Headed to Puerto Rico? Don’t stop there! After you’ve explored the “Isle of Enchantment,” make time to visit its little sister, Vieques.

The island, which was for years the site of a US bombing range, is now one of the Caribbean’s up-and-coming destinations for hip, active travelers looking for a different kind of beach paradise.

In recent years, new boutique hotels have come on the scene in Vieques, as the island begins to define itself for the next tourism wave.

And yes, the laidback 52-square paradise eight miles off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast boasts expansive white-sand beaches; excellent snorkeling; and its star attraction, the world-famous bioluminescent Mosquito Bay.

With so much to do here a day trip definitely won’t cut it (flights are easy and short on carriers like Cape Air and Vieques Air Link), so plan to spend at least a couple of nights. Where? CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon says you can’t go wrong at any of these places — the top five Vieques hotels.

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island What’s not to love about this slick north-coast resort that boasts whimsical, boho-chic décor in 156 spacious rooms; a stunning spa; and its own Instagram-worthy pair of sandy coves? It all makes for what is the top place to stay among Vieques hotels.

Hix Island House This hillside hideaway features 19 simple but stylish lofts that scream “eco-chic,” with glassless windows positioned to take advantage of the breeze; outdoor showers; and ocean-view patios.

El Blok With a must-try restaurant helmed by Puerto Rican chef Jose Enrique and a rooftop infinity pool that’s ground zero of trendy nighttime scene, this 22-room “tropical modern” adults-only inn in Esperanza is one of Vieques’ hottest hotels.

Bravo Beach Hotel In a residential neighborhood walking distance from the village of Isabel II, this small inn is a solid choice for families who can stay in its one- and two-bedroom apartments while taking advantage of its two pools and ocean access.

Inn on The Blue Horizon Looking for a romantic ambience, ocean-view infinity pool and the thrill of discovering an under-the-radar charmer? Then look no further than this homey 10-room bed-and-breakfast, which also wins raves for the fare at its Carambola restaurant.

The post The Five Best Vieques Hotels appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Destinations from around the Caribbean gathered this week for the Seatrade Cruise Global conference, the world’s leading cruise industry event.

Officials from Antigua and Barbuda to the U.S. Virgin Islands were on hand to promote their ports of call.

Most officials Caribbean Journal talked to were quite bullish about the region and the cruise industry at large, and the energy at Seatrade was defnitely at a far higher level than in years past.

That included both ports like Antigua, which has a major plan to transform its port in St John’s (and brought a high-level delegation including Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Chairman Ricky Skerritt and CEO Colin James, along with newer ports like the Tortola Pier Park, which helped bring a large contingent to the British Virgin Islands’ port.

The Caribbean contingent was easily the liveliest of the show on the opening day on Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, from a pannist at the US Virgin Islands booth to a DJ at St Maarten’s exhibit.

— Alexander Britell and Guy Britton in Fort Lauderdale

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Holland America Line is adding a new pop-up to its cruise ships.

The company has announced plans to launch the Sel de Mer brasserie as a pop-up on six ships in its fleet, including ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam.

Sel de Mer is the brainchild of Holland America culinary consultant and master chef Rudi Sodamin; it’s currently a permanent fixture on the ms Koningsdam ship.

The brasserie offers a menu of classic French dishes including seafood; the pop-up will also include a cocktail and wine menu.

“Sel de Mer onboard Koningsdam is extremely popular among our guests and one of the most talked about dining experiences in the industry,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The restaurant showcases our commitment to providing our guests with unrivaled dining options, and launching it as Rudi’s Sel de Mer on six more ships as a pop-up will allow more of our guests to see what the buzz is all about and indulge in its phenomenal cuisine.”

The pop-up will debut on ms Nieuw Amsterdam on March 31.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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It’s one of the most charming small hotels in the Bahamas: the historic Peace and Plenty inn, set in the heart of George Town.

A favorite of many a celebrity over the years, it’s now a throwback to another era of Bahamian travel.

It’s a place where the time is measured in rum punches and the color of the water, where bartender Lermon Rolle will be your afternoon spiritual guide.

This is what the view is like from the main pool deck.

To book a stay at Peace and Plenty click here.

— CJ

The post VIDEO: The View at Exuma’s Peace and Plenty appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Barbados is famous not only for its flavorful local cuisine (fish cutter, anyone?), east-coast surf culture, and as the birthplace of rum; it also boasts some of the finest hotels in the region with an emphasis on elegance, grace and luxury.

So if you’re planning a trip to the easternmost Caribbean isle, consider our expert rankings of the best Barbados hotels. From luxury beachfront hideaways to modern, chic retreats, there’s at least one with your name on it.

Sandy Lane The grand dame of Barbados resorts, this palatial (and famously pink) 112-room beachfront is as famous for its wealthy and well-known clientele as it is for its perks (a Rolls Royce, superb spa, and golf on the Green Monkey golf course, among them).

Colony Club

In many ways, it’s the quintessential Barbados resort. With a privileged perch on the Platinum Coast, the 96 rooms and suites have a laid-back but luxe feel, with a gorgeous stretch of beach and several terrific bars. The rooms are exquisitely furnished, with amenities like Nespresso machines and spacious bathrooms (we rather like the swim-up suites). The food is superb, too, with a wonderful weekly lobster and jazz night.

The House Even though there’s no sign to identify it, somehow the sophisticated set finds it way to this luxurious retreat near Holetown, where 34 chic and spacious suites (some with private plunge pools), a white-sand sweep, and a relaxed, adults-only ambience deservedly win raves. It also doesn’t hurt that the hotel’s house restaurant is Daphne’s, among the Caribbean’s best.

Cobblers Cove

Relais & Chateaux’s 40-suite boutique is an in-the-know spot for both foodies and beach lovers alike. The rooms are bathed in classic Barbados elegance, while the food lives up to the R&C standard. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth the trip for one lovely oceanside dinner. Either way, you’re spending time at what is one of the greatest Barbados hotels.

Atlantis Hotel

This charming historic inn is set on the outskirts of raw and gorgeous Bathsheba, with a striking Atlantic coast and proximity to some of the Atlantic’s top surfing. Atlantis has charming rooms, a great pool and right at the top of the list of the island’s best restaurants, too. It’s one of our favorite hotels in the Caribbean, period.

Coral Reef Club

Among the signature Barbados hotels, this classic family-run resort is all about good old-fashioned West Indian luxury. There are 88 rooms at the beachfront Barbados hotel, with a lush, 12-acre tropical garden setting, a terrific spa and a nice beach, too.

Fairmont Royal Pavilion With just 72 rooms on 11 beachfront acres there’s plenty of space to spread out at this esteemed (and expensive!) adults-only resort, where timeless traditions such as afternoon tea meet modern conveniences like complimentary WI-FI.

Tamarind by Elegant Hotels

One of Barbados’ best resorts for families, this Elegant Hotels property has 104 colorful (and artful) modern rooms and a beautiful beach. It’s also got a party piece: water taxi access to all of the company’s six Barbados hotels in its dine-around program.

The Crane Large (252 rooms on 40 acres) and legendary (its been operating since 1887), this southeast coast spread has it all, including antique-filled rooms in the original hotel building; a splendid beach; a stunning pool complex; and even its own “village.” That’s without mentioning the stunning pink-sand beach. It’s no surprise that this isn’t just one of the most legendary Barbados hotels, but one of the most legendary Caribbean hotels, too.

The Sandpiper

Sister hotel to the Coral Reef Club, this boutique Barbados hotel has a range of rooms from garden view to beach house suites (go for the latter if you’re splurging), a great restaurant led by Chef Christophe Poupardin and an even better watering hole called Harold’s Bar. You also get access to the spa at CRC.

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