“This could be a country.”

That’s the thought you have surveying the natural wonders of Peter Island, a private island that feels even bigger than its nearly 1800 acres.

Five white-sand beaches, stunning cliffs, gardens — it’s a haul that would make some sovereign islands greener with envy.

And that’s precisely what makes it just such an impressive island — while the Caribbean is filled with private island resorts, there’s a feeling here that this is more than just a private resort — it’s a full-fledged destinatio in the heart of the British Virgin Islands.

Even if there were no resort here, it would be a sought-after, romantic, bucket-list kind of island.

Of course, there is a resort here: 18 ocean view rooms, 14 deluxe rooms, 20 beachfront suites and three remarkable villas, along with a wide-ranging culinary offering (led by the wine-focused Tradewinds restaurant).

And then there’s the spa.

It is, plainly, a beautiful thing, a 10,000-square-foot facility with its own infinity pool, an oceanside jacuzzi and a garden, the kind of spa where just entering is a treatment in itself.

It’s something that gets even better when you begin to learn about its green efforts – the windmills, the recycling, the reverse osmosis plant.

It all makes Peter Island a truly complete place, where nothing goes wanting. And that’s a very special thing.

That’s our kind of country.

Watch the latest CJ video at the top of the page. 

The post VIDEO: Checking in to Peter Island, The Iconic Private Island Resort appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

St. Barth Properties has introduced a new addition to its portfolio, Villa ELA.

This St Barts villa compound is located directly on Flamands, one of the island’s most popular beaches.

An ideal winter getaway for family or groups of friends, the villa features eight en suite bedrooms housed in two separate bungalows.

The main house’s open floor plan, includes a kitchen, dining area, and furnished living room.

With its dark woods and white palette, the decor reflects a casually elegant beach vibe.

The living area opens to the deck and panoramic views of the sea, and an expansive two-tiered wooden deck provides a wealth of outdoor living space and remote-controlled awnings.

Guests can enjoy an over-sized pool, outdoor shower, tennis court and a wet bar for entertaining.

The master suite, which occupies the second floor of the primary bungalow, houses a mahogany four-poster king bed and a bath with sunken tub.

Adjacently located is a guest bedroom, with two additional bedrooms located on the lower level.

Of these three, two have four-poster French king beds and one is furnished with twin beds, while all across the board sport ocean views.

A two-storied guest bungalow offers garden views and four en suite bedrooms – three with French king beds and one a standard king) – making it deal for families with younger children.

The bungalow also has its own air-conditioned living area and kitchenette.

The post St. Barth Properties Adds New Villa appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The US Coast Guard is investigating a collision between a recreational boat and a commercial passenger vessel that occurred on Tuesday night just off “Isla Magueyes” in Lajas, Puerto Rico. Coast Guard Watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a radio call on VHF…

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By Alexander Britell

It isn’t the longest vacation of the year, but it’s one of the most important: Labor Day, the summer travel season’s exclamation point.

Maybe you block out a three-day weekend, or add on a few extra days. It may not be the week-long (or longer) Caribbean vacation you usually take, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find the perfect getaway in a small package.

We’ve compiled a group of Caribbean trips to think about for Labor Day, the kind of journeys that fit especially well in a smaller time frame, emphasizing destinations with shorter flight times from the continental U.S.

Here are five inspirations for your Labor Day trip this September.

Harbour Island, Bahamas  Still one of the region’s best-kept secrets, Harbour Island has long been a celebrity playground. But while its location off the coast of Eleuthera may seem remote, it’s actually decidedly easy to get to, with daily, 40-minute-long flights from Miami to North Eleuthera. Then it’s just a short cab ride and a five-minute ferry to get there. And once you arrive, you’ll find wonders, from Pink Sand Beach to one of the prettiest little towns in the Caribbean, the charming Dunmore Town. It’s a fascinating mix of historic architecture and world-class boutique hotels, with a Nantucket-meets-the-Caribbean vibe. Where to stay? We like Valentines Resort and Marina and The Dunmore.

The post 5 Caribbean Getaways for Labor Day 2017 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Canadian carrier WestJet is expanding its Caribbean network with a new route to Belize.

Beginning Nov. 3, WestJet will operate weekly nonstop service between Calgary and Belize on Fridays.

The flights will depart Calgary at 9:15 AM, arriving at 2:51 PM, with he return flight departing Belize at 3:45 PM and arriving in Calgary at 10:06 PM.

“The Calgary – Belize flight is a welcome addition that will further boost Belize’s tourism industry.  The new flight is exciting news and it underscores BTB’s unwavering marketing efforts in promoting Belize as a growing, viable and a must-go destination,” said Karen Pike, the Belize Tourism Board’s Director of Marketing and Industry Relations.

WestJet already operates a flight between Toronto and Belize from October to May.

“As the carrier with more flights from Calgary International Airport than any other, we have designed our Calgary flight schedules to deliver 55 per cent more connecting itineraries which will help to launch new flights in future seasons and further expand our presence in YYC – a key driver in economic and employment growth in the city,” said Brian Znotins, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development.

The post WestJet Launching Calgary-Belize Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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