A perfect beach. Classic jazz. Giant lobster.

It’s hard to find a better combination of, well, anything, in the Caribbean.

This is Lobster Alive, a small beach restaurant on Carlisle Bay in Barbados that is one of the island’s truly great places to eat — and still one of its best-kept secrets.

The recipe is simple, thanks to world-class Caribbean spiny lobster flown in live from the Grenadines by owner Art Taylor.

They’re all stored in a large tank in the restaurant for easy viewing.

Lobster Salad at Lobster Alive.

The menu has a broad selection of lobster and lobster-inspired dishes, from terrific lobster bisque to lobster thermidor to the signature boiled lobster finished on the barbecue with garlic butter, from small (1.25 lbs) to extra large (2 lbs).

The menu is seafood-rich, with delicacies like the conch samosas, above.

And then there’s the jazz, either recorded classics or regular live jazz by local dixieland band VSOP.

Simply put, it hits all the right notes.

— CJ

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The Caribbean-Mexico region is seeing a big jump in hotel construction, according to the latest report from STR.

The regional hotel pipeline saw an 18.5 percent increase in rooms under contract and an 18.7 percent increase in rooms in construction in October, compared to the same month in 2015.

That represented a total of 32,678 rooms under contract, along with 13,962 rooms in construction, according to the report.

STR’s data covers projects in the in construction, final planning and planning stages.

The upscale segment accounted for the largest portion of rooms under contact in the “chain scale” segment, with a total of 7,678 rooms.

The luxury segment accounted for the largest percentage of rooms in construction, with 24.2 percent or 3,374 rooms.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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The boutique Mount Nevis hotel in Nevis has completed a major expansion project.

The hotel has introduced a total of 12 new suites as part of a larger transformation that included a new wing and conference room.

The Mount Nevis now has a total of 50 rooms, having also announced that it had joined Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

The hotel, which first debuted in 1989, includes an outdoor restaurant and bar, a pool and a complimentary private shuttle to the beach, among other amenities.

A third phase of the hotel’s transformation is planned.

“Now we can celebrate what we promised,” said Dr. Adly Meguid, co-owner of the property.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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On the most beautiful corner of the most spectacular beach in Aruba is a special place: the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

And on an island famed for its large beach resorts, this place is a gem: subtle, refined, sophisticated and meticulously run.

The adults-only outpost, which we’ve long called the Best Hotel in Aruba, is all about the details, from its eco-conscious philosophy to its always forward-thinking service.

And did we mention Eagle Beach?

The post VIDEO: This is Aruba’s Must-Visit Resort appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Popular eateries, from cafeterias to cocktail bars

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

Sometimes the craving for Caribbean food strikes when you’re nowhere near the Caribbean. But if you live in South Florida (or you’re cruising out of Port Miami or Port Everglades), you’re in luck, because there are plenty of places to indulge in island eats (and drinks!) without leaving Broward or Miami-Dade county. Here are four of our favorite go-to’s for Caribbean fare.

Tap Tap Open since 1994 (an eternity by South Beach standards), this colorful Haitian spot (named for the country’s shared taxis) serves classic fare such as whole fried fish, stewed goat and griyo (spicy chunks of fried pork). Chase your meal with a potent Barbancourt rum cocktail and you’re good to go.

819 5th St, Miami Beach

Enriqueta’s Amid the rapidly high-rise condos of Miami’s Midtown neighborhood is this unpretentious family-run Cuban diner where locals flock for an energy-boosting cortadito from the always-busy walk-up window, or a tortilla especial (omelet with chorizo sausage, cheese, onions and ham) in the cafeteria-like air-conditioned dining room.

186 NE 29th St, Midtown

Havana 1957 This Cuban-themed restaurant has five locations between both counties and is a popular tourist spot. But don’t let that put you off. The hot pressed sandwiches are delicious and filling enough for two, and the impressive selection of mojitos (try the Red Bull mojito with yerba buena) has something for everyone.

Pembroke Pines, Brickell and South Beach

Punch Miami Open only since this summer, this Morningside spot has become a quick hit with its $1 mojitos until 8pm; yummy Cuban sliders; and live salsa and reggaeton until the wee hours.

The post Four Popular Caribbean Restaurants in Miami to Try Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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