Jamaica’s most iconic resort is planning a major renovation project.

Montego Bay’s Half Moon will be launching what the hotel is calling an “extensive renovation” beginning in May.

The project, which is slated for completion in October 2018, is the second phase of a $75 million master plan.

It will include new guest facilities and restaurants, expanded beach and accommodations and a total of 57 new rooms and suites that will replace 44 existing ones.

The second phase comes after the 2015 refurbishment of Half Moon’s Sugar Mill Restaurant, the resort lobby, the Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course and the addition of the Lester’s Cafe coffee bar.

Also near completion is a “centralized back of house complex,” the resort said, with new resources and modern facilities for staff.

“This period of development will be an exciting time for Half Moon, which has been the chosen retreat for royalty, presidents and generations of loyal guests,” said Guy Steuart III, chairman of the Half Moon Board of Directors. “Our investment demonstrates the ongoing commitment to our guests and loyalty club members and also our staff and the people of Jamaica.”

The resort will remain open for the duration of the renovation project.

“Our resort operations will not be impacted by this initiative,” said Sandro Fabris, general manager of Half Moon. “We will continue to provide the excellent service we are known for and ensure that our guests’ comfort will be our top priority.”

Last year, Caribbean Journal named Half Moon number one on the list of the best Jamaica hotels.

To book a stay at Half Moon click here.

The post Jamaica’s Half Moon to Begin “Extensive” Renovation appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Headed to Puerto Rico? Don’t stop there! After you’ve explored the “Isle of Enchantment,” make time to visit its little sister, Vieques.

The island, which was for years the site of a US bombing range, is now one of the Caribbean’s up-and-coming destinations for hip, active travelers looking for a different kind of beach paradise.

In recent years, new boutique hotels have come on the scene in Vieques, as the island begins to define itself for the next tourism wave.

And yes, the laidback 52-square paradise eight miles off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast boasts expansive white-sand beaches; excellent snorkeling; and its star attraction, the world-famous bioluminescent Mosquito Bay.

With so much to do here a day trip definitely won’t cut it (flights are easy and short on carriers like Cape Air and Vieques Air Link), so plan to spend at least a couple of nights. Where? CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon says you can’t go wrong at any of these places — the top five Vieques hotels.

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island What’s not to love about this slick north-coast resort that boasts whimsical, boho-chic décor in 156 spacious rooms; a stunning spa; and its own Instagram-worthy pair of sandy coves? It all makes for what is the top place to stay among Vieques hotels.

Hix Island House This hillside hideaway features 19 simple but stylish lofts that scream “eco-chic,” with glassless windows positioned to take advantage of the breeze; outdoor showers; and ocean-view patios.

El Blok With a must-try restaurant helmed by Puerto Rican chef Jose Enrique and a rooftop infinity pool that’s ground zero of trendy nighttime scene, this 22-room “tropical modern” adults-only inn in Esperanza is one of Vieques’ hottest hotels.

Bravo Beach Hotel In a residential neighborhood walking distance from the village of Isabel II, this small inn is a solid choice for families who can stay in its one- and two-bedroom apartments while taking advantage of its two pools and ocean access.

Inn on The Blue Horizon Looking for a romantic ambience, ocean-view infinity pool and the thrill of discovering an under-the-radar charmer? Then look no further than this homey 10-room bed-and-breakfast, which also wins raves for the fare at its Carambola restaurant.

The post The Five Best Vieques Hotels appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Destinations from around the Caribbean gathered this week for the Seatrade Cruise Global conference, the world’s leading cruise industry event.

Officials from Antigua and Barbuda to the U.S. Virgin Islands were on hand to promote their ports of call.

Most officials Caribbean Journal talked to were quite bullish about the region and the cruise industry at large, and the energy at Seatrade was defnitely at a far higher level than in years past.

That included both ports like Antigua, which has a major plan to transform its port in St John’s (and brought a high-level delegation including Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Chairman Ricky Skerritt and CEO Colin James, along with newer ports like the Tortola Pier Park, which helped bring a large contingent to the British Virgin Islands’ port.

The Caribbean contingent was easily the liveliest of the show on the opening day on Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, from a pannist at the US Virgin Islands booth to a DJ at St Maarten’s exhibit.

— Alexander Britell and Guy Britton in Fort Lauderdale

The post Caribbean Makes Cruise Push at Seatrade appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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It’s one of the most charming small hotels in the Bahamas: the historic Peace and Plenty inn, set in the heart of George Town.

A favorite of many a celebrity over the years, it’s now a throwback to another era of Bahamian travel.

It’s a place where the time is measured in rum punches and the color of the water, where bartender Lermon Rolle will be your afternoon spiritual guide.

This is what the view is like from the main pool deck.

To book a stay at Peace and Plenty click here.

— CJ

The post VIDEO: The View at Exuma’s Peace and Plenty appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Holland America Line is adding a new pop-up to its cruise ships.

The company has announced plans to launch the Sel de Mer brasserie as a pop-up on six ships in its fleet, including ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam.

Sel de Mer is the brainchild of Holland America culinary consultant and master chef Rudi Sodamin; it’s currently a permanent fixture on the ms Koningsdam ship.

The brasserie offers a menu of classic French dishes including seafood; the pop-up will also include a cocktail and wine menu.

“Sel de Mer onboard Koningsdam is extremely popular among our guests and one of the most talked about dining experiences in the industry,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The restaurant showcases our commitment to providing our guests with unrivaled dining options, and launching it as Rudi’s Sel de Mer on six more ships as a pop-up will allow more of our guests to see what the buzz is all about and indulge in its phenomenal cuisine.”

The pop-up will debut on ms Nieuw Amsterdam on March 31.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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