The island of Antigua has increasingly been on the radar of in-the-know travelers thanks to a mix of world-class beaches, impressive history and culture and a broad collection of top-level resorts. While the latter have largely been defined by all-inclusive options, there are a host of great EP-plan Antigua hotels to try that offer their own special character and take on Antiguan hospitality. Here are five of our favorite Antigua hotels to try on your next Caribbean getaway.

Blue Waters It’s hard to think of a lovelier resort anywhere on the island than Blue Waters, the beautifully-designed resort with 116 rooms and suites that feels so much more intimate. The rooms are charming and well-appointed, the pool and beach sublime and the food superb. But the best part is the feel, with an ambience that takes you back to a Caribbean that’s very hard to find nowadays.

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By Alexander Britell

The legendary Curtain Bluff luxury all-inclusive in Antigua is reopening Oct. 28 after a $13 million renovation project.

The beach resort had been closed for six months to complete the final phase of what it called an “extensive refresh and transformation.”

The transformation included a complete overhaul of the resort entrance, dining spaces, bar, lounge and reception area, with the project led by International Design Concepts and architect Andrew Goodenough. (Goodenough had previously executed an expansion project at Curtain Bluff in 1983).

Curtain Bluff also redefined its signature Tamarind Restaurant, while refreshing its meeting space.

All of the resort’s rooms and suites have been refurnished with “bright new fabrics, furnishings and furniture that echo the colors of nature that fill the windows of every room,” the resort said in a statement.

One of Curtain Bluff’s signature Huilford Collection suites.

On the service side, Curtain Bluff has also added a new “Beach Concierge” to cater to “guests’ every sand-perched need.”

“Our renovation underscores Curtain Bluff’s commitment to providing a signature luxury experience paired with the utmost level of service that keeps our guests coming back year after year,” said Rob Sherman, Managing Director of Curtain Bluff. “We are thrilled to unveil the changes though we promise our guests that one element that will never change is the family welcome they feel the moment they step foot on property. The resort may have a new updated, elegant look but its charm will always remain the same.”

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Hotel giant Riu is expanding its offering in the Dominican Republic with a new 501-room addition in Punta Cana.

Riu is adding a new 501-room adults-only wing to its Riu Republica resort on Arena Gorda beach in the Dominican Republic’s tourism hub of Punta Cana.

A rendering of the expanded Riu Republica.

The new adults-only wing is slated to open on Nov. 18, the company announced in a statement this week.

What’s effectively a new Punta Cana all inclusive property adds to what was already a massive resort that boasted 1,000 rooms.

The new Splash Water Park.

The latest Riu Republica Adults-Only wing will include five new restaurants, including Indian, Spanish, Jamaican and continental options; four bars including a beach bar; three new swimming pools and the new Splash Water World.

It includes all of Riu’s traditional all-inclusive amenities, from free Wi-Fi to premium branded drinks across the property.

The latter is a concept that first debuted at Riu’s Punta Cana complex.

Caribbean Journal named the Riu Republica the region’s top affordable all-inclusive resort after it debuted in 2016.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Sbe Hospitality is embarking on a major new expansion push that will include another new property in the Caribbean, the company announced this week.

Sbe’s Mondrian brand will make its debut in Mexico’s Playa del Carmen with a licensing deal for a 100-key condominium hotel.

The hotel is expected to debut in 2021 in partnership with Howard Hospitality Group, another company that has been rapidly expanding its footprint in the Caribbean.

The Mondrian Playa del Carmen will be built in downtown Playa, with a ground breaking set to commence in the third quarter of 2018.

Sbe will soon debut the new SLS at Baha Mar in the Bahamas before the end of the year.

“Our pipeline demonstrates the versatility and strength of our brands on a global scale, and we look forward to continuing to develop our brands both domestically and internationally,” said Sam Nazarian, founder and CEO of sbe.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand is coming to the Dominican Republic.

Karisma Hotels is planning a major new expansion in the Dominican Republic, highlighted by a new Margaritaville all-inclusive project in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina announced this week.

Karisma is also developing El Dorado and Sensimar-branded resorts, with a total planned investment of $300 million in the destination, according to the government.

The new Margaritaville will begin construction in 2018, with a projected total of 350 rooms and a family-friendly profile.

The new Margaritaville project comes after Karisma and Margaritaville announced a partnership at the beginning of 2017 to develop a portfolio of all-inclusive properties called Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience by Karisma, a push that is likely to extend around the Caribbean.

“Our partnership with Margaritaville, an esteemed brand filled with flavor, fun, and a likeminded desire to delight travelers with unforgettable vacation experiences, allows us to introduce a collection of new casual luxury resorts set in stunning tropical destinations,” said Mandy Chomat, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive representative of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, in a statement after finalizing the partnership.

It would be the second Margaritaville-branded resort in the Caribbean, joining the Cayman Islands’ Margaritaville that opened earlier this year. (Karisma is not affiliated with that property, which is not all-inclusive.)

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