By the Caribbean Journal staff

Aruba’s top adults-only resort has added a major new offering: romance concierges.

The property’s romance concierge can arrange for “relaxing, private moments” like turning couples spa treatments into oceanfront massages for two to exploring the island on off-road excursions.

Couples can learn a new water sport together or take a helicopter tour of Aruba.

Bucuti & Tara is rated as number one among Aruba hotels by Caribbean Journal.

“In a busy world, couples are often pressed just to make reservations for vacation. That’s where Bucuti & Tara’s romance concierges step in, plan the details and let the couple simply experience magic moments they’ll treasure forever,” said Ewald Biemans, owner and CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. “On any given day, couples from around the world stay at Bucuti & Tara and our romance concierges take our already stunning setting and help make it blissfully romantic for them.”

The post Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara Now Has “Romance Concierges” appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The holidays are fast approaching, meaning it’s time to start thinking about your next Caribbean vacation (that is, if you haven’t already planned a Caribbean trip in the meantime).

For us, there’s nothing better than Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s in the Caribbean. As those in wintry places dream of a White Christmas, why not dream of a White Sand Christmas?

Some destinations are tailor made for the holidays, thanks to that perfect combination of beaches, restaurants, nightlife and, most importantly, hotels, with an emphasis on accommodating multi-generational trips — because this time of year, it’s about spending time with family.

Here are the best holiday destinations in the Caribbean right now.

Aruba It’s as good of a family destination as there is in the Caribbean, thanks to spacious hotels, ease of getting around and a multitude of activities for travelers big and small. Whether you’re looking for a luxury getaway at the Ritz-Carlton or bringing a large group to the Aruba Marriott, there are a host of places on the island for the perfect holiday getaway. Looking for a romantic holiday season? Try the adults-only Bucuti Tara.

The post The Best Caribbean Destinations for This Holiday Season appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has unveiled an expanded slate of its new Crystal Getaways shorter itineraries.

The company has added new voyages for both 2017 and 2018, including a pair of cruises in the Caribbean in both years.

In 2017, Crystal Serenity will sail eight-day voyages, with one journey from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados and a second from Barbados to Charleston.

In 2018, Crystal will sail from Lima to Colon, Panama on Crystal Symphony, with that ship also handling a seven-day itinerary from Aruba to Fort Lauderdale.

“Crystal Getaways are perfectly suited to modern luxury travelers, whose calendars are packed but who relish opportunities to discover new cultures and adventures,” says Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “These shortened itineraries help our guests make the most of their travel time, with the same standard of Crystal’s award-winning luxury and enriching experiences, at a fraction of the fare of the full voyage.””

The post Crystal Cruises Adds More “Getaways” appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

There’s a great new way to reach one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating destinations.

European low-cost carrier Norwegian is set to launch its newest route on Oct. 30, with flights between Fort Lauderdale and Fort-de-France, Martinique.

The best part? The flights start as low as $59 one way.

Martinique

Norwegian is also resuming its Martinique flights from US hubs including New York and Providence at the end of October.

Norwegian is operating the flights four times per week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, creating a new gateway to one of the region’s increasingly popular destinations.

So what to do in Martinique?

This isn’t your typical Caribbean – it’s a remarkable mix of raw natural beauty and cosmopolitan sophistication, from lush rainforests to a thriving local art scene to a collection of 11 rum distilleries that makes it the Bordeaux of rum.

Rhum JM’s distillery in Macouba, Martinique

Of course, if you’re looking for a classic beach vacation, you can find that, too, with a wide assortment of beaches from volcanic stretches to traditional white sand.

As for hotels, the emphasis is decidedly on boutique, from small luxury properties like French Coco, Plein Soleil and Cap Est to La Pagerie, the hotel set in the resort town of Trois Ilets.

French Coco.

And then there’s the food, some of the most spectacular cuisine you’ll find in the Caribbean, with a fusion of French and Caribbean that is endlessly creative. (Make sure you try the eateries by local celebrity chefs Marcel Ravin and Jean-Charles Bredas, along with Le Petibonum, the region’s premier gourmet beach restaurant.

Saint Pierre.

And make sure you don’t miss the town of Saint Pierre, once the “Paris of the Caribbean” but destroyed in a massive volcanic eruption in 1902. Today, it’s the Caribbean Pompeii, a charming historic village.

The post A New Way to Fly to Martinique appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

The Tortola Pier Park, the British Virgin Islands’ major cruise destination, is committing to a “quick recovery” in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The Tortola Pier Park is slated for a partial reopening of the facility on Nov. 1, according to a statement from the park.

That will be followed by a Christmas celebration on Dec. 22 and 23.

“We are sending a clear message to our customers, partners and shareholders that yes Tortola Pier Park and the BVI has been affected by two major hurricanes but our story does not end there,” said Meslyn Allan, Leasing & Marketing Manager of Tortola Pier Park Ltd. “We are diligently working closely with the Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Ports Authority to ensure a speedy restoration to the facility.”

The park has also launched a “restoration” campaign aiming to let the public know that the park’s efforts will continue.

“Our motivated staff and tenants are eager and ready to once again welcome our valued customers and cruise partners to Tortola Pier Park and we will do so with revitalized passion and strength, continuing our story of being one of the premier cruise and shopping facilities in the Caribbean,” Allan said.

The post Tortola Pier Park Planning “Quick Recovery” appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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