By Alexander Britell

One of the coolest hotels in the Caribbean has officially reopened in the wake of last year’s storms.

The Anegada Beach Club on the beach-filled island of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands reopened its doors on Thursday.

“We are freshly rebuilt, upgraded and open for business,” the property wrote in a statement.

The centerpiece of the hotel is a collection of luxury tents, remarkably designed “glamping” units with everything from a king canopy bed to a furnished deck to a bathroom with a hot shower and even an extra daybed and L’Occitane en Provence amenities.

Inside one of the tents.

They’re perched on a dune overlooking one of Anegada’s most beautiful stretches of sand.

The tents are joined by traditional hotel rooms, from king rooms to adjoining family suites.

Anegada has become the crown jewel of the British Virgin Islands in the wake of the storms, thanks to a rapid recovery and a laid-back mix of untouched beaches, beach bars and lobster-focused eateries.

It all adds up to one of the more remarkable experiences in the Caribbean — and it’s time to return.

For more information, visit the Anegada Beach Club.

The post Anegada’s Must-Visit Hotel Is Open Again in the British Virgin Islands appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

A villa built on a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saint Lucia will sell to the highest bidder on February 28.

Previously listed for $8.5 million, the retreat, Arc en Ciel, will sell without reserve in cooperation with Angad Singh of Premier Property Management through the global auction firm Concierge Auctions.

Prospective buyers may bid via the company’s online marketplace from anywhere in the world.

Located near the fishing village of Soufrière bordering a forest reserve, Arc en Ciel sits between the peaks of the Piton Mountains on the West Coast of Saint Lucia.

Built by architect Lane Pettigrew, the six-bedroom oasis boasts 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea and a classic “Messel-inspired” Caribbean design – laid out in linked pavilions connected by arched verandas.

Featuring more than 5,000-square-feet of living space, the home is comprised of a fully-equipped kitchen; a great room; a formal dining area with seating for 10 people; and a master bedroom boasting an en-suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi and separate shower, opening to a private sun deck and mountain views.

Additional outdoor features include an infinity-edge swimming pool; plunge pool; covered dining patio with a bar and fridge; sun loungers; and barbeque.

Overlooking Sugar Beach, Soufrière is known for its natural beauty, resorts and outdoor activities including boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, catamaran sailing and banana boating.

The post $8.5 Million Saint Lucia Villa Heads to Auction appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland

CJ Contributor

Puerto Rico’s El San Juan Hotel will officially reopen its doors on October 1, 2018, following its closure due to the impact of Hurricane Maria.

The 388-room property in Isla Verde, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, is undergoing a restoration of its guest rooms, oceanfront villas, public spaces, pools and outdoor landscaping.

“Rooted in timeless elegance, El San Juan Hotel will once again stand as the premier luxury destination in Puerto Rico,” said Craig Waterman, Vice President of Openings and Transitions, Two Roads Hospitality. “Both rich in history and effortlessly stylish, the hotel has served as the beating heart of the island since it debuted in 1958 and we’re thrilled to reopen with a rejuvenated look, incomparable amenities and authentic, Puerto Rican hospitality.

The hotel is managed and operated by Two Roads Hospitality, which said it was committed to maintaining El San Juan’s original look and feel.

The reopening will feature various restored areas of the property, including the ornamental hand-carved mahogany that covers the lobby ceilings, property columns and vaulted arch over the registration area.

All guest rooms will be restored to El San Juan’s classic interior aesthetic, bringing a blend of historic and modern design.

Guests and locals can expect a renewed appearance throughout all public spaces including Chandelier Bar, the Grand and Gold ballrooms, Meat Market Miami steakhouse, Caña by Juliana Gonzalez, Aquarelle on the beach and pool areas, Well & Being Spa and the tri-level Fitness Center.

Currently, El San Juan Hotel is hosting groups of first responders and aid workers following the storm.

The post Puerto Rico’s El San Juan to Reopen in October appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Dominica welcomed the MV Mein Schiff 3 this week, both the first major cruise ship to call on Dominica — and the first call to the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth — since Hurricane Maria.

The TUI Cruises ship brought more than 2,000 passengers to Dominica’s capital.

“Dominica’s ability to welcome visitors to the island after the level of devastation experienced just over four months ago has been described as an incredible achievement and has instilled much hope among its citizens and stakeholders within the tourism sector,” the Discover Dominica Authority said in a statement.

Dominica has been making a huge push to restore its tourism sector, with more than $3 million in investment on restoration of access, rehabilitation and upgrading of sites and clean-up in the wake of the storm.

Passengers on Mein Schiff 3 went all over the island, taking shore excursions to everywhere from the Emerald Pool to Trafalgar Twin Falls to a whale watching adventure.

“The call of Mein Schiff 3 created an opportunity to contribute to the economy as vendors, taxi drivers, tour operators, tour guides and many other tourism stakeholders were impacted by Hurricane Maria,” the DDA said.

The MV Mein Schiff 3 is expected to make five more calls to Dominica during this cruise season.

The post Cruise Tourism Returns to Dominica in a Big Way appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

SAN JUAN — One of Puerto Rico’s leading resorts is relaunching in March.

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort is reopening March 1 after a brief closure during Hurricane Maria.

The resort will unveil the results of a multimillion-dollar renovation, including refreshed spaces and new culinary offerings.

The latter includes the debut of the Caicu Rum Bar, a new venu focusing on rum cocktails, and a selection of rare private reserve rums.

The property’s Marbella restaurant also underwent a $1.2 million renovation that includes a new menu with a mix of American favorites and local specialties.

Additional offerings that will be available after the relaunch include Palio, an Italian eatery; and Hole in One on the golf course; 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and the refreshed beachfront Tiki Hut and Pool Bar, along with the Barista Cafe.

“We are proud of the dedication, strength and perserverance that [General Manager Nils Stolzlechner], our leaders and associates at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort have demonstrated over the last several months,” said Mark Kukulski, president of Wyndham Hotel Group’s management organization. “After more than 10 years in Puerto Rico, we continue our commitment to this wonderful island and welcome vacationers and convention guests with open arms.”

The relaunch was revealed during the CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace conference in San Juan this week.

The post Puerto Rico’s Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Reopening in March appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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