By Dana Niland

CJ Contributor

It’s still one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean — the endlessly charming, tucked-away Harbour Island off the coast of North Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

And it’s never been more affordable.

Silver Airways is offering flights to Harbour Island for as low as $109 each way.

Travelers can visit Valentines Resort & Marina by flying to North Eleuthera from Ft. Lauderdale or Orlando.

These discounted flight rates can also be combined with some of the 41-room luxury resort’s many special packages.

Even better? The resort has its own private beach club on the stunning sands of Pink Sand Beach, which we recently named number one among the best beaches in the Caribbean for 2018. Guests must book by October 30, 2017, for travel from October 27 through December 20.

For more information, email reservations@valentinesresort.com (you can book both flights and your stay through Valentines).

The post How to Save on a Harbour Island Getaway Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal

Even in the wake of last month’s storms, the British Virgin Islands remains the sailing capital of the world.

In a sign of its renewed strength, the BVI will play host to the important annual BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show in November.

The Charter Yacht Show will take place at the Nanny Cay Resort and Marina from Nov. 7-10.

“The BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show gives yacht brokers an opportunity to view the yachts that sail our waters as well as experience what their guests enjoy while in the British Virgin Islands,” said Sharon Flax-Brutus, the British Virgin Islands’ Director of Tourism.

Flax-Brutus said the destination had recognized that its yachting sector would be the first to “open for business.”

This year is the 36h edition of the annual show.

For more information, visit bvicrewedyachts.com.

The post A Major Yacht Charter Show in Tortola appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Another hotel in St Lucia is making big changes.

The adults-only Bel Jou Hotel near Castries has undergone significant renovations, according to a release from the country’s tourism board.

It’s one of the lesser known St Lucia hotels but represents a serious value as an adults-only, all-inclusive property.

The Bel Jou has transformed its facade and added 12 new rooms to the property.

The property is also adding a new rooftop lounge among other fresh amenities.

That’s in addition to existing amenities like a swimming pool, a library, a restaurant and a lounge.

The Bel Jou slated to reopen next month.

The post St Lucia’s Bel Jou Undergoing Renovations appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

There’s another new addition to Haiti’s fast-expanding tourism product.

The modern-contemporary Basilic Bed and Breakfast boutique hotel is the latest new property to debut in Haiti, following an official opening announced by the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

The Basilic officially opened its doors on Friday, Oct. 20 with 23 rooms in the heart of the leafy Petion-Ville suburb of Port-au-Prince.

Amenities include a pool, a sun deck and an on-site restaurant and bar.

That’s joined by offerings like Free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping.

The post A New Boutique Hotel in Haiti appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Two major casino hotels in the Caribbean have been sold.

US-based Wind Creek Hospitality, an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has acquired both the Aruba Renaissance Resort and Casino and the Curacao Renaissance Resort and Casino.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Both resorts will continue to operate under Marriott’s Renaissance brand, the company said.

The private island at the Renaissance Aruba.

The resorts are located in two of the Caribbean’s bustling downtown areas: Oranjestad, Aruba and Willemstad, Curacao.

“We are thrilled to add these incredible properties to our Wind Creek portfolio,” said Tribal Chair Stephanie Bryan of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, owners of Wind Creek Hospitality. “We look forward to being part of the communities in Aruba and in Curacao.  I know our guests will love being able to travel to two of the best Caribbean destinations as part of our Wind Creek Rewards program.”

The Renaissance Curacao.

The Renaissance Aruba (one of our top Aruba hotels) has 431 rooms and two luxury shopping malls, along with a nearby 40-acre private island.

The Renaissance Curacao has 237 rooms and suites and a signature rooftop pool and bar area.

Innovation Capital, LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Wind Creek for the deal; Jones Walker and HBN Law acted as legal counsel.

The post Renaissance Resorts in Aruba, Curacao Sold appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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