By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Dominican Republic’s Casa de Campo Resort and Villas has named a new director of hotel operations.

The La Romana-area complex has appointed Larry Tuck to the role, in which he will be responsible for overseeing the hotel in its entirety, from accommodations to food and beverage to golf courses.

Tuck comes to the property after most recently having served as the Resort Manager of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

“Larry has worked in all areas of resort operations, with many of the world’s top luxury brands. His extensive experience will make him a valuable addition to the team,” said Andres Pichardo, President of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.  “At the heart of a resort’s success is how seamless and streamlined the operations run, especially at a destination resort of our size and caliber.  We have the utmost confidence in Larry to continue to uphold the highest standards while introducing new best practices that will continue to propel our resort forward while exceeding guest expectations.”

He has also worked for brands such as Fairmont, Sofitel, InterContinental and Westin.

“I am very happy to join the amazing Casa de Campo team and to bring my experience to an already unique and extraordinary place,” Tuck said.  “This property has an amazing history and roster of guests that range from Frank Sinatra to many US Presidents.  To be a part of such a resort is a great honor.”

The post Casa de Campo’s New Hire appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Music superstar Rihanna has long had a deep relationship with her native Barbados, but the island has now taken another step to honor her contributions to the country.

This weekend, Barbados officially renamed Westbury New Road to Rihanna Drive.

Rihanna arrived for the opening ceremony on Westbury New Road in a “bright yellow ensemble,” to cheers and applause from a welcoming crowd.

Seated next to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, she was surrounded by government officials, friends and family.

The two-hour ceremony was marked with tributes to the Grammy-award winning singer, and included performances from the neighboring Westbury Primary School and other Barbadians.

During her address, Rihanna reminisced about her days growing up on Westbury New Road, and attributed her success to the residents who all played a part in her upbringing.

“Welcome to Rihanna Drive — my home,” she said. “My whole life was shaped on this very road. I was just a little girl riding bikes, running around barefoot, and flying kites in the cemetery, but I had big dreams. Dreams that were born and realized right here.”

“Thank you to my family, my country and the people of Westbury New Road,” she continued. You will forever be a part of who I am, and for that I am honored to have this place named after me.”

The ceremony culminated with the unveiling of the Rihanna Drive street sign, as well as a monument which was constructed to display many of the business mogul’s achievements to date.

Lastly, Rihanna and the Prime Minister strolled to her childhood home to view the sidewalk plaque which was also created to celebrate the star.

The post Rihanna Gets Her Own Street in Barbados appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is one of the more fascinating yet undiscovered islands in the region — from its captivating historic capital to its off-the-beaten-path beaches.

To show you a bit more about why we love it here, we collected a series of moments — a way to look at Curaçao through the things and places that make trips memorable.

Here are 15 photos that will make you fall in love with Curaçao.

The calm of Boka Sami

It’s one of those out of the way fishing towns you often only reach by accident. But when you find Boka Sami, you’re captivated by the utter calm — and the spectacular sparkle of the sea here.

The post 15 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love With Curaçao appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s the perfect St Lucia road trip.

The newest addition to St Lucia’s unique offering is a carefully curated island tour that teaches visitors about the island’s history while behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper convertible.

The “Mini Cooper Road Trip” takes adventure seekers across the island across St Lucia, from historical landmarks to the world’s only drive-in volcano.

The tour includes everything, from pick up at guests’ hotel or villa, audio guide, binoculars, entrance fees to sites, lunch, a children’s car seats, cold towels and even complimentary wi-fi.

For more information visit Mini Cooper Road Trip.

The post How to Drive a Mini Cooper Convertible Around St Lucia appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

One of the Caribbean’s most legendary hotels has officially become a Four Seasons resort.

The Ocean Club resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas is now The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas.

“The Ocean Club is a perfect addition to our growing portfolio – already one of the finest beach resorts in the world, and now enhanced by the personalized touches for which Four Seasons is renowned,” said Vince Parrotta, President, Hotel Operations – Americas. “On this occasion we are also pleased to announce that General Manager John Conway continues as your host at this very special resort.”

The property’s famous 12th Century Augustinian cloister.

Conway arrived at the Ocean Club in 2013 under the management of One & Only.

“Our dedicated team – many of whom are well known to our loyal guests who return year after year – look forward to welcoming vacationers with the warm and caring nature that characterises the Bahamas,” said Conway.

The move was first announced at the beginning of this month.

The 107-unit resort on Cabbage Beach first opened its doors in 1962, long a haven for celebrities and even appearing in the James Bond film, Casino Royale.

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort becomes Four Seasons’ third luxury resort in the wider Caribbean region, joining resorts in Nevis and Anguilla.

The post Paradise Island’s Ocean Club Becomes a Four Seasons appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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