It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Grand Cayman— beautiful West Bay Beach, just down the road from Seven Mile Beach and a sparklingly clear stretch of water and soft sand. This is what it’s like to be there.

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Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism boom is continuing, thanks to record-breaking numbers from the United States.

The twin-island destination welcomed its 100,000th visitors from the U.S. in 2016, the first time in record arrivals history for Antigua and Barbuda.

Indeed, arrivals from the U.S. grew 18.35 percent year over year through November, according to the country’s tourism board.

Overall, stayover tourist arrivals to Antigua and Barbuda were up 7.4 percent year-over-year through the end of November, with a predicted total of more than 250,000 visitors in 2016.

That makes the country among the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean region.

“Despite trends across the region showing a decrease in visitor arrivals and spend, our twin-isle nation is defying the odds and showing significant growth in both, including double-digit growth from the US market,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Asot Michael. “Antigua and Barbuda is asserting itself as the new leader in the Caribbean, from new properties, to a growing cruise market, to increased airlift, and we predict 2017 will be an even stronger year in tourism.”

Antigua was named Caribbean Destination of the Year in the 2016 Caribbean Travel Awards.

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Carnival Cruise Line has named Taylor Bux its newest vice president of marketing services.

Bux joins the company after having served most recently as global director of digital and social media marketing for Old Navy/Gap Inc., where he was responsible for all digital, social and mobile marketing for the Old Navy brand.

In the new role, Bux will be responsible for consumer public relations, brand experience and grassroots marketing, social media and branded content along with advertising and creative services.

“Taylor brings an exciting wealth of experience in a multitude of marketing disciplines to his new role and will be a tremendous asset to the Carnival marketing function,” said Kathy Mayor, chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Line.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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While it’s a tiny island, St. Kitts has a big heart, with friendly people, beautiful scenery (including the towering Mount Liamuiga) and a gentle, Old Caribbean feel.

If you’re planning a trip to St. Kitts in 2017 you’ll definitely want to make a note of the best hotels the twin-island nation has to offer. And we’ve got you covered. From plush hillside retreats to sprawling plantations and homey ocean-view inns, CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon offers our guide to the best St. Kitts hotels.

Belle Mont Farm A top Caribbean resort that’s not on a beach? This luxurious mountainside spread at Kittitian Hill breaks the mold with farm-to-fork cuisine; stylish ocean-view villas with breezy outdoor bathrooms and an “edible golf course.” Book Now.

Ottley’s Plantation Inn Neighboring Nevis is known for its plantation inns but this one on St. Kitts certainly holds its own. Sprawled across lush acreage at the base of Mount Liamuiga, Ottley’s offers Old-Caribbean charm; a spring-fed pool; and opportunities to spot the vervet monkeys that scamper across its grounds. Book now.

St. Kitts Marriott Resort The only large chain resort on the island, this 392-room property is the island’s top beach hotel, located on Frigate Bay. It has all the bells and whistles of your typical Marriott (multiple pools and restaurants; a spa; golf course) as well as its own casino, the largest in the eastern Caribbean. Book Now.

Ocean Terrace Inn The best hotel in the Basseterre area, we like this family-owned boutique for its 50 comfortable rooms (renovated last year); central location; and the popular Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant. Book Now.

Royal St. Kitts Hotel

This family-run Frigate Bay resort was one of the island’s first hotels and now boasts a 34-year heritage. The newly-renovated property is centrally located and a very, very short trip to the golf course, which is among the Eastern Caribbean’s best.

The post The Best St. Kitts Hotels appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Will the Caribbean soon be home to a new coffee production hub?

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to see significant progress in the development of a modern coffee industry next year, according to Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar.

Caesar said a coffee nursery had already been established at St. Vincent’s Orange Hill Agricultural Station, and that professionals from South America were currently in the state and doing some preliminary feasibility work on coffee production.

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture is also providing support to the initiative to develop St. Vincent’s coffee industry.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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