean, with a required negative test within 72 hours before arrival and proof of vaccination.
The relaunch of American flights is a major boost for Guadeloupe’s tourism industry, which was hit hard by a number of lockdowns in the second half of 2021.
Another carrier, JetBlue, is relaunching its service to Guadeloupe later this year.
On Dec. 18, the New York City-based airline will return to Guadeloupe with three weekly flights, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
ST THOMAS — It’s always been one of the most stunning drives in the Caribbean: the waterfront route around the centuries-old downtown of Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
One one side, there’s the heart of historic Charlotte Amalie, anchored by the shopping on Main Street; on the other, the green-hilled view toward Hassel Island and Water Island.
And now, thanks to a significant new revitalization project, Charlotte Amalie is getting a major new look — and is poised to become what could be the next great waterfront downtown in the Caribbean.
The plan began with historic Main Street, where the government injected about $16 million into remaking the street with Eurocobble stone and hand-laid stone sidewalks; that was along with new street signage; replacing water and sewer lines; and new telecom and electrical underground. That project had its ribbon cutting in April.
A rendering of the final project.
Now, the USVI’s Department of Public is in the midst of a nearly four-year phase one that will total $46 million, remaking a quarter mile of road along the water: adding two new traffic lanes, adding a new seawall; a landscaped median; improved storm drainage; and, most notably, construction of a new waterfront promenade, ranging from five to 25 feet in some places.
The second phase is more ambitious, says Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner of the US Virgin Islands Department of Public Works.
That will extend the project all the way around the USVI Legislature; it will add a new water feature and make the historic King’s Landing Wharf its centerpiece.
The second phase would also include the area near the Legislature, above.
There will also be an even bigger promenade, ranging in some places to 70 feet, and the opportunity for outdoor dining across from the waterfront.
“As much as we need want to keep the nature of the harbor, it still needs a facelift.” Gabriel tells Caribbean Journal Invest. “And when you add phase one and phase two and the Main Street project, now you’re seeing that facelift while still paying homage to our history and culture.”
The biggest objective, Gabriel says, is to create more outdoor space and make the area more visually appealing. This second phase, which would go somewhere north of $100 million, is hoped to be put out to bid by the first quarter of next year.
The plan is to take a historic treasure of the US Virgin Islands and give it its place among the great waterfront promenades around the world.
Gabriel says his team took inspiration both from European cities and “our Caribbean neighbors,” and creating an experience that would let locals and visitors stroll on the promenade, eat outdoors and watch the sunset.
The changes are starting to draw interest from investors and developers, both on Main Street and across the promenade.
The sparkling new Main Street is already seeing new higher end jewel retail coming in, along with high-end electronics moving downtown.
Several parties have already expressed interest in doing a bed and breakfast or a more conventional style hotel like The Fred in St Croix’s Frederiksted.
“The idea would be something that would not only offer downtown living, but valet parking, rooftop dining and street-level dining,” Gabriel says.
And the landmark International Plaza building, for example, is currently on the market (it’s listed with Seaglass), and is drawing serious interest from hotel developers, too, Gabriel says.
“Everybody keen on it has been looking to buy it as a hotel,” he says.
It all adds up to one of the most ambitious downtown revitalization projects in the Caribbean in recent memory — and one that could turn Charlotte Amalie into an investment hotbed in the short and medium term.
And it’s all thanks to a waterfront landscape that’s been here for centuries —but is now getting its place in the sun.
“Very few residents actually pull into the harbor from the water side.” Gabriel says. “And when you come in you see one of the most beautiful downtown landscapes throughout the Caribbean. And I do see it not only evolving but also keeping that historic beauty. I see it taking its preeminent place as the downtown for the Caribbean. But I also see that as we’re adding features and changing it a little, we’ll still be able to hearken back to that rich past and future that we have.”
Antigua’s storied all-inclusive resort officially reopened its doors this weekend.
The resort, set on 20 acres a stunning peninsula on the southern coast of Antigua, has 72 rooms and suites straddled by two beaches and the Caribbean’s leading tennis center.
A celebrity favorite, Curtain Bluff has long set the standard for the elegant, rarefied all-inclusive experience.
The reopening comes as the family-owned resort is celebrating its 60th anniversary — and the resort is predicting big things for the winter season.
“I am very happy to report that this winter season, our forward bookings are as good as our best season in 2019,” the resort’s Managing Director, Robert Sherman, told Caribbean Journal.
Sherman said the property had been set to complete a room refurbishment project in the summer of 2020, with that project now nearing culmination.
“The remaining rooms are all receiving upgrades and looking beautiful,” he said. “All 72 beachfront rooms look great.”
The relaunch comes as 100 percent of staff and management at the resort are fully vaccinated, Curtain Bluff told Caribbean Journal.
“60 years ago, traveling to our region and Curtain Bluff was an adventure, it was rustic,” Sherman said. “Today, Curtain Bluff guests have so many choices, so much competition, the internet has changed everything. Guests’ expectations are much greater today, from culinary, amenities, communication and service. Obviously, the environment and technological enhancements have certainty changed for todays guests. Yet one thing has never wavered over the six decades at Curtain Bluff: the personal touch, private ownership, the genuine caring of both guests and employees. It isn’t a numbers game, it is a place with a soul, that welcomes our guests like family into our home.”
Anguilla is updating its travel requirements for visitors ahead of the winter tourist season, Caribbean Journal has learned.
The island has announced a slate of pre-arrival requirements that will take effect on Nov. 1, 2021.
They include the requirement that all visitors 18 and over must be fully vaccinated in order to be allowed entry to Anguilla; pregnant women are exempt from this requirement.
Fully vaccinated means that more than three weeks have passed since the final dose of of a vaccine schedule.
The Four Seasons resort in Anguilla.
All visitors must also show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, but the test must be taken no less than two to five days prior to arrival (self-administered tests will not be accepted).
Upon arrival, all vistors will be tested again; while the test is processed, they’ll be required to stay in place at their hotel, licensed villa or other rental accommodation.
The all-inclusive landscape has been changing rapidly in the last few years, most recently with the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group by Hyatt. That move, which sent shockwaves throughout the industry, is part of a growing focus by major travel brands on all-inclusive.
More and more travel leaders, from ALG’s Alex Zozaya to Posadas’ Jose Carlos Azcarraga, tell Caribbean Journal that the all-inclusive space is only growing — as more and more travelers simply continue to demand it.
And if the all-inclusive sector has a capital, it’s Punta Cana: the most-visited hotspot in the Caribbean’s most-visited country: the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana’s resort product Is set in two unique destinations: Greater Punta Cana, which includes everything from the famous Bavaro Beach to Uvero Alto, and Cap Cana, the luxurious enclave of the area that’s known for world-class golf, a large marina and a rarefied, exclusive feel. The latter has seen a surge in all-inclusive development in the last two or three years.
They both add up to the most popular travel destination in the Caribbean, home to nearly 50,000 hotel rooms.
Understandably, sifting though the sea of properties isn’t easy — but there are some full-fledged gems for travelers. Here are our favorites to check in to right now.
Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection ResortThis is as complete an adults-only all-inclusive as you’ll find in the Caribbean, not to mention Punta Cana. Now part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott portfolio and the Autograph Collection, Hideaway has an enviable offering, from a refreshingly active ambience (with everything from beach yoga to poolside mixology classes) to on-the-sand shiatsu and Thai massages on a Hideaway-exclusive beach.
Even better? You get access to all of the amenities and services at the adjacent Royalton Punta Cana and Royalton Splash Punta Cana, too.
Secrets Cap CanaSince it first opened back in 2017, the 457-room, adults-only resort set a new standard for all-inclusives in Punta Cana. And that’s still the case for this flagship Secrets resort, home to seven gourmet eateries, six bars and lounges (including a Preferred Club bar) and a spectacular setting on the blindingly white sands of Juanillo Beach.
While the rooms are all beautiful (all of which have their own hot tubs, 24-hour room service and daily-refreshed mini bars), the swim-up suites are very much worth the splurge.
Live Aqua Punta Cana One of the newest all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana is also one of the best: Mexican company La Colleccion Resorts’ Live Aqua first resort outside of Mexico. The adults-only Live Aqua Beach Resort is a stunner, with its own beach, a sweeping infinity pool complex and 345 units, all of which are suites — some including their own private pools or swim-up access.
TRS Cap Cana TRS Cap Cana Palladium Hotel Group first launched its highest-end TRS brand in the Mexican Caribbean, and its new Cap Cana outpost is at the same level. The adults-only resort has 115 suites, with a pair of restaurants, an Ibiza-style beach club and a pair of pools; it’s a sleek, crisp place to stay in the heart of chic Cap Cana.
The Zentropia Palladium Spa and Wellness Center is a standout too, with a pair of hot tubs, steam rooms, and a host of private treatment rooms.
Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection ResortPart of the broader Royalton complex in Punta Cana (and also part of Marriott’s Punta Cana all-inclusive options), this resort has just about everything for every kind of traveler. There’s the Genesis Casino; a water park; a teens’ club; a slate of activities that range from aquatic Olympic-style competitions to aerobic classes to ping pong and culinary lessons. There’s even an Escape Room called the Temple of Secrets. In other words, it’s a whole world in an all-inclusive.
Paradisus Grand Cana Formerly known as the Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, this rebranded property still represents the best that the Paradisus marque can offer. And yes, there’ still the Reserve upgraded option that includes private concierge service, luxury suites and access to a Reserve-only private beach, among other amenities. And in the new age of travel, parent company Melia also offers free travel insurance and testing for guests.
Serenade Punta CanaAnother new addition to Punta Cana amid the pandemic, Serenade has 603 rooms across seven different buildings, with three categories: garden view, pool view and ocean view. The rooms are diverse, too, with solid options like swim-out suites and luxury ocean-view suites that come with their own outdoor jacuzzis.
On the culinary side, there are eight eateries (one of which is a buffet) and five different bars. We also like the boutique-style waterpark, always a hit with the little ones.
Zoëtry Agua Punta CanaAll-inclusive resorts are a completely different universe than they were even a decade ago; today, all-inclusive has become largely a technical term, not a qualitative one.
Having said that, visitors to the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana won’t believe they’re at an all-inclusive resort. Everything here feels unique, authentic, boutique. There are just 96 suites here, but it feels even smaller. The thatched-roof architecture feels right at home in this lush corner of Uvero Alto. It’s just a beautiful place to be.
Dreams Macao Beach Punta CanaInstantly one of our Punta Cana favorites since it opened, it’s a terrific family-focused all-inclusive, highlighted by an impressive pair of waterparks, one for smaller kids and one for the bigger ones, with the latter including a lazy river. And that’s just the beginning of what we love about this property, including perhaps the best all-inclusive food you’ll find in Punta Cana.
That’s along with a terrific Dreams Spa by Pevonia.
It’s now part of what ALG calls the AMR Collection, a rebranding of what used to be called AM Resorts.
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana Karisma Hotels and Resorts’ alliance with the Nickelodeon brand was nothing short of brilliant. Combining the classic all-inclusive experience with characters like Dora, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob Squarepants has turned this into one of the most sought-after Punta Cana resorts for families with kids. The 208-suite resort, has 10 restaurants, three bars and four pools and one other major amenity: the Paw Patrol. Translation: your kids will want to be here on the double.
Juanillo Beach is the party piece.
Hyatt Ziva-Zilara Cap Cana They’re really two separate resorts, in line with parent company Playa’s philosophy: that means the Zilara for couples, and the Ziva for families. Like the aforementioned Secrets, it’s set on what is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Dominican Republic: Cap Cana’s Juanillo Beach, worth the trip all by itself.
