The newest James Bond film is out in theaters on Sept. 30, and it doesn’t just mark the return of 007 to the big screen. 

It also marks his return to Jamaica — the island without which his character would not exist. 

Indeed, Bond creator Ian Fleming created and wrote all of his Bond novels at his Goldeneye villa in Oracabessa, a property that is now a luxury resort owned by music legend Chris Blackwell. 

And Jamaica has played a major role in some of the films, most notably Dr. No, almost all of which was shot and set in Jamaica. 

That was followed by the Roger Moore-led Live and Let Die, which included a number of scenes filmed in Jamaica but set on the fictional island of San Monique (that included scenes filmed at the iconic Half Moon resort in Montego Bay). 

The new film, No Time to Die, picks up in Jamaica, where Bond has left active service and is enjoying a “tranquil life” in retirement on the island. 

That proves to be short lived, however, when his old friend, CIA agent Felix Leiter, turns up asking for his help. 

“Bond for us means we are a place for beginnings, but we are also a place for great endings,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. 

To celebrate Bond’s return, the Jamaica Tourist Board has released behind-the-scenes footage of the filming process in Jamaica. 

“It’s really something we have dreamt about and we are happy that it’s going to be a reality,” said Jamaica Culture Minister Olivia Grange. 

You can watch the full video below.

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Marriott’s fast-expanding AC Hotels brand has opened its first-ever hotel in the popular Dominican Republic tourism destination of Punta Cana. 

The new AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana has a total of 129 rooms, set in the San Juan Shopping Center about 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. 

“With a picture-perfect location, the first AC Hotel in the Dominican Republic offers visitors elegant and purposefully designed spaces, modern rooms and a refined culinary experience,” said Jeff Tomczek, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Distinctive Select Brands at Marriott. “We’ve created an ideal environment to become a benchmark in hospitality for Punta Cana and throughout the country, which will allow discerning travelers to live life by design with everything they need and nothing they don’t.”

It’s the third AC Hotel to open in the wider Caribbean this year, joining recently-debuted properties in both Tulum and Poince, Puerto Rico. 

Amenities include the Spanish-inspired AC Kitchen, which serves breakfast and dinner, along with brunch on the weekends. 

That’s along with the AC Lounge, which focuses on local craft beers and what Marriott calls an “elevated wine program.”

The terrace features an infinity pool and a children’s play area, along with food, drink and entertainment for hotel guests. 

Meeting space includes 700 square feet indoors and nearly 3,500 of outdoor space, along with an “AC Library,” which the property calls “an open space designed for individual or groups to study, think and connect with creative ideas.”

The hotel, which is operated by Highgate, was developed by EGI Business Group. 

For more, visit AC Punta Cana. 

— CJ

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On its broad list of spirits (that’s in addition to what is the world’s third-largest wine cellar), one can find a bottle of Alfred Lamb’s rum that was bottled in 1934. 

It’s not the sort of thing you typically find on a hotel menu anywhere in the world. 

That’s because Nassau’s Graycliff is not your ordinary hotel; it’s completely unique; a boutique hotel that’s also home to The Bahamas’ leading restaurant; a cigar factory; a chocolatier; a winery; and a Neapolitan pizzeria, among other things. 

Set above historic downtown Nassau, it’s equal parts hotel and retreat; a place that in a past life hosted British royals, and now makes you feel like you’re staying in their home. 

Luxury isn’t what it used to be; the indulgent luxury of yore is, too often, being replaced by at best, simulacra; or at worst, hospitality experiences that mistake hip design for a more holistic experience. 

At the truly great hotels, they understand that the food and beverage experience is not just an amenity; it is the essence of the luxury experience. 

And that’s exactly what the Garzaroli family’s Graycliff is all about: it’s a gourmet hotel for gourmands, a beacon for the bon vivant. 

You start your dinner with a champagne cocktail in the hotel’s famous lounge, then feast on exquisitely sourced French-Bahamian cuisine, married with a bottle or two from a Melville-thick wine list. 

Afterwards, you can choose from a robust rum list or from its world-leading cognac collection; and pair it with a Chateau Gran Cru cigar that was just rolled by a Cuban torcedor steps away in the lobby. 

Of course, that’s just the beginning of the experience; there’s the aforementioned chocolate factory, serving up delectable cacao creations; the perfect pizza, Naples style; or a Malbec from the country’s only winery, just across the street in the hotel’s Historic Village. 

That’s along with one of the great pools you’ll find anywhere in the world, a magnificently painted pool that comes with what becomes your own private bar for the afternoon. 

They’re all here, they’re all the kinds of things you’ll never find together in one place, at luxury resorts big or small, in Europe or the Caribbean, all set in a centuries-old former pirate mansion. 

But Graycliff isn’t just a glorious trip back in time; it’s timeless, it’s a reminder of the things that matter most, the things that beckon us to leave our homes and travel; the joy of the perfect bite; of the endless finish of a decades-old port; of service that makes you feel grand. 

Or, well, a rum from 1934. 

For more, visit Graycliff. 

— CJ

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British Airways is planing to expand its flights service to the island of Saint Lucia, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

Beginning Nov. 15, the company will be operating a total of four flights between London Gatwick and Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport, with service on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

British Airways is also adding a pair of flights from London Heathrow; that will increase the schedule to a total of three flights per week from Heathrow to Saint Lucia, with service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

That complements Virgin Atlantic’s service from London Heathrow to Saint Lucia this winter, which will operate three flights every week. 

— CJ

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The newest Hyatt all-inclusive has officially opened its doors in the Mexican Caribbean, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The new Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is now welcoming guests, the latest addition to the ever-growing Hyatt Ziva portfolio that now spans destinations including Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. 

The 438-room, family-friendly Hyatt Ziva is set between the Caribbean Sea and the Bahia Petempich Lagoon. 

“We’re thrilled that Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is welcoming guests and World of Hyatt members to experience the Hyatt Ziva brand in Mexico, a key leisure destination this year,” said Frank Lavey, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, Hyatt. “This addition to the Hyatt Ziva portfolio offers a sophisticated, multi-generational stay in the exciting Riviera Cancun region.”

It’s the first new Hyatt opening since its acquisition of Apple Leisure Group for $2.7 billion. 

“With elevated amenities along with Playa’s award-winning ‘Service from the Heart’ and an extraordinary destination, Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun represents the very best in all-inclusive luxury,” said Fernando Mulet, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer at Playa Hotels and Resorts. “Since partnering with Hyatt less than a decade ago, the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva and adults-only Hyatt Zilara brands have become the premier all-inclusive experiences throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. We look forward to expanding our footprint together with Hyatt and our investment partners.”

The resort includes 17 restaurants, bars and lounges; a total of nine swimming pools, including a large water park; a fitness center; and a two-story Zen Spa with 13 indoor and eight outdoor treatment rooms. 

That’s in addition to 51,000 square feet of meeting and event space. 

“We’re thrilled that Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is welcoming guests and World of Hyatt members to experience the Hyatt Ziva brand in Mexico, a key leisure destination this year,” said Frank Lavey, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, Hyatt. “This addition to the Hyatt Ziva portfolio offers a sophisticated, multi-generational stay in the exciting Riviera Cancun region.”

For more, visit Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun. 

— CJ

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