Developer Pearl Development has purchased 11 units at the Coral Beach Club in Sint Maarten, Caribbean Journal has learned.

Pearl, which is the developer of the island’s Oyster Bay Beach Resort, acquired 11 of the 24 units at the property, which is a luxury resort consisting of villas and townhomes.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“While enjoying the resort feel, Coral Beach Club provides the highest in quality residences — right on Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond,” said Pearl Development Executive VP and General Counsel Mike Dolente, who led the transaction. “The affiliation of the upscale resort will enhance the opportunities for our OBBR owners to trade-up to even more luxurious and more private vacation homes.”

The Coral Beach Club will continue to be operated with “little change in personnel or other operational considerations,” the company said in a statement.

Coral Beach Club will “complement the services and facilities at the Oyster Bay Beach Resort but will maintain a separate and distinct community and identity for its owners and guests.”

Of the 11 units, six are beachfront, while four face the marina and one is an apartment. The company also acquired the property’s office and reception center.

The six oceanfront residences feature panoramic views of Dawn Beach and the Oyster Pond Marina.

Pearl will be remodeling the reception building, with a new landscape and improved entryway, the company said.

“The townhouses on the marina offer an endless parade of beautiful sailing vessels and power boats, as well as breathtaking views of nighttime lights on Oyster Pond and the surrounding hillside communities, while the ocean-front units have a spectacular view of the lovely Dawn Beach and crashing ocean beyond,” Dolente said.

Pearl also intends to establish a vacation ownership program at the property “to sell ownership interests to those families who want to enjoy the most luxurious and comfortable vacation experience.”

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Royal Decameron has opened a new property in Jamaica.

The company has debuted the Royal Decameron Cornwall in the “strip” area of Montego Bay.

Just five minutes from the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, the new hotel’s location offers guests the opportunity to explore the nearby Dunn River Waterfalls and Blue Mountains National Park, go river rafting on the Martha Brae River, swim with dolphins or visit the Bob Marley House and Museum.

The 146-room resort is divided between 142 standard-category rooms and four junior suites.

All rooms feature sea views and are decorated with Caribbean accents.

Each room has a terrace or balcony, can accommodate up to four people in king or twins bed, and comes equipped air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, WiFi, minibar and more.

Royal Decameron Cornwall also offers an all-inclusive program which includes buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, a la carte dinners at international cuisine restaurants, snacks, unlimited alcoholic beverages and more.

The program also includes a host of activities, including non-motorized water sports, mini scuba diving course at the pool, live Jamaican band at the lobby lounge, nightly entertainment, daily activities for children, and access to the gym and tennis courts.

To book a stay at the Royal Decameron Cornwall, click here.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

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After a sluggish 2015, Bermuda saw a tourism renaissance in 2016, according to the latest numbers from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The Atlantic island reported 231,127 visitors through the end of November 2016, a 10.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2015.

That was among the highest rates of increase of any island in the wider region.

The jump was driven in large part by a very strong 15.7 percent increase in tourism from the United States, with a total of 173,377 stayover visitors in that period.

That was given a big boost by expanded flights to the destination on New York City-based carrier JetBlue.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Norwegian Cruise line Holdings is expanding its fleet.

The company has reached an agreement with shipbuilder Ficantieri S.p.A. to build the next generation of its Norwegian Cruise Line brand.

Four ships are now on order for delivery in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The four 140,00 gross ton ships will each accommodate around 3,300 guests, with a new focus on energy efficiency and environmental impact.

“This new class of ships will continue Norwegian Cruise Line brand’s legacy of introducing meaningful innovation to the cruise industry,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.  “This order continues to highlight our disciplined newbuild program, extends our growth trajectory well into the future, enhances our already attractive earnings profile, and drives expected long-term returns for our shareholders.”

The contract price for each of the four ships is around $849 million.

“We are extremely excited to collaborate with Norwegian Cruise Line and this partnership allows us to include a new prestigious client in Fincantieri’s portfolio,” said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri S.p.A. “We are very proud of the innovative design of these ships and recognize the various stakeholders of the export chain who have contributed decisively to achieving this goal. The significant value of the order will provide substantial economic benefits by extending the employment horizon of our shipyards, and we are honored to support the growth of our country’s economy.”

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The island of St. Lucia has a pair of new resorts.

The all-inclusive Royalton Saint Lucia and adults-only all-inclusive Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia have opened their doors.

It’s the latest Caribbean resort for the rapidly-expanding Royalton brand, which now operates properties in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Jamaica and Mexico.

The family-friendly Royalton Saint Lucia has a total of 352 rooms, while the adults-only Hideaway has 104 rooms.

The properties boast a range of restaurants (Hideaway guests have access to all), from Armadillo, a Tex-Mex eatery to the Caribbean-focused Calypso restaurant to the brand’s signature C/X Culinary Experience.

The resorts also include Royalton’s “Diamond Club” offering, a premium level that includes exclusive restaurants and bar areas, exclusive pool and beach areas and butlers and concierge service.

Royalton is also readying the debut of similar adults-only and family-friendly resorts in Negril, Jamaica.

— Caribbean Journal staff

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