The people have spoken. Thousands of Caribbean Journal readers have voted on their favorites in the Caribbean, and the results are in. From larger resorts to smaller boutiques, these are the winners of the 2017 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean, led by this year’s top vote-getter, the Dominican Republic’s Tortuga Bay.

#1: Tortuga Bay, Dominican Republic

This Punta Cana standout won praise for its Oscar de la Renta-designed rooms, terrific service and marvelous beachfront setting. Book Now.

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When it comes to an adults-only retreat in the Caribbean, there’s often nothing better than a well-designed small hotel. Boutique properties just offer that extra degree of romance, that added level of intimacy.

Because when you’re looking for a romantic getaway, it’s all about finding the perfect combination of tranquility, exclusivity and passion.

So if you are looking for a romantic getaway to the Caribbean this year, here are 10 hotels worth considering.

Le Sereno

St. Barth simply oozes romance, with that unmatched French Caribbean take on West Indian hospitality, and Le Sereno is one of the island’s jewels. Set on Grand Cul de Sac Beach, the boutique has six suites and three large villas with chic, airy design. Book Le Sereno.

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You can’t leave the Bahamas without sampling conch. Whether cracked, curried or in a hearty chowder, the scrumptious sea snail, which thrives in the archipelago’s warm and shallow waters, is a must.

But here’s another way to enjoy this Bahamian bite.

Treat yourself to one of these conch bowls, painstakingly made by local artisan Aaron Cooper.

Cooper cuts, cleans and polishes the pink-lipped mollusks to fashion curvaceous bowls that serve a multitude of purposes.

Use them as soup bowls (they come with conch spoons) or as servers for gravy or salad dressing (I used mine for cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving dinner). Fill them with guest soaps, potpourri or bath salts and display them with pride in the bathroom. Or use one as a catchall for coins on an entry console or jewelry on your bedside table.

Cooper’s other conch creations include Christmas decorations and jewelry, and they’re all available at Craft Cottage at the Doongalik Studios complex in downtown Nassau.

— Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, CJ Travel Editor

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Margaritaville is expanding in the Caribbean, thanks to a new partnership with Karisma Hotels and Resorts, the company announced.

The agreement introduces “Margaritaville, An All-Inclusive Experience,” which will include new resorts in beachfront destinations 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 release. “Karisma’s expertise in delivering elevated all-inclusive concepts around the world makes this partnership a perfect fit. With Margaritaville, we look forward to delivering a taste of the good life very soon.”

Karisma already has 26 properties in its global collection, with plans to own and operate 30 resorts around the world by 2020.

Margaritaville already operates seven resorts and hotels across the southeastern United States and the Caribbean, with eight more locations in development.

“We are excited to team up with Karisma Hotels & Resorts to create a resort product that will deliver carefree vacation experiences in some of the most beautiful places in the world,” said Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, chief marketing officer for Margaritaville. “Karisma, like Margaritaville, puts the guest experience and employee culture above all else. With these common values, and our shared commitment for first class service and exceptional amenities in a fun, relaxed environment, our partnership with Karisma is a match made in paradise.”

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JetBlue is expanding its service to the Spice Isle.

Last month, the Caribbean’s fastest-growing airline began operating a fifth weekly flight from New York, with Mint premium cabin service launching at the end of January.

Now, the carrier has announced that it will be operating daily flights to Grenada beginning June 16.

The True Blue Bay resort.

JetBlue first launched flights to Grenada in 2015 with just two weekly flights.

The Calabash boutique hotel.

Are you heading to Grenada?

Check out our list of the best places to stay on the island, with an emphasis on the island’s charming small hotels.

— CJ

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