By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Dominican Republic’s Puntarena tourism project is making progress, officials said this week.

The projected aims to be the “Punta Cana of the South,” in a setting about two hours from Santo Domingo in the area of Los Corbanitos in the Peravia province.

The project will cover a total of 15.5 million square meters, with a phased development including a beach club, then hotels, condo hotels of up to 600 units, 172 residential lots and an ecological preserve, among other features.

All of this will be backed up by roads, electrical infrastructure, potable water and security.

The project will see a $195 million USD investment in the first seven years, and the ultimate creation of more than 13,000 long-term jobs.

Overall, the project is an estimated $1.5 billion investment.

The post Dominican Republic’s Puntarena Making Progress appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The transformed Appleton Estate has reopened for visitors after a $7.2 million renovation and rebranding project.

The new Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience in Siloah, Jamaica, is the brainchild of parent company Gruppo Campari.

It’s named after the rum’s legendary master blender, Joy Spence.

Already the biggest attraction on the south coast of Jamaica, the rebranded experience aims to welcome more than 200,000 visitors each year.

In a statement, Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett thanked the company “for your vision and belief in Jamaica.”

“Attractions like the Appleton Estate Rum Experience contribute significantly to our efforts to develop Jamaica into a gastronomy centre of excellence, as visitors are taken on a journey through the history of rum and view first-hand the development of the spirits from cane to cup,” he said.

The post Transformed Appleton Estate Reopens for Visitors appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Looking to experience one of the Caribbean’s most energetic carnival celebrations?

Think about Haiti, where the country’s national carnival is returning to the capital, Port-au-Prince, from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13.

This year’s celebration is being held under the theme “Ayiti sou wout chanjman,” or “Haiti on the road to change.”

And if you’re planning a visit, one Port-au-Prince hotel has you covered.

Haiti’s Plaza Hotel has a special “Kanaval 2018” package, including a three-night stay, a complimentary parking space, daily breakfast and buffet dinners, a keepsake T-shirt and access to the official Le Plaza catered stand.

The family-run Port-au-Prince hotel features a remarkable collection of local artwork, along with an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a fitness room a business center and Wi-Fi.

Fore more info, visit Plaza Haiti.

The post Where to Stay for Haiti Carnival appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Regional Caribbean air carrier Winair has launched new service to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

The new service between St Maarten and Haiti is begin operated by Sunrise Airways on Airbus A320 aircraft.

While Sunrise is operating the flight, all seats are sold and marketed by Winair, according to the company.

The flights will include 138 economy seats and 12 business class seats, with flights operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The flights depart Haiti at 8:15 AM and return from St Maarten at 12 PM.

The post Winair’s New Haiti Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Is it the most beautiful beach in Antigua?

It’s certainly the happiest.

This is Jolly Beach, home to the eponymous hotel (now with new management) and in the heart of Antigua’s most beautiful stretch of shoreline.

There’s something striking about the hue of the water, a sort of turquoise-teal that defies categorization.

You need to visit to believe it.

And this is what it’s like to be there.

— CJ

The post VIDEO: The Joy of Jolly Beach, Antigua appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico