The island of Statia is holding its first-ever Restaurant Week this week, Caribbean Journal has learned.
The gastronomic event is running from June 3 to June 6, with participating retardants offering special rates to diners, along with signature dishes, chef’s specials and house favorites.
That includes a “mini celebration” at three participating eateries: The Old Gin House, Blue Bead Restaurant and Cuba Cafe.
“Residents and visitors are encouraged to step outside of their kitchens and dine out during this weekend of delectable lunch and dinner specials,” the St Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation said in a statement.
Customers at the three eateries also get a complimentary drink.
It’s a great way to support local restaurants and enjoy the culinary pleasures of Statia.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has continued its expansion a new hotel collection and another new property in the Caribbean.
The company has unveiled its new Registry Collection portfolio, kicking things off with the addition of the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun resort in Puerto Morelos.
The resort, long considered one of the most prominent hotel properties in Mexico, has 144 suites in the heart of the Riviera Cancun.
“Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is a spectacular resort situated in a pristine spot on one of Mexico’s most desirable beaches. Beloved by guests the world over for its incredible location, postcard views, and world-class service, we couldn’t be more excited to be launching Registry Collection Hotels with one of the region’s premier developers,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
The property, set in an Hacienda-style beachfront layout, has a full-service spa, an oceanfront infinity pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a kids club and three gourmet restaurants.
“From day one, the team at Wyndham has been holistically focused on the needs of our resort, working closely with our team as we collaboratively develop our strategy to announce our flagship affiliation,” said Dr Kemil A. Rizk, president and CEO of Royal Resorts. “What we value about Wyndham, in addition to their tremendous scale and distribution, is their appreciation for what makes Grand Residences Riviera Cancun unique and their passion for ensuring our individuality is never compromised. The highly esteemed reputation of Wyndham makes us proud to be marking this milestone with them and we look forward to continuing to develop our brand alliance.”
Saint Lucia has updated its travel protocols, with expanded on-island access for vaccinated travelers.
The country’s government has revealed new regulations that mean “vaccinated travelers can enjoy more opportunities to experience the entire island,” according to a statement.
That means vaccinated travelers now have “increased access to all parts of Saint Lucia from the day of arrival,” without restrictions.
That means they can visit shops, markets, restaurants and activities throughout the island in places like Castries, Rodney Bay and Soufriere.
It should be noted that no changes have been made to entry protocols — meaning all travelers must still obtain a negative PCR test no more than five days before arrival, regardless of vaccination status.
The Ladera resort in Saint Lucia.
“For both visitors and our local residents, our commitment to safely and responsibly coexisting with COVID remains strong,” said Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. “While all visitors to Saint Lucia can currently experience a wonderful vacation as well as approved tours and attractions, fully vaccinated travelers are now invited to explore the entire destination at their leisure, while following our protocols. We’ve successfully and safely managed tourism since reopening our borders in June 2020, with no need to close because of our protocols and the bubble we created for our visitors and frontline tourism workers. We are delighted to be able to expand the opportunities for vaccinated visitors and ease the restrictions for returning nationals. Vaccinated visitors can now truly vacation like a local.”
Saint Lucia considers a visitor fully vaccinated if it has been at least 14 days since they have received the last dose of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine.
Saint Lucia.
Vaccination status has to be indicated when travelers fill out the island’s Travel Authorization form; pre-registered, fully-vaccinated travelers will also be expedited in a dedicated Health Screening line. They’ll also receive a non-electronic wristband for the duration of their stay.
The island also requires fully vaccinated travelers to adhere to all local health regulations, including mask wearing in public places.
The most anticipated new resort in St Maarten in years has opened its doors, Caribbean Journal has learned.
The Morgan Resort, set in the heart of Simpson Bay, is a major new resort for the destination.
The hotel officially opened June 1 with a sleek look at the corner of Simpson Bay close to Princess Juliana International Airport.
The resort has as total of 124 rooms and suites, with a contemporary design centered around a beach-style finite pool — and a rooftop observation deck perfect for checking out the landings at the airport.
All of the rooms have views of either the infinity pool and the Caribbean Sea or the jets at Princess Juliana; that’s along with a collection of penthouse suites with master bedrooms, separate living areas and dining space for social gatherings.
Each room has a spa-style bathroom, a 55-inch flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, among other touches.
The dining program is highlighted by an eatery called SALT, helmed by Top Chef alum Ron Duprat, long one of the region’s leading chefs and advocates for Caribbean cuisine.
The beach-style infinity pool.
Duprat has teamed up with Executive Chef David Seeman on a French Caribbean menu “blending bold flavors with health dishes and locally source seafood,” according to the resort.
The eatery is joined by a pair of bars, including the beach-style swim-up bar called “Bar M” (it’s even home to a blackjack table).
The newest adults-only resort in the Dominican Republic has held its grand opening in Punta Cana, Caribbean Journal has learned.
The new all-inclusive Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, the first-ever Live Aqua resort outside of Mexico, officially debuted this week.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader was on hand for the grand opening of the $120 million resort complex, which includes 347 suites.
An example of a swim-up room at the Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana.
The resort includes signature Live Aqua brand elements, including freestanding bathtubs, specialty beds, a collection of swim-up suites and rooms with their own private pools; a Feel Harmony Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center, among other amenities.
The property is set around a central linear pool and a private beach.
Dining concepts include seven eateries and eight bars, from Mediterranean and Japanese eateries to a tapas-focused sports bar.
A garden view room with a standalone patio tub.
The project by Mexico-based hotel giant Grupo Posadas will “make possible a take-off that will boost the area economically,” Abinader said.
The Dominican Republic is currently open for tourism.
